Report from 3 to 6 January 2024

Nothing worth mentioning happened this week. It is that time of year when movements cease, and unless the weather is unusually harsh, the birds stay put. For this reason, this is also when the annual International Waterbird Census takes place; it is scheduled for next week at La Cassinazza. The waterfowl are here waiting to be counted. Their numbers drop somewhat on Tuesdays and Fridays, when there is no hunting and they are free to range farther afield without the risk of being shot. On hunting days they all crowd into La Cassinazza. Among the throngs of Teal and Mallards, the Shovelers, Gadwalls and Pintail are all in single digits. Two Dunlin are mixed in with the 200-strong flock of Lapwings, while a handful of Common Snipe and Green Sandpipers pop up here and there. A large roost of Cormorants and Sacred Ibis forms every night.

As far as other birds go, we are seeing the typical winter species, dominated by the Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Brambling, Long-tailed Tit, Siskin, Blackbird, Blue Tit and Goldcrest, with smaller numbers of the other species.

Of the three new species that appeared in 2023, the Nuthatches have settled in and are still here. The Black Woodpecker was with us until September, but that lone individual has not been seen since then. The Marsh Tit was seen just once, and never again.

The Common Buzzard is a constant presence here, and we rarely pay it much attention. Only one pair breeds at La Cassinazza, but during the cold months the numbers are swelled by several wintering individuals.