September Swansong.

Recent reports of a Pallid Harrier at Welney in Norfolk were enough to prompt a visit today and while the main attraction failed to put in an appearance it was still a good day. A first highlight was the sighting of two Willow Emeralds even before Alan Shorrock and I had to shell out for the somewhat pricey permit. While the weather was a bit on the duff side it would appear that these relative newcomers are made from hardy stuff. Some evidence of breeding activity was noted with the scars left over by breeding activity showing on several trees. The only other species seen on this distinctly dragonfly unfriendly day were a single Common Darter and Migrant Hawker.

Would be harrier fan club were probably hoping for more exotic fare.

Plenty of Tree Sparrows were on the feeders at the visitor centre which they shared with their House cousins and Goldfinches. Star billing from the centre must however go to the seventeen Cranes seen feeding in a nearby field, they were part of a group of thirty six present on the reserve. I saw my first ever Crane at this reserve about thirty years ago, would never have believed that numbers like this would occur in the future.

Family meal and distant Cranes.

Whooper Swans are beginning to arrive now and a small number were seen today, numbers should begin to build as the autumn progresses. Wildfowl numbers are still quite low but they were bolstered by an escaped Ringed Teal which apparently hails from South America, the female Pintail probably stemmed from less debateable origins.

Whooper Swans, godwits and Ringed Teal.

With no Pallid to watch it was left to two or three Marshes to provide harrier related thrills and we enjoyed some good views. Other raptors seen today were Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. Not too much else of interest was seen today though there was a flock of thirteen Black-tailed Godwits and a couple of Snipe.

Male Willow Emerald and breeding scars on Willow.