Herentals, Blegium

Monday 29 September

Leaving Marieke's home in Herentals just after 9am with its local Jackdaws and Collard Doves, we drove to the edge of the town to visit the nearby nature reserve within the forest, mainly of pine and Beech, and then took the kilometre walk along the forest track to the large pool known as Black Water before returning to the car and home.

Once in the wood an immediate Blackbird followed by a number of Robins as we made our way down the track. Chaffinches were moving about the tree tops and then a Jay quickly followed by a Green Woodpecker. Apart from the Robins, all then mostly quiet until we approached the pond, Black Water where we could already here and see both Blue and Great Tits.  Marieke was first to note the dozen Barn Swallows feeding over the water and in the trees next to the hide a number of Blue and Great Tits plus the first Chiffchaff of the morning. In the top of a bare tree off to the left a resting Woodpigeon.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

The low sun was casting a deep shadow over the back and right-hand side of the water which contained the water birds but a lone Greylag Goose at the back left was most conspicuous along with a handful of Mallard.  Meanwhile, over against the right-hand side in the shadow below the bank a number of Greylag Geese were seen.  To their right both a resting Heron and a fishing Cormorant.

Great White Egret Ardea alba

Then, away at far back right the arrival of a Great White Egret that remained for the rest of the visit. But swimming away from that corner not just another trio of Mallard but accompanied by a single Mandarin Duck.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Looking back at the original single Greylag Goose we noticed that it had been joined by a Great Crested Grebe and about mid-water the dozen Barn Swallows had returned to once more drink.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus with Greylag Goose Anser anser behind

About  to start our return walk when I looked up to find a  on top of the tree next to the hide, which then moved away, but still giving a chance for Marieke to also observe the bird. An uneventful return to the car followed during which we recorded more Great Tits, Chaffinches and Robins plus a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Back at the house the Jackdaws, Woodpigeon and Collared Doves were still active and joined by the local Robin.

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mandarin Duck, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Great White Egret, Heron, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Jackdaw, Chaffinch.

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