I absolutely love Brandon Marsh in the rain! Not a soul to be found, only the ardent regulars. The morning actually started off pretty quiet and a circular walk around Farm Field and Top Reedbed produced little of note, save for the now established
Chiffchaff,
Willow Warbler and
Blackcap. A singing
Mistle Thrush, which has actually been doing his level best to attract a mate for over two weeks now was unfortunately still on territory.
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| One of two Cuckoo's at Brandon Marsh today! |
The strangest of occurrences as I walked through New Hare Covert, when I clearly heard a
Tawny Owl call, not once but twice, no sign after a little investigation. As I emerged past the golf course my first
Cuckoo of the year could be heard and indeed seen at distance atop the owl box tree on Alban's Reedbed. A brace of
Sedge Warblers in the reeds and the dozen or so
Lesser Redpoll, which have been feeding in the large alders by 'Olive Bench', were still there.
When I reached East Marsh Hide it wasn't long before I registered
Common Sandpiper (year 1st), which Alan Boddington had forewarned me about via text message,
Yellow Wagtail,
Black-tailed Godwit and
Dunlin. Also of note while here: (5)
Redshank and (4)
Oystercatcher.
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| Black-tailed Godwit still feeding well on Teal Pool |
While taking a better look at the
Cuckoo from the Ted Jury Hide, which was still perched up, a second bird suddenly appeared and immediately took offence! With both singing what ensued was a real battle for territory, with both birds going at it hammer and tongue and feathers flying! A sight I've never witnessed before but a real treat. A single
Snipe fly-by while this was going on, plus an addition of
Little Egret on Teal pool while heading back to the centre ended a very enjoyable mornings birding.
