Friday 23 November 2012

The wind and rain has relented for now, and I was able to walk my usual afternoon  'winter' circuit of my patch.

The footpaths over to the Wet Woods are now streams, or liquified mud, and the Wet Woods themselves are brimming with water, there were four MALLARDS feeding here, but no sign of a Teal or Mandarin Duck yet. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS called, as did a TRECREEPER, other than that it was still and peaceful ( for once!).

On the Lakes today there was nothing, not a single duck or Moorhen, obviously it had been heavily disturbed during the morning, I did see a KINGFISHER there though, with BULLFINCH, COAL TIT, and NUTHATCH seen in the Scrubby Woods.

Over at the Tree Nursery the two MEADOW PIPITS were seen again, as well as at least 4 SONGTHRUSH, two SKYLARK flew overhead, and minutes later a SPARROWHAWK went past, clutching its prey.

A KESTREL was hunting over the Greenhouse Grounds, and a small mixed flock of GOLDFINCH, LESSER REDPOLL and SISKIN were feeding in the Alders there, about 18 birds were seen in all. A very quick look over at the Greenhouse Copse was worth while, as good views of the pale LITTLE OWL were had.

Nothing at all was seen of any winter thrushes, but the weather is hardly winter like, even more rain and strong winds are forecast for this weekend, so it may be a bit hit and miss with my full patch walks  :-(

This STARLING was the only poser for the Camera today, but ive added some Great Spotted Woodpecker shots from last weekend  :-)
Starling
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker

8 comments:

Marc Heath said...

Nice shots. The camera is struggling now until the end of the year I possibly believe. Keep that folder filled up.

Warren Baker said...

I'm struggling already Marc - away from the garden, very few birds about in general :-(

Wilma said...

Lovely shots, Warren.

Adam said...

lovely color of woodpecker

Anonymous said...

Nice woody shots, Warren.

Lancs and Lakes Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris said...

I look at your cracking shot of the g s pecker on the sunny hearts feeder and think if only...

The starling is a bobby dazzler!

Cheers

Davo

Alan Pavey said...

Superb Great Spots Warren, I've struggled to get out this week :-(

ShySongbird said...

Hi Warren :-) Good to see the sadly not so common, these days, Starling. The GSW is a beauty! I suspect your full patch walk will have been pretty gloomy today, should be better tomorrow though.