Hall Farm and Livermere

Losing two weeks of training in the lead up to The Great North Dove Run is pretty catastrophic. It also means I've had to pull out of a scheduled marathon - a key work out - taking place tomorrow. Is it still possible to train for that kind of distance, with the lost momentum and after effects of Covid? I don't know but I look forward to finding out..

Today was freedom day, 10 days of Covid imprisonment survived and I was once again able to not join society; walking and pedalling the public rights of way of West Suffolk and Breckland. 

The good lady and me clocked 8 miles walking in the morning and I followed it up with a roll down to Livermere in the afternoon.

There is clearly some wildfowl movement going on, birds orientating north and perhaps making the most of waterbodies at the end of the shooting season. The manky farm reservoir up Hall Farm held Wigeon, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Shelduck and the now resident Goldeneye. The Pink-footed Geese are still in attendance, sharing their time between reservoirs and there was an impressive 40 Pochard at Livermere. 

Tufted Duck and Goldeneye - Hall Farm - February 12th 2022
 

Wigeon - Hall Farm - 12th February 2022

Pink-footed Geese - Hall Farm - 12th February 2022

Goldeneye - Hall Farm - 12th February 2022

Perhaps another benefactor of the shoot carrion, as well as the now abundant Buzzard and Red Kite I have a pair of Raven locally - seen as close as just 2 miles from home. Unthinkable just 5 years ago. Delighted to hear and see these birds so close to the house: 

Raven - West Suffolk - February 2022

A look down to Livermere didn't reveal the reported Iceland Gull but it was good to catch up with Joe and year tick both Yellow-legged Gull and Oystercatcher. Wasn't expecting Oystercatcher so early - first of the year is always a pleasure: 

Oystercatcher - Livermere - 12th February 2022

Seagull vortex - Livermere - February 12th 2022

Seagull vortex - Livermere - February 12th 2022