11 December 2023

 There was a bit of sunshine this morning, but also plenty of water on the front nine of the Blue - only the wildlife is getting to play on this section of course at the moment.  Most notable sighting this morning was a large flock of Redpolls.  There is always a flock overwinters at Frilford - today there were around 50 in various places near the 3rd Blue - in particular they were bathing in the ditch that runs down the left hand side.  They are small brown birds brightened up by a patch of brown on their forehead.

Redpolls [3rd Blue]

In the fields to the left of the 4th Blue was a large flock of Lapwings - always distant but with characteristic lazy flight on rounded wings.

Lapwings [4th Blue]

On the walk between the 16th and 17th on the Blue there was a Roe Deer.  They often sleep in this section of the woods.

Roe Deer [16th Blue]

13 February 2021

 

Braved the arctic conditions to inspect all three courses this morning.  Didn't spot any new flowers, but plenty of birds around.

The main flock of Redwings seemed to be centred on the 3rd hole on the Blue when I walked past.  There were also a few Fieldfares mixed in.  Fieldfares are quite large thrushes, about the size of Mistle Thrush but rather more colourful, with a slate grey nape and rump.  Like the Redwings, they are winter visitors.  There were large numbers in early December, most likely migrating through, but I have not seen many since.  In the photo below they are the larger pair at the back

Fieldfares and Redwings [3rd Blue]

There are also flocks of Redwings on the 14th Red and 6th Green.  In the latter flock there were also some Mistle Thrushes mixed in.

Mistle Thrush [6th Green]

One of the characteristic sounds around the courses at the moment is woodpeckers drumming.  We have both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers resident.  This one was near the bridge between the Red and Blue courses.

Great Spotted Woodpecker [1st Red]

They tend to find a hollow branch or trunk such as this one so that the sound resonates.  Woodpeckers have a pad of shock-absorbent tissue between the bill and skull to reduce the effect of the impact.

Elsewhere I managed to grab a photo of a wren on the 15th on the Green and a rather distant shot of some Lapwings flying over - there were actually several small flocks that flew across.

Wren [15th Green]

Lapwings [15th Red]

On the Blue course I had a nice view of a Redpoll in the ditch behind the 3rd green and saw four Roe Deer on the 5th fairway. A Stock Dove also took off near to the nest box on the 2nd.

Redpoll [3rd Blue]

Roe Deer [5th Blue]