Brace for the Ducks

On the way to the Mill Lakes I only heard the Meadow Pipit on the Pit Tip Top this morning. Four Jay were heading out of the Pit Tip Plantation, and two Chiffchaff were singing at Dawson's Corner. At the Mill Lakes a Chiffchaff was singing at the Reedbed Boardwalk, another one at the end of the Peninsula, and a further was singing along the far side. Several Willow Warbler were heard calling too, one also being along the Reedbed Boardwalk.

Gadwall and Teal numbers were up again with around ten of each, and roughly equal numbers of between the Gadwall sexes. Two Shoveler were south of the Peninsula, with the female being joined by a male emerging from eclipse plumage. The Mud Island had two Common Snipe showing well today, and Julie turned up whilst I was watching them. Ralph wasn't coming this morning, but Norman joined us for a lap of the lake.

Norman and Julie had a probable female Ruddy Duck along the far bank, but I couldn't make out enough of the detail to call it for myself. We also had a few glimpses of one of the Kingfisher flying around the lake and perching in various trees along far bank. A single House Martin was passing through over the lake, but that was about it.

Walking home via the Broad Valley Stables route produced some reasonable numbers crows in the field adjacent to the lane, with Rook and Jackdaw in the majority. A few Stock Dove were also in amongst the Woodpigeon. The paddock of Broad Valley Stables produced a good view of a Mistle Thrush singing from an overhead wire, and another two Jay flew over. Just as I was about to leave the park, a skulking Robin was calling from the cover of a small tree, which made for some close-up footage.