More migrants

Birding this weekend was a bit on the light side - with a christening and our hockey club presenation to attend yesterday, I only managed an hour out yesterday (8 Yellow Wags, c.40 Mipits and 21 Fieldfares at Cotham Flash), and today wasn't much better (for one reason and another...). However, I managed a few year ticks including a Whitethroat at Mons Pool and at least 1 Reed Warbler at Pykett's Pond.

Aside from these, Collingham Pits held a Common Sand and a White Wag on the Main Pit, but Mons Pool had changed dramatically from last visit - water levels were up at least a foot (probably more), and all the low islands were submerged; I dread to think how many nests have been flooded out. Another disappointment here is the Sand Martins seem to be showing no interest in their nesting bank where several hundred nested last year. Unfortunately the bank wasn't cut back over the winter and is slumping in places (on the plus side, the RSPB have created a new nesting bank not too far away at Langford).

This evening, I popped out to Cotham Flash. The paddocks held two Yellow Wags, with a White Wag on the field pool - unfortunately the sitting Lapwing wasn't in evidence - I fear she too has been flooded out. There were 15 Fieldfares feeding in the grass field next to Pykett's Pond, but best was a lingering Short-eared Owl hunting around the flash - it surely must be thinking of heading off soon!

A nice full Cotham Flash