Dry Spell

 The last few visits to the ranges has produced very little bird wise. The recent dry spell has not helped what with water levels being low. But for my effort one of the summer visiting Hobby's was busy hunting. And although the heat haze wasn't going to help. One just couldn't resist snapping a few shots of the Cattle Egrets that are still present and feeding amongst the herd. And with just seven Green Sandpipers and four Redshank seen it has been quiet on my patch. 

.

 

Ranges Round -up.

Cattle Egret.

Knot and Black-tailed Godwit

Godwits and Redshank.

Curlew Sandpiper

During my last four visits to the Ranges the floodwater has produced some pleasing birds.

With a Curlew Sandpiper turning up first. Next was a very smart Knot in full summer plumage feeding amongst the large flock of Black-tailed Godwits which are still present. Red Kite and Barn Owl have also been seen during my visits. And my last visit produced  nine Cattle Egret and a single Great White egret that has been present since the start of the year.

Red Kite & Barn Owl

Patch work Monday

Monday morning was here and with a clear sunny sky and a frost on the ground i decided to head straight for Langenhoe point in hope of spotting some Bearded Tits. And i wasn't disappointed with 25+ individuals feeding on the reed tops, as the thawed in the early morning sun allowing them to feed. During my stroll round the point 6 separate water rails could be heard squealing in different locations.

After spending a few hours on the point i decided to have a look down the centre track. This area has been out off bounds recently. As i scanned the Hawthorn bushes through my Binoculars i noticed a pale patch on a Hawthorn bush. On closer inspection with the scope it revealed 4 Short-eared Owls in a Parliament meeting. 

 

Another is in the top right back corner

After leaving the Owls the seawall was my next port of call but i was stopped in my tracks by a Cattle Egret and the Great white Egret flying around the marsh from one spot to another. A final look over the sea wall produced a good number of winter ducks and a quick snap of my favorites the Pintails. What a lovely end to a bird filled day on my Patch. A quick look at my watch and 6 hours has passed and it was time for home. Roll on next week  

Just Half a Dozen.

Just as i was driving off the ranges on Monday i noticed two Egrets fly in and land on an adjoining field. I wanted to get a closer look to confirm the I.D. So after a short stroll across the marsh i was standing by the boundary fence and as close as one could get.  But there was no sign of any Egrets. Another scan with the binoculars then revelled my first Cattle Egret of the year hidden by the a grass mound and a cow and then another one appeared from behind a bramble bush then another. I soon made myself comfy on the grass and waited hoping they may come closer or better still hitch a ride on the back of a cow. But they were sticking close to the small herd and following them further away.  A few photos were taken as they started to fly about following the herd as they grazed. And that was when with five in the air and one still feeding on the ground the total count of six was gained. The most that i have every recorded for my patch, after only getting my first record of this species only a year ago. What a great way to finish my weekly visit.

Kuş Cenneti (Bird Paradise)

Kuş Cenneti  translated into English means Bird Paradise. And this is another good bird watching site in Fetihye, SW Turkey. I've witnessed alot of changes to this section of tidal marsh on Calis beach over the years. But it has produced some of  my favourite Wader watching memories. My sightings have included Terek Sandpipers and Collard Pratincoles . And it has also been a great spot for various species of Egrets and Herons on many of my visits . But unfortunately new building construction is yet again destroying this area! And I wonder how long? can it survive as a Turkish Bird Paradise site.

Herons umbrellas and Egrets.

                             Above is a Black Heron showing its bright orange feet the picture
                             below shows it feeding amongst the pelicans under the umbrella
                             that it makes with its wings.

                                   

Cattle Egret above and Great Egrets below feeding with a Woolly-necked stork.

 

Western reef heron above.  

Black headed Heron sitting on a tree top and below the Black-crowned night Heron.

preening in the shade at Abuko nature reserve Gambia.

Lamin rice fields produced this Striated Heron also known as the Green backed Heron

 early one morning with a African Jacana.

 

As i approached this tree on the north bank road i thought it was covered in blossom

then i realised it was covered with Egrets an unbelievable sight.