4 March 2023 - Hollingworth Lake

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c.8 Siskin, Lesser Redpolls, 3 Stock Doves, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Buzzards

Fairly pleasant calm conditions, c.4°C

Although it was overcast, this morning seemed a little more lively on the bird front.  Several Bullfinch were around the willows and alders, and around 8 Siskins fed in the tops of the Alders with at least one Lesser Redpoll.  A Green Woodpecker yaffled briefly from the direction of Rakewood. 

On the reserve, a little group of 3 Tufted Ducks were present (2 males and a female), and as I watched from the path, they started to head towards the hide, so I made a beeline for there too.  Once inside, I could see the Tufteds gradually heading closer until they reached the small island before a couple of clamorous Canada Geese pushed them away.

Leaving the hide, I was surprised to find two Stock Doves in the field behind the hide, feeding with Wood Pigeons. They were a little wary, and flew when a Carrion Crow landed nearby. Carrying on towards Turnough, a pair of Common Buzzard flew around, one flying towards the lake with an attendant Carrion Crow.  Another Stock Dove flew past, the third of the day.

Tufted Duck , 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 4000 (view full size image)

Tufted Duck, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 4000 (view full size image)

Tufted Duck, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 5000 (view full size image)

Stock Dove, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 3200