Lapwings.

Possibly my favourite bird the Lapwing and there have been up to 75 on the dam over the last few weeks. This one was close to the outflow so I was able to snap off a shot, being concealed by the dam wall. Secreted amongst them on the 11th was a single Oyster catcher. The 2 colour ringed Black headed gulls are also still about. On the 22nd a male Goosander flew over aswell as a Peregrine. On the 23rd the first frogs were in the pond. There have been up to 5 Common Buzzards over the village, no doubt pairing up for the breeding season.

Slow Progress!

Water Rail at Stanton inflow.

It has been quiet around the reservoir for the last four weeks, but my year list has now crept up to 75. Species added have included Peregrine, Grey Wagtail, Greylag Goose,Reed Bunting, Nuthatch, Kingfisher and a female Brambling. The pair of Little Owl are back calling on their territory and a Tawny is frequenting a nest site. Sparrowhawks have also been seen displaying. There are several species that I would have expected to have seen by now, but I suspect that the hard winter has forced some of them further west. This includes birds such as Pochard, Goldeneye, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Marsh Tit. As the days lengthen lets hope that some of these species become more evident. Bring on the spring!