Saturday 21 April 2018

St Aidan's & Fairburn

Last Sunday we spent the day in the at St Aidan's and then Fairburn. Another good day weather wise though the rain had left things muddy and still flooded in places. But we're used to that!


At St Aidan's there'd been Whimbrels spotted but we dipped on those however my husband did find a Black-tailed Godwit hiding behind a couple of Mallards, my first one in a while.



We could hear Bitterns booming all around, some seemed really close but of course we didn't see any sign of any. We did see lots of Reed Bunting, Gadwall, Gulls, Pochard, Lapwing, Little & Great Crested Grebe amongst others.







Chiffchaff where calling too. Overhead we saw Buzzard and Kestrel and up in the trees on the hillside a Green Woodpecker. A Hare ran up the hill and there were quite a few geese on it. Around the paths lots of Meadow Pipit plus Skylarks and a Wheatear.




At Fairburn the sight from the Kingfisher screen.......a Heron in a tree!



Instead of going around the coal tips we walked down the lake trail instead, only as far as the Bob Dickens hide though. We spotted a pair of Blackcaps in the trees and again could hear Chiffchaff all around.

From the hide we saw several Great Crested Grebe, Gulls, Gadwall and a few Mallard.



The sun was out by now and off to the side of the hide a couple of Brimstone butterflies were flying around.  They were too quick for the camera though, so was this Ladybird that was disappearing round the back of the stem.


This Chiffchaff was singing at the very top of the tree by the visitors centre.



It was t-shirt weather by the time we were leaving.....finally a hint of spring, maybe even summer!


8 comments:

  1. A successful bird walk by any standards.

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  2. A super walk Pam and it is so good to have some warmer weather and sunshine :) I always love to hear Bitterns booming - it is such an unusual sound!

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    1. It really is nice to see the sun, winter seemed never ending! It's always great to hear the Bitterns.

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  3. I've never heard a Bittern booming except on TV - it must be wonderful to hear the call as you walk. Great photos:)

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    1. It is and in some places the sound is a constant as you walk! Thank you :)

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  4. I always like to see what birds you are finding, quite a few here I have not seen this year. Hoping to make a visit here in a few weeks so good to know whats about.
    Like Rosie i would love to hear the Bittern calling even if I did not get to see it.
    Great set of photos.
    Amanda xx

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    1. Thanks Amanda, I've made a bit more of an effort this year to try and get out and see specific birds! If you're going in a few weeks it should be buzzing with Hirundines and Swifts, that is amazing to see! Hopefully the Bitterns will still be calling too. xx

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