Time - 14:05 - 16:45
Weather - Apocalyptic most of the time. VERY dark skies for most of the time there. 1 torrential downpour.
First visit in about three weeks bought one hyperactive reaction and a lifer which brings my life list up to 131. During the downpour I met two Lincoln-based fans of mine in the hide! Hello Fans!
What was the hyperactive reaction for, I hear you ask? Yes, it's the predictable sharp intake of breath, the usual 'oh my God' and crazed grin on seeing a BARN OWL!
The lifer added was FIELDFARE. 2 of them sitting on the handrail up to the flood bank, and another one flew past the hide during the rain. The poor light didn't hinder my positive I.D... I must be getting better!!!!
Other sightings:
9 Little Grebes together, in winter plumage. The largest accumulation of them that I'd seen.
Mixed flock of Canada and Greylag Geese.
1 Barnacle Goose
15 Shelduck
20 Wigeon
5 Teal
1 Oystercatcher
Usual Mallards
2 Dunlin
1 Grey Plover
50 Lapwings
4 Redshank
2 Black-tailed Godwits
Usual Black-headed Gulls
5 Herring gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
5 Magpies
1 Pied Wagtail
Flock of Goldfinches over hide
Many Starlings
5 House Sparrows
2 Tree Sparrows
5 Blackbirds
Usual Woodpigeons and Collared Dives on way there
5 Pheasants in fields.
May be doing a morning's birdwatching (Yes, you heard right, a MORNING'S birdwatching - what's come over me?) at Frampton Marsh sometime this week - anyone want to come with me or meet me there?