Reports of up to six Garganeys on the scrape at Summer Leys as well as several Jack Snipe was reason enough to take an after work trip there in the company of my brother David. Plenty of sunshine made for a pleasant experience though viewing was a little challenging at times as the sun dropped closer to the horizon. Still challenging or otherwise I'm going to miss this weather once winter makes a return!
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| Drake Garganey and Jack Snipe |
Beginning in the Pioneer Hide we did get several distant Garganeys and quickly realised that we would get much closer views from Paul Britten Hide. On the way we saw a Comma and half a dozen Peacocks, I suspect it could be a while before I see my next butterflies. From our new location in the Paul Britten hide we did get good views of at least four Garganeys that were actively feeding in the shallow water. Also showing was a Jack Snipe making that characteristic bobbing motion as it moved furtively through the vegetation at the side of the water. As the birds were backlit by a bright sun it was quite difficult to get pictures but I managed a few OK ones. A Great White Egret dropped in while we were there and was the only one of our visit. Other waders feeding on the scrape included a good number of Snipe and a few Redshanks. We dipped on the Bramblings at the feeding station but that didn't spoil our enjoyment and we left for home feeling pretty happy with the results of our brief excursion.
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| Redshank, Great White Egret and Peacock. |
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