Took a walk round Mere Sands today (or should that be paddle), in constant rain.
Still a nice reserve at this time of year though, with Nuthatch (soaking wet), titmice (drenched), Great Spotted Woodpecker (moist) and Bullfinch (damp).
The male Bullfinch was coming in to the feeders behind the reserve centre, and stuffing its face with seed, as was Jay, Nuthatch and other bits and bobs.
Great Crested Grebes on the water, with a few loafing gulls and Shoveler, and a darting Kingfisher.
Reed Warbler singing by the Marshsall Hide, and Chiffchaff and Blackcap in the oaks further round the path at the Holmeswood end.
Caught sight of one of the young Tawny owls at the top of the oak canopy at that end of the reserve, it looked like a used dishcloth as it peered down at me from the branches high above.
I'm sure the adult was nearby, but I didn't want to hang around too much in the downpour, in fact I was surprised the young bird wasn't hidden in a hole in a tree somewhere.
Mothing the night before had produced a table full of holding jars in the centre, with plenty of pyralids and Elephant and Eyed Hawkmoth.
Must crank up the trap at Dempsey Towers at some point.
In drier conditions Graham Moreton also caught up with the Tawny Owls earlier this week, and sent me these two pix...Graham has his own website now, watch out for the link to appear shortly on the right.
Thanks for the shots Graham.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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John Bannon wrote...
Atlasing early morning and late evening out on SD41 has produced some excellent birds including : HOBBY - on pylons Bretherton Eyes, last two evenings, after 9pm. Also Long-Eared Owls calling nearby.
Curlew, perhaps two pairs nesting on Low Meadows also two pairs of Yellow Wags nearby and Redpoll 'buzzing' Hoscar Moss plantations. Lesser Whitethroat 'rattling', Back Lane, Sollom and Spotted Fly at Croston Weir.
Yellow Wags now at four sites, best year for eons?
Ears to the meres!
John Bannon
Posted by: John Bannon | June 2, 2008 12:26 AM