There were still the last remnants of the recent storms about today (have we got to ‘Vera’ yet?) but there was something else too. It’s not just the snowdrops, everywhere you look at the moment, there are signs of spring.
Here’s today’s summary…
On Old Moor’s Reedbed Trail, the bearded tit continued to show themselves well this morning. A pair were reported from the area by the Screen today along with great crested grebe, Cetti’s warbler and little grebe.
Male reedling from Peter Williams. Thanks Peter.
A marsh harrier was also seen throughout the day. Startling off in the largest reedbeds, the harrier worked its way, with characteristic ‘head-down’ stance, over every reed edge until it found a meal. Even then it couldn’t relax, not with a crow and a grey heron standing by, ready to seize its prize.
Cream-crowned marsh harrier today and an unlucky mooorhen at Wath Ings
On Wath Ings today the ducks were noticeably more mobile. The wigeon that weren’t grazing were involved in courtship flights, calling as they went.
Pochard were also restless here. Over ten drakes gathered in the shadow of the willows or took short flights to the field pool.
But, yet again, most of today’s best watching took place at the Wader Scrape hide. Here an adult Caspian gull teased with fleeting views of that sloping forehead and curious dark eye, as it spent much of the afternoon asleep.
Also on the Scrape were five other gull species, goosander, goldeneye, oystercatcher and shelduck.
With fifty-two bird species seen today, that's about it for the moment. I shall finish up with one last picture from the day. Kestrel may be a fairly familiar sight but its always a welcome one.
Until next time.
If the Caspian sleeps all day, is it nocturnal? Maybe that explains the dark eyes!
Superb photos.
It was great yesterday (weds) to walk at wonderful Adwick ... in the sunshine with no rain and wind! The birds were singing and the army of wigeon were grazing on the banks whistling away.