Summer evenings might not have many birds around, but at least I can get out after work!
Ventured to the "Middle section" of the Lower Test Marshes, from the Salmon's Leap Pub. Quite an amazing Nature reserve surrounded by Motorway, Docks, busy roads, and the constant background noise of traffic and sirens! Plenty of dog walkers too, but some places seem well designed to cope with large numbers of general public. This is one such place, and felt like I was watching the wildlife undistrubed. Think the flooded fields and boardwalks ensure that everyone follows the same path.
Best birds were the regular Peregrines perched on their usual pylons, and I was lucky enough to see a Hobby in a dead tree eating a small bird. Could have been a Reed Warbler, certainly a Passerine as opposed to Hirundine. Best views I've had of a Hobby this year too. The Lagoons were fairly quiet, the best being the southernmost lagoon with a hide which was locked. Can't complain as I am not even a member of the HWT! but this out of sight lagoon did seem to have the pick of the birdlife with Little Egrets feeding in the shallows. Fortunately, there were sufficient gaps and knots in the fence to scan the pool, and the dense wall of vegetation had a few small gaps that I could peer through. Was rewarded with a Green Sandpiper. Might take my secateurs along next time to make my own peep hole ;)
Northern area of the reserve was quieter, with just Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Stock Dove despite extensive scanning of the marshes and dead trees. Did however hear an incredibly loud "HUEET!" call in dense woodland which I suspect was a Redstart. |
