It has been a great start to the year with some cracking species and really interesting counts recorded.
On the 3rd JFT added White-fronted Goose to the yearlist, with 2 initially on the reservoir that flew off early and then another 4 (adults) that came in from high to the north-east and landed in the cattle field. Unfortunately, just one day birds. On the same day we also had a Great Black-backed Gull over and a flock of c.150 Lapwing over. The latter being part of a general movement over a few days, with several smaller flocks and a flock of c.40 Golden Plovers also seen.
This week there was some huge counts of Tufted Ducks, with 113 on the 8th and 143 () on 9th! I'm fairly certain these are record counts for the site. Oddly there was no other diving ducks with them and even more oddly, there were none yesterday morning.
Yesterday morning JFT had a group of 6 Crossbills go over north and this morning Clive had a cream crown Marsh Harrier come in from the west and fly off north (after getting mobbed by a Raven).
Some other good birds already seen include Gadwall, Raven, Stonechat (2 pairs), Snipe, Jack Snipe, Peregrine and Yellowhammer.
I think the year list is already on 64, but I'll have a proper look towards the end of the month and make sure it's in line with the new Avilist taxonomic order and amended BOU list etc.
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| Courtesy and copyright of JFT |
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| Courtesy and copyright of JFT (part of the 150 flock) |
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| Courtesy and copyright of JFT |
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| Courtesy and copyright of JFT |
