I had a brief walk around the site yesterday where the surprise was a pair of Shoveler (104) on the stream which soon flew off never to be seen again. Other bits noted included 6 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Raven, 6 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 2 Stonechat, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Linnet, 4 Yellowhammer and 5 Reed Bunting. Whilst walking around I come across 4 young Fox cubs which I watched playing happily outside their den. I decided that an early morning visit would be good to set up the hide to see whether I could get any photos.
This morning I was out early in the hope of getting a Nightingale but despite a few attempts, it seems that none are currently in the area. I had a few hours walking around the area where I noted 56 species which included 1 Cuckoo, 1 Common Tern (105) flying high north, 1 Bittern heard booming from the Stour Valley, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Common Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Kestrel, 2 Jay, 1 Raven, 2 Skylark and 4 Sedge Warbler. There were 10 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling, 8 Swallow, 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat, 1 Yellow Wagtail (106), 5 Linnet, 2 Yellowhammer and 3 Reed Bunting. About 8am I carefully made my way to the area I saw the Fox cubs yesterday and set up the hide quickly and settled in. I honestly thought they would be very wary of the hide and wonder what it was if they even come out but thankfully a while later they all suddenly appeared and started playing in the grass and chasing each other and butterflies. I was able to take a few pleasing images and simply enjoy the experience of watching these beauties running free. Occasionally if a Buzzard called or they heard a weird noise, they would sprint back under ground before coming out again shortly after. With them going back underground an hour later and not appearing, I quickly packed away and left the area. What a privilege. 'Nocmig' recording during the week has generally been very quiet but I did manage to hear 1 Green Sandpiper (103) calling on the 27th when I picked up the recorder. The only other bird of note was a Bittern heard booming from the Stour Valley.
I also once (many years ago) had the privilege of finding a fox den and setting up my hide to photograph the young at play. It was utterly delightful and one of life's most memorable experiences. I reckon that it must have been the same for you as your super photos bear witness. Best wishes - - - Richard.
ReplyDeleteP.S. The emerging Large Red Damselflies are two weeks earlier than last year, so I guess I ought to be out looking for Hairy Dragonflies soon!