Meet Gunby's spring wildlife

Ducklings looking at bluebells at Gunby — Nothing says spring like ducklings and bluebells

Now that the days are getting longer and the sun is getting warmer, Gunby's birds, bees, butterflies and furry creatures start to make an appearance in the garden and parkland again.

Gunbees and creepy crawlies

Tucked behind Orchard Gallery are three active beehives that are buzzing with life this time of year as the bees go about their work to collect pollen and pollinate the garden. We're very grateful to these 'Gunbees' for the important job they do.

Bee on crocus at Gunby — The Gunby crocuses are a perfect snack for hungry bees

Even though they have a negative image, the wasps in the garden actually do really good work too by keeping other pests at bay. As it gets warmer many other insects will start to make an appearance in the garden, like ladybirds and dragonflies.

Ladybird on a leaf — Ladybird, ladybird fly away home....

Birds, fowl and fish

If you go for a walk to the ice house pond, you're often able to spot some ducklings going for a swimming lesson with their parents.

Ducklings on Gunby's ice house pond — The ice house pond is a great place for ducklings to learn how to swim

The carp pond is home to our resident moorhens. They're very shy, but if you wait patiently you should be able to spot some adults and chicks hiding under the vegetation or paddling on the water surface.

Moorhen with chick on Gunby's carp pond — This time of year you can see the moorhen chicks swimming on the carp pond

As the weather gets warmer, Gunby's carp in the carp pond are coming near the surface to soak up the sun. Look carefully and you'll see them blowing bubbles and nip at insects that skim the water.

Carp in Gunby's carp pond — Spot the Gunby carp blowing bubbles in the carp pond

Look up, listen and you'll see and hear the many garden birds that have taken up residence in the Gunby gardens and grounds. They seem to be competing with their loud tweeting and the bold chaffinches near the tea-room are grateful for your cake crumbs. The Gunby robins are often found near where the garden team are working, as the little birds are hunting for fresh worms in newly dug soil.

Robin and blossom at Gunby — This Gunby robin is admiring the cherry blossom

If you're patient you may catch a glimpse of an elusive goldcrest that is often spotted near the back of the house.

Goldcrest spotted in the Gunby Gardens — Have you spotted the resident goldcrest in the Gunby gardens?

Volunteer photographer David Dales also snapped a green woodpecker strutting about on the lawn last spring. Do let us know if you come across 'Woody' too.