It was an overcast day on Saturday but I decided to go and see what was about at Blashford. I was held up slightly by roadworks but whilst creeping along in the traffic I saw a flock of redwings feeding in a field. I also saw a bird of prey in a tree. I don't know what it was except that it wasn't a kestrel or a buzzard, which are the only ones I can identify!
On arriving at the reserve, a quick look in Tern Hide near the car park revealed that pretty much everything was too far away to see unless you had a scope (which I don't, yet!) but I did see some goldeneye through my bins. I moved on to Ivy South Hide and watched coots, cormorants, tufted ducks and wigeon and then on to the Woodland hide where there were masses of birds. I was especially pleased to see redpolls as I had never seen these before. There were also siskins, bramblings, four types of tit, a pair of great spotted woodpeckers and dozens of chaffinches. After this I moved on to Ivy North Hide where I was told a bitterne had been seen the week before but it wasn't about when I was there. somebody reported having seen a woodcock earlier in the day but I didn't see that either.
I wandered back to the Education Centre and took some photos of the snowdrops and then back to the car and a welcome cup of coffee. It was nearly time for the gates to be locked and as I didn't relish spending the night there I went on my way. Here are some of the photos I took:-
Redpoll
Siskin
Brambling
Chaffinch
Coots displaying
Wigeon
Canada geese courting (and making a heck of a noise about it!)
A welcome sign that spring isn't far away...
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/
Hi SB
What lovely shots of the birds you saw, I especially like the Redpoll as I've never seen these before and it's been years since I've seen a brambling so thank you.
It sounds like you also had a smashing day. The snowdrops are definitely a welcome sight. :-)
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Hi SB,
Great pictures ,looks as if you had a great day out.I can't wait to get out and about with our camera then we can start taking pictures like yours.
best wishes
Littleowl
Great photos SB - my particular favourite is the coots displaying but they are all brilliant. Sounds like you had a great day there, thanks for sharing it with us.
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!
Great pictures, thanks for sharing your day out :-}
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Thanks SB. Lovely photographs. Good Luck choosing a scope to suit yourself.
Thanks for your kind comments everyone.
SB
Excellent pics SB!! What a great day out! Looks as though that chaffie has the startings of the growths on his legs though unfortunately...
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Great photos, SB. Sounds as though you had a really enjoyable day out. I wish Blashford was a bit closer. Must try to get there one day.
I'm envious of your siskin and brambling. Still haven't seen either of them this winter.
Regards TJ
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Top class photos SB. I have never seen a Brambling anywhere. He is gorgeous. I hadn't realised how nice they are. What a great day you had, and thanks for sharing it. I hope sometime in the future I can emulate these photos, no excuse as we have the same camera!
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr