Monday 18 December 2017

Pitsford WeBS count

Hello

Today saw a small group of us complete the monthly Pitsford Reservoir WeBS count of birds utilising the site. About 20% of the reservoir was ice-affected which meant a reduction in birds north of the causeway and the loss of some shallow-feeding birds like Pintail.

Two Great White Egrets were north of the causeway and there was a 'redhead' Smew in the Walgrave Bay and a drake Goosander flying around. A Lapwing took evasive action when a male Peregrine nearly scooped it up, the plover only surviving by seeing the attacking falcon at the last second and cartwheeling straight into the water! The Lapwing composed itself and took flight and evaded two further stoops before flying to freedom.

Other birds included just three Little Egrets, 2-3 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, just 5 Snipe, a couple of Grey Wagtails, a flock of sixty Meadow Pipits on the mud in the Walgrave Bay, a male Stonechat, about 8 Siskins and 2 Redpolls. Mammals enjoying the wintery sunshine included Hare, Fox and Muntjac.

Regards

Neil M


Grey Heron at Pitsford
Reservoir today...

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