BIRDS ALONG PYEFLEET

There was good variety of birds seen along the north side of the Island on a sunny Monday 25th by Glyn Evans and Andy Field during their monthly wildfowl count. All photos by Glyn.
Eleven little egrets, one pictured above, were seen along the north side from the Strood to the country park.

A male common scoter tucked into the back of Peewit Island in the Pyefleet was the most unexpected bird. A rare visitor to the Pyefleet in the best of years and this one maybe the first scoter beside the Island this winter.

 One of 700 brent geese noted during the walk.

 Dark-bellied brent goose seen in flight.

 The main wigeon flock is on the fields of the country park, 515 birds were counted.

 A pair of wigeon seen in flight.

 Almost 350 teal were noted, again most of the birds seen on the country park fields.

 A male reed bunting in its winter markings with faded black head.

 Five corn buntings were seen to the east of the Strood. 

 Skylarks are singing in the sky when the sun shines.

Other birds of note along the walk were hen harrier, 2 short-eared owls, 4 marsh harriers, 2 common buzzards, green sandpiper, one red breasted merganser and 10 lesser redpolls.