Box End Park WeBS: 08/04/2012 + Otter

The WeBS count was pretty sparse this morning, highlight being the 2 Common Terns that dropped in briefly around 07:30 before they continued through north. Counts were:

Canada Goose 12  

Coot 1  

Cormorant 8    (1 Sinensis type)

Grey Heron 1  

Kingfisher 1  

Mallard 11  

Moorhen 3  

Mute Swan 11    (include the pair with orange darvic rings 384 and 744)

Oystercatcher 2  

Common Tern 2   

Pied Wagtail 2  

Skylark Present (4 seen together but more on site)  

No Gulls present

Number of species 12

Other birds present included:

Chiffchaff 6

Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 drumming

Blackcap 1

Jay 1 (mimicking Common Buzzard call)

I was lucky enough to find an Otter again on the river. Initially towards the north east end of the park I followed it down river, finally losing it at the island on the river at the south east corner. Managed some nice shots.

Otter

Otter

Otter

Otter

So all in all a pretty good morning. Very impressed with the open water swimmers who were swimming in the lake when I left, especially the ones in just bathing suits rather than wet suits!