Abbey Meadows

Abbey Meadows

Wednesday 21 January 2009

Ulgham and Linton











Lovely, cold but sunny day. Started off at Widdrington tip and this is the first winter visit here when I have not seen a Snipe. Very quiet on the bird front with only four Grey partridges and three Reed buntings. My turn of duty at Ulgham local nature reserve. Almost birdless here with only a small party of Coal tits in the wood. I was thinking roll on spring when I came across an attractive clump of Snowdrops which added a splash of colour to an otherwise drab woodland floor.
On my way to Linton a flock of 45 Fieldrares and 2 redwings were at Crowden hill. I spent a couple of hours at Linton pond sifting through the gulls but saw nothing unusual. The gulls were quite flighty and a Fox was on the north shore but a Merlin flew over the pond and spooked everything. There were 19 Tufted and 66 Coot here. Bothal was quiet except for a stonechat at Bothal barns. I think this is the first time I have seen one in this area.

3 comments:

wallsend birder said...

Have seen this fox a few times throughout the day searching up and down the north field.

Alan Tilmouth said...

I was at Bothal midday missed out on Stonechat, good number of thrushes in the west field though.

me ann my camera said...

What an amazing colour match that can be noted between the Fox and Wigeon! It will be while yet before we see any sign of flowers popping up around here. Your photo is a lovely reminder of the beauty that soping brings with it.