Upton Warren (for a change!)

Although time was limited the weekend, we were keen to get a couple of hours at Upton on Sunday, mainly to see how the chicks are progressing. The last time we visited was on the 20th May and the first few fluffy Avocet and Black Headed Gull chicks were about, what a difference those weeks have made.

The hundreds of BHG chicks are getting nearer adult size bit still look like youngsters and the Avocets are have only a trace now of the brown plumage:

In addition it was nice to see a a pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks:

Having spoken to John (one of the Volunteer Wardens) he told us that the Little Ringed Plovers are due to hatch at anytime, so it will be well worth going back soon to have a look.

We spent a short while at the Flashes for this, picking up a Green Sandpiper whilst there (our first of 2013)

So after finishing our Coffee and watching the antics of all the youngsters, we headed over to the Moors and the Lapwing hide for another briefish stay. As we settled in, we were told we had just missed a Peregrine but luckily he cam back to frighten the Black Headed Gulls and give us a distant view as he headed back over towards the flashes.

We then spotted the Kingfisher performing in front of the Concrete Hide over the other side of the pools, which was nice although much to far for a photo. The Swifts, Sand Martins and House Martins were putting on a good show, but we didn't see any Swallows which was surprising.

The Coot chicks were being cute and entertaining as they were being fed by their parents, Tina then spotted a Lapwing chick on its own in the reeds to the left of the hide. She always finds things before me! Best spotter in the business!

So having had a pleasant half hour we had to head back home. As we were walking down the lane back to the car park, the Peregrine flew right over us scaring a Jay as he went, this time I managed to get some grainy photos (it was very dull at this time), but this one is probably the best:

So for a brief visit:
The Flashes:
Avocet (60), Little Ringed Plover (2), Green Sandpiper, Goldfinch (3), Reed Bunting (2), Shelduck (4),
Tufted Duck, Mallard, Canada Geese, Black Headed Gulls (100s), Oystercatcher (2+2), Coot, Sand Martin, House Martin. Heard a Sedge Warbler & Chiffchaff on the paths.

The Moors:
Black Headed Gulls, Tufted Duck, Shelduck(2), Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Cormorant(1), Grey Heron(2), Oystercatcher, Mallard, Canada Geese, Lesser Black Backed Gull(1), Kingfisher(1), Peregrine(1), Robin, Blackbird, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swift, Jay, Woodpigeon