Nightingale Hunt

A friend was keen to hear Nightingales locally so, on Wednesday, it was off early to Paxton on a hunt for this elusive songster. There were plenty of birds singing and even showing themselves well including the Whitethroat and Chiffchaff and even a Robin with a crossed bill got in on the act. It was beginning to get a bit warm so I was hoping that we were going to succeed and, at last, that wonderful chuckling song rang out from the deep scrub and entertained us with its variety of 'tunes' for a long while flitting in and out of the dense scrub. I only managed a fleeting photo this time. On the walk back the Variable Damselflies and Banded Demoiselles were waking up and we had time for a quick visit to the hides to check on the heron chicks, Coots and Grebes. 

Spring at Paxton Pits

In the last week, I have heard 3 Nightingales and a Cuckoo at Paxton together with Willow Warbler and lots of Blackcaps so spring is definitely here. While one of the Great Crested Grebes is busy incubating the eggs, the other is out fishing etc and catching surface insects. The Coot is sitting on the nest but its partner still brings in some hefty nest materials! The Cormorants seem addicted to collecting twigs etc to add to their already very large nests.

Spring Migrants Arrive at Paxton

Last week's warm southerly obviously brought in lots of summer visitors. Paxton Pits was full of singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, and a short burst of Nightingale was heard together with sightings of Swallow and Sedge Warbler. The Grebes are still working on their nest site but making little progress with the high water level. 

Highlights Day One Mallorca

 It is difficult to choose just a few images from our first day birdwatching in S'albufera. The Black-Winged Stilts were very territorial though always seen off by the even more aggresive Avocets. There are Nightingales everywhere and a very vocal new species to be photographed - the Great Reed Warbler. Kentish Plover and Little Egret complete the set.

Breeding Underway at Fringringhoe Wick, Essex

Despite the current cold spell, breeding is underway at Fringinghoe Wick Nature Reserve. This male Kestrel was stretching its wings etc after being relieved of his egg sitting duties in the nest box. Spring migrants (Blackcaps, Chiffchaff) were busy setting up territories along with resident birds. Nightingale was heard but not seen! Even saw a male Adder in his resplendent silver colours