The occurrence of the fifth Marmora's Warbler for Britain must rate as one of the most remarkable of records. The species breeds in Corsica and winters in North Africa and is thus a relatively short distance migrant. How the species can overshoot so far is beyond belief. But five have made it to the UK and one as far as St Abbs Head !
I couldn't resist the tempatation to twitch this bird. Following an early rise at 3.30am, I was on site at the Blorenge, Blaenavon by 7.15 (am). The singing male was on show immediately. I read several posts on birdforum that the best technique is to wait in one postion and it will pass by very close. I chose my site and 30 mins later it posed about 20 ft in front of me ! It was singing constantly and even collecting nesting material. Its' territory was extensive - perhaps several hundred yards but it patrolled its' patch with regular intervals.
The Blorenge is part of the Brecon Beacons and in the morning sunshine looked picturesque. I'm guessing that it isn't always like this though! The site hosts quite a few Whinchats (above image taken today), Tree Pipits, Stonechat, Willow Warblers and some Red Grouse though I didn't see the latter.
The scenery images are the exact site where the Marmora's was today .
Above image is facing north west towards the Brecon Beacons.
Stunning bird
ReplyDeleteWhat a super bird and nice shots - pleased you thought it was well worth the 3.30 start ! Quite amazed that in those surroundings anyone would spot it at all ! Rather sad to think it's collecting nesting material when it's nearest prospective mate is probably in Corsica. Sue
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Terrific shots, and I really like the landscape the countryside offers. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of a real corker of a bird Steve and the location shots show the area superbly.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve
ReplyDeleteReally stunning bird and great photography.
If we'd known you were going we'd have gone with you. All the best.
Sue and John
Thanks for the comments. John and Sue - next twitch I'll give you a call...! Perranlady - well worth the early rise. Monts...you would have loved the area - packed full of history. I even visited Big Pit a mile away - the area is just like CRP, so familiar ground for us Corns!
ReplyDeleteYou got some great pictures of the Marmora's Steve.
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Fantastic shots Steve. Love the location shots and full marks to the birder who found it in such surroundings.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Steve and the images are just stunning. So, so envious!
ReplyDeleteFantastic images, please your early rise and efforts paid off for you.
ReplyDeletethose memoras shots are stunning. looks like choosing the right spot paid off. I am more than a little jealous to not have been sitting next to you!
ReplyDeleteSuperb images of both birds!!
ReplyDeleteYou see the Iberian Chiffy?
We saw both on the way back from Wales last Saturday