Monday, April 27, 2015

Patch Monday!

I decided to stay local today and began with a search of the marina grounds for any new arrivals. The Lesser Whitethroat, which I'd tried in vain to photograph on Friday, was still on site and singing well, so too a Skylark, so high up I never quite managed to connect. At least thirty or so Linnet in the field adjacent and a brace of Yellow Wagtail were on the west-side bund.

Common Whitethroat at Napton Hill
I gave Napton Hill a real go, spending almost three hours and venturing down as far as the canal. It was extremely quiet with the highlights being yet another Lesser Whitethroat, there seems to be lots in the vicinity at the moment, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Raven over and nesting Buzzard.

Two stunning Whinchat at Napton Reservoir today!
Napton Reservoir was obviously the place to be today but by the time I'd arrived and bumped into Richard Mays and Dave Cox they'd already found all the birds! A Reed Warbler singing from the reedbed and on the first field two gorgeous looking Whinchat and at least four Yellow Wagtail. These along with yet another two Lesser Whitethroat and a very showy Sedge Warbler. They'd heard a Cuckoo just before my arrival which was fantastic news as I've not recorded one around here for over three years and so a welcome record. A Common Sandpiper, which I managed to catch up with on my second visit this evening was another addition.

Just had to put in another shot of the Whinchat!