A great 'May Day' at Fowlmere yesterday:
"Seeing Double" - Greylag coming in to land
The little Grebe feeding its chick:
My first ever Marsh Harrier:
I think this is a female Reed Bunting? (Please correct if I am wrong):
Excellent shots Louise, I like the formation greylags!
Thanks, Mark.The name is 'Louis' but for years people confuse it with 'Louise' (hehe). Do you think I am right about the female reed bunting?
It looks like a dunnock Louis, but you can see reed buntings at Fowlmere, although they have a much darker and stronger face marking(even the females)
Mark
Hmmm. I think you are right. I find the Dunnock too often looks close to other birds.
100% a Dunnock, First key point is the bill or beak, The reed bunting has more of a chunky beak where as the Dunnock is a small fine one. Summer females have a dark crown and cheeks, with a distinct dark moustachical stripe which reaches up to the beak. The collar is buff or grey and not white. Winter females appear duller and browner headed.
Phil C, many thanks and for the tips about what to look for when I return.