With rain forecast for mid morning today, I wanted to get in a few hours at Nethergong so arrived at 7am where I wandered around for a while and then spent the rest of the time standing at the Eastern gate overlooking the fields and marsh to see what was about. This is often a good place to look for birds of prey but the hoped for Hen Harrier never appeared but I did managed to see a Merlin (72) which was most welcome and a bonus bird. You can easily do a year here without seeing this species so to pick one up for the year list was good news. Also seen from this vantage point were 3 Great White Egret which were distantly feeding together and 1 Raven flew between the pylons cronking as it went. There were 1 Mistle Thrush, 14 Pheasant, 1 Water Rail, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Lapwing, 7 Stock Dove, c300 Fieldfare, c100 Starling, 2 Great spotted Woodpecker, 6 Yellowhammer, 2 Green Woodpecker, 23 Mute Swan, 10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Woodcock and 1 Grey Heron.
Mute Swan
Lapwing
Some great sightings and a couple of nice shots, Marc. The serenity of the swan nicely captured and the Lapwing in flight showing that wonderful irridescence! Take great care - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Richard. Really enjoying my birding again. Even the common stuff is once again a pleasure to see. Can't wait until the migrants arrive. It won't be long.
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