Nightjars on the Heath... but not 'my' heath!

A delightful late afternoon and evening with Sue & Peter, whom we'd arranged to meet at Walsey Hills. First stop was the reedbed at the end of Snipe's Marsh: this can only be seen by following little trails through the thicket, at the end of most of which were hunched figures in Barbours! However, we all managed to hear the delightful renderings of the reported Marsh Warbler, and, as a  bonus, were followed around by a cute pair of Shelducklings.

Since our main reason for being on the North Coast was our annual Nightjarring session, we had an hour to kill, so took a walk around the top of the Hills and then along the East Bank. Little Egrets, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers drifted in and out of the sea-fret, while Reed Warblers, Meadow Pipits and Linnets seemed to be everywhere.

Eventually it was time to move to our usual Nightjar spot a few miles away. We'd all brought picnics and, while we were eating, to our delight, two 'jars started churring in broad daylight! As it grew duskier, we took a stroll around the Heath and were rewarded by close views of a couple of Roe Deer as well as a delightful juvenile Woodlark. Eventually a few Nightjars began to churr, but without the 'intensity' they'd shown in the car park.

While it was still light enough to see, therefore, we recrossed the road to a large clearing near the cars. Suddenly Nightjars were everywhere: at least half a dozen were churring, kew-wicking and zooming around. Joining them were a couple of Woodcock, calling as they flew overheard. Obviously the photos are of the usual high standard (!) I manage of the species, given the gloom and the mist...