A Wet Weekend

It rained, and it rained! With an already waterlogged ground, the mud and surface water in the fields made it difficult and slippery going. Choosing to walk around Dosthill NR in Wellies wasn't the best idea I've ever had. Wellies are great for keeping out the water, their grip in mud though leaves something to be desired. Many times I lost my footing in the mud, sliding backwards on inclines. I did well keeping my balance in all but one incident, it was inevitable I was going to end up on the ground at some point. No damage done, just a covering of mud.

The walk was interesting, Pete had chosen to wear walking boots, so he wasn't slipping about like me. Quite a few Goldeneye about, and my first Sparrowhawk of 2014 put in an appearance.

Sunrise Dosthill NR

Taz enjoying the morning out.

Gave the reed beds a good look over. No Bittern though!

View over Middleton from Dosthill.

The view over RSPB Middleton from the top of Dosthill Bund. In my Wellies, it was like some slapstick comedy routine getting up here. One step forward, slide two steps back!

Off Road Segway?

As we got to the end of the bunds, we encountered some sort of Segway event. It looked good fun. The group were navigating really muddy areas and tackling steep slippy slopes on Segways. It was interesting to note, they were more stable than I was.

Segway event day.

The day then took an unexpected turn. I had dropped off Pete, been home, set up a rod for an hour or so fishing, when I rare bird alert caught my eye. Hume's Warbler!!! How had I not noticed this national rarity earlier?

Fishing trip put on ice, quick call to Pete, and we were off again. River Tame at Coleshill and we encountered the other eager birders hoping for this tick. My mate Jon, even left the wedding he was attending and turned up,in his wedding suit, tie and Wellies.

Looking for the Hume's.

It didn't take long, and the Hume's Warbler was added to our life lists, with several brief but much appreciated glimpses of a very mobile and elusive bird. A national rarity, and a first for Warwickshire.

Pete and I on hearing the approaching thunder getting louder and the light values dropping headed back for the car. Timed perfectly. As we got in the car, the storm hit. Heavy rain, thunder, lightning and good size hail stones. I can't remember the last electrical storm in January? Usually summer events in my recollections.

More heavy rain due today (Sunday) with flood alerts all over the country. I have already been out for a wander in the rain. Think I may stay warm and dry for the rest of the day. After a pub lunch obviously.

 

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