Birding in sunny and mild conditions with a light wind from 08:30 on Saturday produced 1 Lapwing, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, 14 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, c60 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 4 Stonechat, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting and 6 Reed Bunting. A visit this morning in heavy cloudy skies produced 1 Common Crane flying in from Grove Ferry at height before landing in the fields. Also 2 Raven, 2 Peregrine, 3 Siskin, 1 Brambling, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Yellowhammer, 6 Stonechat, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Water Rail, 2 Grey Wagtail, c50 Redwing, 1 Treecreeper and 2 Cetti's Warbler. A visit on Thursday evening to see whether any Hen Harriers or Short eared Owls were patrolling the marshes proved negative but all was not wasted for as I walked back, I picked up 3 large birds flying towards Grove Ferry just before sunset. A few rushed distant photos later and I was happy to confirm 2 Great White Egret (132) along with 1 Grey Heron flying over Nethergong. 'Nocmig' sessions produced Little and Barn Owls and as I collected my recorder, a Grey Partridge could be heard calling. Another new addition to the year list with Great White Egret and I wonder what else could be seen or heard in the last few months of the year. I have made a feeding station on site which I hope will attract a few birds to photograph over the winter and a few Kingfisher posts have been put in areas where I have seen them of late. It would be lovely to have this species in the viewfinder from the hide over the coming months.
That's another splendid list of sightings, Marc. It's far too long since I last saw a Grey Partridge, which is hard to accept as , until around ten years ago, they used to be a given on my local patch, even though they were rather scarce in the county. Sadly, the farmer who gave me blanket permission to go anywhere on the farm also gave that permission to a shooter too, and it seems that he wiped them out.
ReplyDeleteI like the raven shots.
Best wishes - - - Richard
Many thanks Richard. Grey Partridge are rare here too. I've been lucky to get them this year at Nethergong. I'm hoping they are around more than I think. I do love the Ravens and look forward every session to hearing their call. I never get tired of hearing that. Take care.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning Marc, I love the flying Ravens, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob, much appreciated. I never take them for granted.
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