Goosanders drop in to the Salford

Goosanders on main pit

 Pochard

 Anne to the rescue

Feeding geese

Weekend patch visit to Salford Priors on Saturday was bitterly cold with strong northerly winds blowing straight through the pits. Shooting was going on around Pophills and the local beaters flushed everything in their usual unsympathetic way.

Surprise of the morning were two Goosanders that were showing on the south end on the main pit before flying west. Goosander sightings are quite limited so it’s always great to see the species on the patch. Last weeks Red-crested Pochards had moved on however 14 Pochards were in charge on the central lagoon. Other sightings included 6 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, female Scaup, a single Green Sandpiper along with the usual.

The strength of the wind was playing havoc with newly arrived Fieldfare who were almost flying backwards at times. The Wood Pigeon numbers are starting to build up again so will try and do a full count when the weather is kinder.

The local population of Greylag & Canada’s have found a new home by a small pool north of Pophills and I’m quite hopeful (given it’s quiet location) I may well find a rarer species of wildfowl up there.

The visit did have a bit of twist as Ann & Noel had discovered an injured Mute Swan by the Little Owl tree. The bird didn’t seem to be distressed but most definitely in danger given the population of local foxes. Ann called Vale Wildlife Trust who made the drive across the Cotswolds to be led to the bird. The Swan didn’t make any fuss as he was placed in the sling before being taken back to the hospital. Ann did call later in the day and reported the birds wings had been strapped and had been given antibiotics. The bird did also have a limp suggesting it may have hit the ground heavily.