Wednesday February 2
Mizzle as we left home, or Scottish mist if you prefer. Heavy grey overcast producing a dampness over everything. As we drove west, it gradually became steady rain, the large vehicle in front throwing up dirty spray which necessitated using the windscreen washers frequently. Should we continue? The decision was made. We'd take the short diversion to Selbrigg pond and see what happened.
Three very active Grey Squirrels immediately showed, the one with half a tail included.The usual birds soon arrived - during Pam putting the food out. So did Greg, driver of the only other car present. He asked us whether we had seen the Goosander. One had been reported as present on the pond behind us. Sue and Ian, on their way to shop, also appeared. I'd missed the WhatsApp posting.
We soon turned the car, looking through the gap into the far left tree and reed edged perimeter. The handsome drake Goosander, escorted by a Black-headed Gull, soon appeared.
The Goosander spent his time swimming across the pond, returning with a bow wave as he sped away from irascible juvenile Mute Swans, resenting his presence.
On of them was more persistently aggressive, but lost the race.
The weather was clearing, we continued west. The rest of the day was unremarkable bird-wise, we love looking for them, however 'common' they are. Who'd have thought that Little Egret, let alone Great Egret and Red Kite, would be expected viewing every time we bird the north coast. Six Red Kites, four Buzzards, four Marsh Harriers, six Kestrels and one female Hen Harrier was the raptor total. Probably hungry after yesterday's rain and stormy wind.
I'm writing this on Thursday - too tired last night to edit photographs etc. The warmth of the night plus cloud cover, encouraged six species of moth into and around our traps this morning. The only moths new for the year were two Micro moths, Agonopterix heracliana and Acleris ferrugana/notana. Two Spring Ushers, one Chestnut, Pale Brindled Beauty and a March Moth.
No comments:
Post a Comment