Barnes in March

Well the alarm went off at 5:40 and I switched on a mobile to find a text telling me that Dave was on his way.

We were soon on our way and duly arrived at Reading to watch for a Laughing Gull. Virtually a loaf of bread later and nothing!! Well a Red Kite over Reading Stadium was nice as were those over the M4. So at 9:40-45 off we went. We were heading down the M4 when Dave handed me the pager fiddle sticks seen at 9:50.

I sent a text to The Blonde One telling her the sorry story and another to EB telling her to be nice to Dave who was not a happy camper.

Anyway we arrived at Barnes and met up with EB, Malcolm (happy birthday), Tricia and Alan at Dulverton hide and went on to WWF hide. Tufty, Snipe, Ruddy Duck, Lawing and then I spotted a Bittern land in the reeds. He gave some good views and JUST as Tricia bagged her lifer (“you said you would find me one Pete”) I get a text.

“Yes!!! That’s judgement”

Now I am not a vengeful soul but well.

Ring Ring “Hello The Blonde One guess what we’ve got?”

The Blonde One “No”

Pete “Here’s Tricia”

The Blonde One “He’s winding me up?”

Tricia “Sorry The Blonde One right in front of us!!”

The Blonde One “NNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

Actually about 20 feet awesome. We watched him for ages.

On two peacock hide. Where we had super views of Little Ring Plover, Snipe and getting better Jack Snipe!! There were lots of Dabchick about.

On the way back we had Green Woodpecker and Ring Necked Parakeet and at the feeding station a Water Rail! Also common birds plus Reed Bunting.

After an enjoyable lunch and a glass of wine we went to admire the collection. Some nice ducks in the wildside Tufty, Pochard, Wigeon and Shoveler. More Dabchicks and a Great Crested Grebe. There were lots of Mallards, Coots and Moorhen. We also had a nice view of a Green Woodpecker plus more Ruddies.

Then back to the centre for a well earned cup of something and a slice of cake.

I think the group totalled 54 birds. The quality of views of that Bittern plus a supporting Jack Snipe was superb!! Very Very enjoyable.

Sorry The Blonde One!!!