There hasn't been much birding this month, owing to the weather but, even so, some decent birds have been seen. At Moor Green Lakes on the 5th an AYTHYA HYBRID (Pochard x Ferruginous Duck) was seen on Colebrook Lake North. It appears that this is the same bird that perhaps overwintered last year. On the 13th, a PEREGRINE and YELLOW LEGGED GULL were present on the New Workings and on the 29th, GOOSANDER had arrived back on the lakes.
On the 19th, a trip to Thursley Common to see the GREAT GREY SHRIKE proved negative as the bird wasn't seen, another day perhaps. From Thursley I went to Frensham Great Pond in the hope of seeing the BLACK NECKED GREBE, but no luck, the bird had gone, however there was some compensation in the form of a very nice male SCAUP.
On the 27th, as the weather forecast was favourable, cloud but no rain, I ventured a bit further afield to Farlington Marshes, in the hope of seeing the RED BREASTED GOOSE, which had settled in the area for a few weeks. Well the forecast was completely wrong as it did rain with a very fresh breeze blowing from the north, which made conditions uncomfortable and cold. The flocks of BRENT GOOSE were scanned, to try to find the RED BREASTED GOOSE which was with them, which was proving difficult in the conditions. However just as hopes were starting to fade Tony, who had joined Gordon and me, finally spotted it, when the bird put its head up, at last. Also of note were 15 AVOCET, resting on one of the small islands near the car park. I’m hoping that December will bring drier weather, at least until after Christmas, fingers crossed.
On the 19th, a trip to Thursley Common to see the GREAT GREY SHRIKE proved negative as the bird wasn't seen, another day perhaps. From Thursley I went to Frensham Great Pond in the hope of seeing the BLACK NECKED GREBE, but no luck, the bird had gone, however there was some compensation in the form of a very nice male SCAUP.
On the 27th, as the weather forecast was favourable, cloud but no rain, I ventured a bit further afield to Farlington Marshes, in the hope of seeing the RED BREASTED GOOSE, which had settled in the area for a few weeks. Well the forecast was completely wrong as it did rain with a very fresh breeze blowing from the north, which made conditions uncomfortable and cold. The flocks of BRENT GOOSE were scanned, to try to find the RED BREASTED GOOSE which was with them, which was proving difficult in the conditions. However just as hopes were starting to fade Tony, who had joined Gordon and me, finally spotted it, when the bird put its head up, at last. Also of note were 15 AVOCET, resting on one of the small islands near the car park. I’m hoping that December will bring drier weather, at least until after Christmas, fingers crossed.
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