Saturday 8 May 2010

Arne - Darties doing nicely

This has been a really harsh Winter and one species rather susceptible to such weather is the Dartford Warbler. The local heaths can turn them up almost anywhere but I chose to check out Arne RSPB reserve where they were ‘guaranteed’.






Lots of ideal heath and gorse habitat......








Getting a picture of one would be another matter of course but after checking out the nearby Woodlark hotspot - one bird was sweetly singing and eventually two, flighty and rather distant birds were seen! I donned my coat in the steady drizzle to find a Dartie or two….

The walk to the estuary area was recommended and after half a mile or so, had the first Dartford Warbler of the day – sat on top of the heather…..






The gorse thickets looked and sounded more promising however as I could hear one or two birds here singing. Every now and then they would come briefly into view, as they fed on small insects, quite close to the path. A waiting game then, pausing when the rain got too heavy……














Caught in mid song……












Not sure if I can pick a favourite here!!






I can safely say that Dartford Warblers are doing very nicely at Arne.......