26.07.15. Birdlog
A couple of hours birding in the morning and before the forecasted rain began to appear saw very little left from last night. There was no sign of either the Black-necked Grebe, Garganey or Green Woodpecker so normal service has resumed.
A sizable flock of Black-tailed Godwits began to increase during the watch and 900 birds were still present when we left with birds still coming in from the direction of the Weaver Bend along with small groups of Redshank accompanying them.
Dunlin were mostly concealed by the tall vegetation but when all of the waders took to the air from an unseen threat (by us) they revealed a flock of 150 birds.
An eclipse drake Wigeon was tucked into the banks and emerged with several Gadwall, Mallard and a crèche of 24 Shelducklings.
There were three Kestrel hunting the tanks and a male Marsh Harrier was soon followed by a very photogenic juvenile bird.
This juvenile Marsh Harrier had a metal leg ring on closer inspection.
Observers: Arthur Harrison, WSM (and images 1-7 & 9-11)
A short walk around No.4 tank in the rain this afternoon. A young Common Buzzard calling constantly in the wood near the Growhow works and a Peregrine overhead which put a large flock of Rook and Carrion Crow into the air from the corn fields. Several young Pied Wagtail feeding on the road alongside a small flock of Linnet. Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck and Mallard were all on the Holpool Gutter with Swallows snatching insects just above the water. Two juvenile Marsh Harrier sat in the reed bed and flew up to meet the male as he made a food pass to them.
Observer: Paul Ralston (image 8).
During the course of the evening: 2 Ruff, 30 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 60 Black-tailed godwit, 20 Redshank and new in a Spotted Redshank!
A male and female Marsh Harrier were seen together.
Observer: Sean O’Hara.
These honeycomb clouds formed in the morning just before the rain came.
