Karl Martin bird blog: Lively day at Billy Neill

Yesterday I went for a walk around Billy Neill Country Park. There was no sign of the dippers from last time, although it would be difficult to see them if they are there as the plants around the river bank have become very overgrown since the last visit. It was noticeable yesterday that lots of young birds had successfully fledged. I saw a number of young Chiffchaffs, Robins and I believe a couple of young Sedge Warblers. I was able to get very close to one of the Warblers which allowed for some nice photographs. In addition to this, I heard a Water Rail calling from the reed beds. I looked for it and waited patiently to see if it would make a dart into the open at any point but unfortunately it remained hidden. I then walked around the perimeter of the Country Park and heard Yellowhammers singing in one of the fields around the back, however they too remained hidden. I will attach the best photos, these are mostly of Sedge Warblers.