February Sum Up!!...

February is usually always the worst month of the year, no movement as such, the weather always dire (although, this year we've had some really nice days, weather wise!), the month generally spent catching up on ticks or hoping that something good might turn up!...

This month something good did turn up!!... In the shape of a 3rd w. Kumlien's Gull at Priorslee, found by the specialist gull duo of Dawn Balmer & Peter Wilson! (who have also found 2 Caspian & a Ring-billed Gull in Shrops. in recent years!!).
The bird was only seen by Pete Nickless & Dave Western, every other county birder dipped it!! To be honest, although I'm annoyed (I was off work that day & was planning a Priorslee visit!!), at the same time I aint too concerned as this bird is a hybrid species, therefore not a 'full' tick!
....Still, I would've loved to have got it!!

I set myself a realistic target of 10 year ticks for Feb., I achieved just 7. But it was definately quality over quantity!!
The month started brilliant with a juv. Glaucous Gull at Priorslee. This bird became regular & for long periods, allowing quite a few people to see it. I ended up in Feb. seeing 2 Glaucous Gull's & an Iceland Gull at Priorslee - this place has been a goldmine for white-wingers this year!!
On my 4th visit to Painsbrook lane I finally nailed Grey Partridge, a tricky county tick, as is Willow Tit, which I nailed on Haughmond Hill in the forest car park!
However, it was definately 3rd time lucky to Haughmond where I scored 2 male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker's!!! I had stunning views of this very scarce & seldom seen bird!!

So, my county year list now sits at 112 species, & March hasn't got off to the best start, as this weekend I was struck down with a stomach bug which stopped me getting out, I was heading for Whixall for the 2 SE Owl's!! Now stuck working evening shifts I shant get much birding in now 'til end of the week...
But now March is here it wont be too long before things start moving.... watch those year list's soar!!!...