Winter ducks start to arrive

 Two Pintail

 Dunlin

 Whinchat

Whinchat

New drainage is being installed on the Pophills side of the gravel pits which is probably the main reason why there was only a single Common Sandpiper, a couple of Tufties and Coots on the water. Lets hope the new drain installed doesn’t lead to increased water levels as we have some super waders using this side of the gravel pits.

Treking up to the main pit the Goldcrest’s were in good voice and they certainly seem to have done very well this summer. Big number of Red-legged Partridges have been released which are problematic as they tend to flush in big numbers causing other birds to worry and also get twitchy.

On scanning the main pit two Pintail were new arrivals and were the first my record at the site. A useful one pointer in the Patch Challenge which was then doubled when a Redpoll flew high directly over Jon’s head. Other main pit highlights included two Green & Common Sandpipers, a single Dunlin, two Ring Plover (that didn’t stay), a Snipe and 50+ Teal.

When reaching the far end near the south lagoon I picked up two Whinchats on the back of the bund. Both appeared to be juvenile birds. After thinking the Whinchats may have bypassed us its been great to see them at close quarters. Reed, Willow and Sedge Warblers were still present whilst the Reed Bunting appeared to be very busy and two Kingfishers were chasing each on in the usual place.

As we headed around the meadow we came across four Skylarks and there were three Sparrowhawks soaring here high above the old workings. After climbing the main bunds (hoping for a Red-backed Shrike) we found another two Whinchats, one was an adult bird. A small number of Swallows & Sand Martins past over head whilst a number of House Martins were feeding on south meadow.

We did return for a final check to both Pophills and the main pit but there were no new arrivals before leaving.

I did record a Turtle Dove sighting on Tuesday and whilst none were observed on our Sunday visit local birder Jim Winsper found one later in week.