Thompson, Norfolk

Reed Warbler at Thompson 03/06/16

This morning I enjoyed an close and intimate encounter with a pair of Reed Warblers on territory. Brief song was given by the male bird, however, the observations today saw both birds engaging in behaviour clearly indicative of successful breeding.  Both Reed Warblers kept together for much of the time as they flew from the nest site and back again with food, on one occasion a faecal sac was carried from the nest.  A strand of dried reed was carried to the nest to presumably reinforce its structure.
When away from the nest the parent Reed Warbler was seen in a nearby Sallow where it reached from a branch to delicately pick food items from then downy growths at the end of twigs.  Food searches were also done deep down in reeds close to the waters edge.
Although generally seen moving about within cover, these beautiful Reed Warblers would occasionally sidle up a stem to show themselves quite well.

Also present was 1 Grey Heron, a pair of Mute Swans with young, Coot (2 attending nests), Moorhen, and a calling Little Grebe.
A pair of Common Terns flew in to collect food from what water remains free from the dreadful Water Soldier which is rapidly taking over the whole of the water once again.
3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, one of which was seen in flight a few times carrying food in its beak, evidence of successful breeding by this species.
Song birds were well represented on my walk with at least 10 singing Blackcaps in the area, 4 singing Whitethroats, a singing Willow Warbler, 6+ Song Thrush territories, several singing Goldcrests, and at least 1 singing Cetti's Warbler.