I had been keeping my eye on the weather for Saturday and it was looking good all week for a sunny bright if cold morning and so I thought a couple of hours in my hide in the reclaim area of Marston to see if shots of the Stonechats previously seen in this area could be achieved. I got in place on a frosty but reasonably bright morning and waited to see what would land in my view from inside the one man hide.
Within 10 minutes of getting settled in the hide a group of Reed Buntings that eventually grew to over 20 were in view to allow for a few photo’s at a reasonable distance; in with these for only a couple of moments was a lone Lesser Redpoll.
A trio of Wren were seen fleetingly but sadly no sign of the target bird the lovely Stonechat – next time eh?
In total I gave it 2 hours moving my hide a couple of times to different areas to best suit the sunlight that was begin broken up by moving light cloud. On the way home I decided to take a walk along the River Witham at Barkston to see what was about.
I saw a Grey Heron on the opposite bank from the track and soon after 2 Little Egret took flight away from me then to be followed by the screeching Heron. The Heron did a big loop and landed into a field. Walking back with not much about apart from a few Mallards I heard then saw a trio of Lesser Redpoll working the trees opposite to me.
A quick look over the bridge gave me good views of a second Grey Heron and this time this bird was not bothered by my presence.
I left the Heron happily looking for food and off I went home.
Same words plus some different images >> http://www.stevenesbitt.co.uk/blog/2017/12/marston-stw-hoping-for-stonechat
lincsbirders 