28th April-4th May: Shropshire Birding

 After a visit from Kate and the grandchildren, I returned with them to Shropshire for the first week of the half term. Michael started with a Forest school session in mid Shropshire, so while he was there, Kate and I had a short visit to Venus Pools. Oystercatchers and Lapwings appeared to be breeding on the islands, and a pair of Little Ringed Plovers were chasing each other around the reserve. Gadwall and Shelduck were on the pools and a stunning Grey Heron in front of the hide wowed Kate with its graceful pose. 

Little Ringed Plover

After some time, we moved on to the feeder hide, where we had very close views of Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker taking advantage of the plentiful food supply.

The following day, another short visit between school drop off and pick up time just a few hours later, took us to Wood Lane nature reserve, basically a series of small fishing pools next to a working quarry, with a network of leafy paths between the pools. This was relatively quiet on the bird front, but we enjoyed close but brief views of a noisy Reed Warbler chuntering its monotonous song continuously. Overhead a Red Kite being harassed by a Crow provided interest, and Willow Warblers serenaded us, but remained elusive. Some passing Hirundines were identified as Sand Martins with a few Swallows and House Martins too.

On Wednesday, we tried Ellesmere, an urban pool, with little of interest on the water, but we had great views of both Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting swaying on the vegetation at the water’s edge. Moving on to Colemere, a wonderful, peaceful setting, we sat on a bench to enjoy the warm sunshine. A few grebes and Tufted Ducks drifted on the water, and a Sparrowhawk flew over to the trees on the far bank. We searched in vain for a singing but elusive Blackcap buried deep within the bush, much to Kate’s frustration!

Friday took us to Brown Moss, where we had several views of a Jay buzzing past with a flash of its white rump, and a whinnying Little Grebe skulking amongst the weed covered waters. Another Blackcap proved just as elusive as yesterday’s, but Kate was delighted when she spotted a Treecreeper furtively clambering the trunk of a nearby tree. 

Treecreeper

I had several visits during the week to Prees Heath Common, a nature reserve owned by Butterfly Conservation, and located within walking distance of Kate’s house. I was twice accompanied by Emile, who enjoyed good views of a Yellowhammer, Stonechat, a singing Skylark high above us, and a melodic, speckled Song Thrush, amongst others. Kate was treated to a lovely Willow Warbler singing enthusiastically from the top of a leafy tree, but showing well, and a somewhat less tuneful, but nevertheless delightful Whitethroat, which posed obligingly for several minutes. A pair of Linnets were also seen, resting briefly on the top of the bramble before dashing on. 

We ended the week as we had begun, with a return visit to Venus Pools. Kate was hoping for a Mandarin Duck, but sadly this failed to appear. A Shoveler though was a new duck for her growing list. I had hoped for a Yellow Wagtail, which had been reported the previous week. Again it was Kate who spotted this, dropping in for a few minutes before disappearing into the distance, a beautiful bird with buttery gold chest. A Common Sandpiper was another new tick for us both.

Our final stop was at Clun Coppice, recommended as a potential site for Wood Warbler. Unfortunately, when we arrived the car park was completely full. Driving along the road we encountered a birdwatching group touring the reserve. No wonder we couldn’t park! They had not seen a Wood Warbler and the leader felt they were now unlikely at this spot. A brief walk along a woodland track, while Kate waited in the car, gave me a single Pied Flycatcher, but despite a cacophony of bird song, I was unable to find anything else of note

Our tally for the week was over 60 species in the county, pretty good considering the time constraints on us. It was lovely to visit some scenic locations, and to spend time relaxing with my lovely daughter. Itwas also good to see some green shoots of interest from my young granddaughter. I shall try to nurture that.