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.
I'm so pleased you all enjoyed my photos. Jill, I'll keep my eyes open for you - I'm next on reception on Friday afternoon.