Dengemarsh - warm, dry and cloudy, SW4 - Following a week away it was good to get out and about early on to walk the gully with Ted. In spring the Whinchat is something of a scarcity in these parts, unlike on its return passage when small numbers turn up along the coastal scrub throughout August and September with the ranges, and particularly Galloways, being the favoured area. This morning two birds were noted at the top of the gully near the bird reserve along with up to ten Wheatears scattered along the watercourse down to the sea. Also present, several Common Whitethroats and Willow Warblers, a Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat, a Kestrel and a Common Buzzard. A walk around to the hayfields (mostly dry) produced a few Yellow Wagtails, Reed Warblers and a family party of Bearded Tits by the pump, while more Yellow Wagtails were on Dengemarsh Road by the farm.
As already mentioned we`ve been away for a week, in deepest Oxfordshire at the Cropredy music festival, and it was interesting to ponder on a few avian differences to the Marsh. For example, Red Kites were regularly seen in the air over the camp site, while House Martins were abundant with plenty nesting in the village and feeding overhead; one morning I counted around 200 hawking for insects along a railway embankment. On Wednesday morning, following heavy overnight rain Willow Warblers were numerous, calling from cover and even flitting openly amongst the tents and caravans. More were seen and heard along the Oxford canal later in the morning with several actually hunting insects atop the barges! A few Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Common Whitethroats were also present along the cut, plus Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. Returning to camp late one night a Hedgehog was seen on the camping field, and one of the locals said that it was not unusual to see half a dozen snuffling around searching for food. And as for my musical highlights, an eclectic mix of Nile Rodgers & Chic, Fisherman`s Friends, 10cc, Green Diesel, Toyah, Beans on Toast and, of course, Fairport Convention closing the festival on Saturday evening.
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