Another stupidly early start but due to a lack of vols I had to lead the Dawn Chorus Walk myself! This was the first time an about four years that I have actually got to take people round this early and it was great. With warm, still, dry conditions and a fantastic sunrise the 4am brigade were treated to all the usual fare with the Cuckoo distantly calling to get us off to a good start. Everything showed very well and Reed and Sedge Warblers were seen out enjoying the rays while Chiffchaffs sang and purred and Blackcaps warbled. The male Marsh Harrier flew through and both Peregrines were seen while a summer plulmages Grey Plover headed high and north having come up off Aveley Pool and two Dunlin did the same and went south.
Did some counting on the loop today.... 85m Reed Warblers, 15m Sedge Warbler, 8m Cetti's Warbler (they go quiet about now and we do have 12m), 6m Chiffchaff, only 5m Whitethroat, 11m Blackcap, 3m Song Thrush, 12m Blackbird, 24m Wren.
and some bits from late last week.... the Dusk Walk on Thursday was well recived with great views of Hobby, Cuckoo and a Barn Owl.
Skylark .... only six heard today (Mark Webb)
27-5-12