The early, then a subsequent walk around Migrant Alley, didn't provide me with the awaited Wheatear, or any other migrant passerines, only the LESSER BLACK BACKED and HERRING GULLS were present of any note.
Two SWALLOWS were whizzing around the Greenhouse Grounds, from which a GREY WAGTAIL (59) flew, i've not seen one of these on patch since February, a welcome addition to the April list.
Over in the Scrubby Woods and Wet Woods I once again strained my ears hoping to hear the first Blackcap singing, but still they have not arrived, even if I record one tomorrow it will be joint latest arrival date for my patch in the 14 years of recording.
There were no surprises on the lakes, not least due to the presence of fisherman on the small lake, although a couple of drake MANDARIN DUCKS on the main lake and for the second day running, the Coot pair was not seen. Just as I was leaving I looked back across the main lake to see a male GOOSANDER (60) circle round, then head of west, this is the latest date I have recorded this species on my patch, the previous latest date was April 7th in 2010, so a good addition for the April list :-)
I spent a good couple of hours sky watching from my seat at Migrant Alley today, but got little in reward, flyovers from GREY HERON, GREYLAG GOOSE, CANADA GOOSE, multiple BUZZARDS, a SPARROWHAWK, the local KESTREL pair, a couple of MEADOW PIPITS, a YELLOWHAMMER, 3 SKYLARKS, and a couple of SWALLOWS were about it.
I grabbed a couple of photo's today..........................
LINNET
DUNNOCK
Dunnock, trying to sing like a Blackcap :-)
6 comments:
bit by bit, Warren.
Wilma,
Yes ....little bit by little bit !
Warren ,
2 singing Blackcaps around Bough Beech and a Cuckoo calling from field behind oast yesterday .
Thats good to hear Greenie! Gives me some incentive to get out :-)
Warren, Waiting for the big one...Nightingale...!
As for Derek, he is upset as I have criticised his beloved Sheppey. But what he failed to see in his own comment, and the irony, is that he feels its fine for his dawgs to flush birds, which he has done for thirty years. If you or I, or more likely a twitcher, did this on Sheppey he would be extremely upset. Doh!
Graham,
Needless to say, I'm with you on the irresponsible dog owners, but I hope Derek doesn't read this comment, I can see him turning purple with rage from here!
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