Berengrave NR 04/12/21

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A bright sunny morning so Berengrave seemed a good option. When I was last there about a month ago the reserve was very quiet, however there was plenty to see during this visit.

A Firecrest was hoped for in view of last year's wintering bird and I managed to find one in the same general area as before, i.e. the ivy clad trees on the bank between upper and lower paths. The bird was typically very active, and as last year proved challenging to photograph. There was a suspicion of a second Firecrest but not enough to say for sure (edit. two seen the following day).

Near the steps leading to the lower path a plaintive call sounded right for Siberian Chiffchaff, and sure enough the bird was in the tall trees, a Sycamore being favoured. It was a typically pale individual, and on view for several minutes though mostly high up.

Also present at Berengrave were two Common Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, good numbers of Great, Blue, and especially Long-tailed Tits, plus a couple of noisy Jays.

Siberian Chiffchaff

Siberian Chiffchaff

Firecrest

Firecrest



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