Having spent the last two weeks tied up with bungalow alterations, I was desperate to get out this morning and enjoy some countryside. On the drive towards Tophill, the sunshine was slipping away and the Western sky was darkening quickly. Making straight for South Marsh, I knew the recent Great White Egret hadn't been seen yesterday but, there was always a chance it could have returned. On the way I couldn't help notice the colourful array of wild flowers, including orchids which are flourishing either side of the pathway. A Cetti's Warbler was singing, along with 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. On the marsh, there was no sign of the Great Egret but this Little Egret was next to the hide! Two Avocets were noted and three 1st summer Little Gulls were being pestered by the breeding Black-headed Gulls. The rain had arrived earlier than expected but in the sky over D reservoir, hundreds of Common Swifts were present, accompanied by a smaller number of House Martins and few Sand Martins.
A Common Buzzard flew over, as did a Sparrowhawk and a Cuckoo called at the North end of the reservoir. In D woods, Wrens had fledged, as had Long-tailed Tits and Great Tits. Blackcaps and a Song Thrush were singing, also another Cetti's Warbler here too. With the rain really setting in, and forecast for the remainder of the day, I decided to head back to the car. Comments are closed.
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