Saturday, March 31, 2012

Less Lessers

Will and I met up on the moss again today hoping the past week’s abundance of Lesser Redpolls might continue so we could attain the magic 100, but it wasn’t to be. The continuing northerly wind didn’t help our cause with just a small catch of new birds to reward 4+ hours in the field. 

We may have to wait for a change in wind direction before the next wave of redpolls, and at March 31st surely there will be more on the move during April? This morning we managed just 15 birds, 11 new and 4 recaptures. The new birds comprised 8 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch and a single Lesser Redpoll. Recaptures: 3 recent Goldfinch and 1 Chaffinch from 2010. 

 Lesser Redpoll

If it hadn’t been for the Niger feeders doing their stuff in attracting Goldfinches and ground feeding Chaffinches our catch would have been abysmal, with very little in the way of visible migration. In comparison to earlier in the week redpolls were conspicuous by their absence with less than 10 birds noted. Meadow Pipit movement was similarly negligible with 10+ birds heading north in 4 hours. 

“Otherwise” sightings: 6 Yellowhammer, 5 Linnet, 1 Corn Bunting, 4 Grey Partridge, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Kestrel, 2 Buzzard, 5 Snipe, 65 Golden Plover flying south, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Ring Ouzel briefly. Mammals: 1 Stoat, 20 + Brown Hares. 

 Brown Hare

 Yellowhammer

Stoat

The BBC promised a change in wind direction overnight together with a less than 5mph wind, so the results tomorrow could be different again. And as we always remind ourselves “You don’t know until you try”. 


13 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

such beautiful shots! love that little stoat pose!

S K Ditta said...

Phil and Will, a beautiful set of pictures indeed. Not trying to be partial, but thanks especially for the Yellowhammer and Stoat. Let's see if BBC keep their promise. However, you guys do keep trying and that is just inspiring. Thanks!

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful series of shots, I love the Redpoll and the gorgeous Yellowhammer. The Stoat is very cute too. Great post and photos, happy birding!

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful series of shots, I love the Redpoll and the gorgeous Yellowhammer. The Stoat is very cute too. Great post and photos, happy birding!

annalarssonphotography said...

I LOOOVE the stoat - beautiful poser ;)

Amila Kanchana said...

Unbelievably beautiful photos of Unbelievably beautiful creatures!

Jane said...

Awesome shots, especially the stoat. Thanks for sharing:)

Rohrerbot said...

No matter the results, I think you had a great day....the Stoat is divine! That's a cool capture. Thanks for sharing.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

The Yellowhammer is so pretty and I especially enjoyed seeing the Hare and the Stoat. Those Stoats are such cool chaps and I love the faces of the Hares very much. Wow that count is really low for 4 hours, but hopefully as you shared the winds shall shift in your favor soon~

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

I would say you had a very successful day. Wonderful photos. V

kirstallcreatures said...

Fingers crossed for a better turnout tomorrow, lovely shots of the Hare & Stoat

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautiful captures!

My Critter

Millhouse Photography said...

20 + Hares! Brilliant news Phil. Superb Stoat.

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