Monday, March 19, 2018

πŸ“– #19 ~ Spring Migration

πŸ’¨❄️🌀1C Monday 19th March 2018 ~Since my last post I've been out and about most days in search of early spring migrants. That said the mini 'beast from the East' over the past few days seems to have put a stopper on the trickle of birds already making it through to our shores!

Chiffchaff ~ Brandon Marsh
A singing Chiffchaff was the best on Thursday while working with the Brandon Marsh Team! Our time was spent preparing the Islands and Sand Martin structure for the forthcoming breeding season. At Draycote Water on Friday morning, I set off towards Hensborough Bank where a Wheatear had been reported the previous afternoon but there was no sign! However, I did manage to see the Swallow along Farnborough Bank which has been around for a few days and during my short stay here a Sand Martin drifted through. After Draycote I headed off to Brandon Marsh late morning and along with Alan Boddington managed at least three Sand Martins.

Otter ~ Swimming to the back of Carlton Pool
Saturday a late afternoon vigil in the East Marsh Hide in very challenging conditions yielded my first local Redshanks (3) of the year and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was also present: the prize for sticking it out for a couple of hours, a Dog Otter! First seen briefly on East Marsh I rushed down to Carlton Hide just in time to snap a photo as it swam through.

One of two Mistle Thrush on the car park bank Brandon Marsh!
Again today (Monday) another battling walk along Farborough Bank, Draycote as the 'beast' continued to hammer in. Best before heading on to Brandon Marsh was a couple of Rock Pipits feeding with a mixture of Redwing, Meadow Pipits and Fieldfare along the grass bank.

Redwing from the comfort of the car at Brandon!
On arrival at Brandon a spot of comfort birding from the car, when along the car park grass bank a number of Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush and a brace of Mistle Thrush were feeding. As expected no additions on the migrant front from East Marsh Hide but a Pintail pair, (5) Oystercatcher and two Shelduck, plus adult Yellow-legged Gull.

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