MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY
Snow returned with a vengeance today and fell for most of the daylight hours. A light covering resulted. The biting NE wind increased during the day and temperatures never reached more than 2 degrees C.
CHAFFINCH HOUSE, LITTLE CHALFONT
Most striking was the return of LESSER REDPOLLS today to my garden Nyger feeders. From when they arrived mid-morning, 1-3 birds were still visiting at 1415 and had almost been a permanent fixture throughout. A male Pied Wagtail was also present on the lawn all day, feeding on bread of all things. He was joined by two Woodpigeons, whilst up to 8 Chaffinches and 30 House Sparrows were constantly present.
SHARDELOES LAKE (BUCKS)
(1300-1400 hours)
The lake is still at the highest water level I have ever seen it and consequently attracting excellent numbers of wildfowl. The footpath is also considerably muddy. I was delighted to see my first SHOVELER of the year in the area, a species with less than 5 records per year. The following species were sighted -:
Little Grebe (1, but there was no sign of the Great Crested Grebe)
Grey Heron (1)
Mute Swan (the resident pair and two of their offspring; the young male was not to be seen)
Atlantic Canada Goose (1)
MANDARIN DUCK (the pair still present, both roosting on the island)
Mallard (10)
GADWALL (high count of 48 birds)
NORTHERN SHOVELER (adult pair showing well - my first of the year in the Recording Area; a pair was seen on the Chess River Valley in early January)
Tufted Duck (29)
NORTHERN POCHARD (12 present, including 3 females)
Coot (42)
Moorhen (12, including 10 on the cricket field)
HERRING GULL (3 immatures)
Red Kite (2)
Common Kestrel (pair)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (1)
Snow returned with a vengeance today and fell for most of the daylight hours. A light covering resulted. The biting NE wind increased during the day and temperatures never reached more than 2 degrees C.
CHAFFINCH HOUSE, LITTLE CHALFONT
Most striking was the return of LESSER REDPOLLS today to my garden Nyger feeders. From when they arrived mid-morning, 1-3 birds were still visiting at 1415 and had almost been a permanent fixture throughout. A male Pied Wagtail was also present on the lawn all day, feeding on bread of all things. He was joined by two Woodpigeons, whilst up to 8 Chaffinches and 30 House Sparrows were constantly present.
SHARDELOES LAKE (BUCKS)
(1300-1400 hours)
The lake is still at the highest water level I have ever seen it and consequently attracting excellent numbers of wildfowl. The footpath is also considerably muddy. I was delighted to see my first SHOVELER of the year in the area, a species with less than 5 records per year. The following species were sighted -:
Little Grebe (1, but there was no sign of the Great Crested Grebe)
Grey Heron (1)
Mute Swan (the resident pair and two of their offspring; the young male was not to be seen)
Atlantic Canada Goose (1)
MANDARIN DUCK (the pair still present, both roosting on the island)
Mallard (10)
GADWALL (high count of 48 birds)
NORTHERN SHOVELER (adult pair showing well - my first of the year in the Recording Area; a pair was seen on the Chess River Valley in early January)
Tufted Duck (29)
NORTHERN POCHARD (12 present, including 3 females)
Coot (42)
Moorhen (12, including 10 on the cricket field)
HERRING GULL (3 immatures)
Red Kite (2)
Common Kestrel (pair)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (1)
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