Page 11 - Out Birding Spring 2023

Brandon Marsh 11/12/22
Nine members met on a dull and frosty morning for our annual pre-Christmas look around this reserve. Because of the frost and ice, there was no bird ac􏰀vity un􏰀l we reached East Marsh Pool which had small areas of open water. From the first hide we saw a large group of Shovelers huddled together with their heads down and circling round feeding. There were also a few Teal and Tu􏰁ed Ducks with the usu-
al Mallards, Coots and Moorhens. A pair of Mute Swans slipping and sliding over the ice caused some amusement.
The next hide looked over another patch of open water with a lot of Teal perched on the ice round its edge. There were a few Snipe walking over the frozen grass edge trying to probe some food out of the hard ground. A large and noisy flock of Canada Geese flew in, some landing in the water and some on the ice before sliding to a stop. There was a small group of gulls si􏰂ng on the ice, including Herring, Common, and
a Lesser Black-backed amongst the Black-headed.
All was quiet at the next hide, so we turned back and went into the hide overlooking River Pool where we found a pair of Reed Bun􏰀ng feeding on reed seeds. Outside the hide there were some tame and hungry Robins which came to eat food out of our hands, and a Goldcrest fli􏰂ng through the trees close to the path which gave very good views of this 􏰀ny bird. Making our way back to the cafe, we watched some Long- tailed Tits moving through the trees, while overhead, a large flock of Siskins flew through.
We encountered some of the more common birds before arriving at the cafe to be joined by three other members for hot drinks and a Christmas lunch with all the trim- mings. This was much enjoyed by all with lots of friendly cha􏰃er and catching up with each other. A􏰁erwards, some ventured back out onto the cold reserve while others headed for home. Thanks to Vicky for organising the day and to everyone for their company and for making it a very enjoyable 􏰀me despite the cold and lack of birds. A total of about 30 species were seen.
Tony
RSPB Fairburn Ings 07/01/2023
A variety of domes􏰀c circumstances meant that only three of us were able to a􏰃end this event which was curtailed to morning only because of the inclement weather. On a very wet day, the water birds were the most obliging with stunning Goldeneye, Goosander, Tu􏰁ed Duck, Pochard pu􏰂ng on the style. The most abundant duck was Shoveler in a flo􏰀lla of at least 70. Even in the gloom, their breeding plumage was vibrant. Both Li􏰃le and Great Crested Grebe dived and surfaced. Lapwing were our only waders.
Kerry spo􏰃ed a Jay in the scrub below the first hide where we sheltered – my bird of the day. Other passerines included Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Blue and Great Tit. I don’t usually men􏰀on birds that we didn’t see but I was struck by the absence of Tree
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