Northward Hill RSPB 10 - 3 - 2012

When Wendy heard about all the rabbits at Northward Hill it had to be our destination for the brief spell of sunshine on Saturday. I only took my Olympus as it was not to be a photographic trip so apologies for the sub-standard photography. We took the same route I did on Thursday and in short the sightings were quite similar. To save time (so I can get Sundays walk written as well) I will just list what was seen and expand on the differences.

Blue Tit and Great Tit - Olympus SP590UZ

The feeders were not quite as busy, probably as the seed feeder was empty, here were Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Great tits, Blue Tits and Dunnocks. From the Marsh Viewpoint we saw Teal, Mallard, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Rook, Jackdaw, Heron, Wood Pigeon, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Coot, Tufted Duck. Wigeon were still grazing though the flock looked slightly smaller.

Blue Tit and Great Tit - Olympus SP590UZ

The Shovelers and the Godwit were missing but were replaced by some Pochards and a solitary Shelduck. A pair of Mute swans were flying about not seeming to settle in any particular spot. The Sky Lark was again heard but not seen.

Blue Tit - Olympus SP590UZ

The Ernie Helmsey Viewpoint was quite quiet, but we waited patiently and were rewarded after about 15 minutes with a Marsh Harrier which was quartering the land to our west eventually landing on something in a field in the far distance. Whilst watching the Marsh Harrier a Peregrine Falcon flew over it, making its way North towards us then East. We heard a Red Legged Partridge from the orchard to our left along with a Pheasant and a Green Woodpecker alighted in a tree about 75 yards away.

Green Woodpecker - Olympus SP590UZ

Returning to the feeders I was telling Wendy about the Great Spotted Woodpecker when there it was again, on the nut feeder. House Sparrows were present instead of the Collared Doves. Also seen in the travels were Blackbird, Starling, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Black Headed Gull, Herring Gull, Jay, Magpie, Robin and Long Tailed Tit. The homeward journey provided us with a Kestrel. Total for the day was 40 with 3 more heard.