Local Patch Birding with some migrants

13 March 2024 - Beaulieu Bird Sanctuary

After dropping our dog's off at playschool, I had a quick walk around Bird Sanctuary, another local patch, very close to where I live.

A small flock of Common Waxbill were feeding in some scrub close to the edge of the dam

Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild)

I had a single African Swamphen in the reeds, my first record of this species here

African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis)

A couple of African Hoopoe's were feeding on the grass near the entrance

African Hoopoe (Upupa africana)

However, the highlight was a single Woodland Kingfisher - a late intra-African migrant also on the verge of departing north

Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis)

I also picked up a few Willow Warbler, that also hadn't left yet - they have a much longer and more perilous passage back to Europe. Astounding for such a small bird....

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)