A rather chilly morning for the Wednesday 'Wellies and Waders' walk but there was still plenty to see none the less! The tide was just right and there were a lot of waders and geese on the Middlebere channel. When we got to the top of Coombe heath the channel looked fairly empty but once every body’s eyes adjusted to the light we could start to pick out a lot more birds. In the end there were at least 100 avocets, 100 black tailed godwits, several hundred dunlins and a few redshanks. We also watched a couple of hundred brent geese fly from the channel and then land in the fields on the other side. I know brent geese are a common sight this time of year but they are still an amazing spectacle and the noise of a large flock taking to the skies is incredible.
The group continued around to the viewing screen and again the channel looked pretty void of birds but a close look revealed yet more avocets which were swimming in the deeper water. I am always surprised when I see avocets swimming like ducks and I don't think I know of any many other waders that do this. At the end of the walk we were treated to some good views of a hunting marsh harrier.
We didn't see any spoonbills on the walk but they are still about and a few have been seen fairly regularly from the Shipstal hide. Firecrests are still about in the car park and also up by the church. There have also been a few reports from the shipstal hide which we haven't had before.
We have still got the feedercam in the visitor centre and the number of birds coming down to the feeders is pretty impressive. We did the ‘big garden birdwatch’ a couple of weekend ago and counted a fantastic 37 blue tits all at the same time! We have also got a new nest on the big screen. It belongs to a raven and as these birds are very early nesters we are hoping for some action soon so keep a look out for more news!
This morning part of the Middlebere channel was frozen and at the weekend the whole of the harbour appeared to be frozen which was a big surprise - This is something that doesn't happen very often. I have included a photo taken Nikon4pete last week which shows a flock of brent geese on a very icy looking Middlebere channel!
Wow - that looks damn chilly. I hope the birdlife survives until it thaws.
It was Dom..:-)
Nice to bump into you again today Michael..My hibernation is over for now so I should be back down in a few weeks..looking for barn Owls + Kestrels..saw a Kestrel buzzing a buzzard near the farm..maybe its the one that goes into the nest box..I am sure Dom will have plenty of Photographs of the Kestrels+Barn Owls..i also have a plan myself ..:-)
Am pleased to say that on Wednesday I finally spotted the firecrests after just missing them constantly!!
Yet too see them..must look harder..:-)
Yes good to see you back again Pete. i too am looking forward to seeing the kestrels back!
Greylag - I am glad you got the firecrests - they are often about but not the easiest to find!
Thanks for the info. will try to get to the Wednesday walk next week if I can. Nice you are back again Pete, can't keep away now - one of these days ...:-)
I was going to head down today but decided to go to the local river...found some Otters..:-)
dorsetwildlife.blogspot.com
Brilliant photos of otters and amazing blog link - very impressive - even your photo! Gosh you really have emerged from your hibernation - and a new avatar every week?
thanks..I have been local alot over the past few months..as its getting warmer and lighter I will spread my wings a little further afield..just fancied a change on the avatar..:-)