REED WARBLER-BLASHFORD LAKES-MAY 2011

The Reed Warbler is one of those birds that is always heard but rarely seen. A summer visitor to the UK and fairly common around good areas of reed beds. The male will sing continuously as it delivers a grating, chattering song from within the reed beds. I have spent many frustrating occasions waiting for a good clean photographic opportunity. My luck changed during a visit to the Ivy South Hide in early May. A pair of Reed Warblers had decided to nest in reeds close to the hide. The male bird was very active claiming its patch. It showed very well during a number of visits in early May. Thereafter, it remained very elusive and stayed within the sanctuary of the reed beds.