Not the best of weather to be standing outside looking at birds on a village pond.
On Monday while I was at North Duffield Carrs, Alan (duffbirder) told me about an American wigeon at East Cottingwith Pond, and gave me directions on how to find it, spot on Alan.
Lots of wigeon on view, pink-footed geese and 2 Egyptian geese.
I am amazed at the quality of the pictures as it was very windy and a heavy rain shower.
4 birders turned up and joined me in looking for the American wigeon. Brian and a friend turned up, so there were now 7 of us looking for the bird.
Pink-feet had been grazing in afield to the right of the pond, and suddenly flew in.
The rain showers became more frequent and heavy, so the 4 birders left to go looking for Corn Buntings. Brian and his friend retreated to their car and I got wetter and colder!
A couple joined us and then a younger couple. Within minutes the younger birder had spotted the bird. It was with other wigeon, grazing to the left of the pond. As it lifted its head up it was easy to see.
The rain was now constant and I was cold, so I decided to leave. I drove the short distance to North Duffield Carrs, just long enough in the car to thaw out!
I just got into the Garganey hide as it started to rain again. Pretty much the same assortment of birds that I saw on Monday. No pale coloured buzzard, single ruff or finches in the set aside field.
A pair of mute swans were feeding close to the hide and still a reasonable number of pintail on the reserve
Then things got a bit lively. A marsh harrier flew low across the water
this disturbed some of the birds, but then they all took to the air as a female peregrine flew in.
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