The Valley

August 17th

Decided to make the most of it as I had a follow on dentist appointment, so naturally out at dawn birding before the dentist.

The viewing area was crowded with birds roosting for the night, this included about 60 Canada Geese, 30 Mallard, Teal numbers are up to 19, 8 Gadwall and 11 Shoveler all fresh in.

Flock of Lapwing in the viewing area (click on photos to enlarge)

Green Sandpiper

Waders were represented by 71 Lapwing and a single Green Sandpiper.

Moving on from here I checked both paddocks for migrants, none seen so pressed on to the Reservoir.

Chiffchaff

Common Sandpiper

En route I became aware that Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler and Common Whitethroat were everywhere, especially Chiffies, many were feeding up on Berry bushes. Water Rail were also calling along with at least 6 Cetti’s Warblers.

With a change in the wind to an easterly I hoped for a ‘ goodie ‘ but nothing materialized.

On arrival at the Reservoir Great Crested Grebe numbers had increased to 14, also seen were 6 Yellow Wagtails, Little Egret, Common Tern and 2 Common Sandpipers.

After the Reservoir I walked the top paddock and flushed 2 Red Legged Partridges at the edge of the corn stubble.

No major migrant movement as yet but its just great to be out.

After the dentist and a meeting I popped into Barking Bay and grabbed an hour, highlights were 2 Ringed Plovers, Whinchat, 19 Common Sandpipers, 11 Wasp Spiders including an enormous female and 2 Silver Y’s.

A very impressive large female Wasp Spider

Underside

Silver Y camouflaging itself on top of a plant

Close up

Hopefully the Whinchat heralds the start of some migration.