The Edge 30th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Highlight was the juvenile Peregrine which came a-hunting at 9.22am. Having no joy chasing BH Gulls and Lapwing it started flying low over the water . A young Moorhen inadvisedly took flight and was immediately caught by the Peregrine. It flew with its load towards the shore but any hopes of photos were dashed when it landed out of view behind some juncus grass, its presence marked  by a mad dash of 10+ Mallard for the safety of the open water. Surprisingly, it emerged less than two minutes later and began to harry the birds before making its exit north over Darfield Church. Probably just had  a quick snack  of the Moorhen's brain. Ah summertime and the living is easy ( for some! ). Also present were 4 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan,  118 Canada Geese, 65 Greylag, 62 Mallard, 21 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Garganey, 45+ Lapwing, 56 BH Gull, 5 Linnet, 3+ Pied Wagtail and 1 Skylark.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 32+ Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 6 Mute Swan +2 juv, 48 Gadwall, 23 Mallard, 19 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 6+ Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 2a+3juv LBB Gull, 2 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Barn Owl( box at  top of Clegg's Meadow).
Bolton Ins late AM/early PM- On the open water were 9 Little Grebe, 5a+2y Great Crested Grebe, 1Mute Swan +2 juv, 96 Gadwall, 16a+5y Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 2a+3juv LBB Gull and 13 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 7 Cormorant, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Green Woodpecker - Bolton Ings