Rather late for the weekly visit but proved be OK. Best bird was a single POCHARD in a winter coat which was the first for site. There was a drop off in bird numbers except that is for LITTLE GREBE with 8 birds feeding well. Again another COMMON GULL with the BLACK HEADED GULLS.
Call in to old coastguard station to sea watch with the following sightings. Most stuff flying South with 62 PALE BREASTED BRENT GEESE and 120+ COMMON SCOTER with two VELVET SCOTER in one flock. It was obvious that a few auk were on the wing but no id. As for the GANNET 67 birds with a few young birds. I was accompanied by four MEADOW PIPIT and two PIED WAGTAIL.
An increase in duck with 78 GADWALL and a high count of LITTLE GREBE with 8 birds. Also the first COMMON GULL of the winter.
The regular walk at Carlton Marsh and to the new bird hide looking over Peto's. Two MARSH HARRIER and a single BUZZARD. But in front of the hide a pair of STONECHAT kept flitting about. A large flock of LAPWING about 250+ and a single WATER PIPIT on the old scrape.
A single ROCK PIPIT and a flock of nine GOLDFINCH. As for the sea nine GANNET with some immuture birds following adults. But only one MEDITERRANEAN GULL and two SEALS
Regular visit with an increase in duck numbers. Also three BLACKBIRD. But it is always good to catch sight of a GREEN WOODPECKER which landed and fed in the donkey paddock. Other than that a single PIED WAGTAIL flew over.
Wednesday call in with bi monthly meeting with Matt. Caught sight of a thrush like bird flying on its own. As soon as I caught sight of it MISTLE THRUSH. So that is why pic of it flying over confirms. Showing distinct white under wing covets. 2 BUZZARD and 2 MARSH HARRIER also had a SPARROWHAWK and 2 KESTREL. The other bird of interest was again another close flyby. No call but pale pipit with very white outer tail feathers speak only WATER PIPIT. A very odd looking crow with all white wing primaries. Must be a white thing going on.
