Coopers Green Gravel Pits and a Ring Ouzel at Weston 8th April 2021

Coopers Green Gravel pit just West of Hatfield had been in the local bird news recently as extraction had stopped and a large area had flooded attracting a range of birds. I decided to give it a go and it certainly has great potential. Not ideal for photography as everything tends to be distant.

White Wagtail 

There were a number of Pied Wagtails on the edges and at least two of the sub species White Wagtail, with much lighter grey back. Hares could be seen in the distance along with two Red Kites collecting nest material. Meadow Pipits and Linnets fed on the waters edge and Little and Great Crested Grebe were also present. A large flock of around 40 Teal was also good to see along with a singing Willow Warbler. Four Little Ringed Plover also favoured the "beach" area. However, the stars were at least four Yellow Wagtails again, just too far away for decent shots.

Yellow Wagtails

Certainly a place of great promise, but as the reported male Ring Ouzel was still present at Weston, it was off there next to see if it could be seen. My first visit to Weston and quite a pretty little village. Heading off West a Raven passed over and Skylarks were singing everywhere.

Skylark

I couldn't locate the Common Redstart that was also in the area, but with a bit of assistance (thanks Simon West) managed to track down the Ring Ouzel. It was feeding in a large field and fairly distant, but I managed a few record shots of this stunning bird.