05.04.20. Birdlog.

I exercised my right to exercise in complete isolation, so after 7 days in work I cycled down to the marsh and celebrated the female Long-tailed Duck 100th day staycation with a ride around No.6 tank.  Ducks were present with c300 Common Shelduck, a small number of Common Goldeneye, c200 Northern Shoveler, 40 Eurasian Teal, 145 Tufted Duck and 4 Common Pochard.

The ‘phalarope pool’ had 7 Black-tailed Godwit, numerous Eurasian Teal, Gadwall and Mallard.The Whooper Swan herd may have flown to the icy far north, but a Little Ringed Plover was fresh in and a couple of Western Marsh Harrier were about.  Further on the pools on No.3 tank had 40 Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Teal, Northern Shoveler, Common Shelduck and Black-tailed Godwit.

Observer: WSM (all images).

02.04.20. Birdlog.

I walked down to No.6 tank as part as my daily excercise regime after work today. A look over the tank was reward for my efforts with c110 Northern Shoveler, 45 Eurasian Teal, Mallard, 123 Tufted Duck a few lingering Common Goldeneye including an immature male.

The female Long-tailed Duck continues her staycation with 97 days under her wing. Let’s hope she makes the big 100.

A Western Marsh Harrier was floating again over the reed beds and numerous Common Raven were about.

Observer: WSM and images.

28.03.20. Birdlog.

I took my excercised and walked to the marsh and then circumnavigated No.6 tank. A look over the water produced 121 Tufted Duck, c100 Common Shelduck (many in display and territorial disputes), Gadwall, Mallard, 9 Common Goldeneye, c100 Eurasian Teal, 65 Northern Shoveler and the long staying female Long-tailed Duck. A Western Marsh Harrier was floating over the distant reed beds before settling in a tree for a rest.

The only summer migrants heard or seen on my excercise walk were Cetti’s Warbler, Common Chiffchaff and a singing Blackcap.

Observer: WSM (image from archieve).