Dengemarsh

Dengemarsh - mild, sunny, SW 5 - Spent the morning walking the circular route around the marsh from Springfield bridge and back. With all the recent rain the hayfields and flood looked in good nick for the forthcoming breeding season, and indeed there was several pairs of Lapwings displaying despite the brisk wind. Shoveler, Shelduck, Teal and Grey Heron also noted on the flooded fields. On the main lake the expected grebes and wildfowl, while the field opposite the hide had a large mixed flock of Wigeon, Teal, Greylags, Lapwing and Golden Plover, plus several Snipe and at least six Ruff. Also plenty of Reed Buntings and Cetti`s Warblers on territory, plus Tree Sparrow, Marsh Harrier, Great White Egret and Stonechat. The farmland section was predictably quieter with just a few Skylark, Meadow Pipit and a single Corn Bunting of note. From the bridge we had good views of Raven coming and going with food for young. Thunderous explosions emanating from the Army ranges kept the flocks of wildfowl and plovers on the move.

                               Dengemarsh flood