11.02.13. Birdlog
80 Tufted Duck, 150 Common Teal, 134 Mallard, 12 Wigeon and 18 Common Pochard were all present on No 6 tank.
No 3 tank: c15 Ravens were widespread with birds present from Marsh Farm-No 3 tank-Frodsham Score so a conservative estimate.
Common Buzzard (pale morph).
A female Hen Harrier was hunting along the banks by the Pumping Station/Splashing pool.
Merlin v Skylark over No 6 tank.
A female Merlin chasing down a sub-singing Skylark was the cause of the plovers concern? The Skylark was as fit as a fiddler and kept the Merlin at wings length and like always won its aerial dogfight…this time!
Large and small flocks of Lapwings and Golden Plovers were V flying from one area to the next and appeared unsettled, perhaps the presence of the Merlin was the cause of their concern.
Observers: Stuart Maddocks, WSM
The first spring lamb of the year on No 5 tank. Image by WSM.