As mentioned on another thread, and also as I'm apparently not the only Farlington regular, I think I'll just mention todays trip to the reserve.
3:30 isn't the best time of day to do any kind of birding really, but I headed down anyway, with the long shot hope of maybe seeing a short eared or barn owl. Dont get me wrong, neither have been reported in a while but you never know unless you have a look.
On route around the reserve, with the tide out, I saw 4 Goldeneyes, Red breasted Mergansers and a few Great Crested Grebes in the channels of seawater between the mudflats. 30 or so Curlew (minus the Wimbrel that has recently been reported), Dunlin, Turnstones and most of the other typical winter mudflat waders, and a few gulls. A decent sized group of Lapwings and thousands of Brent Geese graced the fields, along with the usual Wigeon, Meadow Pipits and Stonechats. I didn't count them, but there has definitely been an increase in the number of Gadwall present on the lakes and river. I also saw 3 Bearded Tits, heard a Cettis Warbler and also heard 2 Water Rails in the reed beds.
Not amazing by any stretch of the imagination, but not bad either, and theres definitely more on offer, especially if I were to visit at a decent time! Keeps me amused anyway!
Jason
EDIT - oh yeah, no owls. Oh well.
3:30 isn't the best time of day to do any kind of birding really, but I headed down anyway, with the long shot hope of maybe seeing a short eared or barn owl. Dont get me wrong, neither have been reported in a while but you never know unless you have a look.
On route around the reserve, with the tide out, I saw 4 Goldeneyes, Red breasted Mergansers and a few Great Crested Grebes in the channels of seawater between the mudflats. 30 or so Curlew (minus the Wimbrel that has recently been reported), Dunlin, Turnstones and most of the other typical winter mudflat waders, and a few gulls. A decent sized group of Lapwings and thousands of Brent Geese graced the fields, along with the usual Wigeon, Meadow Pipits and Stonechats. I didn't count them, but there has definitely been an increase in the number of Gadwall present on the lakes and river. I also saw 3 Bearded Tits, heard a Cettis Warbler and also heard 2 Water Rails in the reed beds.
Not amazing by any stretch of the imagination, but not bad either, and theres definitely more on offer, especially if I were to visit at a decent time! Keeps me amused anyway!
Jason
EDIT - oh yeah, no owls. Oh well.
