Jewel in the crown

The 2nd January saw the start of our event year; a guided walk around Loe Pool to visit a few of the wintering birds at Penrose.

Redwing were feeding from the hedgerows as we made our way down from Degibna Chapel to the edge of Loe Pool which was calm and still like a mill pond.






A croaking Heron passed, and Water Rails called from the reeds. Across the Pool Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Goldeneye, Little Grebe and good views of a very active Little Egret. As we continued our walk our in front of us came a group of Gulls and a chance to use our I.D. skills. Adult Mediterranean Gull with Black-Headed  and Herring Gulls.We made our way through  Degibna wood passing roosting Cormorants in the trees and out of the wood towards Lower Pentire Great Creasted Grebe and an unusual Long-Tailed Duck a rarity in these parts which seemed to spend more time under the water than above it. As we came into Carminowe Creek we were lucky enough to see the Silver plumage of Drake Gadwell. Coming to the end of a great birding morning we were not to be disappointed as the stars of the show were two stunning Firecrest's which finished a great  mornings walk.

                                                                 Jewel in the crown


Steve and Dave