Pump back on, after a couple of days of heavy rain. No sign of Inert on Manor farm, but signs of work. 25th March 2023

Headline says it all, really. Our Saturday stomp revealed our faithful pump off, with water levels rising. My stomp today, Tuesday, revealed the pump chugging away, with water levels falling.

Inert are still plugging away at the northern edge of Manor lake. I really must make the effort to get on and record their restoration. Viewing the north bank of Manor lake from the south footpath indicates further stuff pushed into said lake, with a reasonable amount of levelling.

I actually saw the 'famous' Tawny owl, today. It appears to be well known, occupying a nest box on the peninsular. Said nest box is just about visible from the south footpath. I knew the nest box was there, but didn't realise a) it was for owls, and b) it had a Tawny owl occupant this year, and has Barn owl in previous years. I was told about its existence last week, but not precisely where it was. It took a little hunting to find. Easy enough when you know where to look.

Of course, I forgot my monopod the one time I see the thing. Took a lot of doing to hold my camera steady with my long lens cranked out to 600mm.

Oh, there was also a nice Kestrel hunting just about the south (aka Blackwater) footpath, and a Red Kite glided over after being mobbed by a Carrion crow.