June 2008
Grasshopper Warbler at Grove Ferry.
14/06/08
A Cuckoo at Grove Ferry.
An intended full circuit of Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh this morning, before I had to leave at 8 o clock for work, was cut short when I heard the reeling of a GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, coming from behind the Paddock area. Also heard on the way into the reserve was a Lesser Whitethroat, which after patiently looking for, finally revealed himself to me, as he skulked low in the bushes. As I reached the foot of the ramp, just after 04.30 a m, I met Martyn Wilson, and Marc Heath, fresh from an all night session, whom also had heard the GRASSHOPPER WARBLER from the ramp. I learned that they had both heard a SPOTTED CRAKE during the night, and along with Phil Parker whom also joined us, we were treated to some great views of the Warbler, although photography was made a little difficult as he was often obscured by the vegetation. Patience paid off and eventually a few half decent images were obtained, and at one point the bird was reeling from less than 2 feet away, but hidden in the grass.(Even I could hear it). Most of my limited time was spent waiting for a photo opportunity, hence the day list being small. I did note a pair of Cuckoo’s, and a Turtle Dove purring, was continuously in earshot. Three Marsh harriers passed over during my time on the reserve.
Day List, Wren, Wood Pigeon, Collard Dove, Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Pheasant, Cetti’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cormorant, Common Tern, Turtle Dove, Swift, Grasshopper Warbler, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch.