Friday 7 March 2014
Getting out was delayed by a breezy morning, which was soon joined by some moderate rain, so we waited for it to clear and had pleasant sunny afternoon out, first of all walking across Overy Marsh with up to four Marsh Harriers performing nicely, at least two Common Buzzards, one of which had a fairly pale head, which at some distance resembled a Rough-legged, until it flew failing to show any of the characteristic under parts and tail pattern of this species, and a single ringtail Hen Harrier. Geese were represented by Brent and Pink-foot only. A couple of Avocet were in the channel and a Water Pipit was on the flooded fields to the west of the track. On the way back to the car a Barn Owl flew around the adjacent field to the track and eventually over us.
We headed afterwards to Warham Greens for the roost and over a period of an hour or so we had a Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard over the Marsh, and four Hen Harriers, including an adult male, but unfortunately no Short-eared Owls were seen.
Saturday 8 March
Natural Surroundings NR
The weather was somewhat marginal due to wind. However, happily not too bad once we got on site, being relatively sheltered being surrounding by trees within the Glenavon Valley.
We avoided the more exposed areas, put up three nets and waited to see what we'd catch in the spring sunshine. The Marsh Tits eluded us and there was no evidence of Brambling around the nets. We did see and hear Redpoll and Siskin but all stayed well away from the nets. We managed to process some continental type Blackbirds amongst the other captures.
Getting out was delayed by a breezy morning, which was soon joined by some moderate rain, so we waited for it to clear and had pleasant sunny afternoon out, first of all walking across Overy Marsh with up to four Marsh Harriers performing nicely, at least two Common Buzzards, one of which had a fairly pale head, which at some distance resembled a Rough-legged, until it flew failing to show any of the characteristic under parts and tail pattern of this species, and a single ringtail Hen Harrier. Geese were represented by Brent and Pink-foot only. A couple of Avocet were in the channel and a Water Pipit was on the flooded fields to the west of the track. On the way back to the car a Barn Owl flew around the adjacent field to the track and eventually over us.
We headed afterwards to Warham Greens for the roost and over a period of an hour or so we had a Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard over the Marsh, and four Hen Harriers, including an adult male, but unfortunately no Short-eared Owls were seen.
Saturday 8 March
Natural Surroundings NR
The weather was somewhat marginal due to wind. However, happily not too bad once we got on site, being relatively sheltered being surrounding by trees within the Glenavon Valley.
Daffodils at Natural Surroundings
Snowdrops
Primrose
We avoided the more exposed areas, put up three nets and waited to see what we'd catch in the spring sunshine. The Marsh Tits eluded us and there was no evidence of Brambling around the nets. We did see and hear Redpoll and Siskin but all stayed well away from the nets. We managed to process some continental type Blackbirds amongst the other captures.
5M Blackbird
Coal Tit
Many thanks to Andrew for inviting us to ring with him. Natural Surroundings is open to the public daily and we can thoroughly recommend the delicious coffee and cakes. The wood burning stove is a particular delight on chilly days.
Totals: 32 (11)
Wren - 1
Dunnock - 1 (2)
Robin - 2 (1)
Blackbird - 6 (1)
Blue Tit - 12 (3)
Great Tit - 3 (0)
Coal Tit - 3
Long Tailed Tit - 0 (1)
Chaffinch - 4 (3)