Meeting the "Owl whisperer" just before 7.00 a.m. at Shuart, he had already clocked up two Long-eared Owls but had failed in his quest for a Little Owl. On a fairly uneventful walk towards the riding stables at Minnis Bay we recorded one Jay and two very noisy Green Woodpeckers. A smart female Marsh Harrier was sitting happily in a distant bush until it was picked on by a gang of Crows. Two Field fare were disturbed eating their breakfast and 17 Lapwing whizzed overhead. A single Long Tailed Tit (ordinary version) made the notebook and as we reached the riding stables approximately 250 Black Headed Gulls flew over the railway line. In the adjacent fields 22 Carrion Crows were joined by the first of two HOODED CROWS again. Once again the "Hoodie" seemed quite happy on his own.
We also managed to add 2 Corn Bunting, which were a year tick for yours truly, 2 Grey Partridge were flushed and made their way across the field to more cover. The sea was quiet with just the second Hooded Crow noted along with 4 Oystercatcher and 3 Ringed Plover. We strolled back adding Linnet, Meadow Pipit and Little Grebe. Marc then disturbed a Sparrowhawk and decided to worry 4 sheep and a horse in search of Woodcock - unsuccessfully.
He headed for home - once again having carried his camera kit for two and a half hours,for little reward. I decided to go Jackdaw hunting at Brooksend. Fortunately, within a minute of leaving the car I added 2 Ringed-Necked Parakeet to the year list and completed my 100th and 101st with 33 Greyiags and two Canada Geese. However, after searching for 45 minutes through hordes of Rooks and Crows I still couldn't find a Jackdaw and with the closing line of last weekend's blog - I hope I can add the elusive Jackdaw next week.
A nice read Phil 'Dahl'. A new species i see, Greyiags. I must get them on my list. See you next week. 1 week to go!!
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