Can’t match the total thrush numbers seen on Thursday by another observer (to whom thanks are due for the tip-off), but today on Mardon were at least three Ring Ousels. All were very flighty, so exact number uncertain, but also very vocal, with a call half-way between those of Blackbird and Fieldfare. Also present were 250+ Fieldfares and 150+ Redwings, the biggest flock in the grass on the East side, where DNPA have recently cleared the Bracken (to whom further thanks are due), plus Mistle Thrush, Yellowhammer, Stonechat and two flyover Crossbills.
Went on to the reservoirs hoping for Goosander. None on the upper lake, just six Tufted and five Teal, but on the lower were seventeen (four adult m. and thirteen redheads), initially roosting and preening on the bank, but swimming out when the heaviest rain came. A time- or weather-related movement?, The rain must knock insects off the trees, so do the fish become more active? Don’t know.
On the way down to Bovey, a newly-ploughed field held 80+ Stock Doves and 30+ Skylarks.
