Grebes' Return

This weekend's walk around Linacre took place in dry, bright and sunny conditions, with a temperature of just 2 degrees. Waterfowl numbers were beginning to drop as they do as the springtime approaches, but 2 Great-crested Grebes, both in breeding plumage, are a sure sign of the new breeding season just around the corner. This isn't the first record of the year at Linacre, as one was reported on the Sheffield Bird Study Group website, on 18th February, but it was my first record of the year.

Other species of water bird present today were: Mallard (76), Black-headed Gull (67), Goosander (4; 1 male and 3 redheads), Coot (9), Moorhen (9), Grey Heron (1), Tufted Duck (8), Mandarin Duck (8) and Grey Wagtail (1).

Away from the water I had my first singing Chaffinch of the year, along with a Stock Dove that was feeding in the fields by the entrance with a small flock of Woodpigeons. Another highlight of the walk was a small group of thrushes (1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush and 2 Mistle Thrushes) that were feeding in the field by the lower car park.

Year List update:
 

83 – Stock Dove

84 - Great-crested Grebe