Sunday, 11 March 2012

Iceland saves the day







Photos:

Juvenile Iceland Gull, Marton Mere

11th March

This morning was very pleasant and sunny at the van. A pair of Ravens flew low over, calling and circled the park. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming and two Mistle Thrushes were getting upset about something (what’s new).

Early afternoon I wandered over to Pilling Lane Ends. The tide had flooded the marsh and, like yesterday, there was sod all about.

I got the feeling that this wasn’t going to be a great weekend for birding so I set off for home. On route I decided to visit Marton Mere purely on a whim. On arrival there were lots of large gulls on the water but nothing of great interest. I walked round a bit and then, heading back to the car, took one last look at the water and spotted the long-staying juvenile Iceland Gull so I nipped into one of the hides to watch it. A Cetti’s Warbler also called from the reeds next to the hide.

Late afternoon I arrived back and took Bill to check out HGF. Somewhat of a surprise was a Little Grebe – a rare visitor here at this time of year. The Wigeon flock has dropped to 33 – looks like over a dozen birds have set off on migration. 25+ Tree Sparrows and 6 Yellowhammers were at the feeding station just before flying off to roost.

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