Sue joined me on our regular circular route from Bridge Cottages HQ. Managed to dodge the showers but a strong westerley blowing and very wet underfoot.
On the birding front the main feature was a gathering of around 20+ skylarks. One brave member of the party was already singing on high, staking a claim for his territory and managing to hover despite the strong wind.
Have not seen a winter flock of such numbers in these parts before although we did see much larger congregations on Islay a couple of winters back.
Other highlights included a large flock of Long Tailed Tits in the pine plantation. I love the way these birds always seem to be having a good gossip with their endless 'chattering'. They are regular visitors en masse to our bird feeders as well at the moment.
Larger flocks of Fieldfare have also been more prevelant of late and before Xmas we spent a good while watching a large party of Pied Wagtails flitting to and thro amongst the winter crops. Hoped to pick out one or two 'alba' variants but my bins (read my spotting skills!!) were not up to a positive ID.
On a sadder note I have to report the demise of one of the Bridge Cottages management team as featured in the 'Meet the Management' entry dated 15/8/2007. We are now left with just one old Aylesbury duck. His mate was the victim of a serious assault presumably by a local fox or maybe a party of vigilante pheasants.
Never mind the survivor seems to have recovered from the loss and has formed a new coalition with next doors chickens. Life goes on!
