Sunday 16 January 2011

Box End Park WeBS: 16/01/2011

With the river in flood the lake level had risen so that the spit at the south end was underwater leaving no roosting area for the usual Lapwings or any other waders or wildfowl. This led to a lower than usual count with many of the usual Mallards also absent, most likely on the flood pool on Biddenham Loop where we had in excess of 50 yesterday. Having said that 3 new species for the site was a nice surprise and made the early start worthwhile.

Buzzard Present (calling from the woods at the north end of the site)
Coot 1
Gadwall 2 (new species for site)
Goosander 1 (new species for site)
Grey Heron 1
Mallard 36
Moorhen 5
Mute Swan 2
Water Rail 1 (new species for site)

Total number of species: 9 Individuals: 49

Saturday 8 January 2011

Garden Sparrowhawk

The starlings in the garden are taking a beating by the local Sparrowhawk which has taken at least 3 in the last week. Managed to get a few shots of it yesterday, this being the best of the bunch.