Trip reports
Evening walk along the lampen wall at Stodmarsh
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Our run of dry weather for outdoor meetings continued as met at the car park at Stodmarsh, although it was a little windy. We started out with a group of 7 but were caught up by another 2 shortly afterwards. Taking the nature trail path we watched Reed Warblers in the area just near the car park and several Swifts were flying overhead.
Eddie located a Turtle Dove calling from one of the taller trees.
On the main lake the usual large numbers of Cormorants were roosting, a small flock of Greylag Geese were on the left hand side of the lake and Sand Martins were flying low over the water. There were several Great Crested Grebes, a couple of Shoveler, Mallards and a number of Common Terns.
Jean saw a Kingfisher which put in another appearance later in the evening.
Walking along the Lampen wall we got good views of Cuckoo as it flew and perched several times. 'It's in the scope' I confidently shouted, not realising it had flown as soon as I looked away, and was immediately replaced on the same branch by a Jay, causing a few moments confusion and debate.
Cetti's Warblers were calling loudly from the bushes but are very hard to see at this time of year.
A Reed Bunting was perching on bulrush heads and a Grey Heron flew over the back. Further along the path towards the river, I distinguished myself by calling a Barn Owl, only to realise seconds later it was in fact a very pale male Marsh Harrier, which we watched as it hunted over the reed beds, being joined after a while by a female.
Chiffchaff and Blackcap were heard, a small party of Long-tailed Tits appeared with a Willow-Chiff in tow, and a single Tufted Duck flew over.
As we got back to the Lampen wall a calling Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over our heads.
We were just remaking on the absence of Hobbies when one came into view to finish off our bird list for the evening.
A very pleasant walk.