Saturday 30th April 2016 and we decided to stay somewhat local and paid a visit to Attenborough NR, Nottinghamshire. A great local reserve and always good for spring migrants, especially the warblers. Today was no exception with 10 species available, including Grasshopper and Reed, both year ticks along with several Common Tern and small numbers of Swift. Maybe summer is not far away now? This April must have been one of the coldest on record and the resilience of birds never ceases to amaze me, especially as this week has been bitterly cold with some areas having several centimetres of snow. How on earth the warblers have coped, as food must have been in short supply in recent days. Any way there were plenty in full song this morning, as if to stick two fingers up to the recent weather!!
During the day we also visited Wollaton Hall, just outside the centre of the city of Nottingham, in the hope of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. No luck but I think we left it a little late in the day. We finished off at Carsington Water, Derbyshire and had a look at the three Great Northern Divers, two of which are now in full summer plumage. Year List moves on to 174.
Gadwall – 1st year/eclipse drake – note the orange sides to the bill – Attenborough, Nottinghamshire – Tony Davison©
Grey Heron – Above two images – Attenborough, Nottinghamshire – Tony Davison© – This bird was just chilling-out and enjoying the warm sunshine
Grasshopper Warbler – Attenborough, Nottinghamshire – Just a record shot – We found this species a little difficult compared to last year. – Tony Davison©
Attenborough, Lesser Whitethroat – Above two images – Attenborough, Nottinghamshire – Tony Davison©
Sedge Warbler – Above four images – Attenborough, Nottinghamshire – Tony Davison©
Common Whitethroat – Above two images – Attenborough, Nottinghamshire – Tony Davison©
Willow Warbler – Carsington Water, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Love the back on sedge and and the Whitethroats.