This morning I visited RSPB Vange Marsh which is only 4 miles from home and easily reached by local buses and trains.
RSPB Vange Marsh is a mosaic of wetland habitats with fresh and saltwater lagoons attracting many breeding birds in spring and summer, passage migrant waders especially in late summer and autumn and large numbers of ducks in winter. There are no specific facilities in the way of a visitor centre or hides but nature trails and public footpaths allow viewing over the wetland areas.
The principal issue at RSPB Vange Marsh is that the views are towards the south so bright sunny days are problematic. In addition, birds are always very distant requiring a telescope (which on warm and sunny days creates even worse problems with heat haze) and photography opportunities are extremely limited.
The main highlight from my visit this morning was adding Swallow to my 2024 UK year list taking it to 134 species. Unfortunately, I failed to see any House Martins, Sand Martins or Swifts.
The notable sightings from my visit with regard to birds were as follows (heard only records in italics): Swallow (at least 15), Common Whitethroat (2 singing males), Lesser Whitethroat (singing male), Chiffchaff (3 singing males), Blackcap (2 singing males), Reed Warbler (singing male), Cetti’s Warbler (4 singing males), Bearded Tit (single bird heard calling), Reed Bunting (singing male), Marsh Harrier (2), Common Buzzard (1), Teal (at least 40), Common Pochard (at least 20), Shoveler (at least 10), Mallard (at least 10), Tufted Duck (6), Shelduck (4), Avocet (13), Black-tailed Godwit (flyover flock of 12 birds all in summer plumage), Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (2), Grey Heron (1), Great Crested Grebe (2), Little Grebe (2), Coot (at least 20), Mute Swan (15), Canada Goose (at least 10), Greylag Goose (at least 10), Cormorant (8), Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull
In addition, I saw a single Small White.
Love nature .... act now
💚🦆 🦉🦋🐝🦊🦡🌼 🌳💚
Stay safe, stay well, stay strong, stay connected with nature
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