Setting off this morning we had two targets in mind. First up was a visit to Lackford Lakes hoping to connect with the long-staying Long-tailed Duck. Having been present since the 4th of November we were optimistic as we walked the paths from the visitor centre. Scanning each body of water from each hide, enjoying good views of at least three Kingfishers, and several pairs of Goldeneye but failed to locate the target bird. Walking back along the grass track past the Atlas hide I got the bins up to watch a male Goldeneye fly across the lake and as I did the Long-tailed Duck popped up on the far edge of the lake near a small island. Having enjoyed some good scope views in between lengthy dives we headed for the car park. Reaching the reserve centre we checked the feeders and were surprised to see a Tree Sparrow.
The second target was another long-staying bird, the Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves. Having Parked up opposite the gate, we headed off down the path towards the second gate and began scanning the meadow. An hour's search produced several Stonechat and a flock of at least nine Yellowhammers. Having almost given up on the shrike dad spotted it tucked into a small bush. Shortly afterward it relocated to a more open area.
 |
| Great Grey Shrike |
Both visits had proved frustrating but both had ended with good views of both the target birds.
No comments:
Post a Comment