Burton Mere

We headed across to Burton Mere on the Bank Holiday Monday as we didn't fancy driving too far, we did consider Martin Mere but the M6 didn't appeal to either of us so a more leisurely drive to Burton Mere was decided upon.

From the reception hide we were soon pointed in the direction of two male Garganey always a great duck to see, rather distant views but through the scope they looked superb as always.

Also noted were plenty of Godwit and Avocet with chicks a White Throat was seen calling from a near by bush and a Little Grebe swimming in the pool just below the window.

From the screen along the path a Reed Warbler was added to the list, showing briefly before diving back into the reeds.

From the end hide looking across to Inner Marsh we picked a Little Ringed Plover and Little Egret plus another pair of Reed Warbler.

From the path leading to Inner Marsh we gained a couple of Sedge Warbler and another White Throat.

We also picked up a few insects with a few caterpillars noted of the Garden tiger and Scarlet Tiger Moths, we are hoping to see the Moths in a few months as they would be new to us.
Also seen was our first Damsel Fly of the year, the shape of a Blue-Tailed Damselfly.

Hanchurch

Popped along to Hanchurch for a quick morning walk, basically so we could get out of the house and get some fresh air, but also Lesley has not seen Tree Pipit yet and with the conditions being favorable off we set.

The clear fell area just behind the woodman's cottage did not hold much apart from the odd Wren.

Taking the track through the young trees coming up there were plenty of Warblers sing although most could not be seen. Although a Willow Warbler was calling from beside the track.

The clear fell area at the bottom of the track held though our target bird sing from a dead tree in the middle of the area. Also noted was a Tiger Beetle which was dashing around on the path, Gem was quite impressed and insisted that it should run across her hand.

Tree Pipit at Hanchurch

Black and White

Well it was our annual trip out to Lake Vyrnwy it is one of my favorite spots in Wales not just for birding but also the scenery that you see around the lake and up on the moors. Plus I proposed to Lesley there it really is a special spot to us.

Starting off as we always do below the dam as we got out of the car we could hear Redstart calling along with Pied Flycatcher. A pair of Redstarts were spotted eventually across the river so our days list was off and running. Plenty of Siskin were flying around over head along with Goldcrest feeding in the trees, soon though we were watching a pair of Pied Catchers, although only the female allowed me to grab a few shots, posing with a spot of nesting material, we didn't notice that she was ringed until we looked at the photos from the day.

Female Pied Flycatcher

We then headed around the lake and up on to the moors, we didn't take the Bala road this time trying as per last year the first narrow road up wards.

As we drove along a Willow Warbler was hunting around the clear fell area with plenty of Robins trying to make us believe they were something more interesting.

The moors themselves were rather cool and wind swept but we did spot a very smart male Whinchat.

Dropping back down to the lake and heading for the Centenary Hide again we could hear Pied Flycatchers and Goldcrest calling although no Dipper could be seen along the river.

From the hide we saw Grey Wagtail, Marsh Tit and Pied Flycatcher with the female gathering the nesting material while the male just sung his heart out.

Male Pied Flycatcher

Marsh Tit

Wren collecting moss

Heading back to the dam we were still missing Wood Warbler although we did hear one around our first port of call from the dam we could see House Martin collecting mud off the dam wall and the sound of Wood Warbler along the Bird House trail, which after a quick wander along we spotted one up in the pines, too high for a shot but a tick none the less.

We then headed for a coffee and a lazy spot of birding in the main hide, seeing Marsh Tit, Siskin and Pied Flycatcher again.

Warbler Fest

Well its been up and down this weekend in terms of birding double dipping the Black Redstart at Silverdale on Saturday just because it was rather cool and Gem wanted to be else where we never really went looking and Sunday I went the wrong place (my plonker award I believe is in the post).

But today we made up for the lows with a trip to Attenborough in Notts one of our favorite birding spots combining decent birds with a decent cafe, although today we took a picnic. As per any sunny day there is was rather busy but we blagged a decent space when someone left.

Straight away the sound of birds singing hit us with White Throat, Sedge Warbler and Blackcap all trying to out do each other combined with Common Terns over head calling.

As we headed for the Tower hide not too many Warblers popped their heads out preferring to stay hide from view but once on the path heading for the Tower hide the birds were soon putting on a show.

Also seen walking along the track to the hide were Linnet, Little Ringed Plover, Grey Heron, Black Headed Gull, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow and a Blue Tit collecting nesting material.

The Tower hide allowed me another go at photographing a Sedge Warbler that was displaying just below the hide. Plus the explosive call of the Cetti's Warbler was heard and then gave a very brief but all too familiar view of it dashing between bushes.

As we ate our lunch just a bit further along the track the booming of a Bittern could be heard along again with Cetti's Warbler and added to this was now also Reed Warbler with one individual popping out to say hello. A Bee Fly also put on a show for us, Gem thought it looked strange.

Making our way back a fired off a few shots of a posing Chaffinch and Linnet along with another Sedge Warbler.

But the best was yet to come, I have always wanted to try and grab a half decent shot of the Cetti's Warbler but the views I usually get are so brief I barely get the time to raise my camera, but today my luck was in, I saw one starting to creep through the reeds and then start to show itself.

Eventually though the bird really came out into the open and I finally had my shot, a great way to end the day.