Warblers at Panshanger Park 16th & 17th May 2021

Simon Radcliffe had kindly alerted me to the presence of a Grasshopper Warbler at Panshanger Park, Hertford so an early visit was planned despite the continuing bad weather. This particular part of the park is good for Warblers and one of the first to show was a Reed Warbler.

The local Common Whitethroat was also quite vocal.

A couple of Reed Buntings were also holding a territory there and the male was quite showy.

Meanwhile the Grasshopper Warbler was reeling and I had some brief views but was unable to get any pictures. A quick walk west allowed a chance to photograph a Coot collecting nest material.

Some Swifts and Martins were feeding over Osprey Lake and I managed to get one fairly poor shot of a Swift. I certainly need more practice!

A Garden Warbler was singing well and allowed a distant shot.

So, the target species was not located, but not deterred, I returned the following day and had better luck with it reeling away barely 10 feet away low down in a bush. Photographs were tricky with vegetation in the way, but quite pleased with the results!