Sean F
Wednesday 18th January 2006, 17:16
Hi everyone.
My local patch is Godalming wetlands (called Unstead Sewage Farm by the regulars, but I think the one I use is much better) in between Godalming and Guildford, Surrey. I try to go there twice a week.
Its only a tiny site (about 3 acres) and is privatley owned but it can produced great birds. I only started going there in May 2005, but my species list for the site is already 81. This includes a Marsh Tit on the feeding station, a wintering Cetti's Warbler, many Water Rail, Green Sandpiper, Whinchat, and a Peregrine. The ultimate sighting though happened when I was sitting in only hide on 21/9, when a bird of prey appeared. I initially thought it was a Buzzard, but, as it turned I could see it was an Osprey! That got the adrenaline pumping!
Despite the brilliant species I have seen, the list of species that I have missed is incredible, this includes: Grey Phalarope, Barn Owl, Avocet, Purple Heron, Red Kite, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Just my luck! Species that have been seen there in past years include: Waxwing, Long-eared Owl, Black Redstart, Med. Gull, Pintail, Ruff and even Great White Egret (3 times!).
Lets hope the new year brings really good luck.
Sean F
My local patch is Godalming wetlands (called Unstead Sewage Farm by the regulars, but I think the one I use is much better) in between Godalming and Guildford, Surrey. I try to go there twice a week.
Its only a tiny site (about 3 acres) and is privatley owned but it can produced great birds. I only started going there in May 2005, but my species list for the site is already 81. This includes a Marsh Tit on the feeding station, a wintering Cetti's Warbler, many Water Rail, Green Sandpiper, Whinchat, and a Peregrine. The ultimate sighting though happened when I was sitting in only hide on 21/9, when a bird of prey appeared. I initially thought it was a Buzzard, but, as it turned I could see it was an Osprey! That got the adrenaline pumping!
Despite the brilliant species I have seen, the list of species that I have missed is incredible, this includes: Grey Phalarope, Barn Owl, Avocet, Purple Heron, Red Kite, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Just my luck! Species that have been seen there in past years include: Waxwing, Long-eared Owl, Black Redstart, Med. Gull, Pintail, Ruff and even Great White Egret (3 times!).
Lets hope the new year brings really good luck.
Sean F