After a very long wait for some decent weather, I was out early on the flood plain where the rivers Ouse and Trent form the River Humber. This is a very extensive wetland/reedbed area and well known for the very reliable Bearded Tits. A small number were already calling as I set out and soon came across a couple of fine males. The Bearded Tit doesn't extend down to the Algarve so this was a nice opportunity to spend a little time with birds I haven't seen for a fair while. More small birds were flitting about nearby, mainly Reed Warblers. Another warbler easily found by its noisy call is the Cetti's. A species which is doing well along the Humber, I found at least five on my travels. Continuing my walk, a Cuckoo was calling almost constantly. One bird sang from a tree, eventually flying past me and being pursued by a second Cuckoo. Water levels were too high for many of the waders with no muddy areas at all on there usual resting places. I only came across a single Avocet and Oystercatcher flying over. By mid-morning I had heard two Bitterns booming and was treated to a flypast by presumably, one of the birds. On another wet area and out of camera range, I observed four Spoonbills in their usual resting mode and a single Great White Egret. Three Little Egrets moved around the wet fields. More Bearded Tits were heard, this time juvenile birds - here a male showed nicely. It was really enjoyable hearing British birds in the field again. Whitethroats were singing, Lapwings were calling, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were heard over the drier fields.
An unexpected sighting, after already seeing a few Roe Deer, was this mother with a very new looking fawn. |
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