The first returning Pintail was off Mudbank today. It put a huge smile on my face! It really feels like autumn now. One of the joys of local patch birding is these little landmark sightings. You surely miss that if you're forever chasing the next rarity or year-tick.
Mudbank counts included 26 Great Black-backed Gulls, 220 Curlew, 3 Whimbrel, 20 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 33 Little Egrets, 12 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plovers, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lapwing and the Dark-bellied Brent Goose.
It's getting a little late now but a single Swift was hawking over the house this evening.
A very quick look at Orcombe produced 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Willow Warblers, 6+ Yellow Wagtails and 1 Grey Wagtail. Up to three Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been knocking around Orcombe of late. Just the one this morning though.
Even in eclipse plumage, Pintail are such elegant ducks. Can understand your pleasure seeing one again. Not as abundant as other dabblers around London, though get the odd pair or so at the London Wetland Centre & maybe 30+ at Rainham but otherwise pretty scarce.
ReplyDeleteHi Neil - I'm very lucky in that Mudbank is arguably the best spot in Devon for Pintail. We get counts of over 300 late autumn/early winter, but they never cease to be a special duck. I just love 'em! Hope you're keeping well. Best wishes. Matt.
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