Local Patch

Went to the x-roads yesterday and parked down easten side of butterwick road, got there just after three, in case I couldn't get a park, could see the starlings etc perched in some trees and others flying over, also spotted 11 Fieldfare. Realised I was far too early so drove to Black Bank I hadn't been for months, little changed except the fields looking right from Sand Lane are now turf, hoped for swans but nowt, only drove to end and turned back. As I was coming back on butterwick road spotted three people parked up, looked birders. By now it was about 3,45pm so parked where I had before but off the road. Two skeins of geese came over 18 + 44 going north-west, managed a pic of the larger one, also in field was 4 red-leg partridge. The starlings were gathering further north of the X-roads where parking is virtually nil, visibiltity was poor even though camera made it look daytime, tried best to film them but ncd. As I went home in the dark spotted a few cars parked near them watching. Always another day!

Cheers

John

Thanks Chris, bit to far for me these days, hoping to video the one near me tomoro, saw it again today but hadn't camera etc. Just been checking where its safe to park and found a few places overlooking the fields.

Cheers

Max

There is a good one at Whisby at present. Also good for parking

There was a very good murmuration last year at the road junction as you turn right out of MSQ. Not sure if there is one this year as not had chance to check but if there is one it is good for parking

Driving back from garden centre spotted a cormorant over Cleatham, and a good-sized murmuration of starlings over Catchwater X-roads, wished I could have parked up and watched them but too much traffic, this is only the second one I've ever seen, the first being at MSQ many years ago. May go tomorrow with camera.

Regards

JTG

Late posting.

Black Bank: 19th Feb

Whooper Swan - 6 seen along with 19 Mute's late afternoon. Was told about them by a mate two days previous.

Regards

John