Drop it like it’s hot

The post-Twite depression weekend was a steady one, with a bit of a mixed bag of weather providing samples of both midwinter and spring. It was largely wet and breezy, though a warm Sunday morning with bright sunshine prompted several species to drop their particular tunes, with Robins, Song Thrushes and Great Tits all in fine voice. I still await the first drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker of the winter though – always the first sign that spring’s knocking.

Greylag Goose, The Ridge, 16/12/2018.

As for that f****** finch, I relocated it ever-so-briefly on Sunday, with the Linnet lock, which has swelled to at least 114 birds (a record count here). The views remained inconclusive, but I did manage a snatch of sound recording of the bird in flight once the large flock had split into five or six smaller groups. It sounds Twitey, but the opportunity for that clinching view/shot remains out of reach.

However, I’m hoping it sticks … this may be a tale that eventually reaches a happy conclusion, be it in this year or next. Regardless, the flock of Linnets is in itself a most pleasing sight. Species diversity in the crops on The Ridge remains fairly low, and there are still no other significant flocks (Reed Bunting numbers in particular are well down), but hopefully this will change in the coming weeks.

Linnets, The Ridge, 16/12/2018.

Crossbills were recorded on both days over the weekend, Abel managed another Water Rail in Phillimore on Sunday and the Red-crested Pochard was present on Mill Pond early on Saturday. It’s all a bit winter-doldrums though and – barring some cold weather and a subsequent wildfowl influx – I suspect The Ridge is the place to be until the woodpeckers do start a’drumming once more …

Pied Wagtail, Bonhurst Farm, 16/12/2018.

It looks like I’ll finish on 118 for my patch year list, bar a highly unlikely stoppage time winner. To be fair it’ll feel more like an equaliser than a winner, or maybe even just a consolation: 2018 hasn’t been the best. My annual review will be up in a few weeks and the 2018 Thorncombe Street Area Report is already being typed up.

Common Gull, The Ridge, 16/12/2018.

One positive from the year has been the increased conservation and wildlife engagement by two estates in the area. Future plans paint a rosy picture for parts of the site, and while the proof will be in the pudding, I remain optimistic that important sections of land here can be protected and enhanced in the months and years to come.

Captive White Storks, 16/12/2018.