It
turned out to be a large group of rooks or crows, either disturbed by
something or gathering for some other reason, possibly to gang up on
a bird of prey to claim territory. Mrs Mallard and a small clutch of
cygnets were gobbling away at the slimy aquatica as I trotted along
the path. It did not look very appetizing to me, but...
An
info board showed something more promising, though there were
significantly less smaller birds in the reserve on this occasion due
to another change - the WWT Centers now take down the feeder hangers
of seed and peanut that attract smaller birds in spring, summer and
fall. The woodland hide was consequently empty of birds when I stuck
my head in.
I
managed to spot my old friends the Bewick swans at last - just before
finding the 'empty' woodland hide, which is usually the best place to
spot smaller birds. The adults were with their cygnets in a cage area
that I could just spot from the meadow maze feature.
Finally
- a glimpse of the babes! Awwwww, fluffballs! An info board was next
sighted, explaining teenage goose behaviour...
Why do they take down the feeders for small birds? I'm sure there's a good reason, but it seems odd.
ReplyDeletesomething about not feeding them apart from in winter any mkore - natural food available and rat problems possible - tho it means some of the birds are no longer visible and the woodland hide is pointless...
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad. I guess they don't want them to be too domesticated.
ReplyDelete