Here we have report number 5 covering April, and the great swap of the Winter bird departures and the Spring arrivals is a thrill to all birders
I have been known to make references to birding items that
get reported in the Daily Telegraph, and this one challenges use of the English
language.
The article refers to an Osprey returning again to a nest in
a Scottish forest, and it reports that the bird has been a popular sighting
“…..settling on a nest with a newly installed camera.” I hope it knows how to
adjust the focus.
Wed April 13. Birding
friend Chris having generously been past the Covid infection by her husband
John, meant that she was unfortunately not able to join Marion, Paul and I when
we had a morning at Willington GP. Clearly we were well into migration time and
I was able to add 3 species to my year list, with the 3 Hirundines, and also
Blackcap, Willow Warbler (first for 2022) and a couple of Blackcaps. It absolutely teemed down mid-morning so it
was a dash for the hide but at least we had some rewards.
Good to hear that after 5 years waiting, the Ospreys at Poole
harbour have laid their first egg; no doubt there will be a constant vigil to
keep an eye on the egg and maybe another one or two eggs. I’ll try and keep you
posted.
Chris and I had a day at Whisby on the 26th,
hoping to spot/hear a Nightingale. Sadly the trip was abortive, in fact nothing
even reported in the visitors book although they have been reported on the
south coast this week; the DOS has a group trip to Whisby on Sunday May 1 so
hopefully they will have arrived by then. I could not join that trip as it is
the same day that I am standing in for Amanda for the Carsington bird walk so
hopefully the DOS walk will be more fruitful.
On the way back from Whisby,
following good advice from Mac a Carsington volunteer, I dropped in at Bramcote
cemetery. Albeit Mac lives close to some woods near Ilkeston said to be good
for all 3 peckers, he told me that the Bramcoat cemetery was a dead cert (!!!)
for Green Peckers, so at 15.55 walking round the cemetery…. Jackpot, a nice
male prospecting the grass. How would a
layman know of the location? He is an undertaker,
and clearly has time to loiter whilst funeral services are taking place. I was
respectful… I did not walk round with my bins.
Wed 27th a morning at Attenborough ( a venue you
know I visit regularly) was very productive migrant-wise.
Loads of Sand Martins going in the Sand Martin bank non-stop,
plus prospecting on the ground in front of the viewing hide, giving superb
views of their colours. Common Terns were around and we added Blackcaps, Willow
Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Sedge Warblers plus one Cetti W.
So it’s 132 to date, for the first 6 months of MY year. Now it gets harder!!
Happy birding
