19th March. I took a short walk onto the patch today and was soon listening to and watching Chiffchaffs in the area that they usually initially appear, south of the village. In 2010 it was 21st of March before I found them and in 2009 it was 20th March. I’m not too scientific about how I do this, so let me just say I know it’s about now that they appear. On the previous two years I had checked earlier days and found nothing. There was lots of other bird song today and Wrens in particular, were numerous.
I took a walk to the small lake. There are still at least three Goosanders on the lake. The Great Crested Grebe on the small lake appears to still be alone. I took a look to see if three Great Crested Grebes were still on the larger lake, reported Sedgedunum Warbler, and sadly found none at all there. I was in a hurry to get back to listen to the football so I probably missed them further down the lake. As it happens I should not have bothered rushing back, such was the result!
The Sparrowhawk was being mobbed by Jackdaws. Possibly one of the birds which has visited my garden recently. On the last occasion, making a successful kill.
I called past the lakes early sat. morning on way to coast and had the single on the smaller but like yourself didn't spot ANY GCG's on the larger lake!! The light was fantastic in the 45 mins. or so i was there and the Pochards were stunning. Even the Mallards were looking dapper. A pair of displaying Grebes would have been a bobby dazzler but alas...............
ReplyDeleteA pair of GCG on the small lake early Sunday morning John and the juv Whooper Swan back on the larger lake.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about you but I feel the floating reed-bed is in definite need of some attention!