Over the last couple of days there has been a significant movement of waders and terns visiting our reservoirs and gravel pits. Although we might not like this cool damp weather the birds certainly do and it has provided the opportunity to witness the wonder of migration as birds seemingly fall out of the sky for a breather before lingering or heading off.
I have managed a few snatches of this during several visits to Pitsford Reservoir. Yesterday I saw my first Black Tern and Arctic Terns of the spring !! plus an Osprey which was seen several times. I've no idea whether it was the same individual bird or several visiting birds stopping off on their way north.
Today Pitsford was much busier with birds. The number of terns changing minute by minute as more came and went. During the early part of the afternoon there were at least 12 Black Terns, 1 Arctic Tern and several Common Terns near the dam. On the dam itself were 2 Redshank and a Common Sandpiper. Earlier a Sanderling had flown through[not seen by myself]. More Black Terns [6] were viewed from the causeway along with 2 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatcher and a super flock of 18 Bar Tailed Godwits, not a bird that I see in such numbers at Pitsford.
I was hoping that the weather would be having the same effect on Harrington Airfield and produce a good bird, but sadly not the case. Yesterday I saw 2 Turtle Doves flying around but could only locate a single bird today. A lone Northern Wheatear and Grasshopper Warbler have been the only other birds of note.
Plenty of birds visiting our garden including 14 Yellowhammers and 2 Reed Buntings. I can't keep up with the amount of seed they are eating and currently am feeding them three times a day. The lawn has just been a mass of birds today with Pied Wagtails, Goldfinches, Starlings, Blackbirds, Jackdaws, Stock Doves, Wood Pigeon, Collared Doves, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker,Nuthatch, Crow all joining in the feeding frenzy.
Regards Eleanor
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