Tag Archives: Red-crested Pochard

Red-crested Pochard – 29th October

There were five Red-crested Pochard on the Large Gravel Pit this afternoon. In the evening the Starlings, Geese and Crows put on a spectacle with thousands of birds coming in to roost or passing over on their way to their roost sites.  The roosts attracted the usual raptors with Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard putting in an appearance and a Jack snipe was briefly seen.  PS.

Wheatear – 6th October

The Patchwatch was held today and there were definite signs of passage as Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Swallows, Song Thrushes and the first Redwings flew through. The Jack Snipe was still by the seat on the Causeway and a Wheatear was seen perched on the seat by the river steps. On the Slurry Lagoon there were still three Pintail and a Red-crested Pochard.  Butterflies were about too with Brimstone, Red Admiral, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and a very late Meadow Brown. Over 70 species of bird were seen during the day.  PS.

Barn Owl – 17th June

Whilst walking towards the Wader Scrape this evening I was startled when a Barn Owl flew right in front of me and disappeared into the trees of the New Plantation.  It was quickly located and then I watched it for some time hunting around the Reserve especially the Large Gravel Pit and Wader Scrape areas.

The eight Red-crested Pochard were again present on the Slurry Lagoon. JMD.