Whinchat(s)

Spur of the moment decision to have a drive over to my Inland Patch this morning...a change of Scenery if nothing else!

I arrived at 9.30 and headed for the GSH. Hopes weren't high due to the dry state of the Reserve...BUT you never know...do you? Time of life means more visits are possible throughout the Year and I'm trying to "bump up" visits during unattractive periods...like now!

As I opened the flaps the scene was dry...VERY dry with livestock present in the form of Sheep and Cattle. There'll be a CATTLE EGRET out there one day...hopefully soon !? 

Anyway, I started to scan and immediately noticed a movement on the Scrape. A quick focus and...there was a Whinchat (95)!!!

This was only my 5th record here and a wonderful surprise! Things got even better when I picked another up in the centre of the Scrape!! A paler Bird...

I saw 2 here in August 2006. The other records were single Birds. All were at much greater distance so to see these two so close was special. Can't find one at Holmpton and inland records are always more special.

I contacted Haydn to see if he was out and about. He was...guess where! He arrived some 30 minutes later to enjoy the Birds. We had a pleasant hour enjoying a surprising amount of activity. Highlights...

3 Tufted Ducks

3 Golden Plovers

5 Buzzards

3 Red Kites

2 Marsh Harriers

c200 Swallows

c100 House Martins

Haydn left but I gave it till 2 before heading home. Well worth the Trip...