Report from Roger Lane. (17th February 2010)

"Today (17thFeb'2010) was a 'scrappy' day, wasted the morning searching for butterflies. There 'should' have been some (long warm periods of sun), but a chill, humid Southerly wind did not suit their wintering area, at Trenarren. All I got was a G.S.W'Pecker, again ! Seems to be a plethora of them this winter. Or was that floating leaf really a Red Admiral ! ? A butterfly was seen at Hayle today.
On to Pentewan (Mev.Bay), not eactly on the patch, but only 4 x Comm.Scoter at sea, and 5 x Ravens (over) anyway. After a 3pm (!) lunch at home, drove to Pontsmill to look at the private feeding station (from a distance with 'bins). It was PACKED, difficult to believe but it is in mature woodland. Best estimates were: 15+, Bluetits; 30+, Coaltits; 25+, Greatits and 20+ L.T.Tits (large feeders always full, well managed).
Also my luck was in with two year ticks in surrounding trees, firstly a NUTHATCH and then a MARSH-TIT ! Oh yes, several Goldcrests too. Then looked over the river bridge and there was a Dipper (2nd sighting).
Par B.Pool was unexciting but did have 15 x Tufted Ducks! Par Bay yielding just 9 x G.C.Grebes."

Thanks for the Report Roger.
I must pay a visit to Pontsmill and have a look at those feeders...the small woodland birds are my favourites and the Nuthatch would be a Year Tick so well worth a visit.
Still waiting to see/photograph my first butterfly of the year.