Female Stonechat - Newport Wetlands

Last week was all about singing warblers this week was all about nest building Stonechats!

It was time for yet another visit to Newport Wetlands, and again it came up trumps. We met my brother down there this week. There were a lovely pair of Great Crested Grebes fishing right by the first viewing area. I managed to get this shot of one with a fish in its mouth. There were plenty of Tufty ducks on the lagoons, but the one bird that kept catching our eye were the Stonechats. They were everywhere, giving little aerial displays. They were also busy collecting bits and pieces for their nests. We stood and watched them for a good half an hour. It was fascinating.

The place is still full of Chiffchaffs singing away, and Perry Lane by the visitor centre was in full voice as we were leaving at half five. I can imagine there is quite some dawn chorus there in the mornings at the moment.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day down there with good company!

More photos of the day are available in my Newport Wetlands Flickr Set.