The main target was Grasshopper Warbler. It had been quite a few years since I'd seen/heard one in breeding habitat (I'd seen the odd migrant at Spurn...which sometimes offered the chance of being something...rarer).
I discovered Haydn's hearing was better than mine as he could pick the bird up reeling, while I heard nothing. 23 years in a Sports Hall (not continuously) has obviously taken its toll! Anyway, eventually he picked it up low down in a small bush, although it was some distance away. We then saw it fly (which was nice) and then it was gone.
We spent the next hour walking a circuit through flooded peat bog. Miraculously I didn't fall over!
Garden Warbler was another bird I was keen to see and we eventually had a brief view and heard its "Blackcap-like" song. Then a smart Jay appeared. We'd heard a Cuckoo many times, then there it was, typically losing its balance on a distant tree. We then had a second "go" at the "Gropper". Again Haydn picked up the sound then expertly located the bird deep in a bush...very impressive...
My time was nearly up and as we reached my car a Woodlark struck up its lovely song high in a nearby conifer...
It then gave us the added bonus of a prolonged display flight, going way up high above its territory...
A great morning with some quality species seen, Great company as well. Cheers Haydn!
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