Cocks galore

Just managed a quick check of Freeman's Pools on my way home this evening.

The little ringed plover pair were feeding on the muddy margins of the top pool alongside a lone redshank.
Only 5 gadwall were present and 3 shelduck were on the island as were a pair of oystercatcher and a lapwing. A number of lapwing were displaying over the pool.

One feature in recent months is the appearance of lots of cock pheasants in the area, normally a pretty scarce bird in the ol' parish. Their sudden proliferation coincided with the provision of lots of grain feeders in all the fields. It looks like someone's decided to get a pheasant shoot going when the season kicks off again. Oddly, females are rather thin on the ground which makes a self-sustaining quarry somewhat unlikely.
Of particular note are the actual birds themselves which include some cracking green birds - the yanks call them 'Japanese' pheasants, and they're extraordinarily beautiful things. Maybe some gamebird fan has simply released them to brighten up the place! (yeah, right...)

Late breaking news....
From Guy McC: Long eared owl gave good views this evening at Freemans Pool