This week our group met for the first of our Tuesday morning walks. It was at Grain Coastal Park and it was a beautiful sunny day if not a little cold with a brisk easterly wind blowing.
Sally and Malcolm were keen to show those of us who had met, some of the early migrants that might pass through and also the resident birds to be found there. They did not disappoint, as one of the first birds to be seen was swallow newly arrived from Africa, swooping over our heads. As we walked round the park the expected residents of wren, robin, chaffinch and great tit could all be heard singing and kestrels showed us their ability to hover without seeming to hardly move in the blustery breeze.
Kestrel hovering by Terry Robson
Marsh harriers flew high dancing around each other whilst on the shore oystercatchers piped and curlews probed. Malcolm and Sally led us to the scrub area of the park which at first appeared quiet and devoid of birds but then gradually we started to hear blackcap and whitethroat calling. As we went lower down into the hollow we began to see small birds flitting from bush to tree and back again, all keeping themselves hidden amongst the emerging buds and leaves. At last we spotted a whitethroat singing at the top of a tree and blackcap lower down singing its flutey song. Chiffchaff repeated their call monotonously and greenfinch rasped and trilled.
In the sheltered dell green-veined whites and peacock butterflies were numerous in the sunshine and blue tits scolded as we passed by. Leaving the dell we had one more delight in store hearing a lesser whitethroat singing nearby but unfortunately it remained unseen.
Green-veined White butterfly, by Terry Robson
We finished the walk by returning along the shore watching the incoming tide drive the waders closer before flying off. Thank you Malcolm and Sally for a great morning’s walk.
Irene