I tried to stay away but succumbed eventually to the draw of the WESTEREN SWAMPHEN. (Porphyrio porphyria) Why do they have to change the name of these birds. Is it just to keep the USA happy. Surly Purple Gallinule sounds more exotic. At least the Latin name remains the same even if the American fraternity want to stick with (Porphyrio martinicus) I understand that the same applies to even a Weasel as ours has become a Least Weasel. So enough of the rant, now for the bird.
Watched it only briefly as it came out to feed, enough time for just a few shots from the camera, but at least, "there is that word again" made something of it as I caught it feeding from its claw. It sauntered along the far side and disappeared as quickly as it appeared. But the main thing is it made the list for a me a true lifer.
This pic might not be the best in world but it does show what the bird does well. Which is to hold a reed stalk between its claw and strip it to the pith and so enable it to eat.
All this and this afternoon an absolute beauty of a WILLOW WARBLER which was a real fresh bird. The first on the move and I understand from overheard conversation at Minismere that some had been seen today although from what I was told the trapping of birds through my local club. WBC had only seen six birds trapped by 10:30am.
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