Pathways then Links Hill.

 Pathways shew a very large drop in GADWALL numbers well down to only 8 birds. Rough old day with high winds.

Links Hill: A scattering of gulls and a rabbit. Until I caught sight of a very white Herring Gull. But it was a real muck up of a bird. It seemed to me to be a cross between an (Argentines Herring Gull X Glaucous ) but you make your mind up. So we stick at "Viking Gull".

Hamilton Dock

 The long staying male EIDER was tyre sitting in the bay surrounded by three OYSTERCATCHER who soon flew off. Herring gulls were very noisy. Also a small murmeration of STARLING about 50 birds.

North Dene's

First walk through North Dene's for this year, a struggle but not that bad. In fact better than of recent. First bird was a STONECHAT which put on a good show for the camera. Also 4 MEADOW PIPIT an#; a single ROCK PIPIT and PIED WAGTAIL

LESSER BLACK BACKED  GULL returned to his chimney stack today.

 

Catch up.

 Sorry if you have looked in on the blog and found little to view. Must get my act together. But I find it increasingly difficult to get out in the wild. But I will get out when I can, its difficult enough but I dread the day when I cant get out there. This is reflected in my species list of 71 as of today. But it is what it is for me the joy is real. Long may it continue.

Pathways Care Farm

 First call in for the year with no surprises. It seems that the the mute swans have returned, more like called in. As they where not there on my visit. Added to my year list ok but the surprise was a small group of GREAT TIT. With one bird calling teacher, teacher. Rather early to say the least, In fact the earliest I can ever remember. Also on lake was a pair of WIGEON amongst the resident ducks. 

Links Hill:   Usual group of gulls with three MED one of which was a Dutch bird with colour ring.

Leathe's Ham

 First year call in on this site, just to catch up on the ducks main reason ducks. But not a single tufted. SHOVELORE, COOT and lovely PINTAIL as can be seen from pic. A single GOLDCREST shew well and the call of WREN was good to hear.

Back on my usual spot.

 Links Hill:

Thirty plus BLACK HEADED GULL with GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL at 3 with also three MED GULLS one being a very clean first winter bird. As can be seen from the pic it was on parade as was the adult bird which was not far off summer plumage. Little else except at the Old Coast Guard station a single ROCK PIPIT, PIED WAGTAIL and MEADOW PIPIT.