A gentle amble around the Grove/Stodmarsh
reserve today with Chidders revealed a little less in the way of migrants than
last week, but still a pleasant morning in the fresh frosty and sunny start to
the Easter weekend. Ten Shelduck were on the Ramp pool as were 6 Garganey (4
drakes) and the more expected commoner ducks. A Water Rail called from deep
within the reed bed and 11 Marsh Harriers were noted. A Mistle Thrush was
giving a perched Kestrel a hard time for a short while, 3 Sparrowhawks past
over as did 2 Little Egrets while several Goldfinch and Greenfinch busied themselves
around the Ramp and Paddocks. Still some winter hangers on with 4 Fieldfare in
the orchard but spring migrants seeming to falter with just 3 Blackcaps, 3
Sedge Warblers, 7 Cetti’s Warblers and 10 Chiffchaffs being recorded. Brendan,
however, did find the first Reed Warbler of the year along the Lampen Wall
while Marsh hide held 2 Green Sandpipers, 5 Ruff, 5 Redshank and 1 Common
Snipe. Other odds and sods making the note book were 5 Common Buzzards, 3
Swallows, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet, 3 Grey Herons and 4 Canada Geese.
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| Chiffchaff |
