Tag: Catcott Lows

  • 3rd December 2024 – Catcott Lows. Avalon Marshes

    3rd December 2024 – Catcott Lows. Avalon Marshes

    In autumn, Britain & Ireland receive vast numbers of wigeon from the breeding grounds located further north and this wintering population has increased significantly since 1983/84. The Wetland Bird Survey reveals a few widespread locations holding over 30,000 birds in winter.

    The vast majority of them must have been at Catcott today; or that’s how it seemed. Most of them seemed to be asleep when I arrived and not much disturbed them. There was the occasional distinctive whistle from them but not even a marsh harrier sent them up in a flock. Perhaps their tactic for survival was to remain still

    Eurasian wigeon

    Eurasian wigeon

    Eurasian wigeon

    Marsh harrier

    Marsh harrier

    Marsh harrier

    Had the marsh harrier spotted its prey or was this its resting place?

    Marsh harrier

    Marsh harrier

    Great egret and marsh harrier

    The great white egret found plenty to eat

    The only other spot from the hide was a common snipe which was visible for only a few moments before disappearing.

    Common snipe

    Common snipe

    However, the robin was not too secretive

    A deer watched on as the great white egret arrived

    Great white egret landing

    Teal in flight

    Another robin – posing again

    Another great white egret fishing in a ditch as I left

    Meadow pipit avoiding the danger of the barbed wire