11 May 2019 - Hollingworth Lake

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Redstart, Grasshopper Warbler, Green Woodpecker, Reed Buntings, Little Egret

Went on the bike this morning after Joanne had left for work and met up with Andrew. A Redshank and a couple of Common Sands were on the reserve, but not much else. We decided to try Syke Farm, where we were rewarded by a singing male Redstart. Managed a record shot, then as we moved into better light, it seemed to stop singing and disappeared. Walking the valley towards Whittaker Wood, Andrew heard a Grasshopper Warbler and then found it perched, singing, in some low Brambles. I couldn't hear a thing! Just nearby, a pair of Reed Buntings perched up, the male resplendent in its full summer plumage. We heard a Green Woodpecker yaffling from Whittaker Wood, and shortly afterwards, it flew past us towards the farm, perching briefly on a telegraph pole (but not long enough for a photo!).

Heading back to the Lake, a quick scan over the reserve from Bear Hill revealed a Little Egret, which certainly wasn't there earlier. We walked to the hide and managed to get a number of half-decent shots, the bird performing quite well.

The Little Egret was still present in the evening when I called in on my bike, and there were around 20 or so Swifts over the Pavilion Wood.

Redstart

Reed Bunting

Reed Bunting Female

Reed Bunting

Little Egret