Far Ings NNR 17-8-11

Chiffchaff

Sand Martin

Sand Martin

Willow Tit

Willow Warbler

Didnt quite get out as early as we had planned! Went to bed at midnight, set the alarm for 3am, but the snooze button was not applied properly so we slept a bit late! Up at 6.30am though and after a cuppa and a bite to eat we headed off for an early morning walk up to Far Ings via the Humber Bank. A ten minute stop off at Chowder Ness only produced a few Black Headed Gull , 5 Shelduck and a couple of Linnet- the tide was right in. All was quiet really apart from a gathering of Swallow and Sand Martin near to the tile works. We had a hour or so at the Ness Farm end of the reserve but the Wednesday work party were busy strimming and raking the causeway so obviously no birds around! We decided on a walk back to the new Visitor Centre for a coffee etc. There were 5 Grey Heron - all seen together - on Pursuit Pit. We walked on through Barton Reed Bed where we watched a party of Long Tailed Tit, a couple of Willow Tit, a family of Willow Warbler and a couple of Chiffchaff. There were also a few Migrant Hawkers on the wing too.

Operation Little Grebe Part Deux 15-8-11

With a pleasant evening in store (weather wise) we headed back to see the Little Grebe family. For the next couple of hours or so I enjoyed an intimate observation of their parental duties, such a privilege! I spent most of the time lying low on my tummy in the mud, getting nettled and scraped rather a lot. I managed at one time to get even closer by patiently waiting for both adults to dive at which time I had about 3 seconds to inch closer dragging myself and my camera/lens along - not an easy task! A small price to pay though for the pleasure of watching their busy little lives at close hand. Photography wise it was somewhat difficult mainly because of the position of the Grebes and the light at the time. Mostly they were either side lit or I was shooting into the sun - so didnt really achieve the shots I would have liked but just observing them was a pleasure in itself. Here are a few shots I obtained, there are one or two more on my Zenfolio site http://mandywest.zenfolio.com/

Operation Little Grebe 12-8-11

Having located a new family of Little Grebes I sat myself down quietly to observe the 3 hatchlings (from 4 eggs), the light was against me and despite a patient wait they just didnt come close enough to get decent shots - I shall try again another day. It was just wonderful to watch them though, and I enjoyed watching their antics. I had to have a giggle to myself as the male was working hard bringing food for the babies, however he went off for a bit and when he began to return the female called and he went over with an offering of weeds and she gave him a right telling off! Guess it was babyfood she wanted not a clump of weed! :) I also watched a Water Vole swimming across the water.
A good sighting of Hobby was a highlight today, it came over the park being given its marching orders by a Common Tern, it headed off west towards the Humber Bridge.
After a meander to the cafe for a latte and chocolate, we made our way back through the park. I was chuffed to spot a Little Egret fishing in the shallows of one of the pits but it was off after about 5 mins.
A nice few hours out and very warm though the sun refused to shine :(
We also visited the park yesterday (11th) and observed a Bittern and Kingfisher during our visit.

LITTLE EGRET

DABCHICK FAMILY (RECORD SHOT)

WATER VOLE

Here are a few shots I took today.