As we walked
on the predominant sound was from numerous ascending Skylarks, and Lapwings
with nesting sites across the open ground, some guarding chicks, some sitting on nests and
one pair seeming to be taking part in display flight. Aptly named pewit, these birds are incredibly
attractive, and thankfully I noted that this evening they were not being
harassed by corvids.
I said to
Sam that I was determined to find Grey Partridges this evening, and we
soon did, unfortunately the bird in question was found freshly killed in the
field having suffered an attack by a predator.
That Grey Partridge is dead!
Linnets called and flew by us, as Blackbirds
and Wrens sung clearly and loudly from the hedgerows. It really was cold as the sun dropped in the
west and I was glad to have been dressed in winter clothing. Swifts were sighted in front of
us. Although this area is farmland it is
worked with some thought for nature and the path in places was lined with
wildflowers including Cow Parsley, Charlock, Daisies, Buttercups, Red Clover
and Vetches.
There is
some wonderful habitat in this area and we took a diversion along a pathway
which I had not ventured along before.
This is deserving of more exploration in the future. Wood Pigeons were numerous, but there
is every chance that much more in the way of other birds and wildlife could be
seen along this route. It is so sad
that this area is going to be lost to house building soon. I think John Clare would have simply called
those responsible for this, clowns. I
would use a stronger description.
We returned to the wagonway and wandered through some area of untidy but
interesting buildings. One building in
particular interests me, as it has a look of great age. Goldfinches were in area.
We decided
that we would retrace our steps rather than walk a circular route, thus having
a more peaceful time. A Willow
Warbler gave out its gentle song and Grasshopper Warbler was heard,
if somewhat briefly. We took up a
position beside the hedge way and chatted and waited. Skylarks were still singing, Lapwing
calling, and in the distance the calls of Grey Partridge and Pheasant
were also heard. Yellowhammer
song underlined the size of the population of this species in the area this
spring. Bird song surrounded us all
evening.
The skyscape
had been special tonight, and as we stood chatting and waiting the sun
eventually dropped completely out of sight below the horizon and the sky turned
a deep shade of pink. I have missed such sights of late. Darkness was soon to come. We had been on a quest and it had proven
successful, so our spirits were high as we wandered back towards home. A little knowledge and a good deal of
patience had paid dividends. I did eventually
see Grey Partridges, but it was the clear loud calls to one another
across the field that I most enjoyed.
By the time we
reached the silent and unused road again darkness was upon us. We strolled on taking note that the aromas
from trees and plants in the cold clear air, were especially strong tonight. We agreed that this was an evening on patch surpassing
any we had experienced before.
Arrangements were made for a return.
As I took my solitary walk home through the estates, there was an eerie feeling in the darkness, as it was so quiet
with no one else about and no traffic moving in the streets. I had been careful to put my binoculars away
in the bag, as If stopped by the police I was sure they would not believe I had
simply been birding!
Mandarin Drake
16th May. The
atmosphere down by the lake during a sunny afternoon was vastly different from
the quiet evenings out on the wilder area of the patch. Lots of people out to take their exercise,
several taking an interest in the birds on the lake. I was down there because Sam had alerted me
to the Mandarin Drake. I cut my
lunch short, left the dishes and got down there fast. I found the Mandarin resting and the
grass verge at the edge of the lake and later watched it close by on the
water. We chatted at distance to an
elderly couple and we were pleased to be able to point them in the direction of
the Mandarin and the Whooper Swan, ringed the day before, that
remains on the lake.
Whooper Swan
I was unable to
find the pair of Great Crested Grebe on the larger lake; the probability
was that they were at the side of the lake in the reeds. The other pair of Great Crested Grebe
on the smaller lake were easily found, one of which was carrying young on its
back. Yet another successful breeding
year for the Great Crested Grebes on Killingworth Lake. Several Swifts flew overhead and a Little Grebe called from the reeds.
Great Crested Grebe. Two young can be seen on back of adult. (lower image)
One of the
lakes Terrapins was seen. Yes
correct, they are not native to Killingworth.
I made for
home to rest before another evening out by the hedge. It has been a rewarding week out on patch. Remember, you don’t need to travel far for
good birding opportunities.
Terrapin
,
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