Wednesday 12 October 2011

Saved by the Kingfisher

On a day of appalling weather there aren't that many locations you can go to & still see quality birds, but Tophill Low is one of them. The morning was particularly bad until a Kingfisher duly obliged, we went on to see another 35 species. A late highlight was provided by a pair of synchronised underwater swimmers - some Little Grebes! The afternoon drizzle was less persistent and a different Kingfisher appeared less than 5 minutes after entering the hide. We were able to go for a longer walk - the biggest surprise was a site rarity - 3 Grey Plovers flew round D reservoir 3 times before heading off in a SE direction. Despite the drizzle a Barn Owl was spotted at 2.30pm. It tried to hunt from stationary objects - a fence post, a bale of hay & a Yorkshire Water sign, but none of these yielded a ready meal. It headed off along the River Hull where I hope it was more successful. The afternoon ended on a high with a very confiding Treecreeper near the car park. Everyone went home damp but well satisfied with their sightings. Hoping for an improvement in the weather soon!

Kingfisher [pm bird - adult male]
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am bird - juvenile male (c) 2011 Tony Robinson
Little Grebe (c) 2011 Tony Robinson
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Melanistic Rabbit
Record Shot of Barn Owl
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