PENDULINE TITS (photographed by Robin Fenner and David Walker/http://www.dungenessbirdobs.org.uk and the Startop's End COMMON TERN (David Bilcock)
SATURDAY 28 MARCH
Grey and overcast with cold NW winds, keeping afternoon temperatures down to 11 degrees C. Birded locally in the morning before setting off for East Kent where at very long last, finally connected with a highly sought-after bird - PENDULINE TIT.
STARTOP'S END RESERVOIR, TRING (HERTS)
(1034 hours)
An early COMMON TERN was a very nice bonus, roosting in the dismal weather on the newly positioned and refurbished algae bunds. My first of the year and excellently photographed by David Bilcock (see above). (228)
The drake RED-CRESTED POCHARD was also utilising the bunds and was asleep on them, whilst grounded migrants included a single EUROPEAN BARN SWALLOW and 15 SAND MARTINS.
BLOWS DOWNS (BEDFORDSHIRE)
A quick scan of the Paddocks revealed the presence of a smart male NORTHERN WHEATEAR.
DUNGENESS RSPB RESERVE (EAST KENT)
After David Walker and other reserve staff had enjoyed excellent views of the PENDULINE TITS late morning, I decided to chance my arm and drove down for the afternoon.
I got down shortly after 1400 hours, to be informed that the trio had all flown off early afternoon. Knowing full well that PENDULINE TIT twitching is a mug's game, I set in for the long haul and marched out the 75 yards west of the Hanson Hide to the rich area of bulrush at the far end of the Willow Trail. I then waited, and waited, and waited, intermittently being joined by just two other birders.
I had a brief reprieve when I went into the hide, the ARC Pit yielding a fine drake GARGANEY, some 88 Shoveler (perhaps migrants), 12 Gadwall, 5 Common Teal, numerous Common Shelducks and 10 Common Goldeneyes.
Returning to the Bulrush clump for another stint, and listening to the 3-4 CETTI'S WARBLERS noisily chipping and bursting into song, I suddenly spotted three tiny birds flying in from the east. Yippee, it was the 3 PENDULINE TITS which had spent all winter in the area ! They quickly latched on to the heads and from 1605-1635 hours at least, afforded excellent views at just 60 yards range. At least one bird was ringed and two at least were males. I was just so pleased at finally connecting with these skulking reed-dwellers, over 20 hours this year being spent in their pursuit.....and 950 miles !
I was mystified by the lack of interest in them, just six observers appearing during the period. They were still on view when I departed, busy pulling the fluff out from the bulrush heads and eeking out the small seeds and grubs. I had reached 229 and just one species to go to reach my end of March target.
Across the road at the RSPB reserve, I walked out from the Visitor Centre to the New Excavations and Denge Marsh Flood. Although I failed to locate the Great White Egret, I did see the winter-plumaged SLAVONIAN GREBE and the breeding-plumaged BLACK-NECKED GREBE. Even more delightful was the sight of at least 6 RUDDY DUCKS, whilst both Little and Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Wigeon, Lapwing and Curlew were also seen.
Hookers Pit held a female Marsh Harrier and numerous calling Cetti's Warblers, but there was no sight or sound of the Sedge Warbler singing earlier in the day.
A further male Marsh harrier was seen quartering over the ARC Pit.
DUNGENESS POINT (EAST KENT)
A brief seawatch at 1740 hours provided me with my first SANDWICH TERNS of the year - 8 flying west - 230 - along with several Gannets, large numbers of Common Gulls and 13 Great Crested Grebes on the sea.
Grey and overcast with cold NW winds, keeping afternoon temperatures down to 11 degrees C. Birded locally in the morning before setting off for East Kent where at very long last, finally connected with a highly sought-after bird - PENDULINE TIT.
STARTOP'S END RESERVOIR, TRING (HERTS)
(1034 hours)
An early COMMON TERN was a very nice bonus, roosting in the dismal weather on the newly positioned and refurbished algae bunds. My first of the year and excellently photographed by David Bilcock (see above). (228)
The drake RED-CRESTED POCHARD was also utilising the bunds and was asleep on them, whilst grounded migrants included a single EUROPEAN BARN SWALLOW and 15 SAND MARTINS.
BLOWS DOWNS (BEDFORDSHIRE)
A quick scan of the Paddocks revealed the presence of a smart male NORTHERN WHEATEAR.
DUNGENESS RSPB RESERVE (EAST KENT)
After David Walker and other reserve staff had enjoyed excellent views of the PENDULINE TITS late morning, I decided to chance my arm and drove down for the afternoon.
I got down shortly after 1400 hours, to be informed that the trio had all flown off early afternoon. Knowing full well that PENDULINE TIT twitching is a mug's game, I set in for the long haul and marched out the 75 yards west of the Hanson Hide to the rich area of bulrush at the far end of the Willow Trail. I then waited, and waited, and waited, intermittently being joined by just two other birders.
I had a brief reprieve when I went into the hide, the ARC Pit yielding a fine drake GARGANEY, some 88 Shoveler (perhaps migrants), 12 Gadwall, 5 Common Teal, numerous Common Shelducks and 10 Common Goldeneyes.
Returning to the Bulrush clump for another stint, and listening to the 3-4 CETTI'S WARBLERS noisily chipping and bursting into song, I suddenly spotted three tiny birds flying in from the east. Yippee, it was the 3 PENDULINE TITS which had spent all winter in the area ! They quickly latched on to the heads and from 1605-1635 hours at least, afforded excellent views at just 60 yards range. At least one bird was ringed and two at least were males. I was just so pleased at finally connecting with these skulking reed-dwellers, over 20 hours this year being spent in their pursuit.....and 950 miles !
I was mystified by the lack of interest in them, just six observers appearing during the period. They were still on view when I departed, busy pulling the fluff out from the bulrush heads and eeking out the small seeds and grubs. I had reached 229 and just one species to go to reach my end of March target.
Across the road at the RSPB reserve, I walked out from the Visitor Centre to the New Excavations and Denge Marsh Flood. Although I failed to locate the Great White Egret, I did see the winter-plumaged SLAVONIAN GREBE and the breeding-plumaged BLACK-NECKED GREBE. Even more delightful was the sight of at least 6 RUDDY DUCKS, whilst both Little and Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Wigeon, Lapwing and Curlew were also seen.
Hookers Pit held a female Marsh Harrier and numerous calling Cetti's Warblers, but there was no sight or sound of the Sedge Warbler singing earlier in the day.
A further male Marsh harrier was seen quartering over the ARC Pit.
DUNGENESS POINT (EAST KENT)
A brief seawatch at 1740 hours provided me with my first SANDWICH TERNS of the year - 8 flying west - 230 - along with several Gannets, large numbers of Common Gulls and 13 Great Crested Grebes on the sea.
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