Nature notes

 Introducing Donald and Delilah

Donald and Delilah are two Mallard ducks who come into my flat's garden every spring. According to my neighbour Delilah lays her eggs every year and raises her family here every year. At the moment the pair seem to be inseparable, but whether Donald will hang around once the babies are born remain to be seen. Here is a picture of them chilling in the sun on the lawn and feeding. I will update you with further news on the pair throughout the summer.

Walking the Centenary Way

I have also taken it upon myself to walk as much of the Centenary Way as I can. The 83 mile route, starting at York Minster, winds its way through North Yorkshire and ends up at Filey on the East Coast. So far I have walked from the minster to Earswick, a distance of around 4 miles, so I still have a fair way to go yet. As I walk the route, which so far has followed the course of the River Foss, I have noted the different birds I have spotted or heard. The list is as follows:

Blackbird

Carrion Crow

Moorhen

Swallow

Chiffchaff

Wood Pigeon

Robin

Chaffinch

Blue Tit

House Sparrow

Tree Sparrow

Magpie

Wren

Skylark

Dunnock

Pheasant

Mallard

Whitethroat

Goldfinch

Great Tit

Starling

Canada Goose

Greylag Goose

I shall update you on my progress and any additions to the bird list.