Pittswood Birds

A three hour patch walk this morning was initially undertaken in some quite bright conditions, but by 08:00hrs the default weather of the past week soon appeared, that being cloudy and cool with a chill wind.

There were more reminders of winter than of springs arrival today, with at least 150 FIELDFARE and 50 REDWING feeding out on the sheep pasture at Migrant Alley, with them were at least 350 STARLINGS, which looking from a distance resembled a dark stain across the green grass. In spring 2014 the last date for Fieldfare was the 23rd March and Redwing the 25th, I think they will stay later this year though. The 13 year median average last sighting date for Fieldfare is the 31st March, while the Redwing is the 30th March.The 200+ BLACK HEADED GULLS were also on an adjacent field of sheep pasture, with those I had the excitement of seeing the 2 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS again, plus 2 LESSER BLACK BACKED GULLS  :-) Whilst there, flyovers from at least 4 MEADOW PIPITS and 2 YELLOWHAMMERS were recorded.

The KESTREL pair were around their 'patch' at the Greenhouse Grounds, but I didn't see the Little Owls at the nearby Greenhouse Copse today.

A BUZZARD was very vocal as it displayed over the Wet Woods, at one point it was mobbed by a SPARROWHAWK! The Lakes held no surprises this morning, the visitors were 2 GREYLAG GEESE and 15 CANADA GEESE plus the 'White Goose'

Not a very inspiring visit, despite anticipation being high for a possible spring migrant, that wont happen until the weather pattern changes though  :-(  Still no photo's either!