Saturday, April 18, 2015

Saturday 18th April 2015

Caught up with the new arrivals this morning, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat and Common Tern. EG was ringing in the Rough where a fine Willow Warbler was in the batch he was processing just as we arrived. He also had several Blackcaps, unsurprising as they were everywhere in the park. A second pair of Herons have built a nest adjacent to the first pair which are still sitting. The new pair mated this morning while the original pair should be due to hatch their egg(s) this week.

There was a good variety of waders on 100 Acre including Turnstone, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover and Ringed Plover. DK spotted a flyover Whimbrel which we watched until it disappeared from view as it flew north east.

We had good views of an Otter on the river by the STW bridge before it disappeared around the corner down stream.

Quite a morning!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Monday 13th April

Highlights from DK:

A second pair of herons has built a substantial nest overnight but it is very late and I would be surprised if any eggs are laid. The other pair is still sitting.

12 Willow Warblers, 14 Chiffchaffs, 13 Blackcaps, three Common Terns.

Best of all was an otter watched for about twenty minutes as it caught and devoured three reasonably sized fish.