News archive

Saturday, 20 January 2007

Field Trip to Fairhaven Lake and Marton Mere.

Despite the very, very strong winds 19 members of the Group turned up for this event. Due to the winds the tide was an hour and a half ahead of what it should have been. As a result we were unable to sea and wader watch. A few Pintail, Mallard and Canada Geese were brave enough to face the conditions. As we walked to the lake seeking shelter there were waves up to two feet high and only Gulls, Coot and three Goldeneye were brave enough to be out on the water. In a sheltered bay Pochard and Tufted Duck were sheltering and a couple of Oystercatchers were feeding on the grass bank.

From here we moved onto Fairhaven where the weather was much kinder to us. We were lucky enough to locate the Long-eared Owls quite quickly. What views!!! Only 30 feet away from us. On the lake there was a good selection of duck including, Wigeon, Ruddy Duck, Teal, Goldeneye and Gadwall along with a young Great Crested Grebe. As we walked to the last hide a Sparrowhawk dashed by chasing Greenfinches and Goldfinches. Fortunately for the smaller birds it did not make a kill. Great and Blue Tits fed at the feeding station along with Robins, Dunnocks and Chaffinches. In all 44 species were seen.