Pittswood Birds

Sunset this evening, the cloud parted at last but far too late in the day

Another brief, mid morning patch visit was all I could fit in today and I spent most of that time over at the Scrubby Woods and Lakes area. The Ornamental lake was again home to the MUTE SWAN pair and the KINGFISHER, as well as 12 MALLARD and 4 MOORHEN. The main Lake again had no surprise visitors for me, but the MANDARIN DUCK was still under the tree overhang, 4 more Mallards and 2 Moorhen were all that was with it. There was a bit of a surprise on the Small Lake though, with an immature Mute Swan being seen, it didn't stay long and flew off South shortly after I arrived.

The Scrubby Woods was given a good searching, as always hoping for something nice like a Firecrest, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker or Woodcock to turn up, but it was very much business as usual, with NUTHATCH, GOLDCREST, BULLFINCH, TREECREEPER and singing COAL TIT being the most noteworthy species seen there.

On the way home I stopped off at the Greenhouse Grounds to re stock the track with a fresh supply of seed, already feeding there were 40-50 GOLDFINCH, 6 CHAFFINCH, 2 DUNNOCK, 2 ROBIN and 2 BLACKBIRDS, overhead SKYLARK, MEADOW PIPIT and SISKIN all called as they flew over. Looking along the Greenhouse Roof the female KESTREL was seen perched up, 2 PIED WAGTAILS were not happy with her being there and called agitatedly.

Just before I reached home, 2 FIELDFARE and a CORMORANT flew over Ashes lane, there is a real lack of winter thrushes here at the moment, once again no Redwings were seen or heard.

Disappointing not to find any new species for December :-(