May Bird Survey – Sunday 15th May 2011

The Grasshopper Warbler, heard by some of the Bird Survey participants, has already been mentioned. Note that it was only heard – it was very difficult to pin down exactly from where this unusual song (a mechanical, whirring reel) was originating.

More common, but far more entertaining were the Sand Martins dashing round the sky and around the holes in the banks of Pymmes Brook. Conveniently viewed from the road near the Waterside Visitor Centre, there were 20+ birds flying in and out of the holes. Sometimes up to four birds flew into the same tiny hole entrance! Not quite sure what was going on – let’s hope they’ve decided to try nesting here.

David Cottridge captured some of the action – here is one of his Sand Martin shots.

He also caught a Reed Warbler in full song.

Other summer visitors included Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Sedge Warblers.

Debbie