This last week or so has been a bit wet in the Peterborough area, curtailing my birding exploits somewhat. It is possibly the wettest drought on record! Other than the excitement at the weekend of an Iberian Chiffchaff seen at Castor Hanglands, a bird that is now courting controversy due to its` tendency of singing Chiffchaff songs as well as typical Iberian song, the birds on offer have been what is expected at this time of year. The Wheatears are still passing through the area and now the warblers and Nightingales are starting to appear and sing for territory, I have even heard a `booming` Bittern at an undisclosed site, increasing my PBC year list nicely. The birds though, as well as me are now getting a bit damp around the edges.
"Damp around the edges?" a phrase from my late father's vocabulary meaning even wetter than "Nearly enough to stop the combines". What a day today!
ReplyDeleteHi John,
DeleteA funny saying, but quite succinct I think! It didn`t stop to rain, did it!
J
Thanks John, must lookout for the Wheatears. When! its dry I must check Castor H for the Nightingale. There are usually a few around.
ReplyDeleteAt least I will recognise the song unlike my efforts with the Iberian Chiffchaff.
Hi Roy,
DeleteYou have time, they will still be coming through in May. There are a few Nightingales at Castor now singing that unmistakeable song of theirs. Don`t worry too much about the Chiff, it`s causing plenty of controversy by singing in all sorts of different ways!
J
You comment about this being 'the wettest drought on record' is spot on! So what are we looking at? A Wheatear or an Iberian Chiffchaff>
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Bazza,
DeleteYes, typical that as soon as a hosepipe ban is announced, it hasn`t stopped raining!
It`s a male Wheatear, by the way.
J
Damp is a bit of an understatement after yesterdays downpour! Have fun John.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank,
DeleteI have just about dried out, although there is more on the way, so I hear.
J
Beautiful photos John!! A booming Bittern on patch, that's excellent!
ReplyDeleteGiven the name of your blog perhaps the post title should have been 'Damp around the hedges' ;-)
Thank you Jan,
DeleteYes, a good bird to have, but obviously things are kept a bit hush hush over its location.
You see, I am not as good with words as you are, I would never of thought of that!
J
Beautiful capture, a very attractive little bird.
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian,
DeleteThank you, even when he is a bit wet.
J
I've been reading the posts re the Chiffchaff on Cambs bird group. Serious stuff this birding :-)
ReplyDeleteNice shots of the Wheatear.
Thank you Keith,
DeleteSome people take it extremely seriously! I am not knowledgeable on the subject to have an opinion, I have seen it and just wait for the outcome!
J