Sunday 26 October 2014

Friday Treats

On Friday RSPB Blacktoft Sands came into its own.  It's just a shame Pat & June weren't there, as they've never visited Blacktoft without a feeling of disappointment.  Marshland was rather quiet, but after a tip-off on the Blacktoft Blog by Reserve Manager Pete Short we went to Ousefleet Hide.  At the screen we heard the incredibly loud song of the always impossible-to-see Cetti's Warbler, and also the many 'pings' of Bearded Tits.  The Cetti's Warbler came closer and closer until we caught sight of a very dark tail among the reeds.  Meanwhile the Bearded Tits were also moving towards our vantage point.  Both species were now visible at the same time.  We were then presented with a dilemma, at which one to direct our binoculars!  Of course close views of Bearded Tits are delightful, but similar views of a Cetti's Warbler, is virtually unknown on the course.  Luckily, they stayed long enough for everyone to enjoy good views of both.  Unfortunately, neither species was at the screen in the afternoon, but we did find a Cetti's Warbler with possibly its partner near the unmanned Reception Hide.  Again the afternoon crowd were rewarded with great if slightly briefer views.  Other highlights included our longest nearest view of a hunting Merlin and 3 Whooper Swans flying over.
Cetti's Warbler
 Ditto
 Cetti's Warbler & Bearded Tit
 Bearded Tits
 Bearded Tits Tower
 Ditto
 Doing the Splits
 Record Shot of Distant Merlin
 Male Great Spotted Woodpecker
 Spotted Redshank
 Whooper Swan
On Thursday I left my camera at home, so the very quiet day with the confiding Goldcrest cannot be seen.  On Wednesday we were at Tophill Low, but the Water Voles had disappeared, and the 2 Kingfishers were at the distant Hempholme Meadows, and not at North Marsh.  The Whooper Swan was nice on D Reservoir, but concern was mooted for the Hedgehog around O reservoir.  
Hedgehog
 Whooper Swan
 Ditto
 Kingfisher at Hempholme Meadows
 Ditto
 Ditto
 Ditto
 Male Great Spotted Woodpecker in THL Car Park
On Tuesday the wind was so ferocious the only option was to go underground at the Humber Bridge Country Park.  Luckily, some Goldcrests, two Treecreepers, and a female Bullfinch saved the day, until a very confiding female Great Spotted Woodpecker landed just above our heads, and stayed there for at least 10 minutes.  
Female GSW at Humber Bridge CP
 Ditto
 Magpie
 Woodpigeon

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