News of the possible/probable Harlequin didn't amount to anything this morning so I though I'd have another wander round the local patch this morning, which was much more pleasant than yesterdays walk, with quite a bit more heat and less wind. Clifton Backies has a basic website and further information on the site, and site images can be found here.
Plenty of Chiffchaff and Blackcap were again evident and very showy, a single Swallow heading north was a new year bird at the site for me, as was a single Yellow Wagtail that flew north. Several Meadow Pipit were also noted heading north.
A Jay was probably the other highlight, only the 3rd/4th time I've had it on the site, and the first time since early last winter, it got chased off by the hundreds of Magpies so not sure when/if it will be back! A pair of Sparrowhawk were again in evidence over the woodland. Smaller fare included 3 singing Reed Bunting, several pairs of Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin and Blackbird with several Starlings and House Sparrow collecting nesting material before flying off into the adjacent housing.
The small pond contained a couple of pairs of Mallard x Hybrid Ducks with a pair of Moorhen noted. A couple of Greylag and Canada Geese were observed flying around, presumably part of the local feral goose population.
A smallish white butterfly sp was noted but views were too brief to get a firm ID.
This evening a Grey Heron flew over the garden, a garden first, bringing the garden list to 27 species. The Yellow Wagtail brings my Backies list up to 40 species! Good times!!!
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