Spent most of the day there on Sunday and had the privilege of seeing the largest mixed flock I've ever seen!! There were goldfinches, greenfinches, linnets, reed buntings and yellowhammers!! As I've said before, I'm useless at bird counts but would estimate the flock to be of around 200 birds? There is a large meadow on the reserve planted with chicory, millet, kale, and many other seed plants and these birds were certainly enjoying it! There were also dunnocks, wrens and robins skulking about on the ground.
Here's a few pics:
A reed bunting feeding
and another
yellowhammer
a dunnock
Had good views of the kestrels too
The pool itself was almost completely frozen over save for a small area which the ducks seemed to be keeping clear!! The mute swans were making the most of this for a bit of bathing
It was bitterly cold although there was no snow apart from a few flurries!! A very enjoyable few hours though, especially seeing that mixed flock!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Hi Marjus.
Those are fantastic pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Paul.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
Wow! MarJus - brilliant photos. Thank you so much for sharing those.
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!
MarJus absolutely brilliant - what a display of birds you saw. Had to laugh at the last one with the swan. Looked very much the director of the show "OK listen up, I want the goldfinches coming in thatta way" :-)
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Oh MarJus, you have done it again. Is there no end to your talent? Wonderful photos, and what a lot of birds.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Great stuff MarJus, Mixed flocks are great, wondering what is in there. Ace thanks!
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.
Enjoyed your pics, MarJus, thanks for sharing. You must have enjoyed your day very much, seeing so many different birds in one go.
Hi Marjus - how envious we are of you - we have both been ill for most of December and our only trips to venus pool have been via you and your camera - thank you so much! We are looking into a new camera but I think a lot of it is to do with the person working it - fantastic!
Thank you once again MarJus. They are really super photos and also great for anyone for ID purposes.
Thank you all very much!! Pleased that you enjoyed them! I certainly had a superb time of seeing & photographing it all!
Kezmo - Lol! I see what you mean!
Lucybob - sorry to hear of your illnesses. Hope that you will soon have plenty of opportunities to get out & about again!