Winter morning at pits

Reed Bunting

Stonechat

It was back to the patch on Sunday teaming up with Jon for the monthly WeBS count. Pophills was very quiet other than the regulars. The water levels continue at record levels and we keep hoping the deeper levels may attract a diving duck or even a diver. It's actually had an adverse effects as the Wigeon, Pintail & Teal have found new areas in the Avon Valley to feed.

The best bird of the morning was a Stonechat by Marsh Farm which looks to be over wintering with us. As we reached the far end of the pits a pair of Peregrines stormed the meadow causing mayhem. You could really see the size differences between the birds.

The best sighting of the morning was without doubt an Otter on the central lagoon. The rain was lashing down at this stage so we opted to watch it swim towards the reeds rather than try & get a photo. This was the first record on this side of the pits. Only previous records were on Pophills.

Full count was as follows:- 16 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 6 Mute Swan, 175 Greylag, 6 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Pochard, 44 Tufted Duck, 395 Mallard, 10 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, pair of Peregrine, 86 Coot, 180 Black-headed Gull, 20 LBBG, 8 Herring Gull, 2000 Woodpegeon, 100 Stock Dove leaving roost in Ennister Wood, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Stonechat, 80 Redwing, 5 Coal Tit, 1 Jay, 1 raven, 15 Reed Bunting, 1 Roe Deer & 4 Brown Hare.