One Flew Over The Collared Dove's Nest?

A sub-adult Spoonbill, a Little Ringed Plover, a handful of Spotted Redshanks, a few Ruffs and a good flock of Redshank were present at Inner Marsh Farm this evening, as were a small flock of unidentifiable hirundines – my first of the year - hawking insects over the wood.

With the water levels being high on the hide pool, it is definitely worth bringing a scope at the moment – especially if you want to identify the wading birds that have to reside almost exclusively on number one pool at present.

There were also reports on the Dee Estuary website of a Cuckoo today too – reportedly calling from a wood. Now, call me Mr Sceptical, but surely this a case of mistaken identity? Far too early for one of our last spring arrivals and a Cuckoo is unlikely to be calling from a wood, given that they prefer singing from open areas.

As Michael Howard once rather creepily said “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” If you are thinking what I’m thinking, then you’re thinking Collared Dove. Still, as John Boswell’s oft repeated piece of sound advice goes “The birds don’t always read the books” (expletives edited out!), so maybe I am in for a large slice of Humble Pie – preferably a warm slice with a large blob of mascarpone!

It is interesting to read that a Lesser Kestrel has turned up in Norfolk today. I suppose with the sustained moderate southerly winds over the last week, it is no surprise that a few more unusual birds have overshot their breeding grounds. I am very fond of this exquisite little Falcon, having wonderful memories of watching them hunting from the roof of my hotel in Fez – quite possibly the world’s greatest city – after the king of them all: the clamorous and charismatic Bombay.

Inner Marsh Farm 28.3.10

1 Spoonbill
6 Spotted Redshank
3 Ruff
1 Little Ringed Plover

Until later.