Meadow Pipit
I've paid my fee so I'll fish where I like - even if it is in Toft Shallows
Meadow Pipit
Wheatear
Rock Pipit
Rock Pipit
Lesser Scaup with Tufted Duck
Tufted Duck
Tufted Duck
Lesser Scaup with Tufted Duck
Lesser Scaup with Tufted Duck
(More pics on website - follow link opposite)
Well, having seen the super pictures taken (by others!) of the Draycote Lesser Scaup, I simply had to pay a visit today. It was also good to get it on my year list. Unfortunately, it was not located on my first circuit so it necessitated a second trip up to Toft Bank. It was soon located, and reasonably close in but far enough away to place my photographic efforts in with the "also ran's".
Farborough Bank held one Rock Pipit with two others on Hensborough Bank with a lone Wheatear.
Toft was the place to be if you were a fisherman with boats and bank anglers concentrated all around and some in the conservation area. I was informed that Fishermen pay a fee so can (& will) fish where thay like! Apart from the Lesser Scaup, Toft also held a Goldeneye, Pochard, Teal, Kingfisher, and Ruddy Duck.
Three Fieldfare flew over the Golf Course. Hensborough Bank produced one Ringed Plover, Rock Pipit and Wheatear. Raptor wise, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and two Buzzards.
A degree of excitement came with a report of three Twite on Farborough Bank. A search (with Bob D) revealed several groups of Linnet, indeed two groups of three were seen. However, three birds went down on the rocks,prior to landing I am sure I heard a call "twaa-eet", one of which was a dead ringer for Twite, with pale/yellow bill and convincing plumage. Problem was, when they flew, the call was Linnet! Ahh well, this life tick MAY have to wait! However, I still think at least one was Twite though! Now having seen Bob D's pic's of the bird, I am convinced it was a Twite! So good to get a life tick on a local patch!
Today's Sightings:
Wood Pigeon; BH Gull; Robin; Wren; LBB Gull; Coot; Moorhen; Gt Cr Grebe; Tufted Duck; Dabchick; GBB Gull; Rook; Carrion Crow; Mallard; Pied Wagtail; Cormorant; Grey Wagtail; Rock Pipit; Meadow Pipit; Mute Swan; Chaffinch; Starling; Lapwing; Gadwall; Pochard; Teal; Goldeneye; Green Woodpecker; Grey Heron; Gt Sp Woodpecker; Gt Tit; Ruddy Duck; Kingfisher; Magpie; Greenfinch; Blackbird; Dunnock; Canada Goose; Long Tailed Tit; Wigeon; Fieldfare; Jackdaw; Jay; Ringed Plover; Wheatear; Skylark; Kestrel; Lesser Scaup; Sparrowhawk; Buzzard; Goldfinch; Linnet; Twite.
great photos as usual Kev, I think I saw the lesser scaup and put it down to a dirty tufted duck (one day i will get it right) got a long way to go yet with my ID's. Im going to Draycote on Monday morning and cannot wait. I will have to wait and see if I can distinguish between Rock and meadow pipits (you never know I might get a glimpse of both)Even linnet will be a first for me lol.Reading your sightings just make it a longer wait till Monday
ReplyDeleteCheers, Col. Another challenge for you would be the debate on whether a Twite has been seen or if it was a female/juv Linnet. I saw it, thought it was Twite so hope the verdict is in favour of one (a lifer!)
ReplyDeleteGood luck for Monday.
Just noticed that Dave Hutton and Richard Dawkins spotted a twite at draycote on the 9/10/09 Kev, so there is one about
ReplyDeleteYou never know what will turn up! It is important to look at everything.
ReplyDeleteNice shots again Kevin.I've got the Scaup but I'm blowed if I can get the Rock Pipit and as for a Twite WOW!!! but I'm sure I would not ID it.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Max. Have you seen Bob D's pics of the Twite on his blog? Thats what I call a super pic for a "grab" shot!!! As for Rock Pipit, the two on Hensborough were very obliging, as was the Wheatear.
ReplyDelete