I met up with friends John Andrews and Ron Bennett at the marsh at Capestang for our first birding trip of the year. We set off as usual full of optimism. The day was still without a breath of wind and also mild but the promised sunshine did not appear leaving a dull day. Great White Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron and Linnet were all noted within minutes. Continuing on we noted a Southern Grey Shrike not a common bird hereabouts and perhaps an omen of a good day.
Stonechats, Meadow Pipits and Cetti's Warbler were soon added to our list as we reached the corner of the track across the marsh. Here we were really in luck finding about 20 Penduline Tits feeding with a few Blue Tits. We were amazed that all the Pendulines were males.
Walking on Kestrel, Marsh Harrier and Buzzard were all seen as well as a small group of Reed Buntings. More Penduline Tits including a female were found and in all we counted over a dozen Chiffchaffs in the reeds. A small group of Bearded Tits went by and then a splendid male Bluethroat ran in and out of cover with typical cocked tail.
Scanning the edges of dykes a couple of Water Rails appeared and many more screamed in the dense reeds.
On our return walk we encountered a female Bluethroat and watched a hundred or so Lapwings and c20 Shelduck on a flooded field.
Driving home and crossing an open area near la Viala a bird with a heavy undulating flight turned out to be a Hawfinch - Wow! What luck!
A fantastic day with a total of 51 species recorded before darkness fell.
A perfect birthday with Norwich City's 1-0 victory over league leaders QPR a bonus present.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND GREAT BIRDING IN 2011
**Happy Birthday**
ReplyDeleteHoped you liked the e-card Sand sent you!
Sound's like you had a great day out, there are a few birds there I wouldn't mind bumping into over here, especally a nice 'Remiz'.
Norwich's victory was also a good result for Swansea, but obviously the most important result was Sunderland's 3-0 win, get in there!