Between 8am and 9am this morning a count of just over 2000 Wood Pigeons (C~2144) passing and over South Brent towards Plymouth the flocks in view stretched from Brent Hill and out over the A38 valley. The high tailwinds resulted in them traveling at higher speeds than would be the norm, also the altitudes varied some flocks were coming over at tree top height and others so high they were little more than specks.
A drive up to Exeter gave views of several more flocks of up to 50 or so birds. Several smaller scattered flocks were feeding locally back at South Brent this afternoon, possibly dropping down to take Ivy berries.
Small flocks of both Redwing and Fieldfare very much in evidence
A female Kestrel passed over home almost at the same time as yesterday, later in the day another two Kestrels seen from the A38 one at Bickington and the other at Ashburton.
Haldon Forrest Park gave good numbers of Chaffinch and Coal Tit, other species included Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Blue Tit, Greenfinch, Pied Wagtail, Jay, Mistle Thrush and Siskin.
Bowling Green Marsh and Darts Farm were worth a visit but nothing to get excited about, good number of Shoveller Duck and Wigeon at BGM and Lapwings at both locations with attendant Starlings. A low flying Buzzard came across the marsh alarming the smaller species. reasonable numbers of Godwits at both locations.
Despite no recent reports on DBWPS I paid a chance visit to the Teigngrace area found two Cattle Egrets still in situe, feeding in a field of cattle alongside Little Egrets and Pied Wagtails, below the Solar panel installation across the road from the start of Greycoat Lane.
Back home at South Brent the garden feeders had up to 16 Greenfinch at one point along with growing numbers of Chaffinch, Goldfinch and House Sparrows the growing number of birds at the feeders are proving a magnet for the resident Sparrow hawks and a hunting male made two passes.
↧