The first of my Xmas holiday walks was a real test of my determination! The weather was particularly gloomy, with steady rain accompanying heavy mist. It seemed the birds were more sensible than I, and the majority stayed hidden away from the elements, only 35 species were seen in the 3 and a half hour walk, with 12 of those only involving flyovers or single birds, it really was dire out there!!
There were still one or two highlights for the walk however, one of those was a BUZZARD that flew out from the Greenhouse Copse, also, good views were had of the PEREGRINE as it hunted over the Wet Woods and Tree Nursery, but there was no sign of either a Sparrowhawk or Kestrel today. A gathering of finch's on the edge of the wooded headland to the north of Migrant Alley comprised of 12 CHAFFINCH and 14 GREENFINCH, finch flocks are something of a rarity here, ( apart from at my garden feeders) they seemed to be feeding on fallen seeds of Field Maple.
That really was just about it for this morning, the LAPWING at the Pub Field were down to just 2 birds, and other than three FIELDFARE flying over, there was little to indicate that we're are in the depth of winter, with no other ''winter'' visitors about.
Back at it tomorrow though!!! :-)
11 comments:
Warren,
Determination would definitely be needed to do that long out there today , it was horrible .
I did like your birds , stayed in .
You certainly are patient Warren!
Keep at it, who knows what you might see tomorrow :)
Greenie,
I think you did right!
Sharon,
Yep! I will, you're right, you never know :-)
You are a hardy birder Warren - over 3 hours in that rubbish weather! Fair play to you.
Thank you for the advice re. aperture settings - I appreciate it. I've still a beginner really so thanks for the advice.
It still sounds like a nice walk though:)
Nice to get a bit of a gathering of finches but as you say it hard work at the moment, hopefully more time in the field will reap it's rewards? :-)
Certainly hard work of late Warren. Having missed Great Grey Shrike and Raven at NH recently I think my year list will stay as it is now.
You had an xmas walking session, at least there were a Buzzard and Falcons.
It's amazing how your Lapwing numbers have dwindled Warren. The same has happened on my patch from c.80 to none now...wonder where they have all gone?
"Back at it tomorrow though!!!"
I wouldn`t expect anything less from you, Warren.
What a trouper you are, Warren. Wishing you some better weather for the rest of your break :)
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