23rd February - a lovely mild morning found a few new birds.
Firstly, Shelduck numbers had increased to 4, with 3 males and a female. Secondly, a Green Sandpiper was heard calling and flew over from the east continuing westwards - possibly new, but probably one of the local wintering birds. Thirdly, a Dunlin appeared amongst the Lapwing flock and was watched feeding for a while before it seemed to depart when the Lapwing flushed (as they always do!)
 |
| Second of the year |
The wintering Chiffchaff was enjoying the sunshine and singing intermittently along the west bank. A Snipe also spent a lot of time soaking in the warmth of the sun.
The gull flock continues, comprising mainly Common Gulls, which number into the thousands as the day progresses at this time of year and Black-headed Gulls. Large white-headed gulls come and go during the day, no doubt taking a break from local feeding sites such as Hedgerley landfill. The Great Black-backed Gulls numbered 16 mid morning, which is still a reasonable number for this site, comprising 9 adults, 5 1st winters and 2 2nd winters.
Later on a Tawny Owl was heard calling from near the car park, which is a new one for the year.
No comments:
Post a Comment