Out early this morning around the local ponds. Nothing unusual at first at Bothal, Longhirst flash and Linton. I saw DM and SH at Linton and we went into the Alder scrub north of Linton pond to view the Geese in the stubble. Nothing unusual there but a flock of about thirty birds were in the scrub which contained 20 Redpolls. They weren't easy to look through but I managed to scope one of the birds. This was pale with cold colouring on the undersides and a pale wing bar but after that the birds became difficult to watch and no more clinching features could be seen. We flushed a Short eared owl and 2 Snipe. A willow tit was along the hedgerow as well as several Redwing and Blackbirds.
No photos from Linton but I went up to Amble later in the morning and I have posted some Eider shots in the harbour. This must be the only place where they interbreed with Mallard.
3 comments:
That`s an interesting bird AM, as well as an odd pairing. What effect does it have on the feeding : diver or dabbler.
I've only seen them in the sea so they are probably divers.
Ah well theres the conundrum. Even the Eiders are dabblers when they are eating chips! Yet the Mallards dive when one sinks....Nige I've sent you an email...
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