In the bag

With Whimbrel, Common Tern added on Friday evening at Rainham Marshes plus Yellow Wagtail and Corn Bunting late Saturday afternoon it was just nice to unlock the camera from its bag and get a few keepers for what seems like months. So much so when my first Whimbrel of the year flew towards me on Friday the camera was still in the bag but I did managed to keep one of the images from the 10 fired off the camera. However on Saturday with the camera unlocked , 10 Wheatears near the tip provided some good photo opportunities and even better to hear the male Wheatear below singing which is something you don't hear often in London bird recording area was a real bonus too.

Whimbrel

Red

The last seven days birding the valley have been a big improvement of recent weeks, what with the successful twitch of the Jack Snipe mid- week found by Dave Mc which showed nicely from the viewing area and only my third in over 23 at the Ingrebourne and the fact that migrants are now  trickling through.

Saturday morning I started at the viewing with 3 Green Sandpiper and 3 singing Willow Warbler and 1 Reed Warbler and then made my way to the small paddock for a  Redstart or a patch tick Ring Ouzel? but instead more than happy with a tatty Red Kite as it drifted west towards the reservoir. As I high fived the dog walkers, joggers and those who were riding bikes as I crossed the black bridge a male Common Redstart fanned out its beatuiful red tail like a pack of playing cards as it was being chased by a Robin. A all to brief view but a close one of a good patch bird. (77)

 Jack Snipe


 Thanks to Nick Croft for the use of his camera for the after work/dinner mid-week twitch.

Slow going

Saturday morning I added Wheatear and Sedge Warbler to my very small year list at Rainham Marshes. Other than that a few chiffy's and the odd singing Blackcap, that was it really......

Sunday afternoon I had my first Swallow of the year in Upminster. So as you can see it's slow going still....

One of the two Wheatears at Rainham Marshes, always good to see your first one of the year.