Monday 13 November 2017

Bosherston Lakes and Stackpole Warren/coast this afternoon

Some 50 or more chaffinches were feeding in Lodge Park this afternoon. Earlier there had been a couple of greenfinches feeding near the Courtyard Flats. They seem to be fairly scarce in the area these days.

A dozen or so teal, several gadwall and a few shovelers were among the small numbers of waterfowl on Bosherston Lakes Eastern Arm. A loose flock of c. 250 woodpigeons  flew over the lower eastern arm in the afternoon sunshine - quite a nice-sized flock for this locality.
Just a small part of a woodpigeon flock over the lake this afternoon
Goosander numbers on the lake are still gradually increasing. This afternoon there were 14 on the lower eastern arm (3 adult males, one moulting young male plus 10 females and immatures), all reflecting resplendently in the crystal-clear water.


There were some lovely reflections on the lake this afternoon
Out on the coast a flock of c. 60-70 jackdaws gathered late in the afternoon above Raming Hole. These included at least two "Nordic-looking " birds  - one was photographed.

There were at least 2  "Nordic-types" in the flock
As we looked through the flock they suddenly became spooked by a goshawk they had spotted before we did. It was hunting close to a group of sycamore trees at the back of the warren.

All in all a lovely sunny early winter afternoon walk - we've still to see a hawfinch here though!