Arrived at Old Moor this morning shortly after a couple of guys had picked up a redhead Smew on The Mere. The bird was distant and tucked in the north-west corner, diving a lot. Whilst I wouldn't like to comment on its age or sex it did seem to show a pronounced black face-mask which may suggest it was the bird that visited over the weekend. Unfortunately, whilst I was taking a phone call it disappeared and nobody who was watching it seemed to know where it went. This was around 10am and as far as I'm aware it had not been relocated by the time I left (early afternoon) to check Broomhill Flash. If it is the same bird where has it been? Going on this mornings behaviour it wouldn't be difficult to overlook. Not too much else this morning; 10 Goosander, 8 Goldeneye, and Redshank but difficult viewing with a strong northwest wind making the eyes run constantly.
Bretton Park: Smew, redhead still this morning.
Yesterday, a single Waxwing flew over Overdale Road, Wombwell.
4 comments:
The 4 Smews that have visited Wintersett this year have all exhibited similar elusive behaviour - usually hiding in reed beds or under overhanging willows. The long stayers also took some time to settle in to a favourite area.
Thanks Ang. There are places it could go on the Reedbeds and not get seen. My bet is it has been there since the weekend.
Not 100% sure, BUT from what I came see on the photos on here and Huddersfleld site, plus what I have 'read up' on I'd say that the Old Moor bird is an adult female and the Bretton bird is a juvenile.
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