A bright and frosty morning, and I headed on a walk from home. As I lumbered over the fence to take the shortcut to the footpath several
Blackbirds and a
Redwing took flight and a
Great -potted Woodpecker was calling.
Nutchatches, Treecreepers, Marsh Tit, Siskin and best of all a displaying
Skylark (uncommon in these parts) were all seen before I reached the large arable field, which itself was pretty empty, I only had 2
Linnets flyover here. I looked and listened hard for any sign of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, but nothing. A flock of 8
Canada Geese flew over then a flock of 25
Fieldfares and several more
Redwing were in the area .The Furnace Pond held the normal
Mallard contingent 2
Cormorant a
Grey Wagtail by the sluice and lurking at the back of the pond in the trees a pair of
Mandarin. A few Common Buzzards were making the most of the early morning thermals plus a single Sparrowhawk was the sum of the raptors.
I was momentarily caught out by a burst of birdsong I didn't recognise, it turned out to be the Redwing in full song - not something you here that often this far South. The route back was rather muddy so I concentrated on keeping upright - A pleasant walk with 42 species recorded (which is good for here ! Despite the early sun, still feels that Spring is a way off yet as the birds still feel a little thin in on the ground. Back at home I've still had the
Firecrest singing daily and a
Green Woodpecker was out probing the first field this afternoon.
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| A frosty lane - I can't tire of this view towards Woolbeding. |
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| The only arable field on the walk - and it's big |
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| grey Wagtail by the Furnace pond sluice |
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| A very timid Mandarin Drake - no way he was responding to bread. |
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| The paths have become incredibly muddy as vehicles have been in trying to clear the fallen trees. |