01 Jan 2011...

Well the new year is here and i ventured out at first light this morning into the dismal,drizzly,grotty weather and made my way to South Ferriby to visit the Fenno-scandian vole snatcher.When i arrived,this gorgeous buteo was sat watching for any movements in the grass compound he spends his time hunting in,waiting for the slightest twitch of a grass blade to indicate his breakfast was about to give itself away.I will never tire of watching this superb species,they are stunning!.Other birds seen here were a Juv. Peregrine,2 Marsh Harrier hunting the nearby Read's island and 250 Pink-footed Geese passing over to the south west.My next stop was the excellent Alkborough flats were i enjoyed superb views of the White-fronted Geese which are consorting with the local Greylags.They really where nice to watch and the Juv's great to study with there subtle bill colour and facial markings,with just a hint of a white blaze and black belly markings beginning to appear on some of the individuals.Also here,other sightings comprised of 1 Merlin,adult Peregrine,Bearded Tit and a 100 Pink-footed Geese and a single drake Pintail with the local Wigeon flock.Mammals seen today included a handfull of Fallow Deer,Brown Hare and Roe Deer.A decent day out in crap weather conditions.