First visit of the year to the Somerset Levels. Excellent view of a Tawny Owl and Owlet early yesterday morning. Also, Marsh Harriers, Bitterns, and Cuckoos about. Not sure of the LBJ spotted on the path - could be a Garden Warbler perhaps? There were a few around.
And on Monday morning, a visit to Hodders Combe on the Quantocks. Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Redstart all seen.
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There's a Cuckoo in Surrey that has been returning to the same spot for at least 3 years (possibly 6). It's on Thursley Nature Reserve in Surrey. It's relatively used to people, so comes down to feed on live mealworms that people put out. I've never been totally sure about going to see it, as it all feels a bit staged. But equally I'm wondering whether it's really any different to photographing the birds that come to the bird feeders in the garden.
Anyway, I went today. Got there for sunrise at 05:15am. The Cuckoo didn't show up until midday. So light not great, but pleased I managed to get some photos.
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Went to the New Forest this morning - first time in quite a while. Redstarts in full song (one pair even nest building already) and Cuckoos everywhere. Seems to be a good year for them - heard far more than I normally do.
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Early morning trip to Portland this morning in the fog. Just as I got there, the fog cleared, sun came out and I found the Hoopoe I had come to see. Some nice views until it flew to the middle of a paddock and just sat eating for 2 hours too far away for more photos.
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While in Corfe this week I spent a couple of mornings walking the Dorset Coastal path between Durlston and Dancing Ledge. Lots of Peregrine action. Very interesting as they seem to use the path itself to fly along and stalk other birds before diving down on them. At one point a Peregrine shot past my head at full speed not more than 10m from me. Sounded like a jet taking off - amazing noise as it ripped through the air.
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