Breckland Birder

Breckland Birder
Red Deer in Breckland, Norfolk Photo by Paul Newport

Tuesday 7 August 2018

Migrant Warblers

A search for migrants this morning was productive with an obvious increase in Sylvia Warblers on the patch compared to a visit to the same site on 4th August.  Most notably, Lesser Whitethroats were present in good numbers, however, Blackcaps formed the majority of migrants with many female/juvenile birds and some male birds being seen.
Elder bushes/small trees were checked as these are especially attractive to migrant Warblers, and indeed, both Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcaps were seen eating elderberries.  Several Whitethroats were present but appeared to be in lesser numbers.
Whitethroat in bramble
Lesser Whitethroats occasionally passed over me revealing their contrasting dark upperparts and gorgeous silky white underparts, also, a bird seen quite close to feeding upon elderberries revealed the stunning lead-grey head, and with this bird, a full white eye-ring.
I noticed this morning that most elderberries have yet to ripen, however, some solitary ripe black berries and some full clusters of ripe berries were good feeding for migrant Warblers.  The vast majority of berries are yet to ripen to provide good feeding for forthcoming migrants.

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