Sunday 2 November 2008

A foggy start to this morning - then the sun came through - then it got foggy again, before becoming sunnny and quite warm by 11:15. A full count of all the birds encountered, produced a total of just over 500 birds, a bit disappointing, but the fog prevented me seeing any flyover flocks.ROBINS seemed to be everywhere, 39 were seen or heard.
A good species total of 49 was recorded, just about everything showed up today, 7 of them were new for the month, NUTHATCH, TREECREEPER,REED BUNTING,BULLFINCH,KESTREL,GREY HERON,STOCK DOVE - but get this, I also had another patch tick, 2 POCHARD (101-120) were present on the lake! Yes!! The 100 barrier goes, with 2 patch ticks in a week, I only had 2 patch ticks in the whole of last year!
3 CORMORANT and the Grey Heron were also at the lake, but the mallards had gone down to just 4. A good start to November, just 4 species needed for to equal the months record, the most likely of those are Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail, but the other two will be tricky.

Above: A foggy view at Migrant Alley.
Above: Fantastic! A Pochard, I never would have believed this would get on my patch list. The lake holds no food for them, they'll rest up and be gone very soon.
Below: Even more fantastic! 2 Pochard




6 comments:

Stewart said...

Get in Warren. You get Pochard, Dean gets Shoveler, 'hope someone sends me a Smew....

Steve said...

Fantastic Warren...what a year!

Simon said...

Yet another new record Warren. Welldone mate!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Warren: What a neat looking duck, great colors.

Tony Morris said...

Pochards OK, but I really envy your Nuthatches, there aren't any near here and there great birds.
Nice post,

Steve said...

I echo Tony's comment about Nuthatch....none on my patch either..