Murk

A couple of hours at Wheldrake Ings was enjoyable despite the early mist. Quite ethereal as I walked down the river with the sounds of unseen Teal, Wigeon and Pintail out on the floods. A flock of Lesser Redpolls were feeding in bankside willowherb. I spent ages looking through a tit flock for Firecrests but none were present. Four Goldcrests, three Treecreepers and a pair of Willow Tits were nice. Down towards Swantail and the Cetti's called right on cue from exactly the same place as last time. Duncan came out of the hide for a look but despite regular calling it never showed.  c130 Pink-footed Geese flew over and landed on the refuge. A bit later, Dunc picked up a bonus Short-eared Owl flying around behind Swantail. It showed beautifully, successfully hunting Field Voles and occasionally landing on posts. A good look through the ducks revealed a good increase in Pintail with about 55 present. A solitary Barnacle Goose was sleeping on the water.