A morning strimming at Brandon Marsh Thursday produced my first
Sedge Warbler of the year! The bird was singing well, pool side, near the large oak tree at River Pool path as a few of the team headed out to work. Also of note a 1stS
Mediterranean Gull remained on East Marsh Pool among the
Black-headed Gulls well into the early afternoon. Three
Little-ringed Plover were also noted on Willow Island but unfortunately I was back at the Nature Centre by then.
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| Yellow Wagtail in the rain - One of only two noted today! |
Today I had an enjoyable, if not a little wet visit to Draycote Water in the company of Bob Hazell. The predicted showers turned out to be very prolonged in little wind. In fact it didn't even dampen the fly's spirits, with millions around the perimeter today, great food source for the birds, but not pleasant while birding.
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| Blackcap - This one sporting a funky hairdo! |
My first
Yellow Wagtail of the year shortly after setting off along Farborough Bank, along with at least a dozen
Meadow Pipit and similar amounts of
Pied Wagtail. The
Great Northern Diver was off Farborough Spit and by the time we reached Toft,
Chiffchaff,
Willow Warbler and at least four
Blackcaps were recorded, all in song.
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| Slavonian Grebe off 'Duns Bay' but at distance! |
The
Slavonian Grebe was a little distant off 'Dunns Bay' but a record shot and decent scoped views of its improving plumage. By the time we arrived at the Valve Tower the rain had increased somewhat but this had brought down hundreds of Hirundines out towards the centre, obviously taking full advantage of the 'Fly-fest'.
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| My attempt at the ♂Wheatear - A little easier with Canon SX |
A
Little Egret in the settling pool and a very mobile
♂Wheatear along Draycote Bank, which caused a few issues, particularly for Bob, who was #allofatiz trying to Digi scope in the now challenging conditions! Having said that, his recently tweeted picture turned out well @bobhazell
Also of note during an excellent visit: (6)
Goldeneye off 'The Inlet' and circa 20
Tree Sparrows near the feeders.
