04/06/2024

A surprise Short-eared Owl out on the marsh the other evening

As the wind has been mainly in the northerly vector I haven't bothered with sea watching, most of my day time activities has been spent around the reserve with relatively poor returns due to the cold damp weather, although the Swift numbers were very impressive, wader numbers have been very low, possibly because there has been no islands on the ARC and Burrowes, but the hay fields do look good but don't seem to be attracting much. Hobby numbers have increased and up to 6 Cuckoos have been around the reserve, Reed Warbler numbers seem to be very low judging by the quietness of the reed beds. There are still a couple of Garganey around but quite elusive. Migration wise we appear to be in the doldrums already though Bee-eaters, Black Kites, Woodcut Shrike, Marsh Warbler and Golden Oriole aren't to be sniffed at.
 

Several Barn Owls were seen

A Little Owls in typical pose

Another Little Owl sunbathing in the warm evening sunshine

A hidden Golden Oriole Singing and screeching at Hookers yesterday evening can be heard HERE a few glimpses were had.

Good numbers of Yellow wagtails out on the marsh

A terrible record shot of one the Black Kites

A very pale Common Buzzard over Lydd Fields

01/06/2024

A very quiet day today after yesterdays after the excitement of yesterdays Bee-eaters. There was still loads of Swifts and Hirundines around this morning because of the cold north wind but little else, a brief period of sun this afternoon encouraged the dragon flies followed by the Hobbys.

Drake and Duck Garganey on the small island from Hanson

3 of 5 Cattle Egrets that flew from the ARC towards Boulderwall

1 of several Hobbys that appeared this afternoon when the sun came out for a short period

 

Soggy Bee-eaters but still stunning

Doing what Bee-eaters do

Sitting out a heavy downpour

Just gorgeous

Bee-eaters 31/05/2024

Today was all about this stunning pair of Bee-eaters I found in the Willow Trail at the ARC, that were sheltering from the strong NW wind and heavy rain in front of the Axel Viewpoint, unusually they lingered for at least 3 hours. 

 

Blue Tit photo bombing

30/05/2024

Several Hobbys are around the reserve

After yesterdays Bee-eater flew over me unheard and unseen, I was delighted this afternoon when trying to count the Swifts in a an approaching shower cloud, I heard a Bee-eater calling, after what seemed an age of panic spinning around trying to locate the bird and failing, it called again several times allowing me to spot it very high among the feeding Swifts, I desperately tried to get a record shot of it but failed to get a focus lock as it drifted further away South West. 3 Cattle Egrets were new in today but very little else to be seen on the reserve.

Barn Owl at the ARC

1,000s of Swifts have been around the peninsular for the last couple of days

3 Cattle Egrets at Boulderwall

Reed Warbler in the Willow Trail

Blue Tit at its nest hole in Hanson Hide

Puss Moth in the Willow Trail

Common Spotted Orchid in the Orchid Trail

27/05/2024

A Hare running along a track towards me on the marsh 

Then it stopped for a pee

Having a look around

Then ran towards me again

Stopped for another look around

Then came right up to me. Absolutely magical!

 

Black-tailed Godwits on Hayfield 1

I checked out the House Martin colony at Brett's, I could only see 4 nests but could be more, I need to get better access. Todays walk around the reserves as expected fairly quiet in the strong wind, a secretive drake Garganey on hayfield 3, 100+ Swifts with smattering of Swallows. House and Sand Martins and 3 Hobbys of note. Once again with virtually no islands Burrowes was somewhat barren. A distant Red Kite flew NE along the coast.  

Common Gull surrounded by dummies at Christmas Dell

Great-crested Newt on the return trail

This Delicate was the highlight of last nights moth catch