I was elated as England seemed fairly certain now to retain the ashes, and I was determined to augment my joy with a decent day at the patch, unfortunately time pressures meant I could only visit the airfield today, but it was very much worth it.
Following a tip off from the gamekeeper and Mike 'Ike' Waites, I went to a part of the airfield I rarely visit - something I'll have to amend.
A flyby Sparrowhawk and a group of skulking Red-legged Partridge were expected year ticks. However, while scanning a hedgerow I was very surprised to see all manner of passerines. Multiple Yellowhammer were instantly visible and instantly nabbed. Furthermore, several Brambling were also present and represented a welcome year tick. The best birds however were a party of three Tree Sparrow. Not a patch tick, but certainly a year tick and I thank Mike for for the tip-off.
To cap it off I found a patch and year tick (drum roll please) a Grey Heron! In three or so years of searching I have never seen a Grey Heron. A very unexpected surprise.
On a sour note, I dipped on Golden Plover for the sixth time and the first this year. Surely this can not happen again? I must get Golden Plover to stand any chance of hitting triple figures by the end of the year.
Days like this don't come along often, but when they do they can make your month.
WALBOC Patchlist: 85
WALBOC Yearlist: 53
Hi Alex, I'm looking forward to reading your blog as it develops. You seem to get a nice variety of birds down your way. Maybe we'll bump into each other at some point this year. I've added your blog to the links bit on mine
ReplyDeleteall the best
David.
Cheers David,
ReplyDeleteIf you're ever in the area I'd be happy to show you round sometime.
Like yourself I'm hoping to get to 100 this year, should be do-able with a fair amount of effort.
Alex