Penduline Tit find!

Well, the Wheatear has been called Northern, I still think there is slightly more to it than a standard wheatear that is wet, but ill bow to those with more knowledge as there dont seem to be too many people that also think its worth delving into. I must admit a trawl through various places looking at wheatears certainly has not come up with anything with a dark breast and the other features shown on my bird. oh well...nice try!

On Saturday evening I went to Fen hide to see if I could read a red wing tagged Marsh harruer (probably from Sheppy). Unfortunately the harrier didn't show, but a decent storm was brewing in the distance over Norwich. While watching I noticed a very discrete thin seep from the reedbed, I pondered with the idea that it could well be a sound I have been hoping to hear at the fen for quite a few years- Penduline Tit! I heard it about 5 times give the call and also heard what sounded like multiple birds giving the same call at the same time, with no reference or recordings I could not confirm or deny my thoughts. On arrival home I played a few recordings of PT and I immediatly realised that it really was most like the sound I heard, whats more the multiple bird call I heard was actually its alarm call! If I had not of heard the alarm call I may have been a bit more hesitant but feeling quite confident I phoned some locals so that they knew that it was possible.

The following morning I got to the hide before it was light, waited 15 mins without hearing it so decided to play a recording to see what would happen, before the second call on the recording I had immediate response! The bird sounded like it was right in front of the hide, but i could not see it at all, the bird spent at least 15 mins calling now and then in the same area. I had my camera poised at the ready to get the confirmation shots, however I then realised it may not show at all, so decided to try to get a recording of the call so I had some evidence at least! Lucky I did as the bird stopped calling soon after I got the recording.

I also heard the bird call at least three times on Sunday evening, however it was much more subdued, luckily for me, others were also in the hide at the same time.

So, below is the only recording I have of the bird. It is fairly quiet so probably best listened to with headphones or at least turn your speakers up! the bird calls twice 1 second and 8 seconds into the recording. Its quite underwhelming I must admit, but a bit of a major rarity so Im very happy with the find!