Dave Smith is one of my vols at Rainham Marshes as well as being a very good birder and train driver.... Working unsociable hours sometimes has its advantages and after work last night he was able to record this fantastic sequence by the Marsh Warbler as he sung his heart out at about 1.30am.
Play this audio clip
I have had a good listen to all seven minutes and the list is quite impressive with the following other species mimicked...
Add the others from yesterday and the list is growing all the time. If you reckon there is anything else in there please let me know. Remember that this bird was probably raised in middle or eastern Europe and its repertoire could include anything from there (hence Crested Tit) as well as notes picked up on its Sub-Saharan wintering grounds...
... and here is a picture by Les Harrison of the last Marsh Warbler we had at the reserve in early June 2007
Hopefully soomeone will get a photo of this one too!
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Howard Vaughan, Information Officer
There are some sections that are intrinsically Marsh warbler and like all birds they tend to have a good idea of who is who. If you listen closely you also hear Coots, Little Grebes and even the Grasshopper warbler from the Enclosed Bay.