Kevin Bates
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Did my WeBS at the lakes during the morning, but prior to reaching the lakes saw a Goldcrest and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers in New Fallings Coppice. Terry's Pool had few waterbirds, but I heard a second Goldcrest in spruces at Mereside Pools. Saw a Coal Tit and a third Goldcrest around Engine Pool, whilst a Tufted Duck in a flooded field along Valley Road was unusual. A male Pochard at Windmill Pool was nice to see, whilst 6+ Redwings and 4+ Fieldfares were in a nearby horse pasture. 3 Skylarks passed over the lakes during the survey period. WeBS finished, I returned to Engine Pool and was pleasantly surprised to see 12 Goosanders fly over towards Terry's Pools (no sign there when I later checked), as well as a Raven a little later.
I then proceeded through Big Clowes Wood, and noted single Marsh Tit and Coal Tit. Forshaw Heath was largely quiet, apart from 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers near the M42, a Jay in Graves Coppice, and 1+ Skylark over, but things soon improved. For the first time, I took the footpath from Poolhead Lane northeast to Malthouse Lane and saw good bird numbers along there at sheep pastures near Small Lane Farm, including 360+ Starlings, 60 Fieldfares, 37 Redwings, 2 Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk, whilst 3+ Stock Doves and a Skylark flew over. Certainly an area I'll be visiting again.
M.P. Griffiths
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