I started at Banstead Woods, hoping for better views of
Hawfinches. To my delight, three showed well at distance in the beech trees at the back of Coneyboro Hill. A
Grey Heron flew over, too. I joined Geoff B for a stroll around Canons Farm, the highlights being two
Little Owls 17
Skylarks, 80
Linnets and a
Mallard.
Common Gulls have been extremely thin on the ground here this winter, so one was notable.
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Hawfinch at Coneyboro Hill |
Joining Peter A and Kevin G at Beddington in the afternoon, a 2CY and a 3CY
Caspian Gull showed on the North Lake. A 2CY
Glaucous Gull flew through. Two interesting
Aythya hybrids were also there, including one which looked quite like a Ferruginous Duck superficially, and a brief drake which was probably a Tufted Duck x Pochard. Other birds noted included two
Egyptian Geese, two
Shelducks, a
Water Rail and a
Reed Bunting.
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3CY Caspian Gull |
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2CY Caspian Gull |