my local patch and wildlife - Ian McDonald

[ian mcdonald]

I went down to the river again this morning and found a dead Redwing in the same place as the bird I saw yesterday. Maybe hunger and the overnight cold was the cause?



The forecast milder weather for the coming week is too late for this bird and many others.

[ian mcdonald]

We have had mixed weather for the last few days, mild at first then hard frosts. The frost became more severe as the morning wore on. Down at the river I saw a pair of Dippers searching the river edge for food.



Today two male and a female Goldeneye were on the river. One of the males was displaying to the female by tipping its head back and gaping.

[ian mcdonald]

The weather has been mixed for the last few days. The normal barometer reading is 950mb. On the 21st the reading was down to 890mb. The days have been dull and drizzle then sunny and cold. The wildlife have been fewer or hiding. Last year three sites were found along the river with flowering Spring Snowflake, Leucojum vernum. This year only one plant is visible, with 16 flowers. In the New Flora of the British Isles, Stace 2nd edition it is given as, "Possibly native, damp scrub and stream banks; 2 sites, S. Somerset and Dorset, rarely naturalised elsewhere in England and Fife." I assume it has escaped from cultivation and has been washed down river during high water levels in the river?



A mixed flock of Fieldfare, Redwing and Missel Thrushes, with one Song Thrush were seen on a grass field, foraging for food.





In a small pool by the river were seen several aquatic plants, including Curled Pondweed, Water Starwort and Bog Pondweed.



Curled Pondweed.



Water Starwort.

[ian mcdonald]

I went for a walk to the wood the other day. I saw nine Crossbill. Only the third time I,ve seen them. A pity it was such a dull day and their plumage did not show very well.



Today is sunny with a strong wind. The temperature has risen. I went to the wood again and sat by the bird feeders. I saw six Greenfinch, the most I,ve seen for some time.



A Treecreeper was feeding on peanuts.



Two Great-spotted Woodpeckers came down to the feeders.



A group of Long-tailed Tits paid a visit.



There are signs of Spring, with many Snowdrops and Crocus species in flower now. These are naturalised along the river bank. The first Oyster Catchers are feeding on short grass along the river. More Golden-eye are on the river. The Winter Thrush visitors are becoming less common. I have not seen Brambling or Waxwing during Winter. Spring comes late here and does not last long. A few mild days and the bulbs think it,s time to show themselves. There are many Crocus flowering in the garden. I think they are C. tommasinianus.

[Robert]

Hi Ian,
 
Your recent posting and bird observations were very interesting. Here in Sacramento bird populations have not changed much over the past year. The avian influenza pandemic is a huge issue here even in wild bird populations, however I have not noticed any direct impact to our resident bird populations, at least not yet.

Corvids (Corvidae) are hardy bird species. Common Crows and Scrub Jays are numerous in our area. Over the last few days the Sandhill Cranes and Canadian Geese have started their northern migration. To date, the White-crown Sparrows and Oregon Juncos have not migrated to higher terrain in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so we still see them.

We have many other bird species in our region, both migratory and permanent residents. Unfortunately, I do not have the appropriate equipment to photograph them, however I do record their numbers and activities.

[ian mcdonald]

Spring is steadily advancing. We still have cold winds, (March winds). Along the river I saw a single flower of Gagea lutea.



Red Lungwort is coming into flower.



There were four male and a single female Goldeneye on the river.



Also seen for the first time (for me) in this location, was a Teal.



Coltsfoot is also in flower now.