Tophill Low Swift Action.....Sunday 23rd May 2021.

A change of scenery today,saw me visiting Tophill low nature reserve north of Beverley,situated in the River Hull Valley.

 Nothing particular had been seen on the reserve,but i know from past experience that it can be a good destination for diversity of birds and insects,so i thought i would give it a go.

 After paying for my day permit,i got the pack up and kit together and headed north through the reserve and up to Hempholme Lock.

 Nothing really of note was seen on the walk through this area,but it ws great to see and hear nesting Grey Herons in the 'D' Woods.

 Walking through the reserve usually sees plenty of insects on offer,but today due to the cold and overcast conditions it was hard work.

 The one positive about the visit though,was the huge numbers of Swifts feeding over 'D' Reservoir,with a conservative estimate of at least 1300 birds making for a stunning spectacle.These birds i believe were being concentrated here due to a combination of weather and excellent feeding,with a huge hatch of Chironomid Midges providing plenty of food for their avian predators.

 Also in amongst the Swifts were smaller numbers of Swallows,House and sand Martins,what a great sight to witness after such a poor spring for all the species so far.

 The above then attracted their supreme predator and i watched as a Hobby sent them scattering in all directions.These beautiful Falcons really are something else and could have easily followed these birds in from Africa.

 Hempholme Lock was also pretty quiet,with a couple of Little Egrets being seen and the obligatory Kingfisher sighting and also a couple of Roe Deer.

 I then walked back to the car park visitor centre area and enjoyed an hour or so watching and listening to the resident Marsh Frogs.These are brilliant to see and hear with their duck like-quacking-chuckling call they produce when croaking to attract a mate and it was great entertainment.

 After enjoying the marsh Frogs performance,i walked around to South Marsh and Watton nature reserve seeing some waders at last and it was great to watch a pair of Oystercatcher feeding their well grown young.

 Not a bad day out today,but some warm weather would be nice so i can look for my beloved Dragons.

Female Marsh Frog.