My plan was to head to Devon and Dorset and clear up a few of the good things down there but due to the continuing crappy weather and the fact I was still in bed at 10.30 meant that wasn't going to happen! I stared out of the living room window and the first bird of the year was a
Red Kite. Just after noon I'd had enough and donned the waterproofs and headed for Hilfield Reservoir. This year I have chosen to do the Patchwork Challenge and luckily for me Hilfield scrapes in at just under the 3km square patch limit. Half way around to the hide I was beginning to think I should have stayed indoors as I shielded my eyes from the driving rain. I sat in the hide and for the last couple of hours of daylight scanned through all the birds and noted them down. An adult
Great Black-Backed Gull was one of only five gulls on the water and was a patch first for me. 2
Black-Necked Grebe were a nice bird for the list. Soon after I was joined by Steve Murray and between us we tried to find the day before's
Kittiwake but unfortunately it wasn't seen though Steve did find a nice 2nd Winter
Mediterranean Gull just before it got too dark. The day ended on 35 species.
As we continue to explore and study the animal kingdom, it is our responsibility to act as stewards of the Earth
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