Mallardless

I was hoping to blog about loads of Mallards that we were going to catch on a farm near Dorchester. Instead all I’ve got is a brief sighting of a Firecrest in some willows on the island of the pond the target Mallards were settled on. Sadly something spooked the Mallards whilst we were waiting for them to enter a baited trap which meant nothing happened. I didn’t manage a picture of the Firecrest so here’s one of three I caught and ringed last autumn.

As it happens It was quite fortuitous that the ducks weren’t happy as this meant Fred and Myself could spend a few hours over at RSPB Arne. I don’t get over there as often as I should so its always a pleasure to visit. Around the visitor centre there were birds everywhere including several Marsh tit. Up on the heath we saw several Dartford Warblers plus a nice selection of waders and waterfowl all flushed by a female Marsh harrier. Most exciting of all however were two Yellow legged Gulls roosting with the shelduck on some saltmarsh.

I am currently eagerly awaiting the first Sand Martin of the year quickly followed by Wheatears. I am finally sick of winter. Bring on the migrants!!