Bruno and I had a very leisurely stroll across the flatlands, this morning. We didn't leave the bungalow until 09.30 hrs and were parked up by the stables just before 10.00 hrs. The weather already on the turn with thick grey clouds bubbling up from the south - west blown along by an increasingly brisk breeze. We walked the track across to Hacklinge pumping station before following the path, besides the North Stream, over to Worth Marshes RSPB Res. Being in no great hurry, we were able to meander our way around the area without a need to keep an eye on the time. Quite a few birds to look at, the most obvious being the steady passage of Swallows and Sand Martins passing overhead, in a southerly direction. Good numbers of Chiffchaffs were encountered wherever suitable habitat was present, yet it wasn't until we actually arrived at the RSPB Res. that things got a little bit special. As we crossed the wooden bridge, from the Pinnock Wall, we were greeted by a Hobby hunting low over tha adjacent pool. Looking across to the main flood, I quickly picked out a Great White Egret and a White Stork, plus large numbers of roosting Lapwings. Two Ruff, a Green Sandpiper and a, flyover, Ringed Plover were also added to the list as we started our return walk. Several imm. Common Buzzards seemed to indicate a successful breeding season for the local birds. The bird of the session, however, was a very approachable Wheatear, which we saw on both legs of the walk. Although I managed some nice images on the outward stroll, the light was so much better as we returned and I am rather pleased with my results from the second encounter.
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| No fieldcraft required, this individual was a right poser. |
The bungalow looks like a mix of war zone and jumble sale, with various items strewn around the furniture and work tops awaiting placement in the suitcase, or not! Three days and counting......
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