Wednesday 3 January 2018

Mammals up to 4!!























Thankfully no damage or flooding affecting the area unlike elsewhere in the country although some guys from the yacht club were securing a few boats and their sails. Three NfYs over half-brekkie -  Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Turnstone with spray breaking over them followed later by B-tGs (60+) and Snipe(25). Two Marsh Harriers were up, later joined by a third plus half a dozen Buzzards and an adult Peregrine popped in and scattered every duck, wader and gull before departing east.
What looked like a twig or leaf drifting distantly down river turned into a Water Vole through the scope!! Later, six Pintails dropped in to the frying pan and a Med Gull popped its head up amongst the roost.

The 40+ mph winds threw loads of sand and shingle across the road and meant over a big midday  tide it was impossible to scan for sea-duck without being sand-blasted!! Probably should have looked for Gannet as there must have been the odd one going through the Solent.

This Calliphorid fly was one of several in sunny patches; still waiting for first hover of the year.