With my knee still being quite sore and not wanting to walk that far, I opted for a couple of visits to Nethergong over the weekend. Highlights were hearing and seeing my first Blackcap (80) of the year and a Canada Goose (81) which flew south towards Grove Ferry, only the second time I have seen this species here in a good number of years. On both days there were 2 Raven knocking about flying between pylons and I managed to record them calling. Other birds seen included 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Snipe, 3 Yellowhammer, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and 1 Sparrowhawk as well as the other local species. Having failed to get a decent image of a Yellowhammer throughout the winter I had been watching a few males singing lately and one of them was often returning to a bramble bush to sing. I decided to deploy the hide and so yesterday morning I spent a while in the hide and after a while my luck paid off when the male Yellowhammer flew in and enabled me to get a few pleasing images. Nocmig recording throughout the week has been quite productive with Barn, Tawny and Little Owl heard. Also Snipe, Redwing, a couple of flocks of Brent Geese and last night, a flock of migrating Common Scoter (82) flew over calling at 22.48. A real bonus to get on the year list again.
Raven
Common Scoter
Great shots of thre Yellowhammer, Marc - I'm quite envious! Sorry to hear that the knee is still playing up. Just learned yesterday that my wife is going to have a new knee in a few months time if all goes according to plan.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes - - - Richardf
Many thanks Richard. Pretty pleased with them but feel they can be improved I'm sure. Hope your wife's knee op goes well. That may well be me one day. Take care.
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