This morning I chose to resume my local wandering, this time picking the countryside around Illshaw Heath. I must admit I hadn't been expecting much, but it wasn't too terrible.
The best area was a marshy field just west of the new development at Blyth Valley. Here I counted 19 Meadow Pipits, a Skylark which flew over, a Common Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, and a Reed Bunting. I don't see many Reed Buntings away from Morton Bagot.
On my way home I diverted to Earlswood where John O had found a female Pochard and the adult Yellow-legged Gull. I quickly saw both birds, and this time had my camera to hand.
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| Adult Yellow-legged Gull (note the red orbital ring) |
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| Female Pochard |
