A truly superb spring at Canons Farm with several patch megas since the beginning of April, most notably Dotterel (first record), Black Tern (first record [
I missed], Whimbrel (first record [
I missed]), Pied Flycatcher (second record) and today two
Shelducks (first record). The latter were picked up early this morning by Harry Boorman (of London bird race fame) and dismissed as 'just Mallards' - I looked and when I realised what they really were I was jumping for joy! I've always thought that Shelducks would fly over one day but it's been in the back of my mind lately so was completely unexpected. A very welcome patch tick!
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| Shelduck |
It was a good day otherwise (although very sadly the Dotterels didn't hang on...) with a female
Common Redstart, two male
Whinchats, about eight
Yellow Wagtails and at least ten
Wheatears sharing the same field at one point! Lots of good human company again today too.
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| female Yellow Wagtail |
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| male Yellow Wagtail |
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| male Whinchat |
