This morning I popped for my first proper visit to the patch in over a week. I was hoping to perhaps hear my first patch Chiffchaff of the year or even pick up an early Wheatear. I had no joy on either but it was an enjoyable visit all the same.
I started off by scanning the paddocks along Stanklyn Lane. Here there were 15 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and 5 Skylark present. Further down the lane in the scarified field were 11 Corn Buntings, 4 Yellowhammers, c.60 Chaffinch and 3 Greenfinch. A Common Buzzard was up over Stanklyn Wood.
At Heath Lane there was still a flock of c.100 Linnet present. A Kestrel and 3 Skylark were also noted.
The Butts Lane/Barrs Lane area was quiet although a Stock Dove and 11 Linnet were on the plough. I also observed a pair of Long-tailed Tits gathering nest material.
The days highlight however came from Witch Lane where a single Curlew was present in the grassy field behind the fishery. Also noted along Witch Lane were 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Wren and a Pied Wagtail.
Curlew - 17th March 2012
Click on image to enlarge
Nice one regards the Curlew, Jason. I`ve been hoping for a flyover one, for the year, but no luck as yet.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased that your patch walk was so productive Jason especially with the Curlew as a bonus!
ReplyDeleteCurlew, and on the deck, well good Jase :-)
ReplyDeleteDean - Cheers. I'm sure you will get a flyover Curlew soon given your proximity to Old Moor
ReplyDeletePam - It was a productive day and the Curlew was the iceing on the cake but in all honesty, even if I had seen little, I would have enjoyed the walk....it was just great to get back out there!
Warren - Yes it was the first of the year. Last year I had a pair on thepatch for most of March. I had hoped they may breed butno such joy!
Very well done with the Curlew Jason and on getting a photo.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how I missed commenting on your last post, I know I read it because I was very envious of your lovely Skylark photo, great to catch it on video too!
Cheers Jan - I was dead pleased with the photos and video of that somewhat obliging Skylark
ReplyDelete