Choosing a non-restricted track, I finally managed to reach the reedbed and it was immediately apparent that there were a lot of Bearded Tits about, my intended quarry.
Pictures were more distant than I would have liked, because the closed footpaths by Hoist Covert Mill and Dingle Hills area are their most favoured areas.
There were some adults, including a few males, were seen but these were outnumbered by a myriad of immature birds. Some were even on the path ahead but soon flew to adjacent reeds calling their wonderful "tping, tping" call as they dispersed. They disappeared deep into the reedbed when fleeing a quartering female Marsh Harrier flew overhead and looking for a Bearded Tit snack.
Eruptive flocks of 8 to 40+ were seen literally everywhere in the reedbed, on the path and flying overhead, a wonderful sight!
Autumn is always a good time to look for Bearded Tits, or should I call them Bearded Reedling, especially if they have had a good breeding season, which evidently they have this year.
If you want to see Bearded Tits I would suggest going to Minsmere where they are currently showing well there.
WARNING! THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY HAS CLOSED THE PUBLIC FOOTPATH FROM HOIST COVERT WOODS THROUGH TO THE MILL, DINGLE HILLS & DINGLE FORT UNTIL 13 DECEMBER 2009. PRESUMABLY FOR FLOOD PROTECTION WORK.
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