March Wetland Bird survey at Pickering Park

A great walk to my monthly Wetland Bird Survey for the BTO at Pickering Park. On the way, on the footpath/cycle path between Spring Bank West and Anlaby road the Siskins were still about, I counted 6 on the way there and 7 on the way back, probably the same flock as last month. I stop to take some photos in the lovely light, they are feeding on Alder seeds, sometimes they look like they have a mouthful of seeds in their bills. They seem to be more common this year around Hull.

Female Siskin.

Siskins. 

The cycle path, I suggest we call it 'Siskin Way'.

I saw a single butterfly, a Small Tortoiseshell at Boothferry Road.

Starling singing.

A Mistle Thrush fed on the middle of Boothferry Road, unperturbed by traffic.

At the park, I am pleased to find the Barnacle Geese, presumably the same that was at East Park a while ago.

Barnacle Geese.

A Sparrowhawk was calling softly from a low branch. I managed a clear view and could take some photos. Sparrowhawks often stop for a few seconds at a time, but this one flew in a circle around the trees, stopping and calling from each one. Its eyes are yellow and it has got some white marks behind its head, indicating it is a young individual, I wonder if it was calling for its partner?

Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers called from atop poplars.

Hard to keep your balance on a thin branch.

This greylag with a twisted bill was at East Park last week, it appears to be managing despite the deformity.

The cob Mute Swan kept busking at the greylags, making waves and chasing them out of the water.

There were 4 Tufted Ducks, with one in a pair.

The typical geese flight towards the lake at the approach of a large dog.

A Buzzard over the avenues.