Without question, Tophill Low reserve in East Yorkshire has a wonderful range of habitats with two reservoirs, marshes, areas of scrub, woodland walks and a river through adjacent farmland. Consequently, a visit in early Spring will reveal the remaining over-wintering birds along with the newly arriving migrants, giving a substantial number of species to be found. The sound of bird song in the car park alone had to be believed this morning. High in the conifers, Goldcrests were calling with Mistle Thrush, Tree Sparrow, Great and Blue Tit, Robin, Blackcap and Chiffchaffs all in the vicinity. A Brambling wheezed and Great-spotted Woodpeckers were drumming alternately. Walking in the direction of South Marsh, I saw another Brambling and my 'first of the year' Willow Warbler, one of three this morning. The marsh was already busy with numerous Black-headed Gulls settling in to the colony and a drake with two female Pintails, was a pleasant surprise. A familiar call alerted me to two Little Ringed Plovers - early migrant waders. Little Grebe close to the hide. A Redshank was present and among the wildfowl were a handful of Shelduck, a pair of remaining Wigeon and small numbers of Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall. No sign of Sedge Warblers yet but, a Whitethroat was singing at the back of the marsh as was a Cetti's Warbler. Moving on to Watton NR lake, the Garganey didn't seem to be about (seen yesterday morning) but a Snipe showed well and several Grey Herons and Cormorants arrived. A Willow Warbler was singing here and a male Bullfinch was in trees by the hide. The walk through D Woods started with a look from the South Hide over the reservoir. Winter wildfowl numbers have decreased though a good number of Goldeneye were still here - the drakes displaying and looking splendid. D Woods was also full of bird song - another Brambling was high in a conifer, more Chiffies and a further Willow Warbler. Two Treecreepers were busy high up and Blackcaps were very obliging in full song! On North Marsh, I struggled with the Kingfishers this morning, A couple of Greylag Geese were messing about in the channels and the Kingfishers wouldn't come to the perches. They kept at a distance, flying about the reeds and being very mobile. The biggest photographic challenge by far this morning was at the new hide where, a female Long-tailed Duck which has been around for a while, was in the opposite corner of the reservoir. It would surface for around five seconds before diving again, repeatedly. You can see from the very varying images, what a great day or year list can be had at this Reserve. When you include the four Common Buzzards and Sparrowhawk overhead, the Geese, Crow and Pigeon families, the species number is an admirable one.
I arrived home at 1330, in time to witness the Red Kite passing through again, the second time in four days. I hope it becomes a regular visitor here. It was pursued by one of the locals! Comments are closed.
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