Beforehand though we took a walk around some of the reserve, it was a little windy but quite sunny.
We saw plenty of birds though and made a nice start to my year list, Shovelers, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, calling Curlew, lots of Kestrel action and a whole load of noisy Greylag and Canada Geese.
Shoveler
Mute Swan
Tufted Duck
Kestrel
We also saw Rabbits and Hares on the hillside and Stock Doves on the dragline.
Hello Pam: I really envy you "lots of kestrel action." The American Kestrel has been in steep decline in recent year and what used to be a common sight is now a rare occurrence. I haven't seen one in several months, not even in the places where they were formerly reliable. Too bad the Short-eared Owl didn't come out to play.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame, they seem to be increasing here, it's a rare occasion when you travel not to see one hovering by the roadside!
DeleteSuch a shame about the Short-eared Owls but you saw some great birds in compensation :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it's always a good walk there even without Owls!
DeleteKestels are wonderful to watch aren't they? I saw one the other day as we passed by a field just hovering inches above the ground. It was very still and looked as if it was dangling from a thin piece of thread so precise were its movements. Such a shame you didn't get to see a short-eared owl:)
ReplyDeleteThey are and yes that's exactly what they look like!
DeleteIt's a shame the owls didn't appear but at least you saw some other nice birds!
ReplyDeleteYes especially when they seem to have appeared every day since too, lol, typical!!
DeleteI know the feeling of dipping on a bird that I'm sure is there! I would get very excited to see any of the birds you saw the tufted duck would be a prize!
ReplyDeleteIt happens.....unfortunately! I still enjoyed the day and the birds :) The Tufted Ducks are becoming quite a common sighting on even the smallest of local ponds these days!
DeleteNice list to get 2020 started Pam :) Lovely to see the Kestrel, we don't see them that often anymore - we tend to see more Buzzards (not that I'm complaining!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon, what a shame you don't see them often though Buzzards are a good alternative!!
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