Local birds of note

Took a stroll with Louise down the riverbank yesterday and managed to pick out a couple of male Goldeneye which are very scarce in this neck of the woods/ings! Their presence almost certainly due to the present deep water situation. Always a pleasure to see these cracking ducks. My efforts with the feeders payed off with a visit from a Great Spotted Woodpecker. A fly-by 63 Fieldfare was also worthy of note. The grey blanket weather continues...we all need some SUNSHINE!!

Photo Opportunity

The more astute amongst you may have noticed the lack of photographs on this Blog! This is a deliberate ploy, as I have seen many fantastic photos on other Blogs, taken with very expensive equipment, no doubt. These images are far superior to anything I could take with my gear! I do have a trusty and reliable Panasonic Lumix which has taken many superb photos on my trips Stateside, but these are generally taken from close rang as the birds are closer/tamer. I am and will remain a Birder who takes the odd (very odd) image.
This afternoon I was down the field convalescing. I took my camera but left it in the car. Sods law kicked in as three groups of Whoopers flew right over my head! This obviously wouldn't have happened if camera had been in hand. I'm not saying I will never post photographs... never say never, right?

Dogs and Birds Mix

Took Rock down the car park field at dusk. We were joined by a superb Barn Owl which
continued to drift around and over us for the next 10 minutes! Also saw c15 Tree Sparrows and c8 Long-tailed Tits on the feeders, concentrating on the fat balls.
River still rising and water pouring onto the Carrs.

Constitutional

My rehab walk coincided with a report of a NIGHT HERON on Bubwith Ings. Bumped into Peter Roworth from English Nature who informed me that Craig Ralston had seen it at the north end in the willows. Grilled the area but no joy. Strange how so few birds hang around in the valley?! Compensation was found with the magnificent sight of 130 Whooper Swans on the Ings, some down to 50yds plus fly-overs. A very good winter for them with many family groups, which is always pleasing to see. As I stood on the river bank looking at these superb birds spread across the flood, it reinforced my belief that I am very fortunate to live so close to this superb natural site.

Still Alive...STILL Recovering!!

Just thought I better add something in case my loyal followers thought I was dead!!! Been told to build up strength with short walks. So birding confined to my trusty local patch. Walked up the river from Bubwith yesterday, it was a sunny morning and the view was spectacular with the flood. Good numbers of Whoopers plus a bonus local scarcity in the form of Great Crested Grebe. Once levels subside birding should be excellent through till late Spring...always the optimist!

Blanket Coverage

Love extreme weather. Nightmare for our feathered friends though. Been doing my bit during my rehab, setting up a feeding station at Duff and keeping the garden set up sorted, plus water of course! Had a Crow on the front lawn this afternoon! Also cracking views of a Barn Owl in the car ark as we were digging the car out at 8am. Being a gentleman I will refrain from mentioning the culprit! Hope the weather breaks sooner rather than later.

Step by Step

Signed off till next Tuesday and told to take it easy but get some exercise! So, took a stroll down the Carrs and checked out the river...the only piece of unfrozen water (-4). The birds were obviously concentrated which made scoping easy. A good selection of wildfowl and waders present, highlights being 4 Whooper Swans, c20 Pintail, c10 Ruff, c50 Snipe! All belated year ticks!!
Proper winter nice but big test for our feathered friends. As Julie Andrews once said...Feed the birds...