The Lincolnshire Bird Club

A selection of sightings from Swanholme Lakes/Hartsholme Park over recent weeks.

Corvid roost - the nightly sound and visual spectacle has involved in the region of 4000 birds during the winter, although I suspect the total number could be much higher as small flocks continue arriving after dark. Jackdaws seem to account for around a third of the birds involved followed by Rooks and then Carrion Crows. (Still no Raven as yet.................).

Egret roost - this has held up to 9 Little Egrets and it has been interesting to observe how individual roosting positions are regularly altered depending on the weather conditions and prevailing wind.

Other odds and ends include:

Goosander - peak counts were before Christmas and just into the New Year. 17 seems to have been the average for a few weeks now so would be interested to hear if anyone has any counts higher than this recently.

Red-crested Pochard - the resident drake is still hanging about with the female type presumed MallardxRed-crested Pochard hybrid. This is a rather interesting individual as when seen well it does show a small amount of male characteristics so may perhaps be a second generation hybrid (?).
In addition another female type Red-crested Pochard hybrid (presumably with Mallard) has also been seen occasionally.

Egyptian Goose - a pair is again rather prominent around Hartsholme Lake this year and look set to breed.

Siskin - just 16 have been my peak count in what seems to have been a poor year for winter finches.

Tawny Owl - birds have become very vocal in recent weeks in the area with one bird particularly showing well at dusk in the trees bordering the lake at Hartsholme Park.

Grey Wagtail - single bird seen around Hartsholme Lake.

Woodcock - flushed from the damp areas of woodland in Hartsholme Park.

I hope the above are of interest.

Cheers

Matthew