I spent this morning, Sunday 29th Jan, at my local patch at Staunton Harold Reservoir. Another gloomy morning with heavy mist making visibility impossible across the reservoir. I was determined to try and find a Tree Creeper, so I decided to spend half an hour in the little copse by the car park. A fruitless search and very few birds at all, apart from a Green Woodpecker and a few Blue Tits. I decided to walk along the tow path and almost immediately, discovered a Grey Wagtail feeding along the shore line, a year tick for the patch, things were looking up. Visibility remained very poor, so I decided to head back to the car park to have a go at photographing Yellowhammer. At least 6 birds were around and on view but the light was really poor, however I managed a few shots. After about 45 minutes, the mist had cleared, so I decided to pay a visit to the southern car park in the hope of relocating the Velvet Scoter. On arrival at the Round Car Park, I quickly found the 2 immature Velvet Scoter way out in the middle of the reservoir, along with 63 Great Crested Grebe, a good number and a female type Goosander. Whilst watching the birds at the feeder, something caught my eye flitting around the base of a tree, YES, it was a Tree Creeper ! My Patch List moves on to 69.
Yellowhammer – above 2 images – 2 different males – Staunton Harold Reservoir, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Yellowhammer – female – Staunton Harold Reservoir, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
