Asian Desert Warbler

A very early start got me to the Snook on Holy Island for 04.05 this morning. Twenty or so birders were already on site, loosely surrounding a stunted pine. The Asian Desert Warbler was singing as we arrived from deep cover to release the tension. Tickable views were soon had, but the bird made us wait for better. It flitted from the pine into a tiny bush, where it went to ground for the next 45 mins, singing occasionally. Finally it gave itself up, flying to a more sparsely vegetated bush where it fed and performed in the relative open for the happy crowd.

Asian Desert Warbler

Photos were hampered by the poor light in the murky conditions, but I was more than happy! The following video shows our first good views and has some singing at the start.

                                     

Burdon Moor has had a bit of a purple patch recently with a male Red-backed Shrike (first Gateshead record for 23 years) and 3-4 singing Quail.

                                      

The Marsh Warbler at Sunderland Academy Pools put on a great performance at the start of the month. Much better than the Great Reed Warbler at Druridge that just called three times for me in less than ideal conditions.

Marsh Warbler

Marsh Warbler