Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Friday, 22 January 2010

Brandon Marsh - Rain, Gloom and more Rain!

Unfortunately, I have to take what the weather Gods deal me on my day off - today I was dealt rain, gloom and near darkness at times! With so many "good" birds in the area, it was a difficult decision as to where to go. Staying at home was not an option because it will be another week before I can get out again. I decided on Brandon Marsh, thinking at least the hides would offer some protection and I arrived in darkness at 0730 with steady rain falling, soon to get heavy. I thought (hoped) the light would improve but alas, it did not. As a result the record shots I took had to be at an ISO of 1600 and even then I only managed a speed of about 100 - 200! Not good, but better than nothing. Left at 1230, thoroughly soaked with a total of 43 bird species.

My aim was to locate the Green Winged Teal which was initially elusive on River Pool but after about an hour showed well. Sitting in East Marsh Hide with John W and a few other friendly birders, attention was drawn to a Bittern flying into the reeds on the left from Newlands. It was too quick for a flight shot, but after half an hour, it took a slow walk across the channel in what can only be classed as gloom! All the usual ducks were on East Marsh with a male and two female Goldeneye, two Snipe and an obliging Cettis Warbler were of note.



Green Winged Teal with Common Teal


Green Winged Teal


Green Winged Teal


Green Winged Teal with Common Teal


Green Winged Teal


Mute Swan


Mute Swan


Bittern


Bittern


Bittern


Bittern


Bittern


(More "gloomy" images on my website - see link opposite)


Todays Sightings:

Robin; Blackbird; Redwing; Mallard; Mute Swan; Lapwing; Canada Goose; Tufted Duck; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw; Shoveler; BH Gull; Cormorant; Coot; Magpie; Pheasant; Moorhen; Gt Cr Grebe; Teal; Wigeon; Goldeneye; Common Gull; Blue Tit; Gt Tit; Green Woodpecker; Grey Heron; Goldfinch; Dabchick; Cettis Warbler; Water Rail; Pochard; Jay; Long Tailed Tit; Green Winged Teal; Chaffinch; Gadwall; LBB Gull; Buzzard; Dunnock; Coal Tit; Bittern Snipe.


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2 comments:

  1. Max Silverman23 January 2010 at 08:33

    Well done with the GW Teal and Bittern shots Kevin.The GW Teal both here and at Draycote has hidden from me.

    Max.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kevin Groocock23 January 2010 at 19:57

    Thanks, Max - just been looking at your blog and I am pleased to see that you have now "captured" it.

    ReplyDelete

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