Adult Male Scaup.

Dave Wright found a fine male Scaup on Tuesday 6th. It was still frequenting the central area of the res. on the 7th. This is the first Scaup since 2010 and it is great to see an adult male. There were also 4 Shoveler. At times the Scaup was close to the dam giving photo opportunities.

First Spawn.

Frog spawn in the shallow scrape/pond at Browns wood.(28th. Feb.)

Other signs of spring have included a Song Thrush carrying nesting material, pairs of Buzzard wheeling together and plenty of Bumble bees collecting nectar. I also have a pair of Siskins that look like they might stay to breed.(Very rare county breeder!)

Dessy Lakes Ticks!

A walk around Desford Lakes on Saturday afternoon resulted in 3 new year ticks. Skylark were singing and three Meadow Pipit were doing Tree pipit impressions. On this one you can just make out the very long hind claw. I also flushed three Woodcock. Other species of note were a pair of Green Woodpeckers, 4 Buzzard, 3 Ravens and a small flock of Lesser Redpoll.

February Snow.

Thornton with 3" of snow on the morning of 5th Feb. before the fog rolled in.

A male Reed Bunting feeding in the garden. I always presume that this is a species that I will see on my New Years day bird count. However, last year I did not see one at Thornton until the 5th Feb. and this year it was the 4th Feb. So where are they in January?

About 75% of the res. is frozen and good numbers of wildfowl are crammed in to the open water. They include 26 Pochard, 32 Teal and Harry the Whooper is back. Other species noted recently have included Tawny and Little Owl, Peregrine, Treecreeper, Rook, and Greylag Geese.

There is also a pale yellow Canary coming to gardens near to the church. It is often seen singing and has even attracted the attention of the Reed Bunting. I think it is a Canary breed known as an American singer, but I am no expert on cage birds. I am surprised that it has survived this long as a male Sparrowhawk hunts regularly in the area.

Goosander.

A smart male Goosander was at the top end today, but no sign of the three Shelduck. Water levels are rising with both outflow filters now partially hidden. One larch had been blown over by the strong winds.

None, then 3 come along!

I did not record Shelduck last year at Thornton, so it was a pleasant surprise to have 3 during this mornings squall. They were still present at 3pm.

Welcome 2012.

2012 started dry and mild and the juv. Whooper was still present to help with the New years day count. Other notables were Kingfisher, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, and male Goldeneye. My final total for the day was 52.