In a quest for Kingfishers, we met Myra and her family at Burton Mill Pond on a fine August afternoon for a birthday treat Sussex Guided Bird Walk.
We were greeted by the sound of Reed Warblers in the margins and an initial scan of the water revealed a small number of Tufted Ducks and a family of Great Crested Grebes.
A Grey Heron was waiting patiently on the edge of the reedbed and another fish specialist, a Cormorant, flew by. Another heron arrived and pushed the original bird out of the evidently desirable position!
It wasn't long before a Kingfisher showed up, flashing through the far corner. We enjoyed the full experience of this magical bird flying past us and getting the chance to view it at rest through the telescope. Mission accomplished!
Two Grey Wagtails and a pair of Mute Swans made an appearance while a Sand Martin fed over the lake.
We ventured towards Chingford Pond, encountering a noisy Great Spotted Woodpecker along the way.
At the pond we added Egyptian Goose, Little Grebe, Mandarin and Gadwall to the list. A Little Egret in the safety of a tree. Another Kingfisher dashed past us.
Woodland birds were plentiful, including Treecreeper, Siskin, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Buzzard.
Coming away with the desired Kingfisher and 38 other species to boot, we all had a lovely afternoon of birding!