Today saw a halt to the spring bandwagon with low temperatures and a cooling west - NW breeze. It appears that breeding activity is slow this year with most wetland species.
The
FLASHES were relatively quiet this afternoon.
Teal 25, Avocet 3 ( feeding a bit more than of late), Lapwing 14 - with a lot of flight displaying. Oystercatcher pr, Curlew 6.
BHG 60+. A few LBBG moved north, several Buzzards (c6) soared around the reserve. A small flock of c20 Fieldfare mixed in with the 50 or so Starling flock over the orchard.
At least 2 chiffchaffs sang.
The
MOORS were a bit more lively. Just before dark almost all the ducks had gathered in front of the east hide.
Totals: GCG 4 min, Little grebe 6, shoveler 10, gadwall pr, teal c10, shelduck pr, pochard 4 (2prs), Tufted 49, Lapwing 3, snipe 5, oystercatcher 4 (2 prs), BHG c200 - although all had left by 6pm to roost at the Flashes. A kingfisher was seen on the nearby river salwarp.
Still good numbers of reed bunting (10) and bullfinch at the feeding station.
Chiffchaff seen on the east side.
also 2 siskins flew over the education reserve.
B
John