Birding and other distractions

The first of three visits to these marshes for the Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows survey. Parking at the end of Binney Road I walked a circuit of the area on public footpaths. Binney Marsh itself looked the most promising and had a pair of displaying Lapwing. However, these proved to be the only Lapwing seen on the day, other waders being absent apart from two flocks of Whimbrel, with 15 birds in total.  Nevertheless the supporting cast of other birds made for an enjoyable walk in glorious weather. At Binney Farm there were several Yellow Wagtails including a pale blue-headed individual, the so called 'Channel Wagtail' intergrade. Nearby a migrant Whinchat sang softly. Close to Stoke Levels two male Wheatear were very obliging, while a Hobby zoomed around. A pair of Garganey on the lagoon were never close though a nice record. Yellow Wagtail intergrade Yellow Wagtail Whinchat Whinchat Wheatear Wheatear Hobby Male Garganey Female Garganey Stoke Lagoon

The main purpose of the visit was to check out the habitat in Salt Bay, a site in the Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows survey. Walking north from Swigshole I was pleased to hear two singing Greenfinch along the first part of the track. Several Whitethroat were also in song. Further on, in amongst a herd of cows, were four Cattle Egrets in all their finery. Near the seawall a Swallow flew north, and about six were eventually seen. My first of the year; at last! The visit confirmed insufficient habitat in Salt Bay for breeding waders, though feeding waders on the rising tide included 17 Bar-tailed Godwit, many in full summer plumage. The most promising habitat for breeding waders was on the other side of the seawall, with a Little Ringed Plover and a number of Avocet on the margins of the shallow pool. Several Yellow Wagtail were on the adjacent marsh. On the way back a Lesser Whitethroat was singing just north of Swigshole. Swallow Four Cattle Egrets Cattle Egrets Bar-tailed Godwit wi...

As the weather was good I carried out the early BBS today. It proved to be relatively quiet for birds, with 28 species in total. However, the highlight was two singing Willow Warblers, one seen in TF, the other more distantly in the wood, so heard only. Another day when I fail to see a Swallow or any hirundine for that matter. On finishing the survey just after 9 a.m. it was getting warmer so turned my attention to other things. I was pleased to find two Green Hairstreaks, one at the far end of DV the other in TF. Also new for the year was a Small Copper, while Orange-tips were much in evidence, though typically none settled for the camera. The warm conditions were also ideal for Adders, a total of eight being found, all in PV except for a male in TF. Those in PV included several sizeable males of about 0.5m that showed very well. Only two females, one of which was the melanistic individual, now paired with a normal coloured male. The male was guarding her, and during my observatio...

The May WeBS count in sunny conditions with a cool easterly breeze. A small number of new passerine arrivals, with two each of Sedge Warbler and Yellow Wagtail. My first of year Cuckoo near the fishing lakes but still waiting for Swallow, the lady at the stables also saying that she has yet to see one there. Seven Pochard were nice; hopefully staying to breed.  However, for the second month in succession I failed to see any birds of prey. Other wildlife included a young Grass Snake under refugia and two Wall Lizards in the usual area. Butterflies were active in the sunny conditions, the commonest species being Peacock, followed by Small White. Little Egret Pair of Pochard with Tufted Duck behind Grass Snake Female Wall Lizard  Peacock

Nice weather again today, albeit with a cool breeze. My first visit to Darland this year and impressive to see the management carried out on the Banks, with no doubt the ponies and cattle also doing their bit with their grazing. The Longhorn bull is an awesome beast and despite appearance is docile in nature, a characteristic of this breed. Butterflies were active in the sunny conditions, especially Brimstone with about 10 seen. One of these was a female, while a male settled on a flower by my feet. Also seen were four Peacock plus one Small Tortoiseshell, and in Hoath Woods on the way back a very fresh Speckled Wood. Nothing unexpected in terms of birds, though singing Chaffinch and Blackcap were welcome sights and sounds, plus several Chiffchaff were also heard. Nuthatch were particularly vocal in both Ambley and Hoath Woods. As found in recent years Darland Banks seems relatively poor for Adders, with none seen during this visit. I only recall seeing two there, a male last year and ...