A little less nature focused than usual (but still a bird included!), had a magic wedding day on Thursday, with a star ring bearer Fleur, the barn owl. The wife was kind enough to indulge me with the barny and ended up loving it too.
Didn't see a ring ouzel at all last year and so it was a real treat to get to Lutley, West Midlands for one today - two present but @kev07713@karenheath62 and I only managed to see one of them @BirdGuides@_BTO.
@midswildlife I’ve had three of those in Bicester in the past couple of years plus there are two nearby this year. Must be a common thing with Magpies. Unless that’s “one of ours” from last year.
A little trip out after lunch to see the Richardson's cackling goose at Clifton Pits, Worcestershire - noticeably smaller than the Canada geese when you get your eye in - shorter neck, stubby bill, compact body @BirdGuides@_BTO@WorcsWT.
Ross's Gull at Newlyn Harbour today with the harbour wall making a nice back drop to make the bird stand out.
This first winter gull showed well visiting the harbour a few times today.
@BirdGuides@CBWPS1
28/2 saw @jkyles32 & I heading to Cornwall. We met up with @hobbylovinglife & @worlebirder (Karen & Dean) at Newlyn Harbour. The Ross's gull, eventually, did the decent thing and turned up, what a cracking bird & lifer for Karen, Kyle & I, good to see Shaun @sevans1032.
@CBWPS1
Dartford Warblers have been one of my favourite birds ever since seeing my first on Dunwich Heath many years ago. Great to see this one on a Berkshire Heath today. @BirdGuides@BBOWT@berksBerkshire@Natures_Voice
Went to Fleet Pond for the Ring-necked Duck but no sign. Drive to Moor Green Lakes and re-found it there! Gotta love birding. Not quite the ups and downs of football but close. @BirdGuides@BBOWT@Natures_Voice@berksbirdnews
Lovely to hear a flock of some 16-24 Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) flying over as I left the house mid-morning and land in the tree opposite, enabling a few record shots, despite the poor lighting in the fog - I last spotted the species 13 years ago! #Freeland@oxonbirdnews
A bit elusive but eventually the red-flanked bluetail gave itself up and we had great views at Crockham Hill, Kent this morning. A lovely bird and a first for @kev07713 & I @BirdGuides@_BTO.
Start your week in the best possible way - watching birds. Birds make us smile & give us a break from the madness. Don't often see female Capercaillie pics males get all the attention but she is beautiful. Taken from the car window in Finland along a forest track. Be kind today.