Tuesday 20th Dec 2011 - Shenstone & Grimley/Holt

I made the decision to 'pop to water' today and check out Grimley gravel pits.  But you know me, i still had to pay a fleeting visit to Shenstone on my way out.  The only place i stopped was Barrs Lane where on pulling up I was greeted by a huge flock of winter thrushes feeding on the ground either side of the lane.  There were at least c.100 Redwing and c.60 Fieldfare.  It was difficult to get a more accurate count due to some birds being obscured by the stubble.  Also in this same field, but closer to the hedgerow, were 14 Blackbirds.  What a good start to the morning....I continued my journey 10 miles down the road to Grimley/Holt.



My first stop off was along the concrete road near Holt Church.  In the adjacent stubble field there were 27 Pied Wagtails and c.100 Linnet.  Nearby Sling pool was devoid of birds but whilst I was there a flock of Lapwing flew over heading towards Top Barn farm, with them was a single Lapwing...I headed over there.  In the field opposite the entrance to Top Barn was c.200 Lapwing and in amongst them were a number of Golden Plover.  I panned across with my scope and counted 47 Golden Plover in total....a good count in this part of the county these days.

My final destination was at Camp Lane pits, Grimley.  I scanned the recently landscaped North end first and within minutes a Peregrine flew through, landed in a puddle and proceeded to bath.  It was there for a good 5 minutes or so before being chased off by the corvids.  The main pool at Camp Lane was relatively quiet although I did note 20 Gadwall and 3 Little Grebes.

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7 comments:

  1. The Peregrine made me laugh out when it sidestepped Jason. What a brilliant video, I doubt a Peregrine bathing is caught on camera very often. Well done!
    Great news with the Golden Plover.

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  2. Thanks Pam...that bit with it sideping tickled me too. I've never seen one bathing before so it was a privalige. Just shows there is so much to still see out there without constantly chasing rarity after rarity!

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  3. Brilliant photo of the Peregrine.

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  4. Great to have Peregrine on the deck. Nice one, Jason.

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  5. Cheers Bob

    Thanks Dean...it was a real privalige to see it bathing mate

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  6. So all the thrushes are with you then Jase, just two fieldfare here, and no Redwing! Lapwings are back up to 60 or so though :-)

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  7. Seems that way Warren...fancy a swop...I wouldnt mind a few Lapwing back!

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