More bird-watching at Rye Meads

Sunday was just a spectacularly beautiful winter's day. Bright blue skies. And very cold out of the watery sun.

So Dan invited me to go out bird-watching again with his son Luka at Rye Meads, which was a suitably entertaining experience. Ok, I know bird watching isn't everyone's idea of fun, but actually with a continuous run of banter between the three of us it made for a very enjoyable way of passing a few hours. And the light was amazing for taking photos (although maybe the birds let us down...)

So, honestly there were quite a few birds out on the lake, but you needed the binoculars. And a zoom lens.

 We took this cormorant for a grebe for a few moments. Until Luka corrected us.

Little Grebe

So we moved on from the lake past the reed beds, which are easier to photograph! Also quite atmospheric in the low sun.

 

 

 Another hide overlooking water revealed a healthy population of lapwings.

 

 If you look at the very far right of the above tree you will just be able to make out a cormorant sitting on a dead branch, with a magpie accompanying it. Well below is what they look like on maximum zoom.

But top controversy was over whether we had, or had not, seen a reed bunting. Luka was clear we had, Dan had his doubts. Possibly a blackcap? This went on for ages. They had forgotten to bring their bird guide so resorted to mobile phone technology. But Luka declared that his fingers were too frozen to use traditional methods so opted for the vocal option. This resulted in him sternly talking to his mobile, uttering instructions like "Small passerines" into it in the tone of voice that you would use on getting your dog to sit. It cracked me up. Eventually Dan insisted on a second opinion from the RSPB attendant at the entrance. He showed her the photo. "Well what would you like it to be?" she enquired helpfully. "Anything but a reed bunting really" replied Dan hopefully. But Luka was right.

Anyway, for your edification, below is the said male reed bunting captured by Dan.

Although possibly the most entertaining was the warbler hide. As Dan pointed out, of everywhere in the London area, including city centre, this place seemed the most bereft of bird life. Not a twitter. Just reeds. Which are I believe a form of grass. So we were just watching grass grow. Except it is winter. So it wasn't even growing.