What a glorious day it was at Minsmere today. I had a few hours to spare before being in Reception today so I made the most of it and headed into the woods to see what was about. There was movement everywhere so I found myself snapping at any sign of movement, whether I could recognise the bird or not! Here we go:
What I originally thought was a tit turned out to be a goldcrest chiffchaff!
This curious robin was happy to pose outside the Bittern Hide for me.
A single long-tailed tit. Unusual to see it without twenty-odd hangers-on.
This tree creeper was another surprise - I saw movement but couldn't quite make the bird out! Result.
Back at the visitor centre this magpie was looking stunning as it tucked in:
A dunnock looked lovely in the winter sunshine:
A beautiful goldfinch poses on one of the caff feeders:
On my way to the East Hide I found myself being eyed up:
This blackbird was also keeping a beady eye open:
A pair of herring gulls try, and fail, to hide among the ducks:
Mass scarper:
Oy! Did you spook those ducks?
'They're only ducks and we need lots of space to wrestle.'
I love seeing the shelduck's beautiful colours:
This lesser black-backed gull struggled to stand on that leg when it landed:
I then headed back to the Visitor Centre for the afternoon. The fun didn't stop, though:
Everyone loves seeing these gorgeous woodpeckers!
A very determined magpie:
And to finish, a lovely marsh tit:
Enjoy!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Lovely shots Clare, I especially like the gorgeous Magpie and the wonderful wabbit. I'm glad you're getting sunshine down there, we have around an inch of snow up here.
My bird photos HERE
lovely photos Clare, I typed a longer reply but the text disappeared off the page and I couldn't recover it. So glad you had beautiful sunshine for your walk around Mimsmere. btw, not sure the first is a Goldcrest unless there is a 2nd bird in pic that I haven't spotted. Looks more Chiffchaff but I'm certainly no expert on IDs !
post edit: seems more photos have been added to the enjoyment, just wonderful with gulls and the delightful Marsh Tit, great thread.
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Regards, Hazel
Thanks, Paul. I've posted the rest of the photos now - I hope you like them. Sorry about your weather - we are supposed to be getting colder weather soon, not that I'm holding my breath!
Unknown said:btw, not sure the first is a Goldcrest unless there is a 2nd bird in pic that I haven't spotted. Looks more Chiffchaff but I'm certainly no expert on IDs !
lol Clare, the website has been going haywire with vanishing text ! These days when I load a few pics and text I tend to copy it and then I can just paste it back if I lose everything; this darn text is disappearing again - oh dear, more work required Techs !
Great additional shots Clare. I love the ducks in flight, fantastic capture.
Hazy, it's definitely a chiffchaff. I'm still very pleased as I only rarely see one.
That's brilliant Clare, so pleased you managed to capture a photo of it, they are lovely birds and you had the sun shining on it too :) great set of pics and species.
Great captures Clare, particularly like the Marsh Tit one, a bird I have never seen!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Lovely Clare, you really managed to capture the joy of a day at Minsmere. I'll have to look out for you behind the counter next time I'm in the shop. Jill
Jill