Weather tales...

1: Wet,wet,wet!

Monday March 25th tempted me to pop to Blacktoft for reported garganey. I already knew about the need for wellingtons as some of the paths were flooded to four or five inches in a few places. Access down the hedge path to Ousefleet was fine and it was from the gate at the end of the hedge that I spotted the garganey [2 ducks, 1 drake] out on the grazing marsh which still held a lot of water. Ousefleet hide had a strong collection of wildfowl and waders. I took no pictures however as nothing was really close. Heading back and turning left for Marshland hide I had to paddle through the deepest section of water...

2: Sunny skies!

Kildale for ring ouzel and wheatear [29/3] but no sign. Just mipits, red grouse and a mistle thrush. Here are some red grouse shots.

All taken from the car. I moved on to Skinningrove still hoping for my first wheatear of the year. Skinningrove delivered. I spotted a stonechat on the rock armour so raised my camera and, looking down the lens, I saw a wheatear. The stonechat was just a metre further on. Here's both of them.

A motley crew of eiders off Skinningrove beach.

Finally at North Gare thinking about a possible white wagtail but took these photos instead. Kestrel and skylarks.

Saturday 30/3: I followed up on a report of little gull at Fairburn. Managed to scope the gull from the visitor centre boardwalk looking down Main Bay. Then met a birder I know by sight who told me where to go to see the spoonbill. So, mission accomplished: 2 ticks in a morning.

3: Cold!

To Tophill Low for the day. Hoping for kingfisher but that hope never materialised. Blackcaps, cetti's and chiffies all singing but only chiffchaff actually seen. It was cold and this bird looks like it would like something warmer! Meanwhile in the visitor centre a little gull was showing rather well. Two seen: here's one of them. At first hiding on the reservoir wall. Then took flight.

A few wrens were noted. Here are 2 different ones from different parts of the reserve. From North Marsh, some little grebe photos.

O reservoir had a few goldeneyes still around. South Marsh also had a little gull present. Nice size comparison with black-headed gull.

A marsh harrier drifted across North Marsh before dropping into the reedbed. Some unusual angles as it banked before diving down!

160 UK 2019