Otmoor Tuesday 14th May

Very exciting news from the R,S,P,B, this afternoon. A Curlew Sandpiper was spotted on Ashgrave by Zoe Edwards (Estate worker) along with Dunlin, Black tailed Godwit, Ruff, Ringed Plover and Gargany. All on Ashgrave.
My morning was somewhat quieter. The best bird being a Female Marsh Harrier. A Peregrine was flying over the bridleway (Big Otmoor)  Two Cuckoos Otmoor lane and Greenaways.  A Common Tern over the 1st screen. A huge influx of Swifts today, over all parts of the reserve. I was pleased to pick out three Sand Martins amongst the myriad of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins flying over the Reed bed at the 1st screen. Water rails were Squealing from the reeds close to both screens.
A strange sight greeted me as i walked up the path alongside the Car Park field. Approaching the gate to the seasonal path, On top of the gatepost. A mass of feathers was being waved towards me. It took me a second or two to realise what was going on. A male Pheasant was shaking his rear end for all he was worth.

What do you think of this ladies ?

Not bad, but wipe your nose. You've got a dewdrop.

Hrmph.

Other photos from today..

Roe Deer On Closes.

Common Water Crowfoot.

Shoveller.

Reed Bunting.

Sedge Warbler Singing.

Common Tern.

House Martin.

Sand Martin.