Today Bev and I decided to pop out for a few hours birding at Grimley. Just before reaching Grimley we pulled up at Top Barn to scan the fields opposite to see if any Golden Plover were about. We were in luck in the field were 59 Golden Plover with c.200 Lapwing and c.100 Starlings. At one point something spooked them and everything went up. Even a relatively small flock of Golden Plover is a joy to behold as they are wheeling around.
At Camp Lane pits the water level was incredibly high and I'm sure this was the reason there were some of the regular duck species such as Shoveller and Teal missing. Still we did note 16 Gadwall (8♂), 4 Pochard (1♂), c.40 Tufted Ducks, 5 Little Grebes, 4 Mute Swans, c.100 Canada Geese, 2 Cormorant and a Grey Heron.
Also noted around the pits and in the adjacent field were 8 Meadow Pipits, 3 Skylarks, a Song Thrush, 1 Herring Gull, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 17 Black-headed Gulls.
On the way back home I managed to blag the other half into making a whistle stop visit to Shenstone. This was my first visit of the year to the patch so I was excited...but even though I only covered Heath Lane and Stanklyn Lane it was good to be back. I didn't see a great deal of birds to be perfectly honest but a Song Thrush & 20 Linnets on Heath Lane, and 17 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing and a Green Woodpecker at Stanklyn Lane paddocks were highlights. I just cant wait till next week when I should have more free time to cover the patch properly.
Pochards & Tufted Ducks - Grimley
Some really good species you saw at Grimley and Shenstone Jason. Nice one especially with the Golden Plovers, indeed they are a joy to behold!
ReplyDeleteI do like the image, they look as though they are on a mission!
A decent flock of birds taking to the wing really lifts the spirits in January. Sounds like a good day out, Jason.
ReplyDeletePleasing selection there Jase.Must try and see if I can connect with the Golden Plovers
ReplyDeletePochard with their heads up. Now that`s a scarce sight in itself, Jason.
ReplyDeletePam - Cheers. Something spooked the birds in the photo and many of the ducks swam on mass across the pool
ReplyDeleteRob - Thanks. Your right It does lift the spirits!
Mark - It wasnt a bad day out. It's worth trying for the Golden Plover this weekend if you get chance
Dean - Ha..you are absolutely right, a rare sight indeed!