Landguard Bird Observatory ................................................. Dave Pearsons

Landguard Bird Observatory

Saturday October 21st Leader: Nigel Odin

We always hope that our annual visit to LBO coincides with decent winds; unfortunately the westerlies that have blighted our autumn birding did not relent. However a very enjoyable meeting was had. Highlights included Ring Ouzel, Firecrest, Brambling and Great Skua. Matt Spraggs, the warden, gave an excellent demonstration whilst ringing a Firecrest. He weighed a 20p coin and it weighed 5 grams, he then weighed the Firecrest and that was 5.4 grams. Just take a 20p coin out of your pocket and you can only marvel at how such a small bird migrates in most conditions. Visible migration was interesting and included 411 Goldfinch, 11 House Martin, 11 Skylark, 8 Siskin, 6 Rock Pipit all going south. Goldcrest, Wheatear, Sparrowhawk and Redwing were also seen. Field trips are not only about birds, members were enthralled when young Dan Zantboer pointed out a Wood Mouse that was busy storing its winter supply of acorns. There is always something special that happens on these trips and the Wood Mouse was one of those moments.

Wood Mouse