A last minute decision this morning to have another visit to Alkborough, now that wader numbers should be on the increase. The walk along to the first hide revealed the sound of two young Cetti's Warblers and although I patiently waited, I had the briefest of sightings through the reeds in front of me. Further along the path, the 'pinging' sound of the Bearded Tits brought a group of four birds into the reeds nearby. Again, all juveniles, not in large numbers but they did continue to be seen throughout the morning. In varying plumages by age, they do show well here and are a real pleasure to watch, feeding on the seed heads. On arriving at the hide, my first impression was that there were more waders than on my previous visit, certainly more Black-tailed Godwits have arrived and Redshank numbers too. Rough counts of the birds in front of me were - 77 Avocet, 44 Dunlin, 74 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 43 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher. 12 Grey Heron and 3 Little Egret were also present. After a short while, I was delighted to see a number of Spoonbills wading out from the left side and soon there were eight in all, busily feeding in the midwater area. Adult Spoonbill with juvenile (right). 'Hail the Spoonbill' It was some time before I noticed in the resting Redshanks, there was a Ruff moulting out of its summer plumage. Around the hide, various birds were calling including Reed Bunting and Wren. This Reed Warbler was one of two, making regular visits into the nearby reeds. Water Rails were making a fair noise this morning and young ones were popping out briefly, before scurrying back into the reeds. The ones I saw differed greatly in age and size. At one point, a family of four chicks (very new) were led around the hide by their parents. The ones below are definitely older. Back with the Spoonbills, the adult bird had seized what looked like a good-sized Roach but wasn't sure how to go about eating it, with a bill like that. It persevered for a long time, attempting to swallow it and then putting it back in the water, only to try again. I didn't actually see it eat the fish! A few more birds arrived on the waters'edge, including a distant Spotted Redshank. The Black-tailed Godwits are looking terrific at the moment in a rusty red plumage. More Bearded Tits passing through, I'm afraid! A really good morning at Alkborough, two Marsh Harriers and a Common Buzzard made up the raptors.
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