Tuesday 8 December 2015

Tuesday 8th December

Yesterday saw me doing my usual walk around the Reservoir and surrounding areas, it was, as it has been for most of the year, quiet.

However, I did flush a Woodcock, which was the first for the year. The Common Sandpiper was still present, strangely is was associating with a small flock of around a dozen Meadow Pipits. Apart from around eight Snipe it was quiet. I went around this afternoon seeing very little in addition to yesterday apart from a couple of Raven.

The approach road to Blythe Mill has been providing good views of both Short-eared and Barn Owl. Access isn’t easy as the footpath from Water Lane is probably the best, although parking might be a problem. Get as far as the bridge and scan the rough area back towards the Mill and the main road. I was there this afternoon and there was a Short-eared Owl although this was tempered by the sight of a Mute Swan flying into the pylon cables and plunging to its death! Put the mockers on a good day.


Tuesday 1 December 2015

Tuesday 1st December

After a week in Scotland this was the first opportunity to get out since I got back. The Common Sandpiper was still present and there were close on 70 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall and a fly over Raven.

The wet meadows held nine Snipe but no Jack Snipe.

Early evening saw me at Coleshill Quarry where I caught up with the Short-eared Owls that have been around for a week or so. They were showing particularly well just off the approach road to the Mill. They were joined by a Barn Owl later on.