Catch up blog, part 1.

Ive been really busy at work of late, so havent had a lot of free time to "Blog". Ive still managed to take some photos here and there, but basically just stock piled the pics for a rainy day, except it hasn't rained has it!!!
So I will just post the April highlights to date.

Garden updates looked grim at the start of April. The blackbird nest was raided by both Magpies, each time the Magpies returned to steal an egg, until all the eggs were gone. The female Blackbird set about building another couple of nests sites, but then she stopped, and was seen several times with some sort of a problem, she had what looked like urates/white waste??? all over the rear of her feathers. She constantly preened herself for a couple of weeks, and now looks in much better condition.
Also the female Great Tit was found dead one morning on the floor below the bird table. After having a look at her, I couldnt see what could have killed her, she looked in good condition with no signs of injuries???
On a brighter note, two baby Robins have been seen on my back fence, so all was not lost.

Some April photos then.

Male Kestrel, Hadlow, shot 8th of April. I just missed a shot of him mating on the power lines too!

Speckled Wood, West Malling, shot 10th of April.

Hadlow on the 13th of April, I saw this unusual coloured male Blackbird, collecting worms for its young no doubt.

And on the next day(14th, and also in Hadlow) I see that the Mistle Thrush returned to the same nest as last year, and at the time, two young birds had recently hatched.

Mereworth, 18th of April, and whilst i was taking photos of 2 Grass snakes and a female Adder, this Brimstone landed close to me, so i was spoiled for choice!.

Church Patch, 19th of April, and this Red Legged Partridge was showing well.

One of the young Robins on my back fence, shot 20th April.

Also on the 20th of April, shot at Mereworth, another Brimstone.

Same place and date, i noticed this caterpillar too, Im not sure what type it is though?!