Settling down to winter


Another visit to Priest Hill, and, Cattle Egret apart, there seems to be a familiarity about the bird life present. With such a benign winter it is little wonder that there isn't much moving, and no surprise that what is present is staying put. I gave all of the meadows a good grilling, with the smallest of them pictured above. Simply put, the area is largely open grassland, liberally sprinkled with low bushes and shrubs. Small copses populate the edges which are further bordered by playing fields, horse paddocks and light residential. The sky, I'm pleased to say, is BIG.

The 'notable' wintering population numbers: Skylark (6), Meadow Pipit (10), Stonechat (2-3), Blackbird (30), Song Thrush (10), Fieldfare and Redwing (small numbers but even in a mild winter this varies from visit to visit), Linnet (40), Goldfinch (15), Greenfinch (6), Reed Bunting (3+). I still harbour hopes of a lurking Dartford Warbler with the chats - I haven't given up yet...

Comments

Gibster said…
Used to get the odd Dartford overwintering in nearby Warren Farm. Definitely gotta be on the cards soon. And that shrike, obviously.
16 December 2016 at 16:38
Steve Gale said…
If that shrike turns up, you'll be the first to know Seth.
16 December 2016 at 16:49
Gibster said…
Likewise when I get my patch White-billed Diver and Ivory Gull...they've both been here before!
18 December 2016 at 11:45
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