Wren with flowering heather backdrop

The Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) has been in flower for a little over a week now and provides a colourful backdrop to this singing Wren. It will be a few more weeks before the moor assumes its purple cloak from the flowering Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris). 

Wren

First migrants and sunbathing Wren

Once the sun had risen in the sky, and out of the NE wind it felt surprisingly Spring like. I have finally recorded my first Spring migrants the first of which was unexpectedly a male Ring Ousel flying from Flash Lane over Beeley Moor towards Harland Edge. More predictably this was followed by Chiffchaff at Rowsley. 
Roger Carrington had seen the Great Grey Shrike and Ken Smith a Crossbill, I'd also had Barn Owl in the early hours so between us some fine birds. 
Early afternoon brought news that Mick Taylor had seen an Osprey at Rowsley, possibly the bird Ken had seen on Thursday but I think may be another bird heading North.

This Wren sat for several minutes with it's eyes closed enjoying the sunshine.

Wren

Wren

A couple of photos of Wren from last weekend.

Wren