Nethergong Birding

I arrived at Nethergong this morning at 05:30 where this morning it was quite cloudy and a fresh chilly wind. I spent around 4 hours again walking around the site and fields as well as time spent watching from the eastern gate. Birds noted this morning included 1 Mistle Thrush, 15 Cormorant, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Pheasant, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 4 Kestrel, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Stock Dove, 4 Linnet and 2 Grey Heron. Whilst standing at the east gate I heard the familiar calls of Mediterranean Gulls and after a scan around, found 2 Mediterranean Gulls (102) flying north west, both adults. A scarce bird here and just about annual. There were 2 Treecreeper, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Yellowhammer, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Swallow, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Long tailed Tit, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redwing, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Fieldfare and 1 Jay. I thought I would have a walk through one of the fields and look to see if the Ring Ouzels were still around and was pleased to see there were now 6 Ring Ouzel including 4 males. They were as ever very wary but I was able to sit patiently against one of the fences and in time, they moves a little nearer. A real bonus bird to get on the year list and to have 6 is very special. There was no sign of yesterdays singing Nightingale and recording during the night produced very little as it was quite windy. Hopefully a few nights recording during the week if the winds are light enough and maybe next weekend will deliver a few more missing migrants.

Male Ring Ouzel

Ring Ouzels (female on left)