As is usual my visits to the farm were fairly infrequent during the late summer and autumn period. However, with the onset of winter and increased water levels in November and December I have been monitoring the farm more regularly.
Some good concentrations of wildlfowl have included up to 320 Teal, 220 Wigeon and 66 Mallard - all of which are locally significant totals. November also saw the farm graced by a female Pintail (on 10th). Waders have been thin on the ground but a count of 260 Lapwings on 22nd November is pleasing. Dunlin, Redshank and Golden Plover have been noted using the farm, with up to nine Snipe also present.
There have been a few White-fronted Geese moving along the Yorkshire coast in recent days, so it is nice to report the presence of a flock of nine in the L-shaped field on 18th December. Only the second farm record of this species, the previous having been in February 2012.
In previous winters the "bird crops" at Bogg Hall have not always been in great condition, but this winter the crops have been attracting good numbers of Tree Sparrows (up to 72), Linnets (up to 45) and Reed Buntings (up to 12) along with regular small numbers of Goldfinches, Greenfinches.