Tuesday 16 February 2010

Pleasant Surprise

Buzzard - sat like ours, on a post
(c) 2010 Marcus Conway
Hare
Skylark
Greylag Geese
ditto
Lapwings
Hazel Catkins
I was a bit worried about this morning's session, as I'd been warned the venue only came alive when the raptors appeared during the afternoon. However, the 20+ Skylarks singing in the bright morning sunshine soon dispelled any misgivings. There were also almost 20 Hares all around us, including 9 in one field, and after chasing each other for several minutes they did indulge in a brief bit of boxing. The raptors weren't thick on the ground, with just a Kestrel, and a Sparrowhawk, and 4 Buzzards soaring over a small copse. However, in the afternoon one spotted by Les, posed for quite a while and allowed us to approach fairly close. Some of the fields were under water, and here we saw Mute Swans, Greylag Geese, Shelduck, Teal and in the afternoon heard Wigeon. Herons flew past in both sessions, whilst the afternoon also added a Little Egret. There were plenty of finches with Chaffinches being the main species, but we also saw Goldfinches, Linnets, and then Reed Buntings & Yellowhammers, plus a small flock of Tree Sparrows. An inquisitive buck Roe Deer was another morning highlight. We had to abandon the afternoon session just before the raptors were due to swarm over the rough grassland, as a heavy shower moved in sharply!

2 comments:

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Nice Buzzard shot by Marcus. would have been a lovely sight.

Michael Flowers said...

Only problem is, a juvenile Rough Legged Buzzard was in the area. Pretty sure ours was a Common one though!