We've lost the warm south-westerlies overnight as high-pressure builds to the north-west opening the floodgates to a chilly northerly airflow. When I arrived on the patch this morning it was just 7C and the skies were laden producing a heavy drizzle. A couple of Roe Deer darted across the road just as I arrived around 07:45.
The pond level continues to drop and the first species of note were (5) Whooper Swans on the larger of the two ponds, but they didn't stay long before heading off, circling once before flying north.
(2) Oystercatchers flew through followed shortly after by (7) Curlew and the usual Greylag and Pink-footed Geese were feeding in the surrounding fields.
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| Little Grebe |
Just before heading over to the small pond a final check across the water yielded a couple of Sand Martin, which fed briefly before moving on. Once again the only other wildfowl on both ponds were (29) Tufted Duck in total and (2) Little Grebes on the small pond.
Two Chiffchaff singing today and a look down towards the river produced a single Dipper. While here (3) more Sand Martin and a group of circa 20 Fieldfare passed overhead. I keep hearing a Greenshank calling but similar to the other day I still frustratingly haven't managed to connect!
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| Yellowhammer |
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| Reed Bunting |
Other species of note during my 90-minute stay included: Lesser Redpoll, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Reed Bunting, Song Thrush & Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard drumming only)
Sub note.... Driving past the ponds mid-afternoon 20+ Sand Martins feeding over the water.
