Friday 21 January 2011

Wintering COMMON CHIFFCHAFFS

FRIDAY 21 JANUARY

After a sharp frost, another cold day with clear blue skies and sunshine. Beautiful birding conditions.

TROY MILL GRAVEL PITS (HERTFORDSHIRE)

A total of 5 collybita CHIFFCHAFFS were showing well in the afternoon sunshine in the overhanging vegetation bordering the River Colne at the extreme south end of Troy Mill GP (immediately behind the Broadwater Pit Sailing Club) but there was no sign of last year's overwintering Siberian Chiffchaff nor of any Scandinavian Chiffchaffs.

The area held a very impressive count of Coot - 512 in all - but surprisingly few Gadwall - and just 9 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Mute Swan and 96 Tufted Duck.

TILEHOUSE PIT NORTH (SOUTH BUCKS)

This used to be a brilliant site for wintering Smew but few people ever look here now. I did today bit it was very quiet - just Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swans, 12 Tufted Duck and 58 Coot present.

LYNSTERS FARM FIELD (HERTS)

Two EGYPTIAN GEESE-types were with the 52 Atlantic Canada Geese grazing and 16 Gadwall on the pool. Ten Common Magpies were also in attendance.

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