Local Patch news from Staunton Harold Res for the last few days.
Saturday 6th April – The highlight was a second summer Yellow-legged Gull. This bird has been around for some months now, visiting the reservoir on and off. Monday 8th April – I was pleased to find a pair of Mandarin in the middle of the reservoir this morning, the drake was in full display mode. Also the drake Gadwall put in an appearance. Still plenty of Redwing about and a single Chiffy singing. Also 3 x 1st summer Great Black-backed Gull
Wednesday 10th April – A trickle of spring migrants now appearing with the first Sand Martin yesterday, along with three Chiffchaffs singing.Thank goodness that perishing Easterly wind seems to have dispersed.
Thursday 11th April – A great find, a cracking male Yellow Wagtail was a surprise feeding along the shore line, they are a scarce migrant through this site. Also the first Swallow and three Sand Martin. A great year tick for the site was a male Linnet singing and this put me on 94 for the year.Still plenty of Redwing and some are now in full song early morning, a fantastic sound, mixed in with Song Thrush and Blackbird. Also single full summer adult Common Gull.
Off to Varanger in Northern Norway, so local patching comes to a holt for a few days. I'm hoping nothing too good turns up whilst I'm away..
