Trip reports

Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh Nature Reserve

Friday, 20 March 2009

Blue skies and warm sun, a cold easterly breeze that hardly troubled us, a better than expected total of 61 species included 7 heard, and wonderful Blackthorn blossom - brilliant!
A variety of species at the Grove Ferry car park included a Ring-necked Parakeet - they seem to be getting everywhere now!
Gratefully taking advice from other birdwatchers, we found a difficult Little Owl in the big oak on the other side of the river before going on to 'the oxbow' where we had great views of a pair of Gargany with numbers of Teal, Mallard and Wigeon . Later at the Marsh Hide we found the Water Pipits, unfortunately a Sparrowhawk disturbed them before everyone could get a good view through the telescopes; however everyone had great views of a Spoonbill as it drifted over the reserve.
Other species included Buzzard, some brilliant views of Marsh Harriers; Little-ringed Plovers, Green Sandpiper, and posing Little Egret and Snipe.