Being on night shifts lately, I’ve struggled to get out birding, but tonight I managed a quick stop on my way into work. Even a short visit was rewarding, offering a chance to stretch the legs and check in on the local wildlife. Acre nook held 40+ Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 27 Teal,100+ Mallard and 7 Gadwall.
Three juvenile Pintail were showing well this evening
Gadwall
2 Snipe were showing well near the top footpath.
Snipe
2 Common sandpiper were in with at least 200 Lapwing and 500+ Black headed gulls. Great crested grebe numbers have now risen to 12 over the far pool, along with 17 Cormorants.
Walking over to Lapwing hall pool, I soon connected with the long-staying juvenile Black necked Grebe.
Black-necked Grebe
Whilst watching the Black-necked Grebe at Lapwing Hall Pool, a Kingfisher suddenly flew right past me—a first of the year on my new patch! Although it didn’t stop, it continued over the farm and onto Acre Nook, giving a brief but thrilling view.
I’ve been searching for this species all year with no luck, so finally seeing one was a real highlight. The evening’s birding was perfectly capped off with a stunning sunset, making it a memorable pre-work outing.
