I turned up at the site which was already occupied by a few local birders, bad news though, they were unable to locate it but informed me that as they were arriving a departing birder informed them they'd had views. So I set about scanning the field and located the Stone Curlew tucked up against the hedge on the opposite side of the ploughed field to the right of the entrance track. It was sheltering from the biting cold wind which inevitably was blowing directly into our faces - it's April.....!
I watched the Stone Curlew for about 10 minutes and fired of a few photos but the light was dim and the bird distant so this was the best I could manage.
43. Stone Curlew
Although it was difficult to get a decent photo, I still managed some fairly decent views but only through the telescope.
Since the Stone Curlew was remaining tucked up and sheltered I thought I'd best have a look around the rest of the reserve. Not a great deal to offer, suppose the cold, wind (and some snow - it's definitely April?) keeping everything hunkered down.
There were a few Canada Geese about, heard a Skylark and Curlew and had a Raven fly over then sat in the hide for 15 minutes or so. Slowly scanned the area, 3 Fieldfare were pointed out to me, I then located 2 Curlew the other side of the field by a small pool of water, this also contained a few Coot, Widgeon, Teal and a Shovelar. Whilst there the Canada Geese came over to the pond on which the hide overlooks, these were joined by a pair of Pied Wagtails. Just before leaving 2 Stock Dove flew in and afforded so nice close views.
I left the hide just in time to catch a Red Kite flying over, got off a few shots but again nothing the write home about (or to blog about to be honest!) but here is the best of the lot.
44. Red Kite
As I was making my way back to the car I noticed the reserve had gotten a lot busier and that the throng of people were not looking were I'd been watching the Stone Curlew. I made my way over to them to be told the Stone Curlew had moved and was offering better views. Looking through the telescope there was no mistaking a Stone Curlew, I could even make out the yellow eye and the bill was obvious. It was now quite active although still fairly distant and I was hoping it would move closer to us to allow me to get some better images but a new arrival parked next to it for a close view and spooked it resulting in it flying back to it sheltered spot on the far side of the ploughed field, I managed a couple of shots before it flew and one of it in flight.
That was enough of the Stone Curlew, more honestly I was frozen solid and needed to warm back up. Whilst loading everything back into the car a nice male Reed Bunting kindly posed on the bird table.
45. Reed Bunting
As I was opening the gate to leave the reserve I watched whilst 4 Ravens were being harassed by jumping Canada Geese who were obviously concerned the Ravens were flying too low and too close for their liking - Funny.
