Friday, December 10, 2010

Friday 10th December

Today I managed an unexpected visit in the late morning. It was a grey morning but at least it was dry, and the temperature was a lot milder than what it has been.

I headed straight towards the Old Pond, which is opposite the Waterfall, and has had a Jack Snipe recorded there on and off throughout the week. As 3 others and I stood scanning around the Pond, I suddenly noticed a bouncing JACK SNIPE behind some reeds at the back of the pond. The bird was not showing well and frequently went behind cover and then reappeared, went behind cover and then only teasing us with a head or a bouncing rear end, but at least we could confirm the bird's presence! Then, to our astonishment, a second bird appeared and began feeding close by! FANTASTIC!!!!! I wonder if one of these individuals visited us during the snow back in February?!


Jack Snipe

Also present in the pond were 3 Common Snipe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Water Rail, and 2 Moorhen, and a few Siskin could be heard from the wood behind the pond. As I walked along the stream which flows into the pond, a Little Egret was spotted perching in an Oak on the waters-edge. Other birds noted during the visit included: 3 Nuthatch, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Jay, and a Brambling (the first for 2 years now) was noted flying over Mote House.

5 comments:

Greenie said...

Simon ,
Brilliant news .
I have rechecked all my shots from yesterday , but all three Snipe that I photographed were Common .
I feel another visit coming on .

Adam said...

Well done Simon - glad to they had the decency to hang around for your retrun! May have the visit the park myself this weekend!!!

Adam

Warren Baker said...

An excelent bunch of birds seen today Simon - bet you wish you could get out more :-) !!

Simon said...

Yes, I certainly do Warren!

russiske kvinner said...

Veldig spennende. Takk for bra post.

Next Event - TBA