Annus Lowlistus

Hello 2018. The end of 2017 wasn't especially exciting and the species total of 106 was not improved on, so that's a new low marker. The years 2008-12 averaged 115 while the last 5 years it has dropped to 109. Three initial thoughts on what's contributed to the drop; 1) lack of weather/habitat for autumn wader passage, 2) lack of scarce ducks in winter, 3) decline toward local extinction of species such as Spotted Flycatcher and Turtle Dove.

Anyhoo, here's the final piece of 2017:

28-30th December.

Greylag Goose - 330
Canada Goose - 16
Wigeon - 230
Teal - 290
Mallard - 130
Tufted Duck - 10
Red-legged Partridge - 14
Grey Partridge - 18
Cormorant - 3
Little Egret - 7
Grey Heron - 5
Sparrowhawk - 2
Buzzard - 7
Kestrel - 11
Golden Plover - 24 is unusual for Dec
Lapwing - 40
Snipe - 1
Woodcock - 2
Green Sandpiper - 2
Barn Owl - 1
Kingfisher - 2
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 4
Meadow Pipit - 1
Grey Wagtail - 1
Fieldfare - 110
Redwing - 3
Mistle Thrush - 7
Coal Tit - 2
Treecreeper - 3
Jay - 3
Tree Sparrow - 20
Chaffinch - 30
Siskin - 6
Linnet - 40
Bullfinch - 1

Roe Deer - 16


Young Common Gull

Three Fieldfares. Not easy to get close to!

Dubious parentage alert (bird at front middle). Presumably Canada x Greylag Goose.

Mistle Thrush coming to seed put out on a shed roof.

A distinctively marked Pied Wagtail doing a good impression of continental White Wagtail.

Until next time