More Nightingales at Fingringhoe Wick

3rd May 2018

The Nightingales were a bit late in arriving this year so worth going back now for a second attempt at Fingringhoe, but first a quick visit to Abberton. At the Layer de La Haye causeway the only interest was a group of three Whimbrel on the far bank at a distance of 150+ yards as measured on Google Earth so a bit challenging even with the glorious sun.

It was also quiet at the Layer Breton causeway, but the day was saved by the seemingly reliable Yellow Wagtails. It is getting a bit late for wagtail migration now, so I suspect that these birds were one of the pairs that breed in the adjacent fields.

Now on to Fingringhoe and it was a joy to hear the purring of a Turtle Dove down towards Kit's Pond. It was sitting high in a dead tree so showing very well, but somehow managed to position itself with the sun directly behind it so only allowing a record shot.

Blackcaps were more numerous and singing everywhere, but not showing anywhere near as well as on previous occasions, but now time to concentrate on the main quarry, the Nightingales.

The Nightingales had increased in numbers since our last visit and were singing well, but as tradition dictates often buried in the middle of a bush. However, we did manage to find two individuals singing in the open, which made the visit very worthwhile.