I was joined on site today by eight members of the public who had booked on to an 'Introduction to Birdwatching' course, organised by the BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and TVLP (Trent Vale Landscape Partnership).
After running through some of the basics (optics, field guides, websites etc), we wasted little time in getting outside in the glorious sunshine. It was initially a little hard going, trying to point out willow warblers and blackcaps that were skulking behind the fresh foliage of the trees, however, we eventually got good views of both.
I have to say that the numerous warblers around site were a personal highlight. As well as willow warbler and blackcap, we also heard Cetti's warbler, grasshopper warbler, whitethroat, chiffchaff and sedge warbler. What I wasn't expecting to hear, was my first cuckoo of the year.
As we approached Silt Lagoon 6, it could be heard singing it's distinctive song, somewhere north of the viewing screen.
We paused for lunch by Phase 1 and just as I was explaining the differences between sand martin and house martin, one of the group spotted a bittern, as it moved positions in the reedbed. Unfortunately, only the very quick managed to see it as it dropped back down out of view.
The occasional yellow wagtail gave itself away with it's call as it flew overhead, though we didn't see any on the ground. We did, however manage to get very good views of little ringed plover, displaying lapwing, great crested grebes and six buzzards circling low over Phase 2.
(Photo courtesy of RSPB images)
Good to hear the Cuckoo. Quite an early date locally.
Also saw one at Collingham on the Saturday morning WEBS count
John