G-Time: Golden Plover, Great Grey Shrike & Greeenfinch
Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 9:02 pm
Thanks to all for the Great Grey Shrike posts, a great find. However, on my way to view it I was 20m past the top of Well Lane gate at 16.15hrs when I heard a mournful peep, stopped in my tracks and instantly back in Orkney & Shetland on summer holiday. Golden Plover, a male coming into breeding plumage dark breast and spangly back. About 50m away in the field. Then a few "Yippy-Yooos" to make my day. I watched it a while, it took off N with a previously hidden GP (its partner?). A top bird!!
Watched the Great Grey Shrike from Drinkwaters from 16.45 to 1800hrs, easily picked up against the mostly leafless trees. It flew around from tree to tree, occasionally swooping & hovering a little, always watchful. At one point I heard its squeaky cheep note and watched it vocalising - this seemed to attract a Reed Bunting! The GGS turned and looked, seemed nonplussed, the RB flew off. Nice to sit and watch several Curlew too.
Yesterday had a 5-flock of Greenfinch in and around the garden, not seen these birds in the garden for a long, long time.
As others have posted, Wheatear back on the moors. I've noticed Blackcap and Willow Warbler in Brinscall since the 10th.
Watched the Great Grey Shrike from Drinkwaters from 16.45 to 1800hrs, easily picked up against the mostly leafless trees. It flew around from tree to tree, occasionally swooping & hovering a little, always watchful. At one point I heard its squeaky cheep note and watched it vocalising - this seemed to attract a Reed Bunting! The GGS turned and looked, seemed nonplussed, the RB flew off. Nice to sit and watch several Curlew too.
Yesterday had a 5-flock of Greenfinch in and around the garden, not seen these birds in the garden for a long, long time.
As others have posted, Wheatear back on the moors. I've noticed Blackcap and Willow Warbler in Brinscall since the 10th.