Trip reports

MINIBUS TRIP TO COATE WATER PARK - March 28th 2009 (Saturday)

Saturday, 28 March 2009

21 members met on a dry, partially sunny day. The cold north wind didn't prevent 2 early swallows and a house martin greeting our afternoon arrival at this popular Swindon site. Up to 10 great crested grebes were present, with several pairs in the early throes of courtship, whilst 5 pairs of grey herons and Coate's first pair of breeding cormorants were all active at their nests. Bathing gulls included both intermedius and grailsii lesser black backed, plus several herring and plenty of black headed. Winter was represented by small numbers of redwing and fieldfare. Back on the water were several pairs of teal, a single male ruddy duck, a few male shoveler and a pair of shelduck. In all 46 species were recorded.

Other species :- Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Pheasant, Coot, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Green Woodpecker (h), Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail (brief overflight), Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, LT Tit, Treecreeper (seen by some, heard by all), Starling, Magpie, Jackdaw, Crow, Rook, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting.

Earlier in the day, a visit to a private site added Red Kite, Skylark (h), Goldcrest (h), Marsh Tit (seen by a few members), Nuthatch (heard by all, seen by some), Jay (h), Siskin, Bullfinch, Crossbill (only seen by 1 member), Yellowhammer.

Additionally, a Lapwing, a Kestrel and several red legged partridges were seen en route.

Although some 59 species were recorded during the day, birdwatching was often frustrating as views of many species were brief or restricted to heard only.

Reported by Steve Oakes