Although
migration is slow this autumn the number of ducks have increased over the last
few weeks. Common Pochard is scarce on the ‘patch’ with one being present for
the last week. On 19 October there were seven with three males and four
females. Northern Shoveler numbers have increased to 27 with a mixture of
males and females along with six Garganey. Other migrants seen were mainly
wheatears with both Pied Wheatear and Isabelline Wheatear present with most Pied
Wheatears being first year males. A few Barn Swallows were new in with ten plus
over the spray fields and percolation pond in the evening. There was a small
group of waders present on the settling pond including two Marsh Sandpipers,
two Little Stints, Common Redshank, Wood Sandpiper and Temminck’s Stint.
Otherwise the only other interesting birds were a single Grey Heron and 21
Western Cattle Egrets.
 |
| Northern Shoveller |
 |
| Pied Wheatear |
 |
| Isabelline Wheatear |