This is a great time
of year at the Farm, where new life oozes from the various habitats on the
Farmlands. It makes you forget about the landfill site and the incinerator that
has been built adding a blot along the skyline.
An evening walk is
always a good time to see the new arrivals to the site and with Egyptian Goose breeding for the first time what other species would take advantage of the conditions. I met Pete Alfrey and
we made our way across Bedzed and Bikers field to check out 100 Acre. Our
quarry was shorebirds that had been driven into the area by the previous
evening’s storm.
A Common Sandpiper
was the only find but this was likely to be the bird that was found on the
south lake.
The first surprise
was in the form of a single Shelduck chick which had both parents in close
proximity to it. I wondered if the pair had used one of the boxes situated on the
island. Whilst checking the numerous sludge beds Lapwing and Moorhen chicks that
looked only days old were noted.
A walk through to
the lakes saw a crèche of Canada Goose goslings at varying stages of growth fed along the side of the mound and the waters edge.
Wow the site had really come to life! What a fantastic way to spend a couple of
hours!
On a random note today I carried out
my late visit for Oaks Park BBS square and found an interesting sentry overlooking the fields that are popular with dog walkers. There are not many
walkers out at stupid o clock but I was surprised to add this species to the
count bearing in mind there are no lakes in the vicinity!
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