Local updates – February 2022

 2022, Birds, Birds of 2022, Year  No Responses »
Apr 042022
 

A walk around the local fields on 3rd February produced a flock of 4 and another flock of 9 Yellowhammer. Good to see they are still close by, although none at Staunton Harold Res so far this winter. 2 Brambling at Staunton Harold on 5th Feb, 9 Red-legged Partridge, c200 Fieldfare and c50 Redwing and a Little Egret on 12th Feb. The Feb WEBS count produced following highlights on 23rd Feb – 105 Great Crested Grebe, 103 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, a Great White Egret, but not a single Teal anywhere. A drake Goldeneye and the juvenile Peregrine still around on 25th Feb. A Red Kite, 2 Oystercatcher, Great White Egret and c 50 Brambling on 27th Feb.

A photo session at Melbourne Pool during the month was productive, as a confiding female Goosander was a bonus. The two feral (dubious origin) Red-crested Pochards still present, still looking spectacular though. Plenty of Gadwall and a few Wigeon.

Goosander – female
Goosander – female
Goosander – female
Tufted Duck – drake
Wigeon – drake
Gadwall – drake
Coot – something different
Black-headed Gull – winter plumage
One of the two dubious origin Red-crested Pochards – drake

Bits and Bobs from the past few days

 2021, Birds, Birds of 2021, Trips, Year  No Responses »
Mar 142021
 

A morning spent at Willington GP on 7th March, provided a few year ticks – Great Egret, 14 Curlew, 2 Water Rail, 3 Cetti’s Warbler and a Kingfisher. A Curlew flew over Staunton Harold Reservoir on 8th March, and a Chiffchaff was the first spring migrant of the year. 

My March highlight so far at Staunton Harold Res was the re-discovery of the wandering drake Ring-necked Duck in the afternoon of the 13th. I found it amongst a large flock of 64 Tufted Duck and 3 Pochard. Needless to say the birds were not present on the morning of the 14th and the Ring-necked Duck was back on it’s favoured lake at Staunton Harold Hall, according to the Bird Information Services.

Grey Squirrels are now very active as the weather warms up. Not a big fan of Grey Squirrel, but one did pose well for the camera. The 2 feral Red-crested Pochards are still thriving at Melbourne Pool.

One of the 14 Curlew over Willington GP on the 7th March
Great Egret – Willington GP on 7th March
Drake Ring-necked Duck – Staunton Harold Reservoir 13th March
Grey Squirrel
Above 4 images – Red-crested Pochard – feral birds at Melbourne Pool
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