Spotted Crake
18th August 2006, Friday17th - To the fluting ‘tu-lui’ serenade of two dancing green sandpipers, a spotted crake squirmed through the clumps of sedge at the back of the pool at Road End Farm (viewed from bend in minor road at TQ891182 - please do not enter field). Although occurring virtually annually in the RX area, to the best of my knowledge this is the first record of spotted crake in the Brede Valley. Perhaps it has drifted in from the continent on the recent south-east winds? It cocked its tail repeatedly showing warm buff undertail coverts and it showed striking white leading edges to the wings when it fluttered. The throat and supercilium were pale rather than ashy grey, identifying it as a first year bird. It foraged along the narrow muddy margins between 19.35 and 20.15 when it disappeared into marginal vegetation. Also feeding on the pool were two teal, a greenshank, a common sandpiper and a little egret, and nearby a yellowhammer could still be heard singing along the Road End Farm drive.
Today - Following torrential storms last night, this morning was clear and fresh. The spotted crake was showing well again at the Road End Pool this morning. I managed to take a record shot as it skulked along the muddy margins, shaded by the thick vegetation.
Matthew Denny