of a Canada
Cold Edge Dams 1430-1530 hrs. Near gale force WNW>6 gusting 7 with heavy rain and sleet showers . Thanks to Doris for providing some good birding weather moving things around as well as keeping grounded birds down with all the Geese, Lapwings and Starlings in one field.Though not ideal for birders I,m happy with it, keep it coming.
Thanks to C.E.D. resident Steve for a call informing me that the 2 Barnacles were both present so by 1430 hrs I was knelt knee deep in mud trying to steady the camera on the wall in the strong wind. Started off with the tripod which was worse than useless nearly blowing over so back to the old wet but effective wall method. The photos are not great but I was pleased with the results in such bad conditions. Luckily the 2 Barnacles were usually near together which made better pics.
Most of the activity was in one field though a check on Leadbeater Dam, where it was difficult to stand up, provided me with firstly 2 female Goldeneye and then a single male flew in followed by another male with 2 more females whilst a pair of Tufted flew into Spring Mill Dam along with the Little Grebe. A real active hours birding, the sort that sends you home buzzing.
109 Canadas
7 Greylag
2 Barnacles
38 Lapwing
c200 Starling
3 Oystercatchers
1 Little Grebe
1 pr Tufted
2m 4f Goldeneye
8 Stock Dove.
When Steve rang me today about the 2 Barnacles he told me the history of Barnie that we have been watching over the years between Ogden, Fly Flatts and Cold Edge.
Apparently Barnie started off as a free flying bird from the bird collection at Appleby Castle and is now estimated at around 25 years old. Whether or not the present unringed bird is Barnie or not is unknown but I will dig out some old pictures for comparison , size etc.
Thanks again to Steve for his interest and help.
BS