A good number of Yellowhammers at the feed station today, at least 3 pheasants too.
A Mistle Thrush and Goldcrest were around the church area this morning.
Monday, 29 February 2016
Sunday, 28 February 2016
28th Feb - touch of frost last night, cloudy morning, sunny spell pm, 7C, but cool light/fresh NE wind
I visited the local reservoir this afternoon, several Mallard pairs were present, whilst Goldeneye (c20) and Goosander (9) were all very actively displaying and after the females.
About 25 Pochard, c10 Gadwall and numerous Tufted Duck were present, an estimated 150 Wigeon were taking it easy, some feeding on the dam and 38 Greylag and 2 Canada Geese were loathing on the water.
Two Grey Herons were fishing around the edge and 12 Cormorants were fishing or sitting in the trees. A Water Rail was heard in the reed bed.
Two male Grey Wagtails were at the out flow one singing and disputing territory with the other. A pair of Long-tailed Tits and Bullfinch were in the bushes. At the feed station a good number of Tree Sparrow were feeding, maybe 50, only 1 Fieldfare was seen though. A Buzzard frequently called and flew over the reservoir.
A newly fruiting fungus was spotted, not sure on the species, need to check it out further. This fungus is probably the Liberty Cup, also known as Magic Mushroom due to their effects, it is a common species.
Two male Grey Wagtails were at the out flow one singing and disputing territory with the other. A pair of Long-tailed Tits and Bullfinch were in the bushes. At the feed station a good number of Tree Sparrow were feeding, maybe 50, only 1 Fieldfare was seen though. A Buzzard frequently called and flew over the reservoir.
A newly fruiting fungus was spotted, not sure on the species, need to check it out further. This fungus is probably the Liberty Cup, also known as Magic Mushroom due to their effects, it is a common species.
Saturday, 27 February 2016
27th Feb - mostly cloudy all day, a cold steady easterly making the 7C feel like 2C
It was nice to see a flock of ~40 Redwing move north over the village this morning.
I visited Shawell lagoons during the afternoon, hoping for a Iceland Gull as one was seen by Carl some days ago and others have been reported around the Midlands, however I did not see one.
There was two Grey Herons present, one was on the middle bank and then moved to a lagoon to fish. It did catch a small fish, it picked and dropped it several times before swallowing it. How fish originated in the lagoons is a mystery, some say fish eggs get transported on the legs of birds.
Several colour ringed gulls were present, however, due to poor light it was not possible to read them, apart partially. One Lesser-black Backed gull had one ring which ended with a T, which I believe would have been ringed by the Thames group.
Also present were a pair of Shelduck, only 6 Wigeon, 31 Tufted Duck and a Cormorant. 17 Lapwings were there, this is well down on the wintering flock that visits the lagoons, suggesting many have left to their breeding areas.
I visited Shawell lagoons during the afternoon, hoping for a Iceland Gull as one was seen by Carl some days ago and others have been reported around the Midlands, however I did not see one.
There was two Grey Herons present, one was on the middle bank and then moved to a lagoon to fish. It did catch a small fish, it picked and dropped it several times before swallowing it. How fish originated in the lagoons is a mystery, some say fish eggs get transported on the legs of birds.
Several colour ringed gulls were present, however, due to poor light it was not possible to read them, apart partially. One Lesser-black Backed gull had one ring which ended with a T, which I believe would have been ringed by the Thames group.
Also present were a pair of Shelduck, only 6 Wigeon, 31 Tufted Duck and a Cormorant. 17 Lapwings were there, this is well down on the wintering flock that visits the lagoons, suggesting many have left to their breeding areas.
Friday, 26 February 2016
Thursday, 25 February 2016
25th Feb - mostly sunny, light breeze, 7C
A neighbour told me he heard Tawny Owl calling early yesterday evening to the east of the village.
There were small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare, less than 20 each, with - 100 Starlings feeding on pastures this morning.
A good number of gulls, Common, Herring and Lesser-black Backed with Jackdaws and Roks were feeding on other pastures.
Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers were busy calling and drumming respectively and Coal Tits were often heard singing during the day.
There were small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare, less than 20 each, with - 100 Starlings feeding on pastures this morning.
A good number of gulls, Common, Herring and Lesser-black Backed with Jackdaws and Roks were feeding on other pastures.
Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers were busy calling and drumming respectively and Coal Tits were often heard singing during the day.
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
23rd Feb - sunny spells, 7C, light breeze
Busy helping with the lambing today. Unbelievably two ewes gave birth to quads yesterday and all were a good size and heathy. Ewes are only designed for two lambs really so as these grow extra feeding will be needed.
I was able to watch the feed station for a short while early afternoon. There were at least 10 Yellowhammers, 6 Chaffinch, 6 Great, 2 Blue and 1 Coal Tit. 4 Tree and 6 House Sparrows were present, a Tree Sparrow often seeing a House Sparrow off the feeder. Two Pheasants fed below the feeders.
A Mistle Thrush was in the area and the Goldcrest was singing again. Several Song Thrushes could be heard singing around the general village area.
I was able to watch the feed station for a short while early afternoon. There were at least 10 Yellowhammers, 6 Chaffinch, 6 Great, 2 Blue and 1 Coal Tit. 4 Tree and 6 House Sparrows were present, a Tree Sparrow often seeing a House Sparrow off the feeder. Two Pheasants fed below the feeders.
A Mistle Thrush was in the area and the Goldcrest was singing again. Several Song Thrushes could be heard singing around the general village area.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)