Trying to second guess where migrants are likely to turn up is nigh on impossible. Early this morning, while I slept, John and Joe were watching a Sanderling circling Engine Pool at Earlswood. No doubt it was dismayed to find no shoreline to land on, so it soon departed.
My reaction to this news, when I finally got up, was to divert to Mappleborough Green where there is a shallow pool with a wide muddy surround. Unfortunately it's also very small and it would take a sharp-eyed migrant to find it. This morning no waders were present.
I returned to my original plan, Morton Bagot. Here there is just a little mud in the corner of the nearest flash, but apart from a few Lapwings no waders were taking advantage. The reason I'm obsessing about waders is that they can make the difference between an average year and a good one. There are numerous species, and they're virtually all migratory. But you need a shoreline, or in the case of the lads at Earlswood some very good luck.
Another habitat Morton Bagot is deficient in is a reedbed. However it was still a reedbed specialist which provided today's highlight. At the flash field viewpoint as I scanned in vain for anything resembling a wader I was being serenaded by a Reed Warbler. It was struggling to make itself heard over the sound of a singing Chiffchaff and was obviously on passage in completely inappropriate habitat.
I didn't think there was much chance of actually seeing it, but I was mistaken about that. It briefly appeared and snatched an insect from the outer leaves of the bush it was occupying, and then after a patient wait I managed a lucky shot of it peeping out out to see if I'd gone.
Other birds seen or heard this morning included a Grasshopper Warbler, a Willow Warbler, a Grey Heron, and a Little Egret. I suppose they count as wading birds if you compile crosswords, but not if you're a birder.
Its getting quite warm now, and a few butterflies were on the wing as I left, including a couple of Painted Ladies and some Small Heaths.
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