Report: Cheshunt and surrounding area - 17th June

Report: Cheshunt - Hooks Marsh - Bowyers Water - Fisher's Green - Cheshunt
17th June, 2010
Weather: Very hot, blue skies, a few Strato-nimbus clouds about.

Hi everyone, it's your friendly roving reporter with another episode of 'Bearded Tit Discoveries' or 'The Jewel in Hertfordshire's Passage'.

Glorius sunshine, hot but not too humid, a few contrails, resembling scars, criss-crossing the sky. Deep blues contrasting with shades of green across the land. Yes, it's another day out for your intrepid reporter. I'm a day tripper.

Receiving my early morning alarm call, courtesy of the next door neighbours, I awoke to an expected warm day. Too early for breakfast (you know where!) I settled for cereal and vitamin tablets. Checked the kit bag and set off once again. All you need is love.

Even at 10 in the morning it was very hot. Sun block already applied, Cheshunt and the surrounding countryside beckoned. Today, I aimed to concentrate on Orchids. Specifically the Lee Valley Regional Park 'Orchid Discovery Trail'. Those of you paying attention will know I tried and failed miserably back in April to discover it. This time I read the leaflet. Seven Orchids to be discovered between late-May until July. I also managed to find the correct route.

It ran northwards along the canal. Plenty of canal barges, plenty of people - cycling, jogging and walking their dogs. There were even plenty of birds: Moorhens; Canada Geese; Coots; Ducks. But no Orchids. Finally, I came to an area called the North Metropolitan Pit. And a sign saying 'Orchid Area'. My confidence soared. Please, please me. It was a little area surrounded by tall trees and a few bushes. In the centre there were a couple of more smaller trees. I started to unload my optics in preparation, already spotting quite a few Orchids. But then I heard a scratchy, rattled cry. Looking up I spied, on the far side on a dead log, a Jay. Its irridescent colours reflecting in the sun. I looked at it through my bins, wishing it would come closer for a photo. But then, even nearer, there was another one, perched on a branch on one of the smaller trees in the middle and quite close to me. I unpacked my bigger camera and lens but I was only quick enough to get off one shot before a twist and shout and it flew.
No problem, I was here for the Orchids anyway.

I managed to find at least five Orchids: Common Spotted; Early Marsh; Southern Marsh; Pyramidal and Twayblade. Unfortunately, I missed the Bee and the Green-winged Orchids. So, can't buy me love and not bad for someone who only recognises Bluebells and Roses.

I double-backed and tried to get another shot of the Jays. A third one turned up, together with a Green Woodpecker and a couple of Magpies. I managed to get a few more shots of the Jays but Greenie and the Mags were too shy. But I feel fine.

I moved on to Fisher's Green via Hooks Marsh. All the usual suspects were there, ducks and geese, geese and ducks. I decided to visit the Bittern Hide for a look out at the Green. Great views, including numerous Common Terns, with chicks. A few Reed Warblers were about, flitting to and fro in front of the Hide. I know they were Reed Warblers as I had come fore-armed and fore-warned by Seymouraves and co. Thanks guys! There were a couple of feeders up, which were given a lot of attention by bullying Greenfinches, timid Great Tits, even more timid Blue Tits and a few Chaffinches. There was even a visit by a Goldfinch. I had the Hide to myself for over an hour. Do you want to know a secret - it was bliss.

I decided to break for lunch. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to pack any. But I had managed to bring my water bottle. Alas, it was completely empty. And no Cafe nearby. It will have to be tap water from the Gents. It felt like eight days a week.

From the Hide I continued northwards on an anti-clockwise route which would take me back to Cheshunt. Plenty of wildlife about, birds of course - Mute Swans with Cygnets; both Coot and Moorhen with young; 2 pairs of Canada Geese with 15 juveniles between them; Great Crested Grebes; Cormorants and a Lapwing. There were others but my memory fails me. I guess I need to bring a notebook and pencil. Also seen were Small White and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. Red-eyed; Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies. But still only spotted a couple of Dragonflies, from a distance. Reminded me of yesterday, sorry, the day before.

Plenty of pollen still falling like snow. And also getting in my eyes and up my nose. Felt like strawberry fields forever.

Instead of going straight back to the Station with a ticket to ride I ventured towards Bowyers Water where the other part of the Orchid Discovery Trail was. Help! But I did find it eventually and found much of the same as before. Also, lots of Tits; Finches; a Chiffchaff singing, a Cetti's Warbler which I spotted and finally a Rabbit in the middle of the path, munching away. Alas, Pipit, no Pipits this time! But we can work it out.

It was also good to see a group of children with an adult (Teacher?) with nets swishing away back and forth. They were either trying to catch insects or they were attacking each other. I felt like a nowhere man.

Anyway, my stomach told me it was time to head home and I headed for the long and winding road. On the way back to the Station, on the Canal, I saw a pair of Canada Geese with about five juveniles. One of which was almost pure white. Leucistic? I let it be.

And true to form, the train was late and then proceeded to stop in between stations for 20 minutes, finally getting me home just after 4. And, of course, 'The Local' beckoned me in to partake in an ale or two. Why not?

Fantastic weather and another fantastic day out.

NB: Planning to visit Dorset next week, inspired by Springwatch and maybe a visit to Brownsea Island.

Common Spotted Orchid

Early Marsh Orchid

Southern Marsh Orchid

Twayblade Orchid

Oi! Get orf my perch!

Do you come here often?

I'm stuck on you!

I'm not gonna get caught jay-walking!

Mum, I'm feeling a bit pale!

I can see two of you, Mum?

There was this Coot, this Moorhen, a Duck and a Goose...what's that, some sort of joke?

 I'm obviously not sure of the Orchid IDs!

And unfortunately, this time, no beatle photos!

Best wishes, Graham