Thursday 29 December 2011

29th December 2011 Castle Water & Pett Level W6 Overcast

Greylag Goose c.200
Mallard x Teal hybrid 1 drake ex.
Marsh Harrier 2
Peregrine 1
Water Rail 1 ex.
Black-tailed Godwit 1
Scandinavian Herring Gull 3 ad

 Drake Pintails at Castle Water



 Drake Mallard x Teal hybrid
Whilst this hybrid is recorded in the wild it seems rather rare - it is certainly the first I have encountered.


 Male Marsh Harrier at Castle Water
The dark underwing coverts and darkness of the body are signs of immaturity (3cy) making it all the more striking for it.


Cormorant at Castle Water
Whilst Castle Water plays host to a breeding colony of Continental Cormorants P.c. sinensis, the gular pouch angle on the above individual would appear to favour carbo.

Pett Level
Bar-headed Goose 1
White-fronted Goose 6
Pink-footed Goose 4
Greylag Goose c.150
Brent Goose 1
Ruddy Duck 3
Black-tailed Godwit 2
Scandinavian Herring Gull 3 ad