With the ice all gone now, I thought I’d give Liden lagoon another visit. The wind was really bitter and though snow had been forecast, we fortunately missed it.
There weren’t that many gulls about, and apart from one Herring Gull, all the others were Black-headed Gulls.
Black-headed Gulls in winter plumage
In Flight
The resident Mute Swans were a bit put out, as three adult interlopers had arrived on their patch of water. Once seniority had taken place the interlopers headed up the bank and were last seen heading off towards the Community Centre followed that is by 20+ Canada Geese. It was also interesting to note that last years juveniles were also being moved on by their parents and though less forcefully were none-the-less aware that they soon would be evicted from the Lagoon.
The 3 interlopers being seen off by the Residents
The interlopers on their way towards the Community Centre
The 3 Juveniles, very wary of mum and dad.
Back to the water.
Happy Again
All around the Lagoon was a continuous chattering of Siskins and I estimated there was probably in the region of 60+ birds. In amongst them were a dozen or so Goldfinches and every now and then I could just pick out a Redpoll. Unfortunately though, I didn't get to see one.
Siskin in flight
Male Siskin feeding on Alder Cones
A pair of Goldfinches
Three of the 4 drake Pochard
"Redhead" Goosander
Great Crested Grebe
Tufted Duck (drake)
Other birds noted on my walk were: Carrion Crow, Magpie, Starling, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, a single Collared Dove, Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Pied Wagtail.
Great Tit (female - slender black markings down the chest and belly)
Great Tit (male - wide black markings underneath)