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| Testwood Lakes © Glynis Payne |
On a murky and “mizzley” morning, a small
group gathered for the final field meeting of 2021.
There was limited avian activity on the walk
to the hides and identification was hampered by the dull conditions, but
Magpie, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Bullfinch, Chaffinch and Jackdaws were noted.
Even though it was only just past the shortest day, some early signs of spring
were already apparent through the woodland with lots of Alder and Hazel catkins
forming as well as the black buds of a lone Ash tree.
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| Hazel catkins and spider's web © Glynis Payne |
The group had to split up owing to Covid
restrictions in the hides but we all had fine views of a Great White Egret and
Grey Heron, peaceful at first but later having an “argy-bargy” before settling
again further apart.
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| Great White Egret © Glynis Payne |
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| Grey Heron © Glynis Payne |
Active feeders were Mallard, Shoveler and Tufted Duck in
the water, Coot on the grass bank between the lakes and Lapwing on the mud.
Several Cormorant were resting on the island in the farthest lake where a
solitary Great Crested Grebe was also seen.
A “mystery” diving duck was the subject of much discussion - mostly
about what it was not! Pochard was our
initial thinking. Fortunately, Glynis managed to get a good photo despite the
misty drizzle and Richard Coomber later confirmed that it was indeed a Pochard
– an immature drake.
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| Tufted Duck - adult and immature drakes © Glynis Payne |
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| Pochard - immature drake © Glynis Payne |
Leaving the hides for the walk back, a
Goldcrest was immediately seen, and another was found further on. Brian, who
was ahead of the group, flushed a pair of Pheasants but was not quick enough to
bag one for his Christmas dinner! We stopped briefly to look for any activity
in the pond in the woodland and were startled when a solitary Roe Deer erupted
from the undergrowth alongside us and quickly disappeared into the vegetation
on the other side of the path.
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| Round house, Testwood Lakes © Glynis Payne |
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| Candlesnuff Fungus © Glynis Payne |
Puffballs and Oak Curtain Crust had been seen
through the woodland and returning towards the car park, a last treat was a
fine display of Candle Snuff fungi on tree stumps by the path. GN