03rd Dec 2015: Brent Goose!

John had visited the reservoir at lunchtime yesterday, but there was nothing much to report. Today was a very different story though. It really highlights the fact that an interesting bird could turn up at any time 'out of the blue'.

The outstanding highlight of today was a juvenile Dark-bellied Brent Goose that had decided to join the Canada Geese. It was first on the reservoir and then moved with the Canada Geese to feed in the cattle field. The only other records of Brent Geese here that I know of are of eight flying over in December 1987 and one being present in January 1988. So this is a rare bird here. When I saw it it appeared to be hobbling and may have an injured leg. This won't stop it from leaving but may encourage it to stay around for a short while.

Photos courtesy and copyright of John Friendship-Taylor

The next bit of quality was a Dunlin that John heard calling as it flew in. It settled briefly at the reservoir before heading off high to the east. It is quite unusual to have one at this time of year as they are usually seen here in spring or autumn passage. There was also a Peregrine that flew over north.