A melancholy week, with my bro Lonz losing his older brother, Paul, unexpectedly. Very sad and a real shock.
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No work today, so headed out to Wheldrake Ings early doors. It was a cold start with a blustery westerly giving me instant regret for not bringing gloves. A brave Willow Warbler was singing in the car park, my first for the year and earliest ever, by a day. There had been a big clear out of ducks and also some disturbance as the refuge was completely bereft apart from a herd of 13 Whooper Swans. 28 Pinkfeet flew over, adding to the wintery feel. About 180 Black-tailed Godwits were roosting out from Swantail and concealed a couple of Dunlins and five Ruff among their ranks. They flushed a few times, looking stunning in the morning sunshine. 20 Sand Martins were hawking over the pool on my way back. No Garganey yet.
Next up, the forest to meet Andy. It was good to see my old mate and we scored five Goshawks in my favoured spot. As usual, the territory-holding pair were showing off with another adult male with a couple of missing secondaries in his left wing, and a second calendar year male and female sparring with the first adult male. Really nice views in the sunshine. Not much else of note, save a few Crossbills, plenty of Chiffchaffs and c100 Fieldfares near Snainton. Popped into Castle Howard on the way home, which was very quiet, with six Sand Martins and a couple of Mandarins the only birds of note.
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