Monday 2 November 2015

The Edge 2nd November

Wombwell Ings - Peering through the gloom I was able to count 2 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 88 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 7 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 57 Lapwing, 9 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 52 BH Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackcap and 1 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - The fog had lifted by the time we walked from Old Moor car park to the Cormorant Hide. Relatively quiet at first, but the appearance of a cream crown Marsh Harrier caused the 146 Black Headed Gulls to take to the air. A Bittern stuck its head above the reeds to see what the fuss was about. Apparently content with what it saw, it lowered itself into the cover of the phragmites. A further sortie by the Marsh Harrier resulted in Coot and the smaller ducks scattering and diving for cover. The Bittern raised its head  and took stock of the situation. It took flight and sought the quieter environs at the eastern end of the pool. On the open water were 4a+1y Mute Swan, 21 Tufted Duck, 16 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 107 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 13 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Willow Tit.

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