Three male Yellowhammers were singing in close proximity, yesterday, on Withycombe Raleigh Common. Also, three Dartford Warblers again seen up there (including a singing male), and a Mistle Thrush in song too. Amazing what a bit of warm sunshine can do! Nearby on Blackhill Quarry - 2 Crossbills and 2 Kestrels but no sign of the Ring-necked Duck on a brief visit.
I went back to Torquay today, to see my brother and niece - lovely to see them both, as always. I also popped in to Highweek to visit Dad's grave. Couldn't resist a look at Stover's Mandarins on the way there. Surprised to see so many birds on the lake. A very quick count produced c30 Coot, 8 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall and 15+ Tufted Ducks. No Pochard.
I went back to Torquay today, to see my brother and niece - lovely to see them both, as always. I also popped in to Highweek to visit Dad's grave. Couldn't resist a look at Stover's Mandarins on the way there. Surprised to see so many birds on the lake. A very quick count produced c30 Coot, 8 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall and 15+ Tufted Ducks. No Pochard.
Dartford Warbler.
Drake Mandarin.
Coot.
Drake Tufted Duck.
One of eight Shoveler, seven of which were drakes.
Mallard.
Lovely to see the Yellowhammer- a bird I rarely see. The only ones this year at Lynford Arboretum, Norfolk. I remember years ago seeing quite a few around Berry Head but the last time I visited, which wasn't recently, I didn't see any.
ReplyDeleteMandarins are such smart birds- I saw 20 on a pond in Richmond Park on Friday. Their Dartford Warblers seem to have moved on. Will have to visit Chobham Common on the next fine day I'm free.
Hi Neil - Yellowhammers definitely much scarcer in these parts than they used to be. Withycombe Raleigh Common is one of the smaller local heaths but it seems to be the best for Yellowhammers, thanks I'm sure to some careful management but also possibly its proximity to other habitats. John, who has commented below, does a lot of voluntary work up there.
DeleteAgree the Mandarins are fantastic - the males a preposterous work of art on legs. Stover CP is a really easy spot to see them and they've increased in number there over recent years. The Dartfords will have definitely benefited from the mild winter and they're singing all over the place on the pebbled heaths at the moment. All the best. Matt
Pleased you have a some good sites for Yellowhammers still.
DeleteAgree Dartford Warblers have benefited from the fairly mild winter. Weather finally looking sunny for maybe 4 days next week so may try & get to Chobham Common for Dartfords & Woodlarks; maybe some herps if I'm lucky!
Feeding ponies on Blackhill today. 1 Dartford Warbler, 2 Stonechat, Mallards, Canada Geese, 1 Crossbill and Siskin. 2 Buzzards harried by Carrion Crows. Oh
ReplyDeleteAnd one Snipe. Glad to hear Dartfords and Buntings active on Withycombe Raleigh Common. Sad I missed Ring Necked Duck though.
Hi John - the Ring-necked Duck looks to have moved on but you never know, it may not have gone far. Will let you know if I see it again. The ponies look to be in fine fettle - you're clearly doing a great job with the feeding! Was chuffed with the singing Yellowhammers. Three in a very small area - will wander further next time I'm up there to try and get a proper count. Good to hear from you. All the best. Matt
ReplyDelete