It was a different sort of day when I arrived at Rainham station for it was unbearably hot. I was meant to be with Dante, however Dante had gone off to twitch a Red Footed Falcon and Greenish Warbler; to be honest who could blame him for going to see two most spectacular birds. Just as I crossed over the bridge with a Eurostar zooming though below me I noticed a small fluffy black Moorhen chick playing around on the rubbish that sat in the small channel below. As I moved further along the bridge to get a better view I could see that there were three Moorhen Ducklings and also an Adult moorhen playing around in the trash. Not the nicest conditions to be brought up in so hopefully they will find what they need and move on. Walking through Rainham North the most numerous birds were Goldfinches and Reed Warblers. It wasn't just singing Reed Warblers either, it was the fledglings that stole the show with them popping up every now and then. In total throughout the day I had 68 Reed Warblers which is pretty impressive. Below: Goldfinch Next my walk through Rainham west became a bit cold as it had clouded over a little. This didn't seem to affect the Reed Warblers, Whitethroats or Sedge Warblers. Skylarks were also up and about doing their usual happy song. I also noticed a lot more Reed Buntings whilst walking through here than I ever have before, because the males were singing from the tops of the reeds and bushes all around me. Next 2: Common Whitethroat Above: Singing Wren Below: Dunnock Above: Reed Warbler I then reached the Bend in Rainham West and stopped to listen here for a bit. Before long I could here a Grasshopper Warbler singing from over towards the A13, however unlike recent trips no Cuckoos could be heard. I then walk to the Bridge and there on either side of me was a singing chorus of Marsh Frogs. I then carried on my journey through Rainham West with a singing Chorus of Common Whitethroat and Cetti's Warblers. Occasionally a Sedge Warbler would crop up close to me insect hunting and then see me and dive back into the dense shrubs around me. Reed Warblers also occasionally showed and a rather loud Starling flock was all around me in the fields nearby. Above and Below: Common Whitethroat I then moved onto the path that runs up to the Stone barges. Again the Reed Beds here were full of Reed Warblers, as well as Croaking Marsh Frog and the occasional outburst from a Cetti's Warbler. A couple of Chiffchaff also sang, and so too did at least 2 Blackcap. Chaffinches also put on a good display just behind me. The wild roses were also amazing and in full bloom. Above: Male Chaffinch Below: Marsh Frog Above and Below: Male Chaffinch Above: Male Blackbird Below: Wild Rose I then walked past the Stone Barges when I was stopped in my tracks by something floating down the Thames. At first I thought that It might have been a Great Northern Diver, however given that it is the Thames and it was basically summer I think it must have been a piece of plastic. It did however get me onto a group of 3 fins that had appeared at the top of the water, which I assume was probably a pod of Harbour Porpoises, however no sooner had they surfaced, had they disappeared. Above and Below: Unidentified blob.... (Most likely plastic) I then continued along the sea wall. I picked up the first Gadwall and also the first Shelduck of the day on the Thames. There was still a chorus of Common Whitethroats singing from the side of the tip and the all of a sudden I heard the "cuckoo oo" of a male Cuckoo, as it flew past me on the side of the tip. This caused the Skylarks to alert to incoming danger and saw many have a go at it, however the Cuckoo was unfazed by this and kept on its journey. Out on the river from Coldharbour point was a large Gull flock and also 48 Common Tern feeding in between them. This was then interrupted by two intruding Arctic Tern which flew downstream past the feeding Common Tern and carried on their journey unfazed by the feeding frenzy below them. Above: Mainly Herring Gulls Below: Harvester of some sort (The Trick is spotting it) I then moved along the sea wall and as I did the sun started to reappear and make it quite uncomfortably hot. A sign that spring migration was still going was a new singing Reed Warbler between the path over the landfill and Coldharbour point. An Oystercatcher was also added to the day list and then as I made it towards the path over the tip I stopped to listen and there was a Corn Bunting singing. Sure enough I found it singing from a perch in the middle of the meadow flowers. I managed to get a few photos of it unmoved even though some really large lorries had gone between me and it. Even though this bird is on my Life list I can't actually recall seeing it before and therefore I think this might have been a lifer for me. When it did finally decided to fly off I saw it chase a second male off a nearby perch that I hadn't spotted before. Above: Oystercatcher Next 2: Corn Bunting I then took the path over the landfill which was becoming quite over grown, however it was really nice to see so many wild flowers including poppies growing up there. The main species to see up here today were Linnets, Meadow Pipits, and Skylarks. Next 3: Meadow Pipit Below: poppies Everything was looking really green which was great. There wasn't much from Serin mound bar a flock of 20 or so Shelduck and also a Marsh Harrier courting the Marsh. That was only until the noise of a bubbling Female Cuckoo came out from my left hand side followed by the call from a Male Cuckoo. The Female shot into a bush just below where I was and the Male Carried on and I couldn't quite make out where he went down. I then carried on my journey listening to an annoyingly close Grasshopper Warbler Reeling its heart out, however despite my desperate attempts I could only pick out a Male Pheasant. I did eventually pick out a Male Stonechat too which was great to see. Another Male Pheasant gave great views further along the sea wall. Above: Male Pheasant Below: Some sort of Wild flower, but I like it... Above: Male Stonechat Next 2: Male Pheasant I then headed back to the visitor centre to have lunch. Once in the visitor centre I watch the young Starling fighting over the food at the bird feeders as well as annoying the other locals such as House Sparrow, and Collared Dove. Next 3: Juv Starlings I then headed out onto the reserve. where all was quiet. Even Dents Drop was quiet with only a few Redshank. I then headed round to the woodland where a Blackcap and a couple of Chiffchaff were singing their hearts out. A Great Spotted Woodpecker also flew into one of the large trees near the cordite store and also a Robin flew on the post that I was leaning on which was a bit odd and I think I might have given it the fright of its life. Above: Great Spotted Woodpecker Below: Robin Above: Great Spotted Woodpecker Next 3: Singing Chiffchaff Above: Dunnock I then headed round to the woodland feeders where a couple of rats fed and not much else. The Barn Owl was viewable from his box as per always and I think that I might have actually seen one of his youngsters, but either way they are always special birds to see. I then went into the Ken Barret Hide, however there wasn't too much to see in here except a Coot feeding its chicks so I swiftly moved on. I then moved onto the first viewing platform which was full of the song of Reed Warblers from all around. The main attraction here was the group of Pochard, Coot, and Tufted Ducks out in the middle. There were also some Grey Heron and Little Egrets dotted around the banks and a large flock of Gadwall had gathered which I guess is a group of non breeders coming in from elsewhere. I then moved round to the second platform, not really expecting to see anything. It started off the way that I had thought however a stunning Drake Wigeon swam into view followed by a female. This may not seem exceptional however given that it is going to be June tomorrow rather than December this is quite something. I am not entirely sure what they were doing here however all I know is that they should be a lot further North than here right now and they should be breeding. Interesting.... Above: Greylag and family Below: I think it is a Honey Bee... Above and Below: Drake Wigeon Below: Pair of Wigeon and a Mallard I think... After that shock I moved round to the Butt's Hide. I had a look out onto target pools however apparent from a Hobby there wasn't much until three Common Tern came into view. The other side of the hide was jam packed with Pochard and Tufted Ducks sitting asleep on the banks. Above: Drake Pochard Below: Drake Pochards and Drake Tufted Ducks Above: Drake Pochard Below: Hobby I then left the hide because it was getting late and had a look in the neighbouring field. There were Shovelers and also Lapwing and Redshank about. Reed Buntings sang as I went past the Dragonfly pools and then a pinging sound came out of the reeds in front of me and out popped a Female Bearded Tit which flew along the tops of the reeds pinging and then disappeared out of sight in another dense reed bed. I decided to have one last look into the Ouzel field and it paid off as I spotted a group of young lapwing chicks running around in the ever growing grass. Above: Drake Shoveler Below: Male Reed Bunting Above: lapwing with Chicks Below: Redshank I then headed back to the centre on a walk which was rather disappointing. A Skylark was the highlight having a dust bath on the path ahead. Above and Below: Skylark Above: Male Reed Bunting... There were a lot of these guys around today As I headed for the station I thought to myself of what could have been however with my life list still sitting at 172 I decided that I could be happy with the progress I had achieved over the last few days and weeks and with the confirmation of Corn Bunting today I was most happy, and to think that 2 weeks ago I had never seen a Cuckoo and now I have seen almost 20 individuals is crazy. I also had a stunning Male Marsh Harrier flyover me as I headed towards the station to head home. Keep a look out over the next few days for my blog posts about my days at Blashford Lakes and also RSPB Ham Wall
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BTO Bird Camp - Part 2 - Landguard, Hollesley Heath, RSPB Hollesley Marshes - 28th May 201729/5/2017 After a 19 hour day yesterday most tents slept through their alarms. My tent was lucky enough to still be up early enough to see Max and Ben sorting through the Moth trap from the night before, however the truth was most people were shattered. Above: One of the moths I do know and that is a Poplar Hawk Moth... Above: The bug, beetle thing is a Cockchafer... After this we set out for a day's exploring at Landguard, however just as we were setting off we realised that one of the tents inhabitants hadn't woken up yet... So after a 20minute delay we were finally off for our 45 minute journey and for most people a 45 minute sleep. We arrived at Landguard Bird Observatory at just after 07:15 in the hope of finding something magical that spring migration still had left in the tank. We were met by the warden from the observatory and he gave us a tour round the old military fort and explained to us what it was like to work at the observatory. We then headed up to the look out and this was where a moth trap had been set up the night before. We were able to get close up to this moth trap and see what had been caught overnight. This included a Polar Hawk moth, Elephant Hawk moth, cream spotted tiger moth, and also a superb Beautiful Hook tip moth which was a first for the observatory. Above: presumed Tortoiseshell Butterfly Below: Cream Spotted Tiger moth Above: Cream Spotted Tiger Below: Elephant Hawk Moth Next 2: Poplar Hawk Moth Next 2: Beautiful Hook Tip We then had a quick look out to sea, however all was calm. We then went for a tour round the observatory and out onto the reserve. We were shown the mist nets and different types of techniques used to ring birds, however the only thing that we caught were 3 baby Great Tits. Just before we headed on a Reed Warbler could be heard singing its head off from somewhere nearby showing us that migration was still in full swing and something could turn up whilst we were there. Unfortunately the Reed Warbler was just an exception and so we spent the next half an hour meeting the locals. These ranged from House Sparrows to Ringed Plover, and it was great to be able to see their chicks running around enjoying the sunshine. Just before we left a group of Pied Wagtails came down to feed on the grass nearby and gave us superb views of these little gems. We then left Landguard and headed off to Hollesley Heath for some Dartford Warbler and Woodlark action… Above: Linnet Next 2: Rabbits Next 3: Male House Sparrow Next 2: Ringed Plover chicks Next 4 : Ringed Plover Below: Male Pied Wagtail Once at Hollesley Heath we could hear our first Woodlarks of the trip. It took some careful squinting into the sky before we could finally pick one up over head, and as if to mock our desperate attempt to see it, one flew straight over our heads and off into the distance. This was a great moment for me, because Woodlark for me was a lifer meaning that I hadn't seen one before which to me seems odd especially as I visit RSPB Arne regularly enough that I should see at least one in the summer months. We then headed along a narrow path to sit in wait for a Dartford Warbler to show, but with little luck. We did however see Linnets, and Stonechats, as well as listening to Yellowhammer, Willow Warblers, and Chiffchaff song. We did however have an amazing Yellow Wagtail fly over us, which then circled the sheep flock, before flying straight back over our heads, which for many of us was our best ever views of this species, and what a treat too. We then got a call from David that there was a Dartford Warbler about on a path parallel to us and sure enough within 10 minutes we had all connected with this individual albeit fleetingly and in flight only for some of us, and with that we headed for our pub lunch. Above: The heat haze kind of spoilt a perfectly good picture of a Linnet Below: Woodlark superbly captured by James McCulloch (jiainmac.wordpress.com/) Above: A truly magnificent shot of the Yellow Wagtail by Elliot Montieth (elliotsbirdingdiaries.wordpress.com) After lunch we headed out to RSPB Hollesley Marshes. Here we decided that a second bird race was in order due to the tie at Lakenheath, however this slowly deteriorated into another draw as the two groups merged in the middle. My group when we were separate headed to the hide first and immediately we found a rather tired Swallow sitting on the fence in front of us giving everyone superb views. From inside the hide we could see a Marsh Harrier over the tall poplar trees at the back as well as Redshank, Shelduck, Gadwall, and loads of nesting Avocet. We were also accompanied by the chorus of Cuckoo, Reed Warbler and Cetti's Warbler song. A pair of Linnets in the end stole the show coming in and out of the nest that they had built just to the side of the hide giving everyone exceptional views. Others also saw Little Grebe and also a female Teal here, which I unfortunately missed out on. Above: Barn Swallow Below: Avocet Above: Avocet, Shelduck, and Redshank Below: Avocet Above and Below: Linnet We then headed round towards the mouth of the river and the sea wall where you could do a bit of sea watching. Just before I got to the wall those that were already there had a pair of Mediterranean Gulls fly over them giving superb views. Once I was at the wall all was quiet, bar the 10 Common Terns feeding and annoying the Herring Gulls that bobbed up and down on the current. There was a little tower thing on the inside of the wall and we went inside it to investigate. Inside was empty space used well by the animal kingdom, with a Wren nest and screaming Swallows (presumably nest building) being the highlights. We then headed back round to the other hide slowly and of course Toby and Ben stayed behind and heard and I believe saw a Sandwich Tern rocket past them which would have been a lifer for me had I seen it. Above: Here is a photo of the Med Gull that I missed by Elliot Montieth (elliotsbirdingdiaries.wordpress.com) Next 4: Common Tern by me... On the way to the next hide I spotted 2 Stock Dove fly up into one of the dead trees out in the marsh land area, alongside a Lesser Black Backed Gull and a Little Egret. Once at the hide it was all the same really however an Oystercatcher and Grey Heron was a nice addition to the list. Above and Below: Yep the Barn Swallow was still there Below: More Avocets We then headed back to the Mini van and unfortunately had to say goodbye to David, Ben, other Ben, Toby, and Elliot so that they could get their trains and cars respectively on time. We then had a debrief back at the Nunnery and totalled up the bird species list to 104, which smashed last year's record of 101. We then all said our goodbyes before parting ways. When I arrived at Thetford station I met Angus and his Dad waiting for the train to Manchester Pic, and so I shared their train for one stop. Along the way we tried to see if we could find a Crane or two but with no luck. And so after taking 5 trains and over 3 hours, I finally arrived home. This trip was amazing and it was really great to meet so many like minded people and to make loads of good friends. My life list now sits at a much healthier 172 Species and with a target of 180 for the end of the year it would look as though I am on track. I have decided that I will put all the Twitter accounts and Blog pages for the young birders at the trip so that you can see their accounts from bird camp. I would also like to take this chance to thank both the BTO and The Cameron Bespolka Trust for all the time and effort it takes to organise and put on an event like this. Keep a look out of the next week for a blog post about my trip to RSPB Rainham Marshes, and Blashford Lakes. Here are the links as promised below: The BTO team – @_BTO | bto.org
I arrived at The Nunnery the night before. The first meal was eaten and Ieuan gave us a talk about surveying and also about what we were going to be doing over the next few days. After this we headed off to our tents for a nights sleep. 4 Hours later and at 03:10 I had been woken up like many others in my tent by the sound of 2 Male Cuckoos and a female Cuckoo coming from above the tent. We decided to get up and head outside for the dawn chorus since sleeping was becoming hard due to the light starting to stream in through the tent. The Dawn Chorus was amazing with Robins, Song Thrush, and Blackbirds as well as Wrens. Also more notably an Oystercatcher flew over head calling at 03:30, a brief snippet of Grasshopper Warbler was heard at around 04:30 and was heard by others in their tents, and also at 04:45 a Curlew came over calling. Lesser Black Backed Gulls, and Goldcrest were also seen and heard, as well as Canada Geese, and Greylag. A Pheasant was also seen and a Muntjac came out briefly later on in the morning. A more notable bird was heard at 01:30 - a Nightjar was heard alarm calling over the tent of Ieuan and Paul. The next couple of hours involved looking at the moth trap that Ben and Max had set up and seeing what they had caught, however with our stomachs grumbling a small snack beckoned and so we retreated inside to have something to eat. We then set off to the main part of The Nunnery Lakes Reserve and I was in group 2. On the way into the reserve Red-legged Partridges were seen from my bus alongside Rooks, Hares, and Rabbits. We spent the first part of the morning bird ringing which was awesome. We ringed Cetti's Warblers, lots of Reed Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blue Tit, and a Song Thrush. Whilst at the ringing sight you could hear the sound of singing Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, and also Cuckoos. The Cuckoos included a superb flyby display from the Males and also a Rufus/ Hepatic Cuckoo. A Barn Owl was also seen hunting and also seen with what I assume was a vole in its mouth... Above: Sedge Warbler Next 2: Reed Warbler Above: Reed Warbler Below: Cetti's Warbler Above: Female Banded Demoiselle Below: Garden Warbler Next 3: Blue Tit Next 4: Song Thrush Next 4: 4 Brilliant photos from Elliot Montieth of the Hepatic Female Cuckoo at The Nunnery Lakes. (elliotsbirdingdiaries.wordpress.com/ ) After the Ringing session we went off to have breakfast. Whilst having breakfast news broke that there was a Stone Curlew showing really well just a short walk from where we were. Me, Robin, and Louis went down to investigate along with many others. Sure enough there was a stonking Stone Curlew staring back at us when we peered into the field (which is a lifer for me), alongside Red-legged Partridge, Lapwings, Corvids. Above: Stone-Curlew Below: Lapwing Above: Red-legged Partridge Below: Common Buzzard We then headed back to the car park where breakfast was served and another moth trap was sorted through. Above: Cockchafer Below: I am not too good with moths so I will leave you to identify them and enjoy the slightly varying shades of brown that they come in. There are some awesome ones though to follow in part two of my blog... Above: Something tells me this was a Harlequin Ladybird... After breakfast my group went out nest recording and no sooner had we started, Ben had picked out a Blackbird nest, however it appears that Ieuan had already spotted that one earlier. Moving on Ben had the next find and that was a pair of Blue Tits with young chicks using a Bat Box with a Bird Box standing empty opposite it. We then searched for a Chiffchaff nest that in the end wasn't found. A Wren nest was next on the list followed by a Blackbird nest with young, a nice neat Reed Bunting nest, an old Willow Warbler nest, and finally I found a pair of Common Whitethroat with nest material flying in and out of a spot. After it was searched for the next 10mins we came up with nothing unfortunately. However an Oystercatcher in the next field alarm called and that was when we decided to head back to camp with the sound of singing Blackcap, Willow Warbler, and Yellow Hammer telling us that a vast storm was approaching. Above and Next 2 Blackbird nest and chicks. Above: Disused Wren nest Below: Reed Bunting nest Above: Oystercatcher Next 2: Greylag + Goslings On our way back we were stopped in our tracks by a male Cuckoo singing from the middle of a bare tree. This was amazing because I had only ever seen birds in flight before. He sat there preening himself, before I eventually gave in and headed for cover in the mini van waiting for us with everyone piled into one whilst the storm raged over head. After the storm had passed we were all treated to a flyby from a pair of Egyptian Geese as well as a Hobby that came charging through. We were also shown a Willow Warbler nest with chicks in it, however we didn't have much time as the parents had returned with food for the youngsters. Above: Willow Warbler chick that is so close to fledging. My group was next up to do a bit of surveying. This involved mapping out where the territories of the singing males were as well as putting on all the species that we saw. Reed Warblers, Yellowhammer, and Garden Warbler all sung their hearts out, as Reed Buntings, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebes, and a Cormorant all put in a show. The highlight for me would be seeing a Kingfisher flying up and down the far bank in search of some food before it headed over into another lake. Above: Great Crested Grebe Below: Female Reed Bunting We then tried to head back to the camp however it appeared that we had been locked in the reserve, so we had 10 minutes to look for the Lesser Whitethroat that had been seen and heard in recent days, however only Red-legged Partridges could be picked up and a lot of them too. Eventually the gate was unlocked and we headed back for lunch. During lunch Amy gave us a talk about the great work of @cameron_b_trust and how they have help young birders to have great opportunities like this after an unfortunate tragic event, and it is at this time that I would like to thank them hugely for making BTO Bird Camp happen. The afternoon was spent at RSPB's Lakenheath Fen Reserve. After a talk from the Warden about the history and the species we should hope to see, we turned this into a bird race. This means that whichever team records the most species wins. I was on the dream team featuring the likes of Ieuan, Luke, Max, Amy, Elliot, Harry, and many others. Species were hard to come by as we started our trek into the reserve. The first view point was quite productive though with House Martins, Swift, Sand Martins, and Swallow recorded as well as Great Crested Grebe with young, Gadwall, Mallard, and Hobbys whizzing through above us. Above: Gadwall Below: Great Crested Grebe + Chicks We then carried along the path as the wind picked up our chances of seeing Warbler species started to fade away. It was almost impossible to hear the songs of these species. Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, and Cetti's Warblers were eventually had by the team, and a Cuckoo sat out of sight singing its heart out. We then moved on and Ben found a Great Crest Grebe on a nest. We then headed up to the viewing platform. Marsh Harriers quartered the reed beds in front of us and a Cormorant sat watch in front of us, however there was no Warbler activity due to the strong wind. Swift was however added to the list for the race and so too were Lapwing, Stock Dove, and Reed Bunting. A Common Tern was then spotted flying down the river next to us and that was when we decided to move on. Above: Cormorant Above and Below: Silhouetted Marsh harrier We then continued round to where the Marsh Warbler had been showing well in recent days, however with the wind it didn't show. A couple of us thought that we might have briefly heard it, but it was too windy to tell, and after 30 minutes we continued the race, rather than heading for the Savi's Warbler that wasn't going to show. As we continued our race someone near the front of the group shouted "Bittern" and sure enough there flying past us was a stonking adult Bittern. This was the first time I had ever seen a bittern and it was something that I am going to remember for a long time. The awesome flight of the Bittern low over the tops of the reeds. We then continued and in the shelter of the woods it was much easier to pick up warbler species and Blackcap, Chiffchaff, and Reed Warblers were picked up as well as 2 Cuckoos. 2 Shovelers were picked up flying down stream and that was new for the trip, and Mute Swans were seen as well. I decided to stay in between the main group out in front and the stragglers way behind me, and therefore I got to have another amazing flyby from a Bittern that the group in front had flushed from the reeds below the path. A stunning Male Marsh Harrier came into view and quartered the Reed Bed just above the flying Bittern. A female Bearded Tit was also seen as it quickly flew from one bit of reeds to another, and a Male Stonechat was picked up on the opposite side. Above: Mute Swan Next 2: Male Marsh Harrier Above: Common Buzzard Below: Male Stonechat We then moved round to meet up with the rest of the group and view over the scrape where an Oystercatcher and a flock of at least 10 Ringed Plover fed on the muddy banks. We then headed back to the camp for Dinner and a Presentation By Ben, about living next to and working at Bardsey Bird Observatory. I wish I could have a garden list of almost 150 species of birds. (mine stands at around 50...). Above: Oystercatcher, and you can just about make out the Ringed Plover We then headed out to Brandon Park after supper to look for Nightjars. It was an absolutely wonderful evening for it and the wind had died down. When we arrived all you could hear was the song of Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, and also Tree Pipits (which was a lifer for me). We spent the next hour looking at the sunset and also looking for the Tree Pipits. A Tree Pipit was eventually found and I had a very brief view of it in flight. Another was also later found on the ground after some careful searching by David. Then at 21:18 the first Nightjars could be heard churring off in the distance and by 21:30 they could be seen perched at the tops of trees and then flying about above our heads. It was truly magical. News came in that they had caught a Nightjar in the mist nets and so we headed back to where the Mini Buses were parked. Now if you haven't seen a Nightjar then I would recommend going and seeing one because you will never see anything more spectacular again after seeing one this close up. They are awesome birds and to witness a male Nightjar get ringed is absolutely amazing. Above: Spot the Nightjar Above: Volume must be turned on full to hear it unfortunately... This rounded off an excellent first day at BTO Bird Camp 2017, and as we headed back to the buses a Woodcock flew over calling loudly and news broke that a Long-eared Owl had been seen by some of the others. 88 Species were seen in the day, but were we going to beat last years record of 101? Be sure to read the second part of my blog post to find out. Credits: Elliot Monteith for his photos of the Hepatic female Cuckoo elliotsbirdingdiaries.wordpress.com/ For those wanting to know a bit more about the Cameron Bespolka Trust click the link below: cameronbespolka.com
Also many thanks to the BTO (bto.org) for hosting the weekend Also here is a video by Amy of the Bird Camp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_us0pL6SxY&app=desktop More to come in Part 2... It was a glorious sunny morning when I arrived at Rainham station. When the level crossing finally lifted I started my venture towards Rainham North with the sound of hundreds of newly fledged Starlings around me and this was an on going theme throughout the day. A Cetti's Warbler sang from just beside the Eurostar train line and a Kestrel flew up onto one of the pylons where I believe it might have been nesting. Common Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers sung from the reed beds and 2 little Mallard Ducklings were briefly seen. Moving on towards the A13 brought about a pair of Linnet, singing Wren, Gadwall, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat. Above and Below: Linnet I then continued on into Rainham West and I decided to take the path through the middle. This was like walking into a choir practice with Warbler Songs interspersed with Skylarks and Starlings. A Blackcap was an interesting one for this part of the reserve and showed quite well. Then the excitement started! I heard an explosion of Cuckoo song coming from towards the A13 and when I looked there were 3 Male Cuckoos (the ones singing) and 2 Female Cuckoos, however none of them stopped for long enough to have their photo taken although they did give some very decent flight views. They continued whizzing about 'chasing' each other whilst I was there and this was definitely a long over due lifer. Above: Grey Heron Below: Common Whitethroat Above: Sedge Warbler Below: Common Whitethroat Above and Below: Wren Above and Below: Mute Swan Above and Below: Male Blackcap I then moved onto the path to the Stonebarges with more singing Whitethroat, Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaff, and also a Blackcap for company. A fly over Little Egret was also good, as too were the 2 Grey Herons. Above: Reed Warbler Below: Little Egret Above: Grey Heron Below: Goldfinch I then headed out to the Stonebarges where a large gull roost had gathered. A couple of high flying Cormorants were mixed in with the Gulls up above and a Common Buzzard hovered low over the Landfill. Whitethroats were singing from almost every part of the bushes possible and Skylarks could be heard doing their happy song from the sides of the landfill. Above: Male Gadwall Below: Cormorant Above: Common Whitethroat Below: LBBG, Herring Gulls, and GBBG I then continued round towards Coldharbour point stopping when hearing two terns calling as they flew past. A total of 8 of what I believe are Common Terns flew past. Common Whitethroats were still the most numerous in this section, however a tailless Blackcap was seen along the edge of the sea wall. More Gadwalls and Cormorants were seen on the river and Shelducks were seen on the tip. Above: Common Tern Below: Common Whitethroat Above: Common Whitethroat Below: Left: Female Gadwall, Right: Male Gadwall Above: Male Blackcap Next 4: Shelduck I then moved along to the path over the landfill adding Dunnock and Robin to my day list in the normal section. Again Whitethroats continued their song and Goldfinches and Linnets flew noisily over head. Once at the Path I watched a Male Kestrel hovering and diving for food. Meadow Pipits and Skylarks were up in the air singing and insect catching and the view was stunning. Above and Below: Male Kestrel Above and Next 3: Meadow Pipit I then felt a buzz in my pocket. I had received a text and it read Crane on Wennington viewable from Serin Mound and it was from Dante who was at home revising when he had the text come through. Immediately stopped what I was doing and legged it over the top of the landfill and down the other the side to where a small group of Birders had gathered. I was immediately told to look through a telescope and would you believe it a Common Crane was staring back at me albeit about a mile away. Just like magic. I had actually been talking about Cranes yesterday with John when in the Totteridge Valley however I never imagined I would see one inside the M25. A London Mega and a Lifer and I just about beat Howard to it and he had to come all the way from Kent. This is only the second rarity to appear at Rainham that I haven't 'dipped', and unfortunately it would be that the Garganey would disappear too in true Samuel fashion... A rather ropey record shot and an equally ropey video... bird is at the back of the Reeds... Whilst we watched the Crane for several minutes a Garden Warbler sang, a Lesser Whitethroat sang, Pheasants feed below us and 2 Hobbys sat on the posts out on Wennington. A Male Marsh Harrier also quartered the marsh. Above: Male Pheasant Below: 2 Hobby I then headed to the visitor center for a break from the sun, but not before picking up a Grasshopper Warbler reeling away near the enclosed bay and picking up Redshank and Lapwing along the sea wall. A Butterfly which I can't remember the name of was also seen before lunch was consumed... I couldn't remember why I took this photo. Here you go Linda it made it on my blog... After lunch I headed out onto the main reserve and started off by having a look to see what was on Purfleet scrape. To be honest there wasn't much however little Shoveler ducklings could be seen with parents and some Tufted Duck and Coots were about amongst the Shelduck and Canada Geese. I then moved on to Dents drop however on the way I found 3 obliging male Reed Warblers. Cetti's Warblers also sang from here. Next onto Dent's drop where it was more of the same with Canada Geese and the odd Shelduck around. I assume there were Little Ringed Plovers there somewhere; there was just too much foliage around to pick them out. I then headed into the Woodland where Blackcaps were singing and so too were some Chiffchaff with one deciding to show itself really well. A Lesser Whitethroat also sang from the woodland loop. I then moved on to the loop round the outskirts of the woodland, because this is where I figured there could be some late migrants hanging around, however with no such luck I proceeded to looking at empty space and a few Holly Blues. I then moved round to the woodland feeders where the first Great Tit of the day was found and also a large group of Collared Doves had gathered, but with nothing else I moved on to the Ken Barret hide listening to the songs of Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers. Next 3: Holly Blue Below: Collared Dove From the Ken Barret hide there was very little. A few Sedge Warblers zipped past from time to time and some Drake Mallards sat out on one of the Islands. A Marsh Harrier could be seen off in the distance over in the direction of Wennington. Then a pair of Coot came round the corner with one of their ducklings, and so did a female Shoveler leading a group of 7 Ducklings behind her. Above: Coot duckling Next 2: Shoveler Ducklings I then moved onto the viewing platforms where again Reed Warblers were singing and making themselves known to everyone passing by. Out on the pools, there were good numbers of Tufted Duck and Coot, as well as a couple of pairs of Pochards. Canada Geese and Goslings surrounded the outside of the pools along with Shelduck and also Little Egret and Grey Heron. Also whilst I was standing there a flock of 20 Gadwall flew in from the Sea Wall and landed right out in the middle of the pools, and a couple of Little Grebe were seen round the edges. Above and Below: Little Egret and Grey Heron Below: Pair of Gadwall with a Drake Tufted Duck in the background I then proceeded onto the Butt's Hide and this time listening to mainly the song of Common Whitethroats and Reed Warblers. From the hide looking towards the main reserve there was a good mix of Pochard, Tufted Duck, Canada Geese and Goslings, Mute Swans and Redshank. There was even a couple of Teal still dotted around which is getting late for them, because they should be returning to breeding grounds at this time of year, and they should be well settled in. On the other side of the hide it was still hard to pick out much other than Shoveler, Redshank, Lapwing, Shelduck, and masses of Canada Geese. I assume there probably could have been a few waders towards the back of Target pools however the heat haze made it virtually impossible to tell. Above: Canada Geese and Goslings Below: Redshank Above: Mute Swan Below: 2 Drake Teal, Gadwall, and the head of a Lapwing Above: Drake Tufted Duck Below: Pair of Gadwall Below: Drake Gadwall I then headed round to the Toilet block. I was not expecting to see what I believe to be a Greenland race Northern Wheatear there and showing really well. There were also some Dunnocks about. I then headed on to have a look at Ouzel field, where Canada Geese and also Cootlings were seen. The Reed Beds now contained a very tuneful mix from Cuckoo to Reed Bunting and also the usual Reed Warblers, Common Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers. Above: Dunnock Below: Coot Duckling Next 3: Northern Wheatear (Greenland Race?) Above: Coot Duckling Below: Canada Goose family I then headed round to the MDZ where all was quiet, bar a few Swifts up high over the marsh. I quickly moved on and found a very obliging Redshank sitting on the fence which seemed to draw the attention of many of the people around me who stopped and stared in awe at just how close he was. I then moved round to the high seat where a Redshank sat very still out in the open. The reason for this was unknown until I spotted a few bundles of fluff running around in front of it... Then onto the Purfleet hide via a few Singing Common Whitethroat and Cetti's Warblers. A Female Reed Bunting also dived into the reeds near to where the hide is. From the Purfleet hide it was quite quiet. Some Lapwings were sitting out on the islands along with Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Coots, and Moorhens. I then proceeded to look at the photo exhibition behind me which was amazing. I especially like the Mandarin Duck with its reflection on the water below. Below: pair of Tufted Duck I then headed back into the reserve centre, but not before a flyby Oystercatcher was seen and heard making its way towards Averly Pools. I then had a brief rest stop before heading back out and towards the station, but not before taking a look at the view and also the House Sparrows. Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers sang and were spotted in the small bit of reed bed in front of the visitor centre and then off to the station I went. At Purfleet station there were still 2 singing Blackcap and also a flyby Greenfinch was a nice addition to the day list. Above: Male House Sparrow When I arrived home the Stock Dove were still in the garden along with the regulars, and also a Collared Dove, which is the 4th record this year, beating all my other yearly tallies for my Garden.
This rounded off what was a truly magical day at RSPB Rainham Marshes taking my British life list to 168 Species and I think that more might come in the coming weeks and months and with a target for the end of the year to be on at least 180 species, which I am well on track to meet. Thank you to everyone who was at the Common Crane 'twitch' and allowed me to use their telescopes to view it. I am already looking forward to my next birding trips... |
AuthorI have been a birder since i was 8 however only really started to be able to go out to places by myself in Summer 2016 (Blame the parents) My blogs will be from all over the place, but mainly from RSPB Rainham Marshes and Totteridge Valley! Photography done by Samuel Levy aged 16. ArchivesCategories |