A small but perfectly formed group of members met at a wet Whisby to stroll around the park lamenting the absence of the Nightingale. Nonetheless, we took in a nice stroll and picked up a decent list.
The site is always good for warblers and we got Willow and Garden Warblers, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff. We heard distant cuckoos and a Green Woodpecker cackling (probably laughing at us as the rain continued). A Sedge Warbler teased us from the reeds whilst a Buzzard and a Kestrel were the only raptors showing. Heading back to the cafe for a warm drink, a muntjac deer showed itself to us before somehow disappearing in front of our very eyes. 32 species for Whisby.
Off to Langford we went and as the rain eased we we were hopeful of a decent showing. For most of us, lunch was the most important first activity. The mound at Langford allowed us to eat and birdwatch at the same time. It wasn’t long before a couple of Hobbys appeared. Although higher than we have seen in previous years they gave us a good display. We saw a maximum of 4 Hobby’s in the air at any time. Around us there was the ever elusive Cetti’s Warbler, a Sedge or two and, of course, several Willow Warblers.
We saw quite a few Common Tern looking for somewhere to nest with the Black Headed Gulls having occupied the rafts first. We heard but didn’t see any Bittern and in the distance we picked up at least two Great Egrets. A bedraggled Red Kite came over us as we packed away our lunch boxes.
Social media reported a sighting of a Grey Plover, again in the distance at the southern end of the reserve although it was much too far to spot. This did, however, encourage us to get a little closer. This meant we needed to take a circular walk back to the carpark. Having never walked this path, the group put their trust in yours truly to use the OS Maps app to work out the path.
The path was ultimately disappointing, not giving us the views we were hoping although we did spot a Greenshank. But it was a good free 2.6 miles of free exercise, something the group really appreciated (not!).
22 species at Langford, making a total of 54 for the day. A grand day out.
Steve Slack