Marsh tit

 

Trying to increase my year list to 200, so am visiting places where I hope to see birds I have missed earlier in the year. Forge Valley was my first stop, where within seconds I saw a marsh tit, year tick 199. Next stop was the raptor viewpoint, where in the past I have seen crossbills.

I was aware that tree felling was taking place in the area but was surprised to see how much.

 I had obviously misunderstood what was happening. I thought that they were going to fell trees to maintain an open view across the valley, I was so wrong. Not a bird to be seen or heard. I visited other sites but no joy. So plan B. Go to Filey, I have often read reports of grey partridge sightings near the old tip.

Lots of dog walkers,both of which were walking in fields where crops were growing, so after a quick scan of the area I drove to the Dams.

A lot of work had taken place here, with presumably more to come in the new year. Very high water levels and not many birds.

sleeping shovelers and a male gadwall preening.

I have family taxi jobs to do for the next three days, can I find bird number 200 before Thursday?