Visited the Wetlands Thursday and Friday this week with similar birds seen both times. It was warm and still on both days. On Thursday I didn't have my camera so have no record of the 10 Brent Geese I saw on the coast near to the Curlews and Shelduck. The tide was in and the geese were swimming in the direction of the river mouth. I am confident of my identification; they are very distinct. Unfortunately the geese weren't around on Friday when I had my camera with me.
Other birds seen were Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps; Very vocal from all parts of the reserve. Willow Warblers were singing in the wood near the hide. Cetti's Warblers could be heard and seen on both days. Its not often they sing from visible perches. It must be that time of the year.
All Teal were resting in the reeds when we got to the hide but all seemed to come awake at the same time and head off into the centre of the water.
Through the wood and a female Bullfinch was eating leaf buds in the trees on the other side of the path.
A little further round in the scrubby area I heard a Whitethroat singing. I managed to track it down but it flew off again before I got a photo. Bearded Tits were seen in different parts of the reedbeds calling and flying. Some reasonable views of males but too far off to photograph.
We spent a very pleasurable 3 hours strolling round in the warmth with so much to see and hear. Just waiting for the rest of the spring arrivals. Can't wait for the characteristic songs of the Reed and Sedge Warblers round the place.
Great report and photos Colin - your experience exactly matches mine apart from the Whitethroat. As you say the Blackcaps and Willow Warblers calling but a devil to get a decent shot as they seem to prefer the lower branches whereas the Chiffchaff usually ends up at the top. Tom Chinnick said he heard a Reed Warbler by the visitors' centre so together with your Whitethroat singing looks like we're on a roll and spring has finally sprung!
Thanks for the reply John. It seems pretty quiet out there...
Last Saturday we were finally lucky enough to see an Otter. The shot I got was quite distant, could be a dog or anything. It definitely is an Otter though.
Nice one Colin, I hadn't heard much about them recently.
Hi All. Colin--lovely report and photos--thanks. I thought we would not have a chance to visit the N Wetlands this year but weather permitting, we should be able to have a quick visit in a few weeks. All suggestions are welcome as to what to see where--thanks!
Kind regards, Ann
Hi,
Thanks for the comments. They are appreciated. Had a lovely walk around this evening after work. There are plenty of Reed and Sedge Warblers about. Near the hide, there has been a male Garganey showing well for the past few days. Swallows were around in ones and twos. There is plenty of foliage making warblers difficult to spot as it was breezy and they weren't perching on the edge of branches. A pair of Bullfinches were the last spot down Perry Lane back near the car park.
We could hear all the warblers today Colin but same as you with the wind they were not coming in to view.
Just checked this post again and saw your Otter Colin - well done to you both!