Friday 25 July 2014

Day 6. (13 May)



Overnight the rain had started, very heavy rain with thunder and lightening.  And it wasn’t getting any lighter as we set off back to PP. As we birded the tip area it was clear that there had been a fall of flycatchers overnight. Thanks to the help / presence of Michael most of these were identified as Alder, but one Willow was also found along with a Yellow-bellied in the pines. 

After refreshments in the visitor centre, we headed down the Woodland trail and eventually obtained excellent views of both of the Eastern Screech Owls – they had been “missing” on the previous occasions we had birded the trail – before catching up with a Nighthawk that had been found. We didn’t, however, catch up with the Mississippi Kite that had drifted over the visitor centre mid-morning.

Moving on to the Tilden Trail, Michael soon picked up the song of a Blackpoll Warbler – a benefit of having someone with you that was intimately knowledgeable with all of the calls heard. We followed the call, and while it became clear the bird was singing near by, we just couldn’t find it. A lucky glance, however, picked it up very low – we’d all being looking quite high – singing its heart out. We all enjoyed this cracking bird – you’ve just got to love those yellow legs that clash with the smart black and white plumage!

A walk round the Tilden Trail produced nothing new until we exited one of the season trails to find a group of birders focusing intently on the nearby undergrowth. Someone had found an American Woodcock. It took a few minutes before we all got onto this cryptically plumaged wader. Once located it was possible to pick out with the naked eye, but if you didn’t know it was there it was virtually invisible. We enjoyed great views as it preened, seemingly totally unconcerned by its growing band of admirers.

After eating we headed to Wheatley Harbour to try to connect with the Laughing Gull that had been reported there.  While the Laughing Gull was not to be seen, 3 Willets were found on the lake shore and a Cliff Swallow was hawking the harbour mouth area

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