Ferry Meadow 22 & 27 April 1999
by Gordon Hamlett
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PBC Trip Report Ferry Meadow 22 & 27 April 1999 by Gordon Hamlett |
With two walks in the space of the week in prime migration time, it was interesting to see how the bird populations varied as different species arrived and moved through.
The first walk headed off towards the raised bank by the small boating lake. En route, we counted a healthy 29 Common Terns and there were about 40 Sand Martins hawking for insects together with just a couple of Swallows and House Martins.
A pair of Green Woodpeckers was very vocal and as they flew around the trees near the pontoon bridge and a Reed Bunting showed well. There were some ten Linnets feeding on the grassy bank and about 30 Pied Wagtails flitting round in a pre-roost gathering. but the stars were three Yellow Wagtails, picked out like jewels in the late evening sunlight. We all had superb telescope views and the evening was rounded off by excellent views of a Kingfisher which obligingly climbed high to show off his red underparts. The only warblers noted were Willow and Sedge Warblers - two of the former and one of the latter.
The second walk was still gathering at the visitor centre when news broke of a male Garganey in front of the first hide. Pulses raced and paces notably quickened though not sufficiently to miss the first two Swifts of the year flying over. Only a few hirundines were noted but Common Terns reached a spectacular 67 birds. The Garganey was a stunner and sat right in front of the hide for us. Who said that these were skulking ducks?
We were then treated to what seemed like a rival duet with Reed Warblers on one side of the river bank and Sedge Warblers on the other. Both gave excellent views as they tried to outsing each other. Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen and a Blackcap and Willow Warblers added to the chorus. Back to the bank and though the Yellow Wagtails were still there, the Linnets and Pied Wagtails had moved through. Only one person saw the Kingfisher and a Redshank was noted.
Click here for a description of Ferry Meadows
