Quite Dashing

Text from Phil the Wryneck 'early doors' had me leaving the finest organic tea for a tripette to Wessie for a few more ticks.  Shelduck and Oystercatcher duly noted, and a bonus Stock Dove over, no sign of Sometimes' Linnets but back later for a more relaxed wander.

Update:  Nothing new at Wessie.  Bagged the first Yellowhammer of the year on Beacon Lane at noon and Skylark near Northumberlandia viewed from the entrance to the mine access road.

Dogs Bollocks!

News of a Pintail pair at Arcot had me diverting there mid-afternoon and from the comparatively clean tarmac and with scope well focused, scanned the pond.  First year tick for the patch was a male Goosander.  How unexpected!  Then, a further twitch of the trouser front as a drake Pochard was spotted.  And then asleep at the back of the lake were the Pintail pair.  Three ticks, three minutes and then back to work.  Magic!

And back with wellies afoot tomorrow for a better look.