Sunday 10 February 2013

Keep those eyes peeled!!

The current spell of dismal birding conditions along with the fact that February patch watching can become a little mundane, may mean that we become a little turned off and less vigilant.

However a quick rummage through the valley archives provides a little hope that our efforts may be rewarded.

Whilst Waterfowl numbers and variety are due to start dwindling, we should look to the skies as raptor display and movements commence.

Whilst looking up keep a careful eye on the passing Gulls, since Iceland and Yellow-legged Gulls have been February hits in years gone by.

With a massive flock of Waxwings still present around Wolverhampton, hopes of another show of these captivating birds in the valley remain high.

Unfortunately Hawfinch, which have been recorded here during February, have long since vanished from our Winter Woodlands. However there is still interest among our finches.
Redpolls have been extremely scarce for so far this Winter, but now is the time to take a closer look at any "Lesser's" that you come across in case, there is the odd larger and paler "Meally" among them. It has been a good Winter for Brambling in the Midlands and the Barleyfield area has produced a decent share of the records for this species in late Winter.

Great Crested Grebes may nest locally, but believe it or not there have been less than 10 valley records of this species, and it remains a prized tick in the LNR, so keep 'em peeled because February to April has historically been the best part of the year to catch them heading to breeding grounds and maybe stopping off on the way.

And lastly, remember that our valley can produce rarities at any time of year, as evidenced by the Leach's Petrel that headed over the North Section of the reserve on 6th February 2002.

So, whilst enjoying the first signs of Spring along the valley, remember that there have been 100 species of bird recorded here during February.


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