Bingham's Pond - the calm before the storm

Today was WeBS count day. For those that may not be aware, the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) is the monitoring scheme for non-breeding waterbirds in the UK, which aims to provide the principal data for the conservation of their populations and wetland habitats.

Once a month, on a set date, hundreds of volunteers go out in all weathers to monitor the UK's waterbirds. I'm lucky, I only have a small site to count! However, I do find it rewarding keeping tabs on my local patch.

With the weather forecast indicating heavy rain and strong winds around about lunchtime, I paid a morning visit to Bingham's Pond. It was looking quite attractive with lots of autumn colours and many birds on the water....................................

Bingham's Pond - 15 December 2013

 

...... in total, there were 2 Mute Swans, 41 Mallard, 27 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander, 5 Coot, 19 Moorhen, 40 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull.

 

In the surrounding trees there was a small 'tit' flock featuring Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit and Goldcrest.

 

In one hour, I saw a total of 20 different species and more importantly managed to get home before the rain!