The second of the Nightjar trips was possibly even more successful than the first.  8 members met up on the most perfect of evenings, warm and with the gentlest of breezes.  The group were so determined to beat the previous group’s 42 species, that the recorder found himself having to delete entries such as albatross.  This time the highlights of the evening were a distant view of a kingfisher, a linnet, frequent sightings of woodcock, often silhouetted against the setting sun, a single sighting of a barn owl which flew very close and sightings of one or more nightjars.  In comparison to the June visit, there was far less churring (and 2 males only distinguished) but we had 4-5 good sightings of the bird in flight.  Just as we were leaving, the evening was made extra special when a tawny owl flew right over our heads.

A most successful trip with 42 species seen/heard by a mixed group of 8 OBC and DOS members.  The highlights included good but distant views of a kingfisher, a buzzard, linnets, yellow hammer, repeated sightings of a hunting barn owl, 5 or 6 separate views of flying woodcock and finally, a couple of views of a flying nightjar.  We heard 3 churring males which is similar to that of previous years, but sadly, the young trees growing within the clearing have now reached a critical height that makes viewing these birds particularly difficult.  Consequently, we may have to find a new location next year for this popular trip.

5 members attended, although possibly more to support the trips organiser than with any great expectation of good birding.  However, the faithful were richly rewarded with 33 bird species recorded and the pleasure of being surrounded by a profusion of wild flowers.

The highlights included the large numbers of orchids, kestrel, peregrine and 3 buzzards, 5 species of warbler, swifts and all the common hirundines, 5 little ringed plovers plus several oyster catchers.  In addition, we were constantly serenaded around the reserve by skylarks, reed buntings and yellow hammers. However, the star of the show had to be black necked grebes.  We spent ages trying to photograph them and eventually they did get quite close.  On the most distant easterly lake there were three adults while on the middle upper lake, there were three adults and a chick (see photos).

All agreed this trip to be a resounding success with members determined to independently visit it in the future.