As Dave and I trudged around the patch in the drizzle, raindrops constantly having to be wiped from binoculars, condensation and more rain being rubbed from spectacles, I tried to think of appropriate words to describe the day.
Damp, dreary, dispiriting, dull, December. I think that'll do it.
Despite all this we managed to see a few birds. At least 53 Mallard, five Wigeon, five Shovelers, 22 Teal, and 17 Snipe graced the flash field. One of two Stonechats we saw today was also there.
We decided to venture into Stapenhill Wood once more, and for a brief moment we feel a surge of optimism. This was caused by the sound of 30 to 50 Fieldfares and Redwings calling in alarm, and more significantly, several Blackbirds and Jays doing likewise. Surely they were mobbing an owl. Unfortunately all the action was taking place on the other side of a huge bank of sloes and hawthorns. By the time we found our way to the other side of the bushes it had got a lot quieter. However we did hear a Little Owl which was perhaps the cause of the activity, and I had a terrible view of a Woodcock as it disappeared behind a hedge.
By the time we were returning to our cars my camera had barely made an appearance. This wouldn't do, so I decided to try to my luck from the car.
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| A dowdy Dunnock |
A Redwing feeding on sloes added a splash of colour to the day.
Brighter days lie ahead.
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