Storm Darragh has certainly left its mark on my old Patch! As I waited at the lights at Bubwith bridge it was clear that the water has arrived.
As I got out of the car I could hear a roar? Lifting my glasses I could see multiple breeches of the Riverbank and significant amounts of water pouring onto the Carrs.
Good...and bad news. I spent an excellent 3 hours with Haydn in the Geoff Smith Hide enjoying constant action both near and far. Clouds of Lapwing (c500), Golden Plover (200) and Dunlin (c80). Wildfowl numbers had increased dramatically with c40 Pintail now present and Marsh Harriers were making the most of the rising waters, as were the Herons.
A male Bullfinch flew close by and landed briefly for us to enjoy, always noteworthy. Haydn picked up a distant Red Kite and there were at least 4 Stonechats feeding around the scrape that also contained a couple of Little Grebes.
Hundreds of Starlings were feeding on the Riverbank which was now more like an extended Weir!
A few Mute Swans were present but the presumed Whoopers were viewed distantly on Ellerton Ings
So... what's the bad news?
From experience there's no doubt the flood will be significant and will almost certainly fill the whole area, covering Garganey Hide and limiting resting/feeding areas for many Species. It will become a vast lake!
Yes, it will attract diving Duck and possibly something unusual but I prefer it...shallower! Having said that a drake Smew would be most welcome!
Anyway, we definitely have water now!!! I'll be back early next week to see how it's looking...
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