Tetworth WeBS/ Duck Hunt, 18 January

Four SFYT's this morning from the Tetworth Estate; from the sublime - Merlin, to the ridiculous - Feral Pigeon. Also, an amazing 82+ Snipe, with at least one Jack Snipe amongst them, although at times it was difficult to keep up, as there were so many birds in the air at once. I was surprised that no Teal were present, (there were 60+ late last year), although this does seem consistent with events elsewhere - wildfowl have just 'gone.' [Edit- just had an email from the Estate Manager, who tells me he hasn't seen any Teal for three weeks.]

This seems a little counter-intuitive - they were present before the New Year and generally it has been mild, so what has prompted this wildfowl exodus?

Now SFYL 76, zero-carbon 75.

Atb,

DOM

Jack Snipe

Arriving at DWE Pits mid-morning, a group of Snipe were lined up along the north eastern shore, one of which was smaller, (relatively-speaking) short-billed and with striking, golden 'braces' and unbarred flanks. Nice...and with nine (Common) Snipe for comparison in beautiful light, an easy clincher, even at c.60m. That brings me level with Mr Palmer on 128, for the time being.

After lunch, spent until after dusk looking for Woodcock and Short-eared Owl at a couple of sites near Potton...to no avail...yet.

DOM