......more like October 28 where I was today.When BT suggested we go into the Trough this morning I thought maybe he'd forgotten to take his medication, but that's a little unkind of me to say that, for one thing BT doesn't have a computer so cannot respond to such a comment......sorry BT!
It was actually a very good idea if only because one of the first birds we encountered was at Abbeystead where at Christ Church one of the adult Spotted Flycatcher was still there, also when driving away from here we observed an obvious Meadow Pipit movement and although the birds were difficult to count there was a few around. I don't need anyone to tell me I'm repeating myself here, but I must once more claim that NO House Martin's at the church in 2009 where 15 nest's from last and previous year's have been unoccupied appears to be a significant and worrying record.
At Marshaw the next surprise - not least given the weather conditions - was one of the adult Spotted Flycatcher at this site where I had seen a pair and three juvenile on 20 July, a Dunnock was also noted.
At Tower Lodge 10 Chaffinch and a Dunnock were feeding on spilt grain with game bird feeders having been recently put in place up the track. I have always recommended a walk up this track to go behind the plantation, and today the reward was two male and a female Redstart. Driving towards Langden Brook a Buzzard overhead was being mobbed by a Raven. A short walk up the path to the pump house at Langden proved absolutely nothing save 2 House Martin flying upstream.
Our leader and chauffeur then decided a visit to Conder Green would end the day nicely where we found the Ruff in company with 2 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, and c.280 Redshank, a Little Grebe and Kingfisher were also on here. I should end this post by adding a RBA pager message at 7.17pm reported the Wood Sandpiper at Conder Green opposite the pool at 5.45pm......well, what is there for me to say to that.
A bit sickening for me to post the Lesser - spotted Woodpecker pic as I often wonder if/when I will ever get to see one. Thanks go to David Cookson for allowing me to copy this excellent image on Birds2blog.
Pete. What a busy week you have had !! Good to hear that the spot flys are still about, I thought they had long gone. I think you have earned a couple of days off now... enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian. Doubt if I'll get out until Tuesday so the antidepressants will take a hammering!
ReplyDelete14 million cars estimated to be on the roads this weekend......mine won't be one of them, but it might find its way on to one not many others know about.
Enjoy your weekend too.
Pete. This LSW was a lucky fly-in and also a private site, but I also know a spot in Marbury Park where they have nested for the past five years. So if your interested I will give you directions for next season.
ReplyDeleteHi Pete, I've just awarded you with the Kreativ Blogger Award. The 'rules' are listed on my blog. I enjoy reading your blog and looking at your photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the offer of more details re Marbury Park for LSW David, I'll be in touch for this - and other matters - no doubt.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say re the reward 'Mistlethrush'. I'll be in touch via e-mail before the day (Sat) is out. Many thanks for looking in on Birds2blog it is much appreciated.