Bird highlights included a quartet of raptors including the ever present Marsh Harriers, supported by at least five hovering Kestrels, possibly a couple more, three dashing Hobbies and a low flying Sparrowhawk.
On the Hirundine front Sand Martins were by far the most numerous with just a smattering of Swallows and a few House Martins. In the singing department Cetti's Warblers came 'Top of the Pops' singing from every corner of the reserve. For sheer good looks it was a close call between a Kingfisher and a Great White Egret both seen near the Denge Marsh hide.
Over on the ARC site the entertainment included three stunning Black Terns, two Dunlin, two Black tailed Godwits, two Med Gulls and three Pintails. You can't complain about that line up can you? In all I found 43 species of birds today. But that wasn't all, I also found Frogs, a Grass Snake, a very handsome caterpillar, a few butterflies, loads of Dragonflies, a cricket and more Common Lizards than you can shake a stick at, which I think is what the Kestrels were after.
Not everything came under the gaze of my lens, but below are some of the super creatures that did.
MARSH FROGS...JUST HANGING OUT
CATERPILLAR OF THE KNOTGRASS MOTH
SMALL HEATH BUTTERFLY
HOBBY
MIGRANT HAWKER'S LUNCH (YUK!)
MIGRANT HAWKER'S DESSERT
SMALL COPPER
ROESEL'S BUSH CRICKET
CORMORANT
COMMON DARTER? ON A BROWN TAIL MOTH TENT I THINK
COMMON LIZARD
AND AGAIN SHOWING COLOUR VARIATION
THERE WERE ACTUALLY FIVE HERE, ONE GOT AWAY!
6 comments:
Hi Phil.
As usual another great day had at Dunge.
You have certainly got the hang of this photography lark, especially the arial shots, like the Hobby, you will have to give me a couple of lessons as I keep losing the plot.
Have a good weekend.
Nice collection of shots Phil...I always enjoy seeing the small copper, any cormorant shot makes me think of home (where I grew up), I love the frogs' shot, and I'm an odd gal who thinks lizards are cute ;o) Nicely done.
Cracking photos Phil.
Phil ,
Great selection of species and great shots .
Surprisingly the Migrant Hawker taking dessert is an immature male , so late in the season .
Your Darter is a Common , well past it's sell by date .
What myriad of species phil, well photographed too. The Hobby is a great shot :-)
Another good day out, Phil and lovely photos to illustrate it.
I enjoyed seeing the Marsh Frogs, we don't get them in this area as far as far as I know. I love the Lizards too.
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