The morning started cool with slight mist patches in the valley, it certainly felt like an early autumnal day. The sunshine was hazy and indeed it remained mostly cloudy throughout the day. It remained warm.
Walking downstream along Watton Brook, a sudden flash of 'black and white' skimmed just above the tops of reeds, my suspicions were realised when a Green Sandpiper climbed away north, then turned west and watched until lost to view.
I reached a large willow wood alongside Watton Brook, I was confident that this habitat would hold migrants and within a short period of time, at least 8 Chiffchaffs were seen skulking amongst the leaves and branches, also here was a pair of Marsh Tits, Coal Tits, Long-tailed Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Blackbirds, (included a male and juvenile female). The highlight at the willow wood was an unseen Cetti's Warbler which occasional gave a contact call.
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| Willow wood in Watton Brook valley 19 August 2024. 8+ Chiffchaffs, 2 Marsh Tits, 2 Treecreepers, Coal Tits and a Cetti's Warbler all present here today |
Walking east along the Watton Brook valley, I checked several habitats for signs of migrants, especially a small Hawthorn bush which stands a little higher than surrounding plants. Nothing seen in the Hawthorn as I passed it, but a turn and check of this habitat once safely passed it saw a handsome male Wheatear alight in the upper branches. Although partially hidden from view by branches, some striking detail seen on the head was seen. The crown is brown with a little white above the eye and a black mask through the eye. The upperparts are brown and the tail has a very striking white pattern which was seen very briefly as the bird settled on the bush.
I arrived back at the car at 0930 having had a good morning for migrants in the valley.
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