We've finally made it to the spring equinox and the first official day of spring though so far we've not had any proper spring migrants. Meanwhile our existing species have been growing in numbers: OYSTERCATCHERS are now up to six birds and the SHELDUCK count is up to an amazing ten. Keeping them company is the BLACK-TAILED GODWIT which has been with us for several days now - I imagine that it's not in any hurry given that the arctic tundra is probably still under ice. Apart from that there have been a few PINTAIL still and the last GOOSANDER pair have been hanging around still.
Whilst we've not yet had any proper spring migrants there have been several singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap around the area over the last few days. However I've had a couple of late season winter birds in the garden of late: I was fortunately enough to have a lovely male LESSER REDPOLL briefly, complete with a lovely rosy pink flush to his breast and there has also been a singing male Siskin in my garden twice this week.
The highlight of the last few days was today when Steve Goddard came across what sounds like the ICELAND GULL that was seen at Farmoor earlier this week. It was present from 5:45 until 6:15 pm at least today.
An amazing ten Shelduck are gracing the floods at present
No comments:
Post a Comment