This year I have decided to start a patch list. I have defined my patch as anywhere within 5K of my house. This includes Buxton, Coltishall, Hoveton and loads of other small villages. The habitats include woodland, farmland, river floodplains, river, reedbeds etc. Last year my favourite tick was probably a Knot picking salt from the road in front of my car during the Beast from the East. I already have a patch lifer this year, a Little Egret which just flew into patch airspace. The rule is that any bird on the list has to be seen within the patch area. Here is the list so far:
- Mute Swan
- Pink-footed Goose
- Mallard
- Pheasant
- Buzzard
- Moorhen
- Black-headed Gull
- Herring Gull
- Woodpigeon
- Collared Dove
- Jay
- Magpie
- Jackdaw
- Carroin Crow
- Blue Tit
- Long-tailed Tit
- Starling
- Blackbird
- Robin
- Dunnock
- Great Spotted Woodpecker
- Egyptian Goose
