Pittswood Birds

It was one or two degrees above freezing this afternoon, and without the wind, it didn't feel as bitter as yesterday. It was still pretty hard going on my patch though, and birds were at a premium, two GREEN WOODPECKERS, 7 LAPWING and a KESTREL eating it's freshly caught prey was all I could muster from the Tree Nursery as I passed through on the way to the lakes. I only visited the lakes really to see if there was any thaw taking place - there wasn't, just one small spot of water remained open, and here 4 MALLARD, 2 MOORHEN and both the COOTS were seen, however a GREY HERON did alight briefly on to the ice, flying off after a few minutes. On the way out I noted a few BULLFINCH, as well as TREECREEPER, GOLDCREST, and three flyover SISKIN, a GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER drummed, but it was basically very quiet compared to a normal day.

Grey Heron.......Hoping for a thaw soon   :-(

I retraced my steps, to get over to the Greenhouse Grounds, where a good number of MEADOW PIPITS were seen, I counted 39 fly up in tight formation, but there may have been more on the floor. I also went to my seat at Migrant Alley, and sat watching the grey sky for 40 mins, before having to retire with numb feet and fingers! All I got for my efforts were a flock of 18 GOLDFINCH, at least 4 LESSER REDPOLL and 3 single Siskin going over - hard times !

 At least the friendly ROBIN kept me company, I must remember to bring some seed over next time!

Friendly Robin

A few more photo's from the garden now taken last Sunday. Yesterday it was Greenfinch today its chaffinch

Chaffinch, Male

Chaffinch, Female

Chaffinch, Male

Chaffinch, Female