Saturday 18 May 2013

A Thrush, A Shrike and Hobby's

The best shot I was able to get.
 I returned a missed call to Sean O just after 06.15 and he said its still here, I said what is and was amazed when he told me he was watching a Dusky Thrush in Margate Cemetery. Soon after another call from DW asking if I'd like to go with him, GH and AJG. I jumped at the the offer which also gave me time to have a full English before we left.
On arrival as expected the cemetery was full of birders, all staring into some Sycamores and Ash trees where the Dusky Thrush was sitting deep inn cover giving tantalising glimpses and occasionally showing fairly well although still in cover. We spent about 5 hours looking into this small group of trees, the bird finally broke cover and flew around for a few minutes before being lost giving us a cue to leave. On the way back we stopped at Samphire Hoe to look at some Early Spider Orchids, not expecting to see the 100s that were there. (I am having trouble downloading the pictures from that camera )
 This evening on a walk around the Hayfields to Dengemarsh to look for the female Red Backed Shrike, there were 2 incredibly tame Hobby's on the posts and path.

 I walked down to Scott Hide where I found a Spotted Flycatcher my first of the year but no Shrike. I then returned back along the path and at the back of Dengemarsh Hide where I found the female Red Backed Shrike. Also seen there a Yellow Wagtail and 4 Whimbrel over with the Bittern still booming in the background.



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