Barton Broad

 Wednesday April 5

It's the first time in April that  I have ever sat on Barton Broad boardwalk platform without a very cold howling wind. It was actually warm, what wind there was a mere zephyr. The Alder Carr through which we approached, was ringing with the song of Chiffchaffs, Robin, Wren and Moorhen. I've always thought that the German 'Zilpzalp' was a better onomatopaeic rendering of its call than Chiffchaff. Pam took her coat off and sat in short sleeves.

At first, all we could see was this scene. The Tern platform a testing place for half a dozen Cormorants, Black-headed Gulls food dipping like terns and distant Great Crested Grebes. A constant back drop of sailing yachts, motorised yachts and a few dinghies.

During the next hour or so, a Great Crested Grebe popped up in front of us, appearing from nowhere.

Both male and female Reed Buntings fly-catched, sallying forth from the tops of the Broad-side Alders.


What had been a very distant Willow Warbler, only heard by Pam, then appeared relatively closely, mostly obscured by slender twigs, silhouetted against the sun.

Eventually we girded our loins for the return journey, reluctant to leave the tranquil scene. A fair walk for me, yet worth it.

A roadside field in the village had a very dark Pheasant, appearing to be largely black - until seen later on my PC.

In the same field was a very pale bird, together with a 'normal' one.

 I had hoped for an early tern or hirundine, the Willow Warbler was a welcome outcome.


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