12 April 2022 -Hollingworth Lake & Shaw Moss

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Teal, Willow Warblers, Coal Tits, Goldcrest

Another nice sunny day, but cool to begin with.  I followed the same route as yesterday, and in the hide, a drake Teal was just to the right, feeding among the foliage. It was somewhat against the light but a couple of shots turned out OK, although it did have a bit of a twig wrapped around it's back. A Pied Wagtail dropped in briefly but otherwise things were quiet on the reserve. In Pavilion Wood I noticed a couple of Willow Warblers, and heading down towards Shaw Moss, a couple more, including one feeding among the divots created by horses in the field.  All were feeding and not singing, suggesting an overnight arrival.  

Shaw Moss pools were quiet, with no sign of yesterday's Wheatears.  I headed back up the track, where a Goldfinch perched up briefly in a bush by the side of the track.  Back on the lake bank, a pair of Coal Tits were feeding in the hedge near Peanock Farm, and as I tried to photograph them, spotted a Goldcrest in the hedge too.  The latter was a bit too quick for me to get any useful photos alas.  Returning to the car park, a summer-plumaged Black-headed Gull perched on a post and allowed me to get close enough for a decent photo.

Teal, 1/640 sec. f/7.1 500 mm, ISO 1600

Pied Wagtail, 1/500 sec. f/7.1 500 mm, ISO 400 (view full size image)

Willow Warbler, 1/500 sec. f/7.1 500 mm, ISO 640

Willow Warbler, 1/640 sec. f/7.1 500 mm, ISO 1600

Goldfinch, 1/640 sec. f/7.1 500 mm, ISO 320 (view full size image)

Coal Tit, 1/640 sec. f/7.1 500 mm, ISO 1250 (view full size image)

Black-headed Gull, 1/640 sec. f/7.1 400 mm, ISO 640 (view full size image)