Mooched around the reserve from 7-1 and left as not only was it hot but it was an open day with face-painting, balloons etc most of it conservation related but I didn’t want to get too broody so left for a beer.
With a week to go tomorrow I am getting into wind-down mode and will only be birding locally until after lunch then flop about. A lift, if offered, will be taken but birders are noticeably thin on the ground so the IBRCE is still the best gig in town for me. The mixed weather forecast might work to my advantage so one of the parks will be done each day and I will finish down at North Beach for at least a nice sunset if nothing else…… The locals say ‘another wave’ is likely so fingers crossed.
Ringing today remained light at about 35 birds but the lack of numbers made up in variety with no less than about 16 species rung a dozen being retraps. Both Lesser and Common ‘throat, Orphean, Reed, Sedge, Olly, European Bee Eater, Great Reed Warbler and an absolute stonker of a Rufous Bush Robin of the Eastern race.
Red-necked Phalaropes had increased to 7. The canal held 100+ waders including. Wood, Green and Marsh Sandpiper, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover, Redshank and Spotted Redshank, Little and Temminck’s Stint, Ruff, Greenshank and obviously BWStilt and Spurwing. Egrets/Herons from the freshwater hides were: Grey, Purple, Squacco and Striated Heron, Little of both Bittern and Egret. Raptors were non-existent but did include a mid-distant and longer Jordanian Hills Crested Honey Buzzard. Yesterday saw a very close bird over the reserve which at a distance reminded me of a large Bonelli’s on the underwing layout.
I am optimistic for the remaining week as anything can and does turn up around here….. Despite the sedentary birding I think of it as a few weeks spent around Cley or Minsmere in early May.
Good birding -
Laurie -
