Tuesday 26 January 2016

There was a strengthening southerly wind blowing this morning, which blew varying amounts of cloud across the sky, rain moved in for the day by 13:00hrs.

It was a rather dull visit birdwise, not much at all was noted on my 3 and a half hour patch walk. The best birds seen were a KINGFISHER at the lakes and the LITTLE OWL at roost in the old shack at the Ashes Lane Fields, where the dozen or so MEADOW PIPITS continue to find conditions conducive to overwintering there.

The female KESTREL was back at the Greenhouse Grounds, I watched her hunting by means of the more traditional way, that is by hovering, normally she sits on a high vantage point and waits for prey to appear.

A search for the first Woodcock of the year continues in the wooded parts of my walk, similarly, a search for the first Snipe of the year in the sheep pasture and ditches also continues, but i'm having no luck with either so far. I did see my first Bumble Bee of the year though and watched the Honey Bees around their hive at the Greenhouse Grounds, the first time they have ventured out this year, the small SISKIN flock of 12-15 birds continued to feed in the nearby Alder Trees, plus both SKYLARK and LESSER REDPOLL were heard flying over, other than that it's as stuggle to fill the blog post today, especially as I have no images left!

Tomorrow looks a total write off, if the weather forecasters are to be believed, which is not always the case, we shall see!

6 comments:

Derek Faulkner said...

Funnily enough, I had two Woodcock today on a friend's private nature reserve here on Sheppey. First I've seen for 3-4 years.

Marc Heath said...

I think we need another cold spell inland to get these Woodcock to arrive and show for us. Keep looking, you will probably turn up something else!

Pete Woodruff said...

Looks like the weather is in reverse as far as north - south goes, today has been a total washout (literally) tomorrow looks like a half decent day up here i'nt north so may get some birding in hopefully.

Keep on keeping on Warren.

Warren Baker said...

Derek,
They aren't a common species here, maybe 1-2 sightings a year if at all.

Warren Baker said...

Marc,
I reckon we've had it for cold spells now, time for some DRAGONS soon!

Warren Baker said...

Pete,
I most certainly will be keeping on keeping on mate :-)