Sunday February 23

Cloudy with occasional showers and a strong southerly wind. Not ideal.

I was joined by Dave as usual, and the plan was to approach the patch by wandering along the road in the hope of adding some easy year-ticks by peering into the canopy of Bannams Wood.

As usual I had the sub-plot of trying to add species to my photo year list. The Stock Doves have been both conspicuous in their numbers and also shy of close approach this year. Today was no exception so I began by cranking the camera up to maximum magnification (ignoring the poor light) to try to finally get a shot of the species.

47. Stock Dove

The result can certainly be classed as a record shot. But Stock Doves were also to feature in the records in another way. After estimating 40 at the south end, we saw a large flock in flight behind the pool. We thought about 100, but by counting dots in the resulting photograph I got 129 (and there were certainly some out of shot). This gives a record busting count of at least 169.

The Stock Dove flock.

Also at the south end, the corvid flock comprised at least 200 Jackdaws, 50 Rooks, and 20 Carrion Crows. We had views of three Lesser Redpolls in the hedgerows. Reaching Morton Bagot hamlet we noticed a male Great Spotted Woodpecker attending a feeder at Sherwoods optics.

48. Great Spotted Woodpecker

Further on, the Yellowhammer flock was still present. We could see at least 35, but didn't feel inclined to tramp around the field to try to get a full count. Lazy, I know. At Bannams Wood a Marsh Tit showed briefly, and then we found a little flock of Tits etc which included two Goldcrests, two Coal Tits, a Treecreeper, and a Nuthatch. So that was our three target species under the belt.

Heading down towards the pool we estimated about 35 birds in a flock of mostly Greenfinches and Chaffinches. The wind was by now very strong and each bird that flew was jet-propelled back over our heads to the top of the field.

The pool contained no surprises, but the flashes, at least, were full of birds. A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls stayed in the water long enough to get onto the photo-list.

49. Lesser Black-backed Gulls

Also present were about 70 Mallards, 54 Teal, three Wigeon, 12 Lapwings, and a Green Sandpiper. More Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls flew over, but there were almost no small Gulls.

It has been pointed out to me (by Mrs Morton Bagot birder) that the blogs have lately become a bit dull. Just lists she says. Well yes, that's what I do. I love listing. However, to anyone reading this who agrees with Lyn, I promise not to do the photo list next year (it is getting to be a bit of a millstone if I'm honest).

In the meantime the listing will continue. Hurrah.