After a good end to July, patch birding for the whole of August was very disappointing and hard birding. Whilst other sites were getting Greenshank, Whimbrel, Wood Sandpipers, and other bits, I failed to find anything of note, only a long-staying Black-necked Grebe, which is still present on the 1st of September on Lapwing Hall Pool.
Black necked Grebe
Gull numbers continued to rise, with over 500 visiting Acrenook along with 72 Curlew on the 21st. There were over 150 Canada geese on the 11th, along with Teal and shovelers in good numbers. Lapwing numbers have been over 100 throughout the month, and at least 10 Mandarin were present. Hobbies were seen on the 2nd and the 14th, and Jay was also present around the pool on the 24th.
Canada Goose
Curlew
Jay
Lapwing Hall Pool continues to hold 60+ Tufted Ducks; 2 Wigeon and 34 Coot were counted on the 16th. There were 9 little grebes on the 19th, along with 7 great crested grebes and 14 mute swans. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen on the 6th, which was unbelievable and a first for the year.
Great spotted woodpecker
As you can see, a very poor month for birds, but hey, that's patch birding!
