An evening visit seemed the obvious thing to do after a day of above average temperatures for early April. Furthermore, my shoulder is not in as bad shape as I had feared; a mini-dislocation was all. Carrying the scope was no hassle! Along with the newly resident Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers, some new song amongst the reeds. 2 Sedge Warbler were belting out their scratchy tune for the first time this year, a welcome sound. Even better was a reeling Grasshopper Warbler near the ruins. Despite waiting patiently I only managed a glimpse, and by this time it was getting quite dark. Typical for this species, I find that they either give superb views, or barely show at all. A few bats were flitting about, difficult to put a species to them in the fading light.
.......we get some good weather. Too little too late? Only time will tell. I have enjoyed watching the resident birds go about their business on the local marshes and broads, but that ranks as the poorest Spring I can recall in terms of migrants and variety. That is not to say the birding is not good- but just a little underwhelming. Over at Rockland Broad on Saturday, I enjoyed a bit of a raptor fest, with 3 Hoby, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier and Kestrel all seen well. 2 Garden Warbler were singing, one by the carpark and one by the broad. A couple of Common Tern were hawking over the broad, and a Kingfisher was up to the usual near the hide. Don't get me wrong, this is all great (and in the warm too) but I was hoping for something a little different at Rockland this Spring. Still, with the decent weather set to continue for the next week, eyes to the skies. And indeed, to the ground, for my first Wall Browns of the year were flying and I happened upon my first 4-spotted ...
Hey Jim,
ReplyDeletekeep an ear open for a Savi's too!
Primed and ready Tim, I'll pull summit out of the bag before long!
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