March 2008
The morning at Grove ferry.
02/03/08
A Teal, viewed from the Turf field hide at Grove ferry this morning.
A couple of hours were spent walking around the Grove ferry reserve this morning, joining Martyn Wilson and Allan Ashdown at the Harrison’s Drove hide. From the ramp, the Wader population is slowly increasing, with 10 Dunlin seen, along with 10 Ruff, 9 Redshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, and several Common Snipe. Martyn and Allan had seen a Spotted Redshank earlier, but it had disappeared to another pool when I was on the ramp. Golden Plover out numbered the Lapwing on the pool in front of the ramp, and Teal, Shoveller and Mallard were seen in large numbers. I saw 1 Bearded Tit, and heard a few more, and a Cetti’s Warbler crossed the path in front of me as I made my way to the Turf field hide. Teal and Mallard were the main occupants of the pool, with a single Tufted Duck and 2 Greylag Geese also present. A Water Pipit flew past the hide, and a Water Rail was heard. A Common Snipe was preening itself in front of the hide, well seen thanks to the work now done around the hide area. The Harrison’s hide pool held a few Lapwing and Teal, with 6 Water Pipits being noted, as well as 6 Pied Wagtails and several Meadow Pipits. A Little Egret flew past the rear of the hide, and at least 5 Marsh Harriers were seen throughout my stay, with 2 displaying over the North Western corner of the reserve.