Sunday 13 March 2011

Linacre WeBS Walk - 12th March 2011

This month's WeBS walk took place on a mild, dry morning with an excellent turn out of 10 participants. As "predicted" last week we were very lucky and managed to find our first summer migrant, when a Chiffchaff was located feeding in the willows by the top reservoir. This record is two weeks earlier than last year and, who knows, perhaps it refers to an over wintering individual or just an early returning migrant? Other signs of spring were drumming Great-spotted Woodpecker, singing Dunnock, Wren, Goldcrest, Song Thrush and Great Tit, as well as our first frogspawn in the top reservoir, by the bridge.

Frogspawn (Can you see it?)

Following on from last week's summer plumaged Cormorant the group managed to find 4 individuals on the bottom reservoir this morning, including 2 summer plumaged birds. This constitutes our highest ever record, and although it's most likely too late to set up a breeding colony this year, perhaps it bodes well for next year?

Other water birds recorded this month were: Black-headed Gull (54), Goosander (1 male), Coot (9),Moorhen (12), Tufted Duck (18), Mallard (46), Grey Heron (1), Mandarin Duck (9), Little Grebe (1), Great-crested Grebe (2).
Mallard

No comments:

Post a Comment