Packed down Newport Wetlands this afternoon. A lot of people there to see the Starlings it seemed, thanks to the plug on Autumnwatch last night!
Much, much bigger flock than last year there already. They did a very short murmuration, but were being stalked by a marsh harrier, so they dived down in the reed beds pretty darned quick! For the 30 seconds it lasted at maximum numbers it was might impressive!
I got a couple of okay shots, but will see if I can get better ones next weekend.
I did manage a decent shot of a large skein of Canadian Geese that went over. I made it my photo blog entry tonight.
http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/1526650
We also encountered a very probable short eared owl when we were walking back to the car park. It flew out from the visitor centre bit of the reserve, by the slope that leads to the reserve proper. It was definitely not a barn or tawny owl, wrong shape. Sleeker! Have any been reported there recently?
Ant
"IT IS SAID THAT LIFE FLASHES BEFORE YOUR EYES BEFORE YOU DIE. THAT IS TRUE, IT'S CALLED LIVING."Death - Terry Pratchett (The Last Continent).
There was one out in the grass on the shore near the lighthouse about a month ago.
"He had softly and suddenly vanished away---For the Snark was a Boojum, you see." The Hunting of the Snark, Lewis Carroll
Thank you Cathy .. having studied my Bird Guides DVD and Collins 2nd Ed. I have counted it as a tick! ;o)
I had one drop into that very area - the reeds adjacent to the slope from the visitor centre area to the reserve itself - earlier in the year, 3rd February, so I would not be surprised to see another, (or same one), there
Best regardsNigel
| My Images | Newport Wetlands on Flickr @barman58
May go back down on a murmuration watch on Thursday if the weather is good!
I will keep an eye out for the owl!
I went down tonight and there were lots flying in, but they gathered miles away looked like they were by the sea wall. I drove down there but saw nothing!!
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