4th MARCH 2007.
SURPRISE GUEST AT THE FEEDER!
There had been a change of plan for today. We had originally planned to go to Stokenchurch to see the Red Kites with Terry and Liz. We had cancelled the trip because the weather forecast was absolutely appalling and the whole thing would have been a waste of time. Terry and Liz had decided to visit the Centre yesterday as the weather would probably been a little better but Leon and I had to work and so were just happy to be able to get to the Centre for a few hours before the really bad weather set in. As we now seem to do when coming here, we arrived a little early so that we could spend some time near the Entrance Lake; you never know just what might turn up here.
The sky was overcast but there was no rain and it was also still quite warm for the time of the year. We had only been on site for a few minutes when we both realised that there were far more people about than was usual at the start of the day. We were soon to find out that this increased activity was due to a sighting on the previous evening of a Stone Curlew! People had come from miles around to try to get a view of this ‘early bird’.
SURPRISE GUEST AT THE FEEDER!
There had been a change of plan for today. We had originally planned to go to Stokenchurch to see the Red Kites with Terry and Liz. We had cancelled the trip because the weather forecast was absolutely appalling and the whole thing would have been a waste of time. Terry and Liz had decided to visit the Centre yesterday as the weather would probably been a little better but Leon and I had to work and so were just happy to be able to get to the Centre for a few hours before the really bad weather set in. As we now seem to do when coming here, we arrived a little early so that we could spend some time near the Entrance Lake; you never know just what might turn up here.
The sky was overcast but there was no rain and it was also still quite warm for the time of the year. We had only been on site for a few minutes when we both realised that there were far more people about than was usual at the start of the day. We were soon to find out that this increased activity was due to a sighting on the previous evening of a Stone Curlew! People had come from miles around to try to get a view of this ‘early bird’.
THE LODGE IN SUNNIER TIMESPhoto: Sue Blair
EARLY MARSH MARIGOLDS
We made our way, as usual, to the Observatory and were on this occasion accompanied by quite a few others. Kitted up and our notebooks at the ready, we made our way to the Lodge area to look for the Goldcrest. It did not take Leon very long to spot the bird; it was part of a large mixed flock of Tits and Finches all dead keen to out-sing each other! Although there were a good number of ‘birders’ about we were both pleased to see that there were not many ‘little darlings’ to be seen. We thought that his was probably due to the inclement weather that should soon be upon us. We made our way on to the ‘Wildside’ hide where we were to be the only occupants for a good twenty minutes or so. It was good to note that there were several pairs of Mute Swans to be seen; we had almost given up on them coming back at one point although we had had several reports of them being seen. Not so the Stonechats; we were not to see them during our whole visit. Whilst at the hide I was having great trouble with the old Derby! It just would not stop rumbling. I suggested that we break off what we were doing and head for the Restaurant as I really did need something to eat. Leon was only too happy to comply; it was my turn to pay after all! We stopped briefly on the way back to the food to have a quick look in the ‘Headley’ hide. There were a few of the ‘regulars’ intent on seeing the Stone Curlew scanning all visible areas of the site. I had my doubts that they would see it because I thought that I had read somewhere that they are mostly nocturnal. (I found out later that they are more active at dusk and dawn, not nocturnal).
EARLY MARSH MARIGOLDSPhoto: Reg Norman
HIDDEN SPARROWHAWK!
Breakfast was excellent as usual and both of us felt much better once we had had our fill. There was a young lady breast-feeding in the restaurant. The infant could not have been more than a few months old and I wondered why somebody would bring such a young child out; he (or she) would certainly not appreciate the surroundings and there was a threat of some really nasty weather approaching. In fact we had put our waterproofs on, just in case, and the wind had picked up quite a bit and was noticeably colder.
From the ‘Dulverton’ hide we had a look for the Snipe that could usually be seen just outside, amongst the reeds. Again, there were people in this hide determined o see the Stone Curlew; again, they were to be disappointed. I felt sure that with the calibre of ‘birder’ that I knew to be about; if the bird was to be seen it would have been seen by now. I had noticed earlier in the day that there were not very many gulls on site but that they all seemed to have moved off to be over the river; perhaps our feathery guest had joined them?
We continued on and made our usual detour to see if we could spot the young Sparrowhawk amongst the boundary trees. The bird was there and we were able to watch it for quite some time, quite close up. Some of our ‘regular’ friends came along the main path so we ushered them towards us so that they might also enjoy the close-up views.
From the ‘Dulverton’ hide we had a look for the Snipe that could usually be seen just outside, amongst the reeds. Again, there were people in this hide determined o see the Stone Curlew; again, they were to be disappointed. I felt sure that with the calibre of ‘birder’ that I knew to be about; if the bird was to be seen it would have been seen by now. I had noticed earlier in the day that there were not very many gulls on site but that they all seemed to have moved off to be over the river; perhaps our feathery guest had joined them?
We continued on and made our usual detour to see if we could spot the young Sparrowhawk amongst the boundary trees. The bird was there and we were able to watch it for quite some time, quite close up. Some of our ‘regular’ friends came along the main path so we ushered them towards us so that they might also enjoy the close-up views.
HIDDEN SPARROWHAWK!Photo: Reg Norman
MORE MARSH MARIGOLDS!
The feeder area was as busy as usual although there was neither sight nor sound of the Water Rail. There was also very little evidence of the ‘little darlings’ in their enclosure either!
The Sheltered Lagoon was also very busy; again there were large flocks of Tits and Finches. We also heard some birdsong that we did not recognise and, although taking plenty of time and being extra vigilant, we were to be unable to identify the singer. The parakeets were even more noisy than usual; they appeared to have flushed a Green Woodpecker from the trees and we watched as he undulated away from the clamour.
Upon entering the ‘Wader Scrape’ hide we were pleased to see that the water level had gone down somewhat. We also both hoped that this was part of the plan to maintain the amount of water needed for the site as a whole and that, hopefully, the problems with the mussels were now dealt with.
The Sheltered Lagoon was also very busy; again there were large flocks of Tits and Finches. We also heard some birdsong that we did not recognise and, although taking plenty of time and being extra vigilant, we were to be unable to identify the singer. The parakeets were even more noisy than usual; they appeared to have flushed a Green Woodpecker from the trees and we watched as he undulated away from the clamour.
Upon entering the ‘Wader Scrape’ hide we were pleased to see that the water level had gone down somewhat. We also both hoped that this was part of the plan to maintain the amount of water needed for the site as a whole and that, hopefully, the problems with the mussels were now dealt with.
MORE MARSH MARIGOLDS!Photo: Reg Norman
THE LOG GARDEN
The Peacock Tower was quite busy; there appeared to be a ‘birding’ club outing in progress and it was most pleasing to see that the Bittern was showing quite well for them. One young lady offered me a look through her ‘scope which I accepted but did not stay looking long as she seemed to be having such a wonderful time! It was here that we learned that the first Sand Martin of the year had been seen that very morning; a fact that would be mentioned several time during the rest of our stay at the site.
Our first piece of really good luck came when we entered the ‘WWF’ hide. The Bittern had decided that he needed a little action and was showing really well and quite close-up; two weeks in a row, we must try the same pattern next week! I was particularly pleased for one couple that had travelled all the way from Somerset; by all accounts they come every year and have never been disappointed!
Our second piece of luck was to follow very shortly afterwards. We made our way back to where the young Sparrowhawk had been seen earlier hoping to watch him for a little more time. He was not there and so I suggested that we move on. Leon suggested otherwise, that we go back to the feeder area as we had seen the bird there on several occasions before; perhaps he had just changed positions. He was there alright; he was tucking into one of the (Great?) Tits in full view of all the other small birds. The amazing thing was that they were now all feeding eagerly as well from the feeders. Perhaps they somehow knew that the bird would now not be hunting?
We made our way back to the Centre, spotting as we went a Coot sitting on a nest in the Waterlife area.
Our first piece of really good luck came when we entered the ‘WWF’ hide. The Bittern had decided that he needed a little action and was showing really well and quite close-up; two weeks in a row, we must try the same pattern next week! I was particularly pleased for one couple that had travelled all the way from Somerset; by all accounts they come every year and have never been disappointed!
Our second piece of luck was to follow very shortly afterwards. We made our way back to where the young Sparrowhawk had been seen earlier hoping to watch him for a little more time. He was not there and so I suggested that we move on. Leon suggested otherwise, that we go back to the feeder area as we had seen the bird there on several occasions before; perhaps he had just changed positions. He was there alright; he was tucking into one of the (Great?) Tits in full view of all the other small birds. The amazing thing was that they were now all feeding eagerly as well from the feeders. Perhaps they somehow knew that the bird would now not be hunting?
We made our way back to the Centre, spotting as we went a Coot sitting on a nest in the Waterlife area.
THE LOG GARDENPhoto; Reg Norman
We did not stay too long at ‘the office’; just long enough for a few beers and a chat about the day’s sightings. Or lack of them in the case of the Stone Curlew!
BIRDS SEEN: Mallard, Ring Necked Parakeet, Blue Tit, Starling, Coot, Moorhen, Robin, Reed Bunting, Blackbird, Wren, Tufted Duck, Ruddy Duck, Feral Pigeon, Cormorant, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Canada Goose, Shoveller, Black Headed Gull, Heron, Magpie, Great Crested Grebe, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Common Snipe, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Sparrowhawk, Coal Tit, Stock Dove, Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Green Woodpecker, Bittern, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Pochard, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Mistle Thrush, Pintail, Great Black Backed Gull.
