Weekend update from Carr Vale.

On 9th the bird of the day indeed the weekend was a smart adult Mediterranean Gull in almost full summer plumage and it was a new bird not the green ringed one that we had in December and January. Also two Grey Lag Geese, 14 Gadwall, 42 Teal, 13 Tufted Ducks (highest count of the year so far), c1000 Black-headed Gulls, three Common Gulls and c800 Herring Gulls plus one of the nominate Chiffchaffs. In the evening a minimum of 76 Goldfinches flew in to roost. I didn’t get down on Sunday morning but apart from the two Grey Lag Geese I’m told it was quiet however my evening visit was more productive with 73 Yellowhammers counted out from the allotments to roost and then 38 Common Snipe counted flying out a dusk from the reedbed to feed in the fields with two Common Chiffchaffs and the Siberian Chiffchaff enjoying the afternoon sunshine. After an early frost the 11th was almost springlike which prompted 20 Common Buzzards to take to the air and one of the Chiffchaffs to sing. Also on 11th 129 Wigeon, two Goosander (male south, female on Meadow Flash), the first Great-crested Grebe and Oystercatcher of the year (yearlist now 86), a Raven over, the regular Marsh Tit and a Siskin flew south.