Sunday, April 03, 2011

Migrants coming back

So I headed off to Hatfield Forest this morning.

The local birds were all in good voice (Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Chaffinches) and there were a lot more Chiffchaffs about.

I was really pleased to see 6 Great Crested Grebes on the lake and there were two sitting on nests! I was also pleased to see some Swallows over the lake.

I do like this Grebe....



I was about to head to the cafe when I heard some birdsong I hadn't heard for ages a quick scan and BLACKCAP!!!

I sat by the lake with a drink and a sausage sandwich and this chap sailed past...






Mallard sitting in a tree.


As I headed to the car park I saw another Blackcap

Longtails




And so to Rye Meads.

I hadn't gone far when I saw another Blackcap.

Into the Draper Hide, there were a few Swallows through and a Sparrowhawk spooked the gulls. There was a Green Sandpiper and a Little Ringed Plover.










At one point on my stroll a Cetti's perched up and I watched him sing before he flew off.

There were loads of Chiffchaffs and finally....

The Herald of Spring makes an appearance.






I was wandering around the Herts & Middlesex part of the reserve when I heard a bird sing, I thought I recognise that! I looked into the reads and ... SEDGE WARBLER. I hadn't expected to see one this early.

and finally a Tufted Duck



an excellent spell of local birding.

7 comments:

Tricia Ryder said...

Isn't it wonderful to hear all the birdsong at the moment; really uplifting.

The grebe with its leg in the air is just great and as for the Chiffy - ooooh very nice!

Anonymous said...

Very nice grebes. Oh and the LTTs are OK too!!

Janine said...

I hope it alright with you that I've made LTT 7646 the home screen on my phone :)
Brings a smile to my face every time I pick it up!

The Quacks of Life said...

@digi - why thank you - I know how you like LTT's

@Janine - not a problem :D

ShySongbird said...

Very nice photos Pete. I've never seen a Cetti's Warbler, we don't get them in this area.

Ragged Robin said...

Lovely photos, Pete. Jealous of all those migrant sightings :D.

The Quacks of Life said...

@SS - you do get Cetti's in Oxfordshire I think sure I heard one at Otmoor. the normal view is flight as you here them sing then fly and the sing again!! you mostly hear them

@RR they are coming!

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