Tuesday 8 June 2010

MARMORA'S WARBLER continues to delight


Marmora's Warbler on territory (Chris Thomas)

The male NORTH ATLANTIC (MADEIRAN) LITTLE SHEARWATER advertised from its chosen cavern location on Lundy Island (North Devon) from midnight until 0115 hours last night but could not be seen. Overnight excursions via boat charters can be arranged, costing approximately £70 per person.

On the Monmouthshire/Gwent border, the first-summer male MARMORA'S WARBLER continues to build its nest in the isolated gorse bush by the road and advertise by song-flighting from its territory, up to 150 yards either side of the lower car park. The bird affords exceptional views and chooses prominent perches from where to sing - please view ONLY from the road or car park. DIRECTIONS: once in Blaenavon, continue north on the B 4246 for about one mile and then turn right on the minor road leading out on to the moor. It is best to park in the car park by the masts and walk the 700 yards east to the lower car park at SO 269 107.

Likewise, the long-staying male IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF continues to sing from by the tall conifer 120 yards south of the Cadira Beeches car park in Wentwood Forest. Leave the A48 north and continue through village, past Wentwood Reservoir on the left to the car park after 350 yards.

A BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER continues for a second day at Port Clarence Floods (Cleveland), viewable from the fence west of the A178, whilst nearby, a male RED-BACKED SHRIKE is at Hendon Town Moor, just west of Sunderland West Dock (County Durham). A PECTORAL SANDPIPER also remains for a second day at Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincs), showing intermittently from the 360 Hide.

Being the peak time for spring passage birds, male MARSH WARBLERS are in song at Druridge Pools NR (Northumberland) (in reeds in the SE corner close to the entrance to the Bill Oddie Hide) and just west of Long Melford (Suffolk) in Willows along the fence behind the former BBA factory at TL 847 461. Meanwhile, a male GOLDEN ORIOLE remains in the plantation at Gibraltar Point NNR (Lincs).

There is no sign this morning of the summer-plumaged adult WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN that graced Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) all day yesterday and a Salop site the day before, nor of the drake BLUE-WINGED TEAL that visited Billy's Wash, Cley NWT Reserve (North Norfolk) yesterday evening..