I took on the challenge of the mud around Duchess Pond in Stoke Park and was well rewarded.

On the small pond I saw my first ducklings of the year – 12 in all. They had been reported yesterday so at least they had all survived one day. There were plenty of large predators around including a kestrel which, however, was more concerned by its own safety.

Also at the end of the large pond there was a little grebe which came out of the reeds momentarily.

The only small birds I saw were a green finch and a robin.