Eclipse Duck challenge
Eclipse (molt1ng) Ducks.
A great challenge at this time of year, work your way through the big mixed flocks of molting ducks. Both the South Lake and the Top New Piece (Zeiss Hide) are covered in big mixed flocks of Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Ducks and a scattering of Wigeon, Pintail and if lucky a Garganey. Concentrate on the size and structure of each bird looking especially at head and bill shape and length of neck rather than the details of plumage. Once you have that mastered try separating the males from the females and even adults from youngsters. The males have all lost their bright breeding plumage and look rather like the females. Good Luck.........
South Lake
Great birding here again today. Big flocks of Lapwing (180), Black Tailed Godwits (160) and Greylag (398). among them are 16 Redshank a a great mix of Ducks. Both Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe were on the Lake.
Zeiss Hide
The Ducks are areal challenge here, i found 47 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 285 Teal and a single Wigeon. There were also 15 Ruff, 2 Black tailed Godwit and 34 Redshank. Best of all the Wood Sandpiper was here but beware confusion with very small Ruff. Two Cranes in the distance.
Rushy
Good mix of bird watching here, 8 Green Sandpipers, two Cranes, Two Grey Wagtail and a single Wigeon.
Robbie Garnett Hide
Best view of the morning, a Kingfisher close up on the fence in front of the hide, also 47 Teal and 26 Gadwall.
Safaris
Some great sightings yesterday including Cranes (the family flying), two Marsh Harriers, two Garganey, a Hobby, several Roe Deer, Voles, Mice and Dargonflies.
Stop Press
A Marsh Harrier from the Robbie Garnett and two Kingfishers at the Martin Smith.
