Eared grebe and reed warbler

Yesterday, Saturday 12 May 2012, I had planned to go to the beautiful Groene Jonker nature reserve. However, illness prevented me from going.

Fortunately, someone who was able to go to the Groene Jonker gave me these photos for my blog.

Close to the reserve entrance, one of many sedge warblers. Most reedbed birds are rather difficult to see. Sedge warblers are a bit easier than most species, as they often sit on reed stem tops and have song flights.

A blue tit landed close to the sedge warbler. It caught an insect and flew away.

Spoonbills flying. A common sandpiper. Mallards with ducklings.

A bit further, a reed warbler singing. Reed warblers are often more difficult to see and photograph than sedge warblers, as they tend to hide in the lower regions of reedbeds.

A great crested grebe family: two parents, four chicks. The parents try to feed the chicks a fish. Though it is not a big fish, it is still too big for the chicks.

Then, a smaller relative of the great crested grebes: an eared grebe (see also here).

Finally, just before the reserve exit, another reedbed bird, often very difficult to see: a singing Savi’s warbler.

Phylogeography of a Habitat Specialist with High Dispersal Capability: The Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides: here.