I did manage another visit on Tuesday lunchtime, along the Loddon on a punt for Firecrest, no joy but I could hear plenty of Goldcrests. I had 3 Ring-necked Parakeet flying along the Eastern landfill boundary, but little else.
But we have had a few events recently. A Firecrest along the new hedge laying section, then Marek had a Crossbill over low North, the first since 2012.
Someone else also asked me if a Merlin would take prey off the LFGP feeders, as a small raptor just did that?
My response is and remains, unlikely to be Merlin as on the whole they take prey off the top of hedges, or preferably in the air from birds flushed from the ground, where they will pursue with amazing aerobatic twists and turns and further that they will almost certainly take any prey to an open location on the ground.
It might be confusing for birders less familiar with Merlin, when I state I have seen 4 between 2009 and 2012 in the air space around Lavell's/Sandford/LFGP. But it is how and where it flew, along with the appearance that counted, not that it appeared small and maybe grey.
Anyway, November is on 83, a new third highest, pipping the 82 of 2014's. Just one more for 2nd place and we are still without Goldeneye and there could easily be a Chiffchaff out there. Perhaps we have a Bittern at WSL and a Peregrine has to visit, as the only month so far this year it was not recorded was June. Golden Plover may be flying along the A4 corridor and Woodcock might put in an appearance at dusk any day too. Also Med Gull might be among the Black-headed's and Great Black-backed might be flying over nearby heading for the Sonning roost???
Post Script : Male Goldeneye found on BSL by Steve Day, puts the park on 84 = 2nd highest November with 2010 and 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment