Bald - The Darkness

Another dull and at times wet day the first part of which was tied to the lap-top catching up on some notes and editing photographs. On such days, when you don't know when the next 'soaking' is going to arrive, the redundant Gravel Pits at Blashford, now a Nature Reserve is as good a place as any. Affording shelter in an abundance of 'hides' and the very real chance of a rare or scarce bird (or other) at any time it is well worth the 15 minutes drive from here.

Gloom was the order of the day across the main lake where
already 'hundreds' of Swallow and House Martin could be seen
feeding at low level, just above the surface.

A quick scan round first of all produced a dozen, presumed recently arrived,
EURASIAN WIGEON
(top left) but all at a distance.

Among the increased number of Waterfowl, since my last visit,was this 'diving duck' which I am trying to make a

SCAUP
any thoughts, on a poor image, would be most welcome!

The cursory look also produced c2 small Waders which quickly dropped from view but later obligingly

wandered directly in front of the hide.

 

COMMON SANDPIPER
By this time a 'weather eye' was being kept for any sign of
Osprey, Great White Egret and Ruddy Duck
all of which have visited the reserve in recent days.

No such luck, but then I was able to pursue one of my favoured
avian pastimes taking prolonged looks at what might be termed
Common or Garden Birds.

In the Woodland Hide acrobatic

BLUE TIT

were first on show and most numerous.

ROBIN

followed by what was first thought to be a

BALD IBIS (Morocco 2006)

then a

BALD EAGLE (Canada 2008)

but looking at it in comparison with its close companions

it was surely a 'very strange' bald

GREENFINCH

 

Plenty of

NUTHATCH

 

and

GREAT TIT

activity at the feeders and

CHAFFINCH

was not to be overlooked also there,

on the ground

and in the bushes.

The DUNNOCK

contented themselves on the ground at all time, where the

BANK VOLE

family continue to thrive, but a bit too quick for this lad!

Leaving the shelter of this hide there was a short visit to the 

Ivy Lake Hide which produced nothing, but walking back there

was a familiar 'call' coming from whence I had just been.

BULLFINCH

a female was just caught with a single shot as it quickly sort refuge

in the nearby bushes.

BLASHFORD is a recommended place to visit for its abundance of (bird) wildlife, diversity of habitats, easy access, short walks, plenty of shelter and a pleasant Visitor's Centre with toilets. Hope to see you there soon!

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