Winter wildfowl.

Hello

These blustery, wet and mild conditions seem to be our typical winter weather these days but it's not very inspirational and more difficult to find interesting birds and for completing bird ringing with mist nets.

Yesterday afternoon five Caspian Gulls appeared in the gull roost at Stanford Reservoir and this afternoon two or three individuals were present. This species seems to be numerous in the UK this winter with a few double-figure flocks being reported at east coast localities and singles and twos reported throughout much of England.

Eyebrook Reservoir recorded a Kittiwake, thirteen Smew and a Scaup today and the swollen River Welland at Market Harborough provided views of an Otter near to the Lidl supermarket both yesterday and today.

A Marsh Harrier at Pitsford Reservoir today was a rare mid-winter sighting away from the Nene Valley and at Stanwick Pits this afternoon a Barn Owl was a treat. About two hundred Golden Plovers and three Great White Egrets were at Summer Leys LNR this morning.

Birds on the Kelmarsh Estate today included at least one Brambling, a couple of Siskins and at least two Ravens.

Regards

Neil M

Mallard.

Shoveler.

Teal.

Wigeon.

Winter wildfowl courtesy
of Robin Gossage.