Birdlife at the Campsite – The Locals (and One Gatecrasher)
The campsite has been busy lately—not just with people, but with what we’re now calling “the regulars”… plus one very suspicious newcomer.
First off, yesterday a white duck turned up. No introduction, no explanation, just appeared like it had booked a pitch and decided to stay. It’s been wandering around like it pays council tax here, completely unbothered by anyone. We’re all just accepting it at this point.
Down by the river, things are a bit more serious. If you stand still (and I mean properly still, not “I’ll just check my phone” still), you can spot trout gliding through the water. It’s actually quite peaceful… until you remember that this is basically a live buffet, which explains the heron.
The heron has clearly clocked on. It turns up looking very professional, like it’s on shift. It stands there for ages, not moving a muscle, which makes you feel like you should probably make more effort in life.
Closer to the tents, the wagtails have set up home right by the field. They’re constantly zipping about like they’ve had far too much coffee, never stopping long enough for a proper headcount. Definitely the busiest residents on site.
And then there are the dippers, who are easily the most entertaining. If you take the time to sit quietly, you’ll see them bobbing about at the edge of the water before suddenly diving in like tiny feathered submarines. It never really gets old.
It turns out the trick to seeing all of this is doing absolutely nothing for a bit. Sit still, keep quiet, and let them get on with it—and suddenly the place feels a lot more alive.
That said, the duck still remains a mystery. No one’s claimed it, it hasn’t left, and honestly… I think it’s in charge now.
Related Posts
