February Patch Update
February usually heralds the arrival of wildfowl on the patch, and our regular Canada Geese did not disappoint us, first appearing on the 4 th and continuing to be recorded in every week of the month. The pair of Goosander first seen in mid-January returned to Setley pond on 4 th February, this time staying just long enough to enable a rather distant record shot. On the same day a group of 4 Mute Swans over Setley Plain were a new bird for the patch, bringing the life-list up to 111 species. Sadly, that was as good as it got, as far as Setley Pond activity was concerned – even a few early starts hoping to arrive before the dog walkers and remote-controlled boats-people couldn’t produce more than a few Mallards , or an occasional Grey Heron and Cormorant . A Little Egret , overhead on the 25 th was the only other water bird of note this month. Goosander Pair on Setley Pond The heath and woodland areas were similarly quiet, although Song and Mistle Thrush were in good...