11.30-12.45 Lovely family walk around the lake, not really able to stop and study the bird life but still got some great views of the Black Tern which really must favour the orange buoy that Ive seen in other pics as that is where it was for a short time before taking flight and feeding. Other birds seen or heard included numerous Great Crested Grebe, 6 Willow Warbler, 5 Nuthatch, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Swallow, Grey Heron, Long-tailed Tit, Kestrel, Lesser and Great black backed gulls, Wren, Mute Swan and a Sandpiper- only briefly seen but either a Common or Green Im guessing.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 13th of April 2022 03:56:35 PM
Black tern easily found as stated earlier today ,also great crested grebe 11+,robin,coal tit, nuthatch,song thrush,blackbird,wren,great tit,blue tit,mute swan ,lesser black backed gull, great black backed gull, coot,herring gull,sand martin ,swallow,mallard ,grey heron, woodpigeon.
The very early Black Tern was showing well this am when I popped up with Dave Broome. There's been some speculation that it might be the American race,but the underwing looked quite dusky to Dave and myself which apparently rules out the American race.
A common tern was at the dam around 9:30 this morning. Also, lots of Great crested grebes nesting or displaying, as well as about 30 Sand martin and 50 Swallows soaring above the dam
At least 20 great crested grebes on the dam, with some pairs going through their courtship rituals. Also a grey heron and 2 mute swans. The wooded section held a kestrel, 2 grey wagtail, coal tits, chaffinches, dunnocks, wrens and nuthatches amongst the commoner species
Cycling along the west side of the dam last night I flushed an Acro warbler - presumed reed warbler as it was very plain looking both above and below. Of course when I stopped to get my bins out it did a vanishing act!
Strange thing is that I've never seen one hear before - so not sure to tick! And there are no reeds ..... can I start an alternative species pondering session!!!