Birding around the Quoile Pondage

Today my birding partner Jimmy, set off to see if we could see the reported American Wigeon off the hide at the Quoile Pondage.

Jimmy - my birding partner

Floo

Lesser Black backed Gull

Shelduck Male

As we headed for the Quoile Countryside Centre we saw 3 Buzzard being mobbed by a Hooded Crow, Song Thrush, Starling, Wren, Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove.

At the Centre, the Wardens had several feeders out for the birds and they were being well used by Blue, Coal and Great Tits, Linnet, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.

We then headed for the Quoile Hide but unfortunately although there were about 60 Wigeon, and we scoped every last one, we had no success in seeing the illusive American Wigeon.  

Widgeon Male

There were also about 100 Teal all feeding on the opposite side to us and 50 Goldeneye all diving for food or displaying, only a couple Shoveler, Pochard and one Gadwell.

Teal Male

Goldeneye Displaying

Shoveler Male

 The Great Crested Grebes were sleeping and Little Grebe diving while there were Moorhen and Coot foraging around for food.  We met a family in the hide and there was a young boy of 6 years old called Sonny.  His knowledge and enthusiasm for birds was amazing.  He will be the next Chris Packham or David Attenborough,  you mark my words!

On our way home we called in on the road beside Castle  Espie where we saw a Greenshank,  Mute Swan, Godwit and Dunlin.  It has been very  cold today however seeing 47 bird species has made it all worth while..

Greenshank

Mute Swan