The last few early mornings down at the local patch have been overcast, dull and cold, but on Sunday morning yes it was certainly not short sleeved shirt weather but the morning was bright and sunny as my regular companion from around the East hide proves below.
The Chiffchaff were in good voice around the reserve as were around 4 Cetti's Warblers. It becomes a regular, familiar and comforting routine as on entering the reserve the Chiffchaff sound around you and you wait to hear the first Cetti's of the visit (which you don't have to wait long for), although it takes a while longer to spot the fellows. Then in the distance you hear the drumming of the Great Spotted Woodpecker which most likely will be seen on a large dead tree on the path to the hide and you take a look into the distance where a Green Woodpecker has his favourite spot while a pair of Jays give their harsh calls from the trees over the field. As you walk along the Blue, Longtailed and Great Tits, Bullfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch dive and flit around from tree to tree while the Blackbirds hang around near the path head cocked on one side looking as though at any moment they might open a wing to display a line of wrist watches..'want to buy one mate?'.
On entering the hide you take that initial scan around spotting off the regulars and the expected; the Mute swan nesting on the opposite side of the water, the Snipe blending in at the waters edge on the islands, the Oystercatcher piping bright red bills swaying purposely back and forth. The Greater Crested Grebe will be gliding along maybe pairing up to display, the shoveler will be dotted here and there along with the Mallard and diminutive Teal. The Cormorant will be sunning wings spread on the island, the Grey Heron will be intently stalking its prey around the margins, the Canada Geese will be honking and the Black Headed Gull will be squealing. Closer inspection provides a Little Ringed plover starting back and forth in sudden jerks and runs like a leaner driver amongst the Lapwing and a pair of Little Grebe pop like corks to the surface of the water where sixty seconds ago there was nothing. Maybe a flash of Blue and Orange will herald one of the Kingfisher speeding along the reed margins or maybe a flash of Blue or Red overhead will herald one of the Swallow and a scan of the trees and posts may well find a Buzzard or Sparrowhawk perched. The reeds will provide the reed Bunting and little piles of debris will have their own Wren perched atop. Then you can scan around to find the pair of Gadwall and the Goosander and scan and listen to see if you can pick up the Redpoll or the Backcap or maybe the Willow Warbler that someone has reportedly heard that morning.
And every day brings something different; Sunday had it's Redshank and Little Ringed Plover on the Islands along with the expected. Monday in addition brought a Mistle thrush up in the tree at the car park, a party of around six Redpoll on one side of the tree lined paths leading to the hide and three Blackcap on the other side and on the Islands a Common Sandpiper. Tomorrow I might see the Sand Martin and Swallows instead.
It just depends on when and where you are and if you chance to coincide.
It's not a bad way to start a day...
Photographs top to bottom; Grey Heron, Goldfinch, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, ChiffChaff, Common Snipe, Tufted Duck.
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