Another Windy Day

Last night was forecast snow, but this morning all we woke up to was rain and storm force winds. A bit of a disappointment really, but at least without the snow drifts to contend with I managed to get out for an hour or so.

My venue North Meadow at Cricklade Here. It was very productive last time out, so I thought I'd give it another look. When I got there it was hardly surprising to see that the river levels were up and a that there was a bit more water on the meadow.

Closer to main road there were over 300 Redwing in the trees that eventually moved out onto the meadow, along with 5 Fieldfare to join a Little Egret. Also roadside there was a Chiffchaff heard calling and further down the road a pair of Grey Wagtails on the pavement.

Towards the west across the meadow there were 7 Pintails in the slightly deeper water. And in the centre of the meadow, in amongst the 200+ Black-headed Gulls, there were both a Common Gull and a solitary Lesser Black-backed Gull.

To the north-west, at a great distance, were 300+ Golden Plover, alas they chose not to land in the meadow, but were a long way off towards Latton and Cerney Wick.

Below unfortunately are a few poor quality images from today. Most were distance shots and as I've mentioned before my Canon PowerShot SX50 HS bridge camera I use is really excellent in good lighting conditions, but it does have its limitations when the skies turn grey.

Just a few of the 300+ Redwing present today.

Despite the howling wind these Redwing are just about hanging onto the branches. Even through the wind though, you can hear the 300+ Redwing chattering away.

One of  the two Little Egrets on the reserve.

A very flooded meadow.

It might be flooded but the 7 Pintail here today were certainly enjoying themselves. There was even a pair mating!

Not very good quality I'm afraid, but in the distance are 7 Pintails (3 drakes and 4 ducks). It was absolutely blowing the gale, hence the background noise.

A pair of Mute Swans battle against the elements.

Very distant Golden Plover.

The Black-headed Gulls were a little bit more obliging and in amongst them......

........was this 1st winter Common Gull.

Most of the Black-headed Gulls are sporting their summer plumage, though the individual in the foreground is not far off.

Birds recorded were: 2 Little Egret, 4 Mute Swan, 4 Mallard, 7 Pintail (3m, 4f), 3 Moorhen, 300+ Golden Plover, 200+ Black-headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 18 Wood Pigeon, 2 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare, 300+ Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff calling, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, 5 Carrion Crow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.