We decided to head first for Ogston Reservoir, near Matlock, because the RR Swallow seemed the most likely bird to leave at a moments notice, and in this respect we hoped that the poor weather might actually play to our advantage and keep the bird at the site. Our hopes proved correct, and we picked up the bird almost immediately we arrived at the car park, as it flew over the water with about 100 other hirundines. One down two to go!
Now we headed for Ilkeston near Derby, and Straws Bridge nature reserve. We had a walk of about 250 yards in light rain to a small pond with a pathetically small reedbed, in the middle of which was this stonking great warbler with a song like a machine gun! I've seen Great Reed Warblers abroad, but usually on giant reeds which are about 15 foot high! I don't know how these reeds could support it! It performed really well, right out in the open for long periods, and didn't seem in the least bit shy.
Up until now, the weather hadn't been too bad, just light rain at times, but now, as we headed north to Doncaster the heavens opened and my heart sank. I knew that once we got to Potteric Carr nature reserve, it was a 40 minute walk to where the Iberian Chiffchaff was, and I also knew that it could at times prove elusive. What were our chances in rain like this, and how long could we stick it out?
I needn't have been concerned. Just as we arrived at our destination, the rain stopped and didn't start again until we left. The walk wasn't as bad as anticipated, and almost as soon as we got to it's preferred hedge we heard it, "chiff, chiff, chiff, chaff, chaff, chaff, treee". And then there it was, singing out in the open. We saw and heard it on and off for about 20 minutes before heading back to the car and home.
I can't remember the last time I saw two UK ticks in one day. Probably 20 years ago!
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