☁️17C to start then π§15C ~
Wind ←E@14mph Friday 17th April 2020 ~ Today I decided to have a lay-in and take my daily walk during the afternoon. There was a method in my madness as I wanted to take a look around the marina and reservoir just prior to the forecasted rain arriving later in the day. The wind was also forecast to pick up a little too during this period, another reason to wait.
My timing could not have been better with plenty of Hirundines over the marina and my walk around the perimeter produced a
Lesser Whitethroat, a
Sedge Warbler in our small reedbed and the usual
Chiffchaffs,
Willow Warblers and
Blackcaps.
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| Black Tern ~ A first for me at the reservoir in 15 years. |
Over on the reservoir the conditions were perfect with a stiff easterly blowing. I dislodged a couple of
Common Sandpipers feeding on the rocks as I came up the steps and then noticed something even more exciting dipping over the water. It was a
Black Tern, my first ever at the reservoir and of course a mega 'Lockdown' tick!
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| Whimbrel repositioning, thankfully to the opposite bank. |
As if this wasn't enough, as I made my way around the bank for a better angle for photos the sudden call of a
Whimbrel alerted me to a bird on the bank. I managed to get close enough for some distant photos but the bird was off, fortunately repositioning on the opposite side.
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| Black Tern ~ Some great aerobatics on occasions at a reasonably close range |
It was a real treat to just sit for a short while watching the many mixed Hirundines over the water and the aerobatics of the
Black Tern, which fed happily during my stay.
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| One of two Little Gulls very briefly over the reservoir today. |
Three
Yellow Wagtails were nearly overlooked while I was enjoying the tern but then another surprise headed through when two
Little Gulls drifted over.
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| Little Gull |
This was most certainly an unprecedented set of events today and I'm incredibly grateful that this wonderful habitat is to be enjoyed literally on my doorstep, particularly during these uncertain times.
More Images of an Amazing Session....
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| Whimbrel on the west bank |
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| Whimbrel |
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| One of two Common Sandpipers |
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| Black Tern aerobatics |
