Thursday 31 December 2020

You Scratch Mine - I'll Scratch Yours

 Still something of a struggle despite a few hours of sunshine but, to make matters worse again the Heath becomes a No Go Area due to high water and mud levels!

First up was a better view in better light
than our previous go at the 'bird on a wire' the local male
KESTREL
Nothing of note until arriving at the Irrigation Pond where there were 2 surprises in as many seconds. The first would have to be proven but potentially a new
LITTLE GREBE
a bit coy but

with the second a certainty as the first ever December record here of a

COOT
not at all obliging or active
but with hopes that it might remain into 2021.
Good news from next door as all c3 of the winter resident Grebes were in attendace, confirming the previous as a 4th, along with an
overdue pair of
MALLARD
with She
and
already making those suggestive nodding gestures to each other.
About to leave when this obliging
BLUE TIT
started feeding
no more than a yard from the car.
On the way to the Sewerage Works there was something of a Genesis moment
All in a Mouses Night

I can't see you but I know you're there

got to get beside you 'cause it's really cold out here.

in this instance the Mouse being replaced by a Coal Tit.
Followed in quick succession by
2 to 3 dozen
MEADOW PIPIT
preening in this favoured Oak.
All to be found at that destination were a few
preening
BLACK-HEADED GULLs
before finding yet another
BUZZARD KILL
(Wood Pigeon)

before ending our day at the gateway to the Heath and a

Moment of Mirth