Today I popped out with Tony to do a walk around the Reservoirs and along the River Severn at Trimpley. It was an absolutely glorious day considering the time of year, the blue sky and sunshine really lifted my spirits.
On the way to the lower car park we checked out the Larches at the edge of Eymore Wood for Crossbills but there was no sign so we continued our walk to the Reservoirs. In the woods near the Severn Valley Railway line we recorded Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Mistle Thrush and Redwing. A flock of 30 Fieldfare flew over, as did a Common Buzzard.
The drainage pool was frozen over but still held 72 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a single Herring Gull all stood on the ice. A ♂ Sparrowhawk was present near the water treatment works. As were 2 more Song Thrushes, a Mistle Thrush and a Redwing.
The walk along the river was very productive, affording us great views of 38 Mandarin and 8 Goosander (4 ♂). Whilst here we bumped into a couple of birdwatchers who had also been enjoying the Mandarins. Needless to say we had a good natter and it turned out they were readers of this very blog. Its always nice to chat to readers of the blog and receive feedback from them (positive or negative)...but I am useless at remembering folk's names...so I do apologise to this couple (I blame the medication!)
Walking back towards the main Reservoir we had cracking views of a ♂ Kestrel perched on a nearby telegraph pole. Needless to say I took advantage of this photo opportunity and grabbed a bit of video footage. On the Reservoir itself were c.50 Tufted Ducks, 4 Great Crested Grebes and 2 Cormorants.
On the way back past Eymore wood we stopped again to scan for Crossbills. Again we drew a blank but there were good numbers of Siskin near the upper Car park feeding in the Larches and kicking up an almighty racket. Still it was a good way to end an enjoyable walk.
Mistle Thrush
Mandarin Ducks
Cormorant
Kestrel
Beautiful Manderin Ducks picture, and the video, well made.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had an enjoyable day, Jason. I am always struck by the exotic looking Mandarins, I have never heard of them in this area at all. You did get a good view of the Kestrel and a nice piece of video too. Love the colourful Cormorant photo also.
ReplyDeleteWhat a splendid video of the Kestrel, he looked intent on finding a feed Jason!
ReplyDeleteYour walk sounded a great one with an added bonus of sunshine!
An Interesting read with super images and video Jason!
Good selection of birds there and the video is really nice.
ReplyDeleteKestrel very underrated BOP I think, and in some ways more vulnerable than Buzzard or Sprawk to modern day environmental changes , do you think ?
ReplyDeleteBob - Thanks mate...much appreciated
ReplyDeleteJan - Thankyou...Mandarin are a welcome addition to the British list in my opinion....I'm sure it wont be too long before they are in your area
Pam - Yes he was certainly scanning for prey with intent. As for the sunshine...what a difference it makes this time of year!
Alan - Many thanks . It was a good mix of species and an enjoyable walk.
Mark - I agree with you on Kestrel. Very much under appreciated and seemingly in decline. You certainly don't see as many along the grass verges of motorways as you used to. At one time it was thought that adapting to motorways/ roadside verges was a lifeline...im not so sure. I think changes in agricultural practice are a lot to blame...to many sterile fields. Fewer weeds/seeds and insects for rodents to feed on = less prey for Kestrels, Barn Owls etc