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.

Monday, 21 June 2010

Welney Woe!


What do I have in common with a reclusive, cave dwelling, Peruvian Holy Man? - NEITHER of us have seen the Welney White Spotted Bluethroat!

Welney was my destination for today, having been spurred on and motivated by Max's super images. The day was hot and sunny - not to my liking at all and things did not improve with the Bluethroat having a day off. Arriving at 0930 when the gates to the reserve opened, I was soon relieved of my £6.70 entrance fee, and joined the small crowd searching the area between Buxton and Lyle Hides. Three hours soon passed and no sign or sound. I decided enough was enough, with the heat increasing and my mood decreasing, so headed back towards the car park, only to meet a group of birders by the pond dipping area. Those dreaded words were uttered "It was on the path, HERE, ten minutes ago!" Of course , it did not reappear. Thinking it might be heading back to its favoured area near the Lyle Hide, I returned, braving the heat, only to be told "still no sign"! The Bluethroat was seen for about five minutes today - is it about to leave?

I suppose this is why I do not often "twitch" birds. Very little else was about (list at end of post) so I spent the time taking (poor) shots of birds that I could easily have seen within a few miles of home! Ahhh well thats birding!



Pied Wagtail

Pied Wagtail

Juv Sedge Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Reed Bunting

Swallow

Pied Wagtail

Mute Swan

Common Tern

Hornet

Hornet


(More poor images on my website - see link opposite)

Todays Sightings:

Rook; House Sparrow; Goldfinch; Wood Pigeon; Linnet; Swallow; Swift; Sedge Warbler; Starling; Black Headed Gull; Marsh Harrier; Pied Wagtail; Carrion Crow; House Martin; Collared Dove; Jackdaw; Tree Sparrow; Little Egret; Moorhen; Mallard; Wren; Ruff; Oystercatcher; Cormorant; Lapwing; Blackbird; Avocet; Skylark; Reed Bunting; Blue Tit; Cuckoo; Kestrel; Mute Swan; Teal; Grey Heron; Redshank; Coot; Reed Warbler; Yellow Wagtail; Shelduck; Shoveler; Chaffinch; Robin; Common Tern; Grey Lag Goose; Stock Dove; Little Ringed Plover; Corn Bunting.
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4 comments:

  1. Alan Anscomb21 June 2010 at 23:43

    Hi Kevin,

    I believe your insects are hornets

    Alan Anscomb

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kevin Groocock22 June 2010 at 05:12

    Many thanks, Alan. Images labelled.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Max Silverman23 June 2010 at 10:05

    I'm sorry you didn't get the Bluethroat.I must have been very lucky because it spent most of the day I was there paying visits to the lyle hide path.I've spoken to two other birders who also have been and not seen it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kevin Groocock23 June 2010 at 19:44

    Cheers Max. I don't think I will "twitch" anymore - at least not until next time!!!

    ReplyDelete

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