Last Thursday (13th) I was just collecting my recorder from the night before when as I returned back to the car, I noticed a tight flock of white birds flying high over the pylons towards Grove Ferry just after 6am. I initially thought they were going to be Gulls but soon realised they were Egrets. Luckily I was now back at the car and was able to get the binoculars out quickly to see 7 Cattle Egret (115) flying over. I only saw them for about 20 seconds before they disappeared over the tree line but still managed to get their small size and short dark leg projection. I managed a session Sunday morning where I wandered around for a few hours in quite sunny but very windy conditions. Birds noted included 2 Mandarin on the stream with the presumed female seen flying up the stream on a few occasions where a few rushed shots were taken. There were 2 Turtle Dove, c40 Swift feeding early morning over the area along with c80 Sand Martin. Also seen were 4 Coot, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 61 Jackdaw, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Swallow, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Stonechat, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting. 'Nocmig' recording still proving quiet with only a few Common Terns passing over after dark and a Raven heard calling early morning.
You did well with that Mandarin shot, Marc, but the Swallow image is utterly gorgeous. Well done with the Swift too!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes - - - - Richard
The Mandarin caught me by surprise a few times but nice to see this very scarce bird in the area again this year. Birding is full of surprises. I just always wonder what I'm missing in the week. I bet there are some absolute beauties which are missed every year. Take care.
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