An early start for Amwell Reserve some 8 miles away, leaving before 6.30a.m. I was heading off to see if the bluethroat that had been discovered the previous day had stayed overnight. It hadn't, but a wonderful morning, with a cracking sunrise through mist that hung to the water of Great Hardmead Lake. pair of snipe, 2 redshanks and a pair of oystercatchers were noted along with the regular Amwell birds. I left about 30 birders still on site, but no positive news was issued for the rest of the day. I knew I should have found time to pop along on the Monday evening, when it showed, albeit, briefly.
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| Amwell sunrise |
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| snipe |
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| early morning redshank |
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| little egret |
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| little egret |
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| female reed bunting |
Today, I popped over to see of the trio of owls were showing in the sunlight and warmth. Car thermometer read 24.5C this afternoon! Indeed, the 3 owls were present. I rigged up some camouflage barrier and crawled a little closer than beforehand, without disturbing the owls. I was still 100metres distant and they were happy to remain in place. Close enough for a few sharper record shots.
a family of 4 mute swans and 3 drake mallards were on the lagoon, with 2 swallows feeding overhead. Blackcaps and chiffchaffs called from the blackthorn hedge as a solitary yellowhammer called from further afield.
In the distance, 2 fallow deer. I tried to stalk these, getting a little closer but nowhere near enough for a good shot. These here are blurred by heat haze. As I turned to go back into the hedge for cover, I noted the white hart was with them, but gone into thick woodland before I could fire off a worthwhile shot. All in all, a successful wander.
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| roach in Hadham Hall moat. Large shoal here, today |
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| Good neighbours |
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| From a little further away |
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| Closer crop |
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| Fallow deer |
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