After dropping the kids off at school at 8.30am, I drove over to Reculver where the plan was to walk around the caravan bushes to see if any migrants where about. As I arrived at Reculver, I met Chris and Anne Hindle walking back along the road having looked around the bushes already. There was not much to be seen so I decided to go and have another look for the Dartford Warbler at Beltinge below the Miramar rest home. On arrival it was lovely and sunny and with light winds I fancied my chances if it was still present. I walked down the steps hearing Stonechats calling and a few birders looking through their scopes at a few bushes. Surely they were scoping the Dartford Warbler and when I joined them, they were indeed on to the bird which showed well as it made its way through the bushes, sometimes coming out on top giving that characteristic jizz that the Dartford Warbler has. The others moved on after a while to look to see if the Shrike was still around and I got into a few nice positions where I was treated to stunning views of what can be a tricky bird to see at times, let alone photograph. It normally associated itself with a few Stonechat and often come out on top where it showed really well and I was able to rattle off my best images of this species.
I have seen two over the years at Reculver but these views were brilliant and I suspect, hard to beat. Julian Perry joined me a while later where we continued to have nice views and with some shots in the bag, we moved on back towards the cars. I decided to drive over to Bishopstone Lane car park where I had a walk around a few fields which have not been ploughed yet and they contained a good few birds. Highlight walking around was flushing another Dartford Warbler which I had brief views of before it moved into heavy cover. Other birds noted were 12 Grey Partridge, good numbers of Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Lesser Redpoll, Goldfinch and a few Goldcrest. I'm sure with a bit more effort that a few more good birds were to be seen but that will have to wait for tomorrow morning when I hope to be out again. A cracking session with 2 Dartford Warblers seen, not bad at all and even better in the sunshine!
Dartford Warbler
Superb photos Marc, be a job to better them. Star birds for me though, were the Grey Partridges, so badly missed in the countryside these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks Derek. I'm chuffed to bits with them. Never in a lifetime did I think I would photos of a secretive bird like this in Kent. I agree with the Grey Partridges. A great shame that they are declining quickly.
DeleteCracking set of photos Marc. Also the right day weather wise. Tomorrow looks to be a whole lot wetter !!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike. Yes the weather played its part today and made for an excellent rare opportunity to catch this species.
DeleteOh Yes! These are lovely images Marc :-) The light is superb, very well done mate, i'm envious no end of these :-)
ReplyDeleteCheers Warren. Great bird, great weather all added up to a few nice photos today. Pleased I am!
DeleteGreat find and excellent series of shots Marc.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bernie. Chances are few and far between with this species in Kent so really pleased to have got this on the patch.
DeleteBeautiful images Marc, I must get over and try to catch one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob. Only my 3rd in the Reculver area in about 15 years of birding in the area.
DeleteIt's funny that you mention singing Stonechats,I've notice Dartford Warblers seem to appear often at there sites,showing well at times.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots by the way.
John.
Many thanks John. It certainly made it a little easier to find. Otherwise it would have been a needle in a haystack.
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