A migrant flock of 7 Shelduck dropped onto Edderthorpe Flash just before 6am and were immeadiatly harrassed by a 'resident' Shelduck. The visitors stood their ground taking little notice of the posturing drake Shelduck so he took his frustration out on a nearby sleeping Avocet, violently attacking it and trying to hold the Avocet underwater. Fortunatly, after a brief struggle the Avocet escaped, took to flight with its accompanying mate and immeadiatly left the Flash! The seven Shelduck left to the north after a ten minute wash and brush-up.
Teal 1, Gadwall 28, Shoveler 6, Avocet 4, Oystercatcher 1, LRP 1, Redshank 8, Common Tern 2.
1 comment:
Obvious evidence that there is only a certain amount of suitable habitat in that area to accomadate these species.
This highlights the importance of getting the conditions on the ground right on sites such as Wombwell Ings, Wader Scrape and The Mere during the period from March to May.
The right percentages of open water and muddy fringes would undoubtedly increase the numbers of breeding birds and passage migrants on these sites.
Its great that we have a few pairs of avocet. BUT - there's enough habitat to have 2 or 3 times this number.
Unfortunatly the RSPB at Old Moor don't seem to understand this.
So it is up to us resident birders to point this out to them..........at every opportunity.
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