The day started with raptor activity on the River Piddle floodplain. The low flying Sparrowhawk and swooping Buzzard was shaking up the wildfowl on the ground below. The plus from this was Green Sandpiper that was buzzing around the floods. They eventually came to rest and then quickly split up to continue feeding in the margins.
The next phase of the day involved a field patrol looking for the flock of White-fronted Geese that have been frequenting Silverlake. The lanes were flooded in parts but arrival at Silverlake was in the nick of time as the birds were resting on the “wetland” area on the East pit. From my vantage point they were dots and having bumped into Brett I decided to catch up with him in Knighton Heath Woods to get a decent view of these birds.
I trudged my way up the hill to hear the news from Phil and Brett that the birds had flown N towards the fields. This was becoming a familiar story but I had had scope views on previous visits but no decent pictures to support the observations.
Brett and I headed for a search of the fields. I was definitely overdressed for trudging around but after a short drive and a long walk we had hit the jackpot! At last and some decent pictures of the flock feeding in a random field which had a good food source!
The flock is using Silverlake as a roosting and resting area and will visit on most days. Moonlight will allow the birds to feed after dark but on an overcast day they will no doubt be present on the reserve at the East End.
A very satisfying end to the day!
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