hundred up

A typically brief encounter with a Woodcock this morning took my total number of bird species recorded at Bretton to one hundred. I don’t know which one of us was the more terrified as my right foot nearly squashed the invisible snoozing wader. By the time I’d regained my composure the bird was half way to the horizon –  so not even a record shot I’m afraid.

One of the three remaining Mute Swan cygnets on Upper Lake

Great Crested Grebe on Upper Lake

It was back to normal on the de-iced lakes and a dose of bright sunshine for an hour almost hinted at winter’s demise, but despite noting two separate pairs of Collared Doves nest building this week, it’s far from over.

Blue Tit by the Upper Lake hide

Tufted Ducks on Upper Lake

Todays Roll call: Great Crested Grebe (2), Grey Heron (2), Mute Swan (5), Mallard (15), Pochard (4), Tufted Duck (9), Moorhen (1), Coot ( 6), Blackheaded Gull (50+), Wood Pigeon (30+), Kingfisher (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (2), Wren (2), Robin (2), Blackbird (25+), Mistle Thrush (1), Redwing (4), Long-tailed Tit (8+), Coal Tit (2), Blue Tit (6), Great Tit (6), Nuthatch (4), Treecreeper (1), Jay (2), Magpie (2), Jackdaw (30+), Rook ( 45+), Carrion Crow (3), Chaffinch (4), Goldfinch (3), Siskin (80+)