Ingrebourne Valley - 1 Life - 3 Patch

I was heading to the Ingrebourne this morning; aiming to be there for 9.30am with Heath in tow as the girls were at dancing. My targets for this morning were Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat.

Shaun tweeted to say he hadnt seen either on his visit earlier that morning but had seen Garden Warblers. They would be a life tick so became my priority.

As i headed towards Tit lake via the viewing area the now usual Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler all showed.

The first patch first came as a Kestrel hovered to the right of the viewing area. I could also hear two Cuckoo off towards the Berwick side of the patch.

The constant listenning to the song of Garden Warbler on the way in the car paid off; as i approached the bend i caught the notes i had been waiting for, i stood for about 10 minutes looking but nothing. Then further along i heard another so took a wander. One life tick and accompanying patch tick; it was lowish in the scrub but clearly visable and gave me some good views for about a minute before diving lower not to be seen again. Cheers Shaun!

courtesy of birdforum.net

Upon arrival at Tit lake i found a single Egyptian Goose on the far island from the path - patch tick no.3

Not as many species today but i spent a lot of time loking for the Lesser Whitethroat - but it wasnt to be. However still managed 37 species while i was there and only took the path from car park to lake and back.

Also met Steve Smith on my way back - nice to meet you Steve if your reading.

Patch List for 2012 now 70