Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday Fare

What a weary old week of weather! It made birding difficult and ringing impossible until Friday morning promised something better so I set off for Pilling, but hatted and gloved again in the still cold north-westerly. 

Fluke Hall held a number of migrants, mostly in the sheltered sunny spots where I found 3 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler and a Blackcap. Back of the car park in the hedgerow were 2 Whitethroats, exactly where they appear every year, plus a number of vocal and flighty Linnets, the latter only just beginning to appear as spring migrants after being noticeably absent through the winter months. Below and along the sea wall were 3 Wheatears, a single Pied Wagtail and a number of Swallows heading out north and into the teeth of the wind. 

Whitethroat

There was a Golden Pheasant in the wood; surprised I could see it amongst all the bright yellow daffodils, and I don’t think it will take the local foxes long to find the creature. Feeding quietly on a grassy field in with 15/20 similarly grey but larger Woodpigeon was a pair of Stock Doves. 

Golden Pheasant

Daffodils

Stock Dove

Being a glutton for punishment I braved the wind again for the Lane Ends to Pilling Water stretch of sea wall. More Swallows and even House Martins along here, some feeding over the sheltered pool, others over the marsh. On the pool also, 3 Little Egret and the resident pair of Little Grebe. In the plantation were 3 Willow Warbler,1 Chiffchaff and a singing Reed Bunting. Here is becoming marginal habitat for a Reed Bunting as the place turns more to woodland each year. 

Up at Pilling Water 10 Wheatears, bright “Greenland” types were scattered across the marsh all the time heading east so too mobile to have a crack at catching one or two. Waders here - 2 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 22 Redshank, 30+ Lapwing, 14 Oystercatcher. And still 400+ Pink-footed Goose, 48 Shelduck. 

I scanned the large fields beyond Pilling Water and back towards Fluke, where Oystercatchers and Lapwings are now on eggs, bodies pressed low to the ground, heads poking up, partners and lookouts close by. The Lapwings don’t miss much, a passing Kestrel and the persistent crows receiving a good telling off, but the sight of a Buzzard spurs the Lapwing into greater things. I watched as both Lapwings and Carrion Crows dive bombed the Buzzard, more than once the wader making contact with the big raptor as it made its way back towards Fluke Hall. 

I doubt the Buzzard is a threat to the Lapwing’s eggs, but it will take Lapwings chicks, as will Kestrels and Carrion Crows. 

Lapwing and Buzzard

Kestrel

More news and views soon on Another Bird Blog.

17 comments:

Rohrerbot said...

A Golden Pheasant???? That is one the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. I am completely fascinated by the coloring of this bird. Awesome shot! Hope you have a fun and wonderful week!

Isidro Ortiz said...

Hello Phil,bonitas capturas.Un abrazo

Gail Dixon said...

That golden pheasant is just...wow! So vivid and colorful. All are great shots.

eileeninmd said...

Wow Phil, cool birds! Love the Golden Pheasant. The colors are beautiful. Happy Birding and have a great weekend!

Carole M. said...

the golden pheasant certainly is eye-catching

Russell Jenkins said...

Some great scenic pictures despite the poor weather, Phil. Like the perky first portrait but you're worried me about the welfare of the pheasant and super kes capture.

news said...

Hi Phil: Still feeling like winter whilst out this last Friday managed to find your Jay,s at Lane Ends today All the best JWB.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Awe, I hope that glorious Pheasant can fly away from any sneaky Fox...how beautiful it is. The Daffodils are just beautiful. They are just about spent here, and the Tulips are as well. I hope that your weather turns to warmth soon. We have had the heat turned up a couple of days this past week, and it looks like highs in upper 60's and low 70's for this coming week. Spring has truly arrived~

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Great bird photos! Especially the one with three in it.

sandyland said...

I enjoyed so much the frontal golden and the daffolils esp..

TexWisGirl said...

wow, that pheasant is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Lovely photos!
and what a pheasant.

Wally Jones said...

Well, it appears Spring is finally making an appearance!
Very nice report and wonderful quality images, as usual.
Hope the temperature and winds begin to cooperate more for your ringing!

Cheers. --Wally

Wally Jones said...

Well, it appears Spring is finally making an appearance!
Very nice report and wonderful quality images, as usual.
Hope the temperature and winds begin to cooperate more for your ringing!

Cheers. --Wally

Jidhu Jose said...

excellent clicks

Unknown said...

The pheasant is beautiful.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Such good flight shots...and of all the birds. Golden pheasant is new (even in pictures) to me. The daffodils at least think it's spring!

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