Powdermill Reservoir
1st April 2005, FridayThursday March 31st 2005
Powdermill Reservoir: 41sp
0845-1230; 8/8 thick fog
The dense fog doesn’t make too much difference in the woods, where the birds are singing anyway, but species on the reservoir, in open country or above the treetops are beyond visibility.
In addition, the water level is right up, rendering the banks inaccessible, and a few anglers are out in boats.
The only summer species to have arrived in reasonable numbers is Chiffchaff (17) and there were 2 early Willow Warblers. The only Blackcap was not in the woods, but in gardens nearby. The most numerous species, dispersed widely in the woods, is Chaffinch.
Wren, Robin, Goldcrest and Dunnock have increased since last month (the latter occupying brambles between Scots Pines) while Great, Coal & Blue Tit numbers have remained similar. Long-tailed Tits have become more reticent as have Marsh Tits (a couple of vociferous pairs but only 1 male in song).
It was hard to see wildfowl, but at least 13 Tufted Ducks and 5 Teal were present, and 2 pairs each of Little & Great Crested Grebes.
I saw no winter thrushes.
A single nervous male Hawfinch seemed attached to an open area of oaks deep in the woods – a site where I’ve not previously seen them.
Cliff Dean