Apr 082012
A second weekend birding in Staffordshire.
This time for a Common Crane that had arrived last week frequenting water meadows just outside the town of Stafford. A smart adult bird but just too distant for my camera. The area where the bird was feeding is quiet large and certainly the bird appeared to be well settled and undisturbed. A quick visit to Blithfield Reservoir, whilst in the area, is always worthwhile. On arrival the weather began to deteriorate and we had distant views of 3 Little Ringed Plover and a single Swallow with Sand Martin. Still a few Goldeneye about.
Finally finishing off the morning at Willington with a single Willow Warbler, several Blackcap & Chiffchaff. Several singing Cetti’s Warbler, 3 Goosander and a real corker a catch-me-out “Cardboard Cut-Out” Osprey nailed to a pole not far from the artificial platform. Someone has obviously gone to a great deal of trouble erecting it. Sooner it is down the better, never mind I’m sure that a real Osprey will very soon grace the reserve with it’s presence.
So a few year ticks takes my year list along to 158
IMAGES – No:1 & 2 digiscoped images of Common Crane – Stafford / No: 3, 4, 5 – Wren – Willington
