Now the Chiff Chaffs are Singing!

So, I heard my first chiff chaffs today, rather a lot of them in fact. But I had to leave Newark in order to do it.

I biked out to RSPB Langford Lowfields today, to see if the warblers out there were louder than their urban relatives, on a day where all the roadside verges seemed to be full of spring flowers; red dead nettle, violets, celandine and daffodils, although a cold northerly wind wasn't quite so seasonal.

It took about 30 seconds after entering the reserve to hear the first chiffy, making its repetitive call that sounds nothing like its name at piercing volume. I reckon I head at least 7 or 8 around the site.

I also heard a cetti's warbler as well, a loud bubbling song that I have to admit was pointed out to me by another visitor. Hopefully I will recognise it again. I've barely ever seen a chiff chaff so I have no chance with these elusive recent colonists. But I'm pleased to have heard one.

Sadly, there wasn't much out on the water today on Phase 1, just the usual common waterfowl. Less interesting than Balderton  Lake in fact! The birds of course are smart, there were all sorts of goodies on parts of the site where there is no public access apparently.

Didn't bother me, I just happily walked around the reserve and over the wobbly bridge in a very pleasant setting, listening to squabbling geese, the fighting coots, and the screeches of gulls around the edge of the water, before the hawthorn hedgerows produced songbirds singing their avian hearts out.

I did get my camera out to take shots of the birds on the feeders, which I'll put on a different post. This one is just about enjoying being in a place, and enjoying the journey to and from.

Been a long time since I've been here.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 23.03.19