Tuesday, 3 April 2018

Beddington Farm - Glad We Turned Up!


Migration took another step forward today with warmer SW winds combined with showers early on. I met Frankie at the parkside gate and the days watch and the April challenge continued! This is an annual challenge between the regulars to log as many species on site during the month. This acts as additional incentive to cover the site in search of the departing winter visitors as well as the spring arrivals.
Sighting of the day came late on as we walked the S end of the North Lake. A Common Tern was quartering the lake between the hide and Elands Island. The bird was busy fishing picking off small fish from near the surface of the North Lake.
It remained on site for over an hour taking periods of rest on a small shingle island near the Sand Martin bank. The bird was still present on the lake when our extended tour ended.
There was a small movement of Hirundines during the morning’s showers. A couple of Swallow started off the mini passage with two small groups of Sand Martin that had been caught out by the short but heavy downpours.  

A Kingfisher was seen a couple of times whizzing low across the lake in front of the hide. Blackcap had recently arrived and the males wasted no time in making their presence known the lone female just had to make her choice!

Shorebirds were represented by Jack Snipe and numerous Snipe. Green Sandpiper continued their residency in the SE corner. The Lapwing have dispersed across the site in an attempt to establish breeding territories.

An interesting weather pattern is moving in from the Atlantic which means another stake out at the Farm is on the cards!

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