Tuesday 28 January 2014

Topping Up

On Friday and Tuesday we transferred to Tophill Low because of the weather forecasts. Friday's was erroneous, so we could have gone to Sewerby after all, but today's forecast was pretty accurate.

Bittern
 Bittern
 Ditto

We decided to try and wait for the Otter, so set out for North Marsh. On the way there were a pair of Marsh Tits near the feeders. The male was singing prominently, and the female wasn't too far away. There were lots of the usual species, but nothing out of the ordinary. 
Bittern Mobbed by Crow

 Ditto
 Bittern Taking Off
At North Marsh itself we crept up to the hide and settled in for the long haul. There was a cold wind from the east, so I nearly didn't open the side window, but that would have been an error. We hadn't been in the hide long when Pat drew our attention to a brown bird being chased by a crow. As soon as the bird landed near the bank of the River Hull south of the hide, it was evident that it was a Bittern. It soon pointed its head into the air and puffed out all its neck feathers, as it continued to be bombarded by the corvid. The Bittern began to calm down, but continued to be bothered by the crow. Eventually, the Bittern seemed to tire of the constant harassment and took off, flying along the river bank, and then over the river before disappearing in a north easterly direction.   
Bittern Chased by Crow
 Bittern
 Bittern
 Bittern
Also included here are some photos taken on Thursday and Friday last week also at Tophill Low. 
Long-tailed Tits
 Marsh Tit
Treecreeper
 Ditto
 Barn Owl
Ditto
 Pale Buzzard

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