Godmersham & Selling, early February 2023

 

Early morning visit to Godmersham via the church pond in Selling.  The neglected pond in Selling is home to resident Mandarin ducks.  I stopped there on the way to Godmersham and on the way back. Unfortunately the ducks were firmly rooted to branches in the murk at the back of the pond for both visits.  These ducks are spectacular in the sunshine, so I will be back and hope to catch them in the open.

Update: I went back three days later, in the sunshine, but the Mandarins were still right at the back of the pond and the female(s) were not on the water.


The Hawfinches have been reported at Godmersham numerous times recently. Today they were in the trees of the ABDO college. Unfortunately they were largely hidden by the impressively high brick wall and in the middle distance.  Nevertheless, there were at least two birds on show.  Tick!




Walked along the footpath across Sunley Farm to the gamebird feeders on the hill. Did not see the reported Bramling with the Chaffinches but there were Corn bunting in the hedge.  At least five Buzzards were circling overhead.



 

 


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