It was an early start this morning and an eerie mist hung around the Humber Bridge as I crossed the river, making my way to Alkborough Flats at the confluence of the Ouse and Trent. I expected the mist to lift quickly and it did, giving rise to singing Sedge Warblers in the brightening light. There were more Sedge's than I've seen for some time, probably due to first brood youngsters flitting about in the reeds. There was plenty of 'pinging' going on with the Bearded Tits and again, it was juveniles that seemed to be most active. Finding a tree full of them was quite a reward! All the common hirundines were present this morning - Swift, Swallow, House and Sand Martin though not in any large numbers. On the wetland, 4 Grey Herons took flight together, alarmed by one of the Marsh Harriers. A distant raptor looked very much like a female Hen Harrier, it flew across the wetland and wasn't seen subsequently. The presence of any harrier saw the Avocets take flight and with them were around 20 Black-tailed Godwits and 6 Redshank. By 11-00 am, the sun was searing already, the birds quietened down and a shimmering heat haze formed over the reeds. I found a close Reed Warbler while attempting to locate a calling Cetti's Warbler. I don't visit Alkborough too often, but it will be worth another visit when the waders begin returning in August.
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