Purple Heron

Tuesday 27th May 2008

The highlight of the day out birding with Andy was the Purple Heron at Lydney Marsh (SO637017), which was present until 11.15am at least and showing well on the far bank of the east lake, and seen catching and eating a large eel (fourth photo below) - a lifer for me.




In the Forest of Dean, at least four Turtle Doves were at Oakenhill Wood (SO626076) late morning. Listen to one of the Turtle Doves here:

We then went on to Newport Wetlands RSPB reserve in Gwent, where the highlights were Bearded Tit (heard only), a Cuckoo, many Cetti's Warblers, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warblers, Reed Buntings and Whitethroats, and a Lesser Whitethroat. This was my first time here and it's a great place, with extensive reedbeds and a variety of other habitats including the coastal salt marsh and shoreline.

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