2nd January 2012

2nd January 2012

Well, brand new year and hopefully lots more birds and try to keep the blog up to date.

(Ok last bit already a bit late, but I think I can be let off on that one)

Didn't quite make it out on the 1st, but there was 2 bank holidays so I got a second chance.

Weather :- clear blue sky and warm.

Stayed in the woods and around the reservoir. One of the first birds seen was a collared dove, which is a first for me here. Lots seen around the area, but never in the reserve. Woodpigeons, blackbirds, blue and great tits were the other first few birds seen.

On the reservoir saw black-headed gulls, coots, mallards and robin. The star of the day was a kingfisher, ( only seen once before), flying twice over the reservoir and then did a vanishing act. No sign of any tufted ducks, which have been present for the last couple of years.

On the way down to Doultan Clay Pit found brilliant views of a male and female bullfinches, the light showing of the males colours beautifully. Also long-tailed tits and a sparrowhawk being mobbed by a carrion crow.

Goldcrest spotted by snake pool, but no sign of the treecreeper. More blue and great tits, robin and nuthatch on the way back to the car park and the Exmoor ponies have been moved to the field next to the car park.

Swung round the back of the cliffs and glimpsed a last view of a buzzard.

Birds spotted :- woodpigeons, buzzard, sparrowhawk, nuthatch,robin,magpies, kingfisher, long-tailed tits,

blackbirds, blue and great tits, carrion crow, black-headed gulls, bullfinch (male and female), wren, goldcrest, mallard (male and female), collared dove, jay, lesser black-backed gull, coots.

Mammels :- grey squirrel, exmoor ponies.