Sussexbirders Adventures

Saturday 23 April 2011

Lesser yellowlegs

We headed over to Meare heath in Somerset where we were greeted by sound of spring, there was a Whitethroat singing along the channel a Willow warbler in the trees and a distance cuckoo calling, as we started a 1 1/2 mile walk along the Meare wall Dad picked out a booming Bittern in the reeds to the right of us, this was one of three the we can hear, Blackcaps seemed to be everywhere, and the odd reed bunting was seen flying out about.

Garden warbler

When we arrived at the drained pool, we saw 40+ Black tailed godwits a few Redshanks and the best of all a lesser yellowlegs, straight fine bill, dark primaries what a lovely wader, it was a bit distance for good pictures, but really good views through the scope were enjoyed.

Behind us a male Marsh harrier was seen hunting over the reeds, on the way back to the car there was a cuckoo sitting proudly on top on top of a tree before flying off calling, a Reed warbler was picked out in the reeds singings, and then a distance Hobby which gave us some amazing views as it flew over, there was also an another Marsh harrier, by the entrance there was a superb Garden warbler was heard singing right in front of us.

night heron

Then it was onto Bournemouth in hope of seeing the adult Night heron, on the way to were it was last seen, i picked out a reeling Gropper briefly along the river, abit further along the Night heron was found sitting high up in a tree along the bank showing really well, after about 40 minutes of watching the heron in the tree it flew out and over the river before settling on another tree, right out in the open completely amazing views we also heard it calling at times, a Kingfisher was also along the river where we watched the it diving for fish, we also heard a second nearby.