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, 28 March 2011

My Quest for Spotted Crake! (or NOT!) Brandon Marsh

Reports confirmed by images of a Spotted Crake on east marsh at Brandon Marsh yesterday ensured this as my destination today. An early start in rather foggy and cool conditions saw me arrive in the carpark in time to receive a text from Dennis W saying it was showing at 0645. Racing to the hide, I arrived in time to be told it had been flushed by a Moorhen, had gone into the reeds and it was not seen again in my eight hour vigil! Slightly rude words will be uttered if it shows again this evening!

The early fog was slow to clear, but clear it did, giving way to a pleasantly warm spring day. A Little Egret landed briefly in front of the hide before being seen off by the Canada geese. As the fog cleared east marsh hosted at least 19 Snipe, 27 Shovelers, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Shelduck and 20 Sand Martins. Around the site were at least 6 Cettis Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 5 Buzzards and 1 Willow Warbler.

Unfortunately, due to the conditions, no images were taken.

WELL, it had to happen - the bird has just been reported at Brandon at 1845, twelve hours after it was seen this morning! Just typical...........................and i'm back at work tomorrow. Rather rude words!!!


Todays Sightings:

Wood Pigeon; Robin; Song Thrush; Wren; Pied Wagtail; Magpie; Blackbird; Chiffchaff; Carion Crow; Moorhen; Cettis Warbler; Canada Goose; Blue Tit; Grey Lag Goose; Teal; Black Headed Gull; Coot; Snipe; Little Egret; Shoveler; Oystercatcher; Grey Heron; Lapwing; Green Woodpecker; Mallard; Redshank; Tufted Duck; Mute Swan; Pheasant; Cormorant; Little Ringed Plover; Great Tit; Gadwall; Reed Bunting; Shelduck; Great Crested Grebe; Kestrel; Buzzard; Jackdaw; Sand Martin; Chaffinch; Willow Warbler; Stock Dove; Dunnock.
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3 comments:

  1. ShySongbird28 March 2011 at 20:42

    Bad luck Kevin! I understand your frustration, I tried for the Black Redstart this afternoon but no sign of it :(

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kevin Groocock29 March 2011 at 06:51

    I see the Redstart was reported on RBA as seen at 1045 - problem is the birders on site didn't see it! I'm back at work today. May have another look for the Crake later in the week if its still being reported.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Max Silverman30 March 2011 at 11:23

    It showed very briefly yesterday a few times.One tog got cracking shots of it in flight.Next time??

    ReplyDelete

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