Dinant in Belgium
An early start at 05.45 to join Andrew, Sandra and Paul to catch the 07.20 from Folkestone to Calais. Arrived in Dinant about mid-day after a two and a half hour drive. The weather conditions were good - overcast but dry and clear with temperatures around 3 C.
There were plenty of birders around, which is not surprising since the Wall Creeper was last seen in Belgium in 1988 (1978 in UK).
- The bird had just flown away as we got there but it was not long before we got our much prized sighting, high above us on the rocky cliffs the creeper was moving up and down the rocks trying to get food. The long, narrow, black beak and the flashes of red plumage were the immediate, most striking ID features.
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| Wall Creeper Library picture |
- We tracked the bird all afternoon, even ascending the cliffs using the steep steps of the citadel to get nearer. Finally, we returned to our starting point, where the early birders had obtained their best views and we were rewarded with the most fabulous views you could ever wish for - close ups from 50 metres or so and every detail you could ask for showing clearly - truly amazing! Here are a couple of pictures from the web, taken a day later when the lighting was obviously much better.
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| Wall Creeper flying Library picture |
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| Wall Creeper Library picture |
- With the light fading we reluctantly headed away from the site and headed nearer Calais to our delightful hotel at Casino De Namur with our rooms overlooking the splendid Meuse River.
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| Wall Creeper Library picture |
An unbelievable day - until Andrew emailed me a couple of days ago I had never even heard of this species!
UNFINISHED! (learning how to show a youtube video of the event to provide some idea of the awe and wonder we experienced) - get back to me later.
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