randombirder

A fabulous day in the Brecks that started grey and murky but quickly transformed into a fine clear day.  This was definitely the calm before the impending storm that is due to imminently hit our shores. Now just an hour from home, Lynford Arboretum was the first stop.  Numerous Siskin surged through the alder canopy and at least six Brambling were rooting through the leaf litter at the feeding station with a few Yellowhammer and plenty of Chaffinch . It's always great to see the Marsh Tit .  Such busy little birds. There was so much to see.  The frenzied Tit flocks contained Nuthatch and a few Goldcrest zipped within the pines.  A single Firecrest was also seen busily feeding within the conifers. The Hawfinch was a sight to behold.  While a handful were seen feeding on the ground, a burst of spontaneous unease and a flock of at least 30 birds suddenly alighted flying into the adjacent trees.  By far the largest group I hav...

And so when the report came through of a Common Crane at Rainham Marshes, I made a hasty retreat down the A12 only to be balked by road closures that lost me an hour and a half. But I made it, and the lanky fella was still present feeding distantly on Wennington. The Crane is in the photo mate. A Cuckoo also   flew past.

This was the final full day in Poland, and the final opportunity to connect with something unusual.  It was still reasonably warm but the weather was changing as the clouds had filled in and things were looking ominous.  When it rains here in summer, it doesn't hold back. Driving through Biebzra Marshes for the final time, and taking the opportunity to stop at regular intervals, there were plenty of singing Wood Warbler , Redstart , Tree Pipit , and Pied Flycatcher . Near Barwik, a couple of Golden Oriole were fluting from the treetops - a beautiful bird with a most beautifully melodic song. I was keen to catch up with White-Winged Tern, a species that was relatively easy to locate on the last trip.  This time however was a real struggle drawing an unexpected blank. We headed over to Goniadz which was great for marsh terns last time around, and it wasn't bad this time either with around 25 Black Tern there.  This is a great site with a lot of potential,...