SKULKERS IN THE SUN

This young adder was found curled up and enjoying the warmth under a sheet of tin at the country park on Thursday 2nd. Although it was sunny enough to bask out in the open, this small adder I suppose, had some added protection with the sheet of tin over it - until I came along and peeked underneath.

This adder was only about 8 inches(20cms) long and was nearly able to hide itself under a single bramble leaf when I first lifted the tin. However it soon slid away and disappeared into the long grass. There was no sign of the three adults found huddled together under the tin a few days ago.


Whilst checking out the little reedy pool where the Cetti's warbler had been a few days previously, I was amazed to see a water rail feeding out in the open. It provided some of the best views for many years here at the park with the bird being reasonably confiding, out in the sunshine and being in view for about ten minutes.

For a bird that is notorious for skulking amongst the reeds and rushes around water, this one had me pointing my small camera at it from just over 5 metres away. The bird was being obliging enough, that one of the regular dog-walkers to the park was able to see what a water rail looked like. There was also the sight of a brown rat also skulking amongst the reeds

Hugh Owen and Philip Smith were enjoying the birds on the pond from the hide and at one point we got closer views of a passing siskin as it circled above us after some poor siskin call-note imitations lured it over. Also at the pond were the usual selection of wildfowl of mallard, teal, wigeon and at least one shoveler. Two great spotted woodpeckers flew over the pond.
Earlier in the day a small bird flashing low across the car park in the direction of the pond, may have been the kingfisher.

At least 30 meadow pipits were passing westwards over the park in small groups, as they followed the coastline. Three blackcaps were seen in the bushes and foraging with the tits were five goldcrests. A sparrowhawk flew into the park scattering a small group of goldfinches as it came and then later in the day, a fine view of another one flying along the East Mersea road, alongside the car.


The end of the summer has meant the end of one of the areas of long grass on the park. The area used to be managed as a hay crop but demand for hay locally has disappeared, so for the last five years, it has received an annual mow in late summer instead. Most of the insects should've finished using the long grass, flowers will have set seed and skylarks have finished nesting.

Out in the sunshine were small copper, 6 red admirals, 2 speckled wood butterflies and also southern hawkers and common darter dragonflies.

Two little owls called out to each other in a little duet from Bromans Lane during the morning.
The previous evening just after nightfall, the resident tawny owl was seen perched in a dead bush as I drove past.

Hugh Owen reported seeing an osprey perched in a tree near the north-west corner of the Pyefleet Channel, by the Langenhoehall marshes earlier this Thursday morning. It was being mobbed by one or two carrion crows.