Since my last post, which I note still hasn’t made it to the blog a week after submission, it’s been pretty quiet at Carr Vale with the exception of the Swedish ringed Mediterranean Gull reappearing on 5th January having been at Pleasely Pit NR the previous day. The 4th produced 124 Wigeon, 21 Gadwall, the two male Pintail, a male Goosander (flew south), Peregrine (still present on 8th), four Willow Tits, Marsh Tit (still present on 8th), Cetti’s Warbler heard, 30 Long-tailed Tits, two Chiffchaffs (still present on 8th), an all area count of c50 Blackbirds and seven mobile Redpolls. The male Pintail were flushed by beaters from the local shoot on the 5th, never to be seen again, but apart from the regulars (and the Med Gull), the only records of note were a calling Water Rail, a Tawny Owl and a flock of 24 Yellowhammers. On the 6th 11 Tufted Duck was the highest count for some time, four Goosander flew south and the flock of 25 Redpoll continued to frustrate, this time by flying south over the mound. On 7th 25 Linnets were the 75th species to be recorded this year, Teal peaked at 48, the highest count so far this year, 123 Wigeon were counted, a female Goosander flew north, a Water Rail was calling again, 150 Herring Gulls were out on the fields as were at least 63 Pied Wagtails and the Siberian Chiffchaff was seen again. The 8th added Siskin to the yearlist as one flew over the Peter Fidler Reserve, they’ve been very scarce this winter, 120 Wigeon, 21 Gadwall and 44 Teal indicated no recent disturbance, eight Buzzards took advantage of the nice weather and six Willow Tits were found in four different areas which is good news.
Bit of local news from 6th when during the afternoon, which was almost springlike, a white butterfly, reported as a “Cabbage White” was seen by a couple walking at Pools Brook CP, which is petty amazing.