wheatearlp
Well-known member
A second winter Little Gull was reported at Westwood Pool mid morning, presumably the same bird.
I would guess so, as the bird I saw was a 2nd winter (had to check the books when I got home as I don't recall seeing this plumage before). It was present for no more than 60 seconds as it circled a couple of times in front of the concrete hide after first being seen and then headed off south-west. This was easily the highlight of the morning (7.15-12.00), but there was some movement and activity across all areas of the reserve.
A Raven was on one of the pylons to the east of the North Moors Pool with some sort of prey item, before tiring of the attentions of Carrion Crows and Jackdaws and heading off west. In common with John's report for yesterday there were both Skylarks (12+) and Meadow Pipits over, with eight of the latter feeding with Pied Wagtails and Linnets on a slightly damp second flash. Song Thrushes were in evidence in most areas, albeit only singles but a total of at least eight birds. Bullfinches were seen at the Flashes, in the education reserve behind the lorry park and along the west side of the Moors Pool. A flock of Siskins totalling c.30 was seen over the south side of the Sailing Pool, with one or two redpolls accompanying them, with at least six Siskins along the east side of the Moors Pool. There were Blackcaps with tit-flocks in the education reserve (a female) and along the east track at the Moors Pool (a male). Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen across the reserve, a Treecreeper was heard in the education reserve and a Green Woodpecker was heard at the flashes. A Grey Wagtail was seen over the education reserve. Two Peregrines were in the transmitters at the Flashes, with another, or possibly one of the same two later seen over the North Moors Pool. On the wader front only one Snipe was seen (at the Moors Pool), Curlews were heard (and no doubt seen by others) at the Moors Pool and small numbers of Lapwings were at both Moors and Flashes. Water-bird numbers were unremarkable, none exceeding the counts Phil reported yesterday, although for some reason I counted 187 Coot:eek!: and large gulls were non-existent.
All in all a good morning.
Mike
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