A sunny morning at last. I headed for the patch with a degree of optimism. That didn't last long.
February often feels like a month in limbo. All the winter birds are settled, and it's too early for new arrivals. Despite varying my normal route, I could find nothing unexpected.
Still present were the pair of Shelducks, about forty Teal, sixty or so Lapwing, a few Snipe, a pair of Red Kites, and a pair of Stonechats.
Although there is plenty of standing water, the site is yet to record a Coot, a Green Sandpiper, or a Tufted Duck this year.
One possible reason for this was a dog-walker shepherding five boisterous untethered dogs around. He himself was wearing a bright yellow kagoule, a wandering bird-scarer if ever I saw one. If he turns up every weekday, and I suspect he does, there will be a negative effect on the site's avian biodiversity. I noticed he did a smart about turn as soon as he saw me, but was still there when I left.
If I sound grumpy, it's because I am.
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