Back in October, my sister happened to call on us on the day when there was a massive migration of Redwings and Fieldfares over the house, and she was very impressed by the spectacle. So impressed that we agreed I would take her birding later in the year.
Today was the day, and we agreed on Earlswood as the venue. It was bright and sunny, which was good, and she enjoyed the morning despite the fact that there was no wonderful wildlife event going on. In fact it was a little quiet.
The semi-resident adult Yellow-legged Gull put in an appearance, but the gravel island has virtually disappeared and we had to accept we weren't going to see its legs.
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| Yellow-legged Gull |
It's difficult to get anyone who is not a committed larophile particularly excited about gulls, but we did also find four Common Snipe on one of the manmade islands. Much more impressive.
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| Snipe |
As for the wildfowl, we counted 21 Tufted Ducks, didn't count the numerous Mallard, and located a drake Gadwall on Windmill Pool.
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| Gadwall |
The passerines on offer were the usual species, and it was nice to be able to point out the different calls to Ann, who was keen to learn. Highlights here were a couple of Redwings, and about a dozen Siskins.
The one that got away came half way down Windmill Pool. A Goldcrest was calling loudly, and we edged forward hoping to discover the cause. Whatever it was shot out from the undergrowth and through the trees before either of us got a clear view. It was probably a Sparrowhawk, but could have been anything, with even Woodcock a possibility.
It would be nice to think we could do it again some time.
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