There has not been much to write about at the Water Meadows of late. Numbers of Geese and wildfowl are significantly down. The flock of Lapwing has moved to pastures new. I have been watching the skies hoping for a Sand Martin. Last year I struck on March 4th but this was a very overcast day unlike the current trend of high cloud with prolonged spells of sunshine.
I have also been checking local horse paddocks and fields that may also tempt a Wheatear or even a Black Redstart. Both would be new for my River Piddle Valley tally and the former are trickling in along the coast.
Today showed signs of improvement when I spied a Red Kite gliding in from the NE. This bird continued its path putting in a couple of small circuits above the water meadows as a second Red Kite honed into view below it.
Both birds then glided on continuing SW and were gone before anything on the meadows had time to react to their presence. One of the local Raven made an appearance soon after but then it was back to scanning the meadows. A Green Sandpiper was noted along the water’s edge. This species winters but can be difficult to locate.
Today I added another new species to my tally in the form of a couple of Siskin that was feeding with Goldfinch at the back of a small wooded area.
Nuthatch and Goldcrest were also noted in this area as well as a mobile mixed tit flock.
A pale phase Common Buzzard caused a momentary stir the other day. The local buzzards have also been in good form of late with sparring birds on the warmer days.
There has been a good passage of gulls with increased numbers of Mediterranean Gulls resting on the meadows. Common Gull numbers have dropped off with the occasional Lesser Black Backed passing through.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that the fields stay flooded for a few weeks more!
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