This morning I visited RSPB Vange Marsh which is only 4 miles from my home and easily reached by local buses.
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.
I decided to visit RSPB Vange Marsh this morning due primarily to recent reports of at least 4 Spotted Redshanks and a single Ruff, both species which I have not recorded this year.
I was successful in seeing the Ruff, albeit it did its best to hide away behind the large flock of Black-tailed Godwits, but I failed to see any Spotted Redshanks despite repeated scanning of the lagoon with my telescope.
The notable sightings from my visit with regard to birds were as follows (heard only records in italics): Wood Sandpiper (1), Green Sandpiper (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Ruff (1), Black-tailed Godwit (at least 200), Lapwing (at least 20), Curlew (10), Avocet (20 including 2 well-grown juveniles), Great White Egret (1), Little Egret (20), Grey Heron (2), Mallard (at least 200), Gadwall (at least 20), Shoveler (at least 20), Teal (at least 20), Great Crested Grebe (1 well-grown juvenile), Little Grebe (3), Mute Swan (5), Canada Gosse (at least 100), Greylag Goose (at least 20), Egyptian Goose (2), Coot (at least 100), Moorhen (3), Lesser Black-backed Gull (at least 20), Black-headed Gull (at least 100), Common Buzzard (1), Marsh Harrier (1), Cetti’s Warbler (2 singing males heard)
In addition, I recorded the following butterflies and dragonflies and damselflies: Ruddy Darter (at least 10 males and 2 females), Common Blue (4), Small Heath (1), Speckled Wood (1), Peacock (1), Small White (1), Gatekeeper (at least 10), Meadow Brown (at least 5)
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you feel like commenting on my blog, you can contact me by completing the comment form below. I will respond to all comments and enquiries and constructive criticism will always be welcomed.