I walked up to Lower Gorple Res this morning in bright sunshine and
clear blue skies, so it was a pity about the biting stiff breeze that
lowered the temperature so much! I was going in the hope that the Water
Pipit was still about as it was last seen Monday afternoon. Approaching
the reservoir I could see people working on the path from the small car
park and also a couple of diggers by the dam wall so I was expecting the
worst as the Pipit had been reported as flighty. Luckily the machinery
by the wall wasn't in use so I settled myself in the lee of the parapet
looking down the narrow drain to keep out of the wind, with a couple of
Pied Wagtails for company.
After a while I heard a
call behind me in the wide run-off drain, so I had a look and the Water
Pipit was in the drain. I have to say that without seeing the
photos previously posted on here and without hearing the call I wouldn't
have picked it as a Water Pipit as it looked very pale. It flew onto the
grass by the diggers and then away onto the shore line, and I
didn't find it again. I took a few photos but they weren't good enough to
post.
Also seen:
Curlew - 2
Golden Plover - 5
Lapwing - 11
Skylark - 3
Pied Wagtail - 3
Red Grouse - 1 calling
Song Thrush - 1
Later at Mankinholes:
Little Owl - 2
Mistle Thrush - 2
Redwing - 1
Raven - 1 overhead
1 comment:
Pleased to hear its still there Jeff and glad you got it. Martyn also saw it there this afternoon, possibly stay for a week or two yet? Who knows how long its been there as well. Nice Song Thrush photo as well.
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