My normal Sunday routine was a bit different today, firstly by not being able to get out of bed and secondly by a text from Dave of a Firecrest on Warbler Way. Therefore after eventually getting up I was soon looking for the Firecrest, the weather was as usual, cold at 1c with a biting wind. Plenty of observers on Warbler Way but no sign of the Firecrest, but did see a couple of Willow Tits which was nice. A few Fieldfares and Redwings also present. My usual report from Bolton Ings revealed nothing unusual, the western pond was almost totally iced up and the eastern pond was about 60% ice. Full count:- Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 8, Canada Goose 2, Cormorant 1, Great Crested Grebe 1, Mallard 52, Gadwall 25, Teal 2, Shoveler 19, Wigeon 1, Tufted Duck 6, Goldeneye 1, Goosander 2, Coot 235, Moorhen 8, Black Headed Gull 171, Common Gull 10, LBB Gull 1, Fieldfare c50, Redwing c10, Green Woodpecker 2, Willow Tit 2. In addition a flock of 71 Canada Geese were on the banks of the River on Old Moor.
Other news included a Bittern that again dropped in from height onto the reedbeds. Totals for the area were Wigeon 580, Gadwall 369, Teal 275, Mallard 220, Shoveler 67, Tufted Duck 35, Pochard 44 and Goldeneye 6. A Green Sandpiper was heard whilst on Warbler Way and a Redshank was on the mere as well as 21 Mute Swans. The largest Waxwing flock today was 30 and a Treecreeper was seen on Warbler Way. On the Golf Course were 20 Redpoll, 1 Meally Redpoll and 3 Siskin. Finally the feeders around the visitor centre were very well populated and included the following:- Tree Sparrow 35+, Black bird 40+, Chaffinch 80+, Reed Bunting 60+, Yellowhammer 19, Linnet 4, Brambling 5, Bullfinch 4 and Song Thrush 3.
1 comment:
Good interesting blog John. By the way I enjoyed the Marsden Rail stuff etc. Takes me back to my very enjoyable trainspotting days. Thanks again
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