Continuing my Mantra, I paid another visit to my beloved inland Patch yesterday on my way to see my Mother in Lancs.
Always a pleasure to open the flaps and gaze on the fine view. Granted it's rather dry right now with flocks of Sheep grazing but there's always possibilities. Browsing near and far, nothing of immediate significance was noted, so I just enjoyed being there!
Being tall I try to "utch" as close to the front of the Hide as possible. It gives me a better perspective, both high and low. On this visit low was about to pay off...in spades. I'd already seen Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Wren and Dunnock in the Brambles. I then noticed another movement but I couldn't get a clear view. Then...up it popped...
After the usual fumbling with my camera (which included removing my converter) I managed a decent record shot before it disappeared stage right. The Bird didn't call (or maybe it did I didn't hear it, which is a possibility) but I was pretty confident I was looking at only my second record of Marsh Tit (97)...in THIRTY NINE YEARS!!! (Willow Tit has been present sporadically over recent Years). It looked dainty, small headed and exhibited the diagnostic pale spot at the base of the upper mandible which can be clearly seen on this pic...
Sounds like I know what I'm on about! Hope I'm correct?!
Sighting context has always fascinated me. I could go to Sites and virtually guarantee seeing this Species...with time. Getting a random record like this on my Parch is as BIG a thrill to me as Twitching a MEGA on some far flung Island... and a lot more convenient!!!
It's all about time and patience really. I've got plenty of the former and hopefully enough of the latter...
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