I had a nice morning at Guardbridge, in the Kingdom of Fife. They have a beautiful hide at the mouth of the river Eden. As hides go one of the best I've seen. The main theme of the morning seemed to be bathing, so I thought I'd share with you, some bath moments.
Curlew
Oystercatcher
Wood Pigeon
A small flock (20ish) of these tiny birds landed on the Angus coast line and went straight for a drink and bath at a stream on the shore edge! But what are they??
Robin
Meadow Pipit (honest)
And how can I leave out the House Sparrow!
John
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Thanks for these HM! As charming as ever!
Make the boy interested in natural history if you can; it is better than games [Robert Falcon Scott]
Hi HM
Really lovel photos, looks like they all had fun having a good ol'wash. Could your 4th photo be meadow pipits also?
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Thanks Kezmo, I think the beak is too thick for `Pipit, more Finch like.
Hi John, great photos - love the robin - a right grumpy-boots! Might the query bird be one of the buntings. It looks like the female snow bunting in winter plumage when comparing it to the picture in my RSPB Pocket Bird Book but doesn't look like it in the RSPB Bird Identifier, so it's only a guess.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Fabulous pictures John. Great bathing techniques going oj there
I would your picture of unknown birds are Female Linnets due to the fact they like to stay together as group.
The markings say a lot too about the species also. where there any pink flushed chested male bird birds in the group - i am sure that they would be if it is Linnets.
At what time of the year was the picture taken?
Kathy and Dave
Unknown said: Thanks Kezmo, I think the beak is too thick for `Pipit, more Finch like.
Thanks again, My first feeling was Linnet, It was one month ago I was with a RSPB group a couple of people said Twite. There was no sign of rose or pink on any of the twenty or so I saw. Try zooming in on beaks very unsure!
Love all the bathing birds, what fun!
Could your mystery birds be corn buntings? The markings and the beaks look right and my trusty RSPB handbook says they are sometimes seen in small flocks. My Collins guide says they are sometimes seen on rough ground near the sea. A bunting of some sort I would think but I'm no expert. They are nice little birds anyway and good photos as always.
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/