With various unfavourable weather firmly dominating the country in the latter half of May, we had to wait until now to visit the Nightingales at Whisby near Lincoln. We also planned to visit Chamber`s Wood to see the Marsh Fritillary`s that breed there. As we set off from Newhey with Bob K and Chris B, news that the Great Reed Warbler was still present at Besthorpe LNR in Nottinghamshire, a small change of plan had us heading that way. Upon arrival at this nice nature reserve the sun was shining and we all could jettison our outer coats. A pair of Egyptian Geese started the day off well. After a short walk the Great Reed Warbler could be heard as it sang from the top of some reeds in clear view, what a great start to the day! A short drive to Whisby and after checking the information board which revealed that the Nightingales have nearly finished serenading their mates (and admiring humans) we soon located a singing bird. It was tricky to see at first but as it started to sing its vibrating body could be picked up in the dense bushes. Its two long years since we have heard this enigmatic species singing live it was sure worth the wait, it was beautiful. Our next stop was at Little Scrubs Meadow, part of the Chambers Wood complex to hopefully see Marsh Fritillary butterfly. With Chris B leading the charge we were soon watching the said butterfly`s as they rested/fed on their favoured plant Devil`s Bit Scabious. With the fritillary`s being not vary skittish and having flat wings at rest, even I managed to get a few pictures. Lots of singing birds at this wooded area, mainly Blackcap, Chiff-Chaff, Garden & Willow Warbler`s, nice place. As we had connected with everything we had gone for today it was time to take a bigger gamble and try to see the Honey Buzzard`s in Sherwood Forest from the Welbeck raptor viewpoint. We arrived at 2pm and after watching a couple of Hobby`s, numerous Common Buzzard, 2 Red Kites, after 2 hours, we decided to call it a day. The Honey Buzzard`s are there but after a very early start, fatigue was catching up. Well, we had to miss something!! David Ousey.
