Mickey Mouse Birding and More

Sunday, 14 February 2010

Friday 12th February
7 sightings of Barn Owls today, 4 in the morning at Thornage, Cley, Iron Road and Salthouse, then three in the evening, Salthouse and 2 Iron Road. A quick detour took me to the Beach Raod. There was no sign of the Jack Snipe at the sluice, but as I walked up the look on the west side one flushed from just beneath the bank - zigging low and down out of view. 5 Marsh Harriers were over the reeds, as well as c 40 Black-tailed Godwit. Groups of Curlew were flying west (haven't worked out why yet! Do they roost on the field and then feed in the harbour? I thought it was the other way round!)
After work the Salthouse Barn Owl gave great views, but I spent a little too long with the Snow Bunting and Turnstone in the rain! Larger numbers of Wigeon are being seen, but this might just be due to them being more visible. $ Marsh Harriers were seen and the imm fem Peregrine made another appearance.

Thursday 11th February
Waders were more prevalent today, with 60 Golden Plover at Salthouse, where over 100 Lapwing were presents. Amongst them were at least 11 Ruff and a Dunlin (100+ of which were over Arnold's Marsh in the evening). Flocks of Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew, both totaled c30. The Salthouse and Walsey Hills Barn Owls both showed well. For the first time, both, Shoveler and Wigeon were swimming on the duck pond, where a single Snipe was seen. Again, I couldn't resist spending time with the wonderful Snow Buntings at Salthouse Carpark!

Wednesday 10th February
No Barn Owls to Walsey, but y'days news of Water Pipit E of East Bank had me wondering whether I could gt them on my list! I wasn't that hopeful, as the Serpentine is not really visible. However, I arrived to find that the dyke next to the bank had been dredged and a small number of pools had appeared! And, yes, on one of these pools, there was a feeding Water Pipit. As I was watching this a Goldcrest sang from behind. Small groups of Curlew flew W and 3 Marsh Harriers were seen. Salthouse was quiet, but Wigeon numbers were larger and a group of c 50 Teal flew around.
Part of after school was spent with the Snow Buntings, where they continue to show very well, as do the other photographers! Amongst the snow showers at least 4 Marsh Harriers were sen and the strange site of all the Greylags leaving North Scrape and moving south, at least 250 birds!