Yesterday I rose at 4.30, and was on the road for 6.25 to try & photograph Nightingales before the classes started. There had been a severe frost for the first time, and it was perishingly cold, and this may be one reason why the Nightingales were noticeable by their absence. I did find one however, on the southern edge of Coot Lake around the first bench. Although the Nightingales continued to confound for the rest of the day, the Warblers did us proud.
Garden Warbler
Nightingale
Ditto
Ditto
In the morning Garden Warblers were chasing each other all over the place, and then were themselves chased by Blackcaps. There were Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Lesser Whitethroats singing, but Common Whitethroats were imitating the elusive Nightingales.
Garden Warbler
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Lesser Whitethroat
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Ditto
Treecreeper
Before the afternoon group started we were buttonholed by an ancient "meeter and greeter", who pointed out 3 Mediterranean Gulls through his telescope. He started talking about the Nightingales, which he insisted numbered 10 individuals singing on the reserve. However, when I asked why on this particular occasion they were so reluctant to sing, he was lost for words until he stumbled out that it may be because they have only just arrived. In the past I've found that is exactly when they are at their most voluble. The Nightingale was as hard to locate in the afternoon, but we could hear another singing at the other side of the water. Unfortunately, when we ventured over there, it had gone quiet again! In the afternoon Garden Warblers actually posed out in the open, as did a single Lesser Whitethroat.
Mediterranean Gulls
Comma
Green-veined Whites
Female Orange-Tips
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