gryllosblog   Gryllo's (aka Ian Lewis') blog. All things to do with travel, wildlife especially birds, history, architecture and anything else that interests me.

Much of Monday was spent preparing for my upcoming foreign trip but in the late afternoon I popped into Hatch Pond where after a short wait a Bitten showed well. This is one of three that have been seen at this small reed bed this autumn. it was a cold, grey day and by the time it appeared light levels were low. Hopefully I will get some better photos later in the winter.

A large area of reed bed has been cut at Hatch Pond, allowing easier viewing of Snipe and hopefully Water Rail and Bittern.

This Bittern was photographed at considerable range in poor light.

On Tuesday morning five us attempted to ring at Durlston. The south-easterly breeze made the goat plots to exposed but we attempted to ring in the garden. The light drizzle at dawn became stronger and we had to pack in soon after 9 with just 12 birds ringed.

These three Blackbirds were caught at the same time and were presumed to be migrants....

.....is the pale and streaked throat of the female Blackbird an indication of continental origin?