Februlate

Sharp-eyed readers may have noticed a lack of February action here. Well, I did make a visit but I've had so little spare time I'd kinda forgotten to write it up. But here we are!

Highlights: 190 Pink-footed Goose, 7 Goldeneye, Peregrine, Water Rail, Green Sandpiper, and a very large flock of 85 Yellowhammer.

Saturday 18th February

Harpham-Lowthorpe: 190 Pink-footed Geese flew north, 10 Greylags, 2 Grey Partridge, 4 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, a Peregrine took a swipe at a Lapwing flock (90), a Water Rail in a small ditch at Lowthorpe, Green Sandpiper in one of the regular winter spots, 50+ Herring Gulls over, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, a large flock of Long-tailed Tit. And a Grey Squirrel.

Little Kelk: 3 Teal, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 60 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 90 Fieldfare, 60 Linnet, and 85 Yellowhammer - the largest flock noted locally in the last 5 years. This and the Linnet flock have been around all winter on what must be a seed filled stubble field.

Kelk Lake: 8 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 11 Pochard, 41 Tufted Duck, 7 Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 8 Coot, 1 Woodcock. A very impressive showing compared to recent times.

Sunday 19th February

Kelk Beck: 2 Mute Swan, 10 Greylag Goose, 14 Teal, 30 Mallard, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 8 Grey Partridge, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 30 Lapwing, 8 Stock Dove, 12 Skylark, 1 Fieldfare. Also noted were 10 Roe Deer - a most impressive count!

Gembling-Foston: 8 Greylags, 1 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 20 Mallard, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 6 Coot, 120 Lapwing, and a Mistle Thrush. The herd of Mute Swans at Wansford had grown to 37 - I haven't been studying these birds but I wonder, what is the typical winter peak?

Obligatory photos...

Fieldfare flock all in one ash tree on Gransmoor Lane.

Mad Feb Hare. There doesn't seem to be as many as in recent years but they're still common.

Kelk Beck looking fine in late winter. This is from the footpath upstream of the bridge. 

Roe Deer are fairly common but it's unusual to see more than three or four together. Lovely.

Last but not least a pair of Goldeneye at Kelk Lake. They're one of my favourite ducks, and although regular it's usually the odd female with the males only occasional.

There were 5 additions to the yearlist bringing the total after two visits to 74.

070 Pink-footed Goose

071 Peregrine

072 Water Rail

073 Green Sandpiper

074 Goldeneye

All things being equal I should have the March report before summer arrives. Ahem.