A Cetti-Chatter at Morden Hall Park! 11th April 2017

After going to Morden, I went for a quick walk in Morden Hall Park. Near the entrance, where I found 2 Water Voles last holiday, butterflies were busy including Orange Tips, Comma, blues and a Painted Lady.

Holly Blue

When I went through an area of Woodland, it was alive with birdsong from Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tits and Mistle Thrush. At the river, there were Grey Wagtail and Little Grebe.

Grey Wagtail

Mistle Thrush

Blue Tit

Little Grebe

Chiffchaff

So I carried on, still unable to get a picture of a Blackcap. I didn't think the new Boardwalk/Reedbed area was really worth going to, with the possibility of Reed Warblers not due for another few weeks, but I went there anyway. Good decision.

Comma

While walking through and stopping to admire a Comma, an explosive sound popped burst out from the bushes about 20m away, taking me by surprise. A Cetti's Warbler in Morden Hall Park! It flew between the reeds for about an hour, while I got frustrated trying to get a picture. All I managed was several poor record shots, but it was enough to prove I wasn't lying!

Cetti's Warbler

Cetti's Warbler

Cetti's Warbler

Cetti's Warbler

On the way back, a Mallard brood dozed on a log and I finally got a picture of an Orange Tip butterfly!

Mallards

Orange Tip