Paxton Pits Birds

 While the numbers of birds and species on the water at Paxton Pits yesterday were impressive, the song birds were almost entirely absent during our Third Thursday public walk with the only sightings being a flock of blue tits and long-tailed tits and a friendly but not very healthy-looking robin. We watched several very confiding young Grey Herons, one with a damaged bill, around 30 Little Egrets, a Great White Egret, numerous Cormorants, Gadwall and Black-headed Gulls, Wigeon, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing and Kingfisher. White balance control was made quite difficult by the very reflective green algae in the shallow water and the overcast conditions .

RPS Nature Group Outing to Paxton

We had to cancel the arranged date for our trip to Paxton due to the extreme heat warning so yesterday was one of the two replacement dates and we hit lucky with the weather and the birds but not so successful with the insects, which are in very short supply along with (and caused by?) lack of their prey. This Egret gave us a good display landing so close it doesn't allow a Facebook format crop. The highlight was watching hundred or more cormorants fly in to feed on what must have been a fish swarm and also the confiding Snipe. There were also large numbers of Gadwall just about out of eclipse.

Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch

Sunday started with clear skies and temperatures of minus 4 degrees so there was still ice around when we walked around Stanpit Marsh near Christchurch. Lovely large clumps of March Marigolds plus a few species of birds and even one hoverfly.

Lackford Lakes - Water Birds

Yesterday was cooler but bright and sunny in the morning for a trip to Lackford Lakes. We spent some time in one of the hides overlooking water - the Little Egret was the star of the show (certainly his large yellow feet) though the Cormorant and Little Grebe fishing added to the enjoyment. Lots of Snipe and Greylag Geese together with all the expected duck species.

RSPB Frampton Marsh Birds

Overcast but largely dry day for our RPS Nature Group visit to Frampton Marshes. Not ideal for distant photography, but I did enjoy the landscape (later blog post) and a few birds came close enough for portraits in habitat. Frampton is renown for its huge flocks of ducks and waders and also Raptors - we  enjoyed views of Peregrine, Merlin and, for one Member, Short-eared Owl.