It was a dull grey morning with a forecast of rain arriving. Dave opted for Marsh Lane, leaving me to try to make the best of what promised to be a pretty dull day.
On such occasions you need to come up with a plan to make things happen. I met Tony at the old pool field. He emerged clutching a large net, having been attempting to catch Jack Snipe. His plan had borne fruit, flushing three and catching and ringing one of them. I chose not to make my own attempt as I was sure those Jack Snipe needed a rest.
And anyway I had my own plan. Having noticed more than usual on the drive in, I decided to log Blackbirds. I didn't say it was a very good plan. But perhaps it was, because my final score of 23 Blackbirds just beat the previous record for the site.
The flash field contained a healthy population of 78 Teal, the largest total this year, but apart from some Mallard there was nothing else.
 |
| Some of the Teal in the gloom |
On the return journey I spotted a single Stonechat, and then decided to gird my loins and plunge into Stapenhill Wood. This produced a Marsh Tit, at least 10 Siskins, and maybe 50 Redwings. Unfortunately no definite Woodcock were flushed.
 |
| A less overgrown part of the wood |
Back home I timed my arrival to coincide with a visit to the front garden of one of the local Blackcaps.
Not such a gloomy day after all.
No comments:
Post a Comment