The main targets were not co-operating, even in spite of combing the woodland and getting a little lost right in the middle of dartford warbler heathland. But two very pleasant walks led to jay, reed warbler, bearded tit (including a close-up of a female this time), marsh harrier, buzzard (not so common in Suffolk), cetti's warbler and several rather cocky reed buntings who absolutely refused to leave their favourite bushes when I walked right underneath them. There were also some otter tracks near the old mill.
Showing posts with label cetti's warbler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cetti's warbler. Show all posts
Thursday, 16 June 2011
16th June
Walberswick Common drew my attention as possible area for dartford warbler and green woodpecker. Fortunate enough to meet a woman from Natural England awaiting a school group, who gave me a map and some directions so I could plan activities around the anticipated rainstorm, which lasted nearly three hours while I read in the car.
The main targets were not co-operating, even in spite of combing the woodland and getting a little lost right in the middle of dartford warbler heathland. But two very pleasant walks led to jay, reed warbler, bearded tit (including a close-up of a female this time), marsh harrier, buzzard (not so common in Suffolk), cetti's warbler and several rather cocky reed buntings who absolutely refused to leave their favourite bushes when I walked right underneath them. There were also some otter tracks near the old mill.
The main targets were not co-operating, even in spite of combing the woodland and getting a little lost right in the middle of dartford warbler heathland. But two very pleasant walks led to jay, reed warbler, bearded tit (including a close-up of a female this time), marsh harrier, buzzard (not so common in Suffolk), cetti's warbler and several rather cocky reed buntings who absolutely refused to leave their favourite bushes when I walked right underneath them. There were also some otter tracks near the old mill.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
15th June
Minsmere on short break in East Anglia. An incredible visit, in that I sighted virtually every bird I wanted to see in the minimum amount of time. Bearded tit, the main target appeared within 40 minutes of arriving, along with reed warbler.
I pretty much expected to see an avocet from the East hide but to see one ten yards out immediately on entering staggered me a bit. Soon I added spoonbill and flamingo along with various others (that actually interested me less!) thanks to the guidance of one of the RSPB staff. These were: black tailed godwit, gadwall and spotted redshank.
I not only heard but saw cetti's warbler on the way to the bittern hide, where marsh harriers were in action. The occasional bittern was on the move and visible in flight. And then a squadron of hobbies moved in with a spectacular display to feed on the pond dragonflies.
I didn't see the little egret but on moving to the last reed hide, clearly heard a water rail.
Not much was happening in the woodland so I decided to return to the north wall to see if I could improve on the bearded tit sighting, and sure enough a male appeared briefly on the very edge of the reeds.
Many of these spots were aided by wardens and experienced watchers nearby, but eleven first sightings on the same outing has to be a bit special.
I pretty much expected to see an avocet from the East hide but to see one ten yards out immediately on entering staggered me a bit. Soon I added spoonbill and flamingo along with various others (that actually interested me less!) thanks to the guidance of one of the RSPB staff. These were: black tailed godwit, gadwall and spotted redshank.
I not only heard but saw cetti's warbler on the way to the bittern hide, where marsh harriers were in action. The occasional bittern was on the move and visible in flight. And then a squadron of hobbies moved in with a spectacular display to feed on the pond dragonflies.
I didn't see the little egret but on moving to the last reed hide, clearly heard a water rail.
Not much was happening in the woodland so I decided to return to the north wall to see if I could improve on the bearded tit sighting, and sure enough a male appeared briefly on the very edge of the reeds.
Many of these spots were aided by wardens and experienced watchers nearby, but eleven first sightings on the same outing has to be a bit special.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)