Tuesday 13 August 2013

A few bits

Numbers of passerines seem really low here at the moment, with hirundines almost non-existent! The reliable car park area usually full of young Chiffchaffs, flocks of Tits, Greenfinches and the like, is deathly quiet each morning. There was a LITTLE OWL calling at the top end this morning a CHAFFINCH, 3 ROBINS and 2 GREAT TITS were the only other occupants. I'm sure this must change soon and as Stephen said maybe the slightly delayed breeding season might account for some of it, which certainly seems likely at the moment!
Little Owl

Yellowhammer

Around the fields a couple of WHITETHROATS were heard and 1 SEDGE WARBLER 'tacked' before it found it's way briefly into the open. A TURTLE DOVE was a nice surprise just the 3rd sighting this year.
Last week did finish well, with GREEN SANDPIPER, REED WARBLER, SEDGE WARBLER and GREY WAGTAIL all seen on Thursday with a KINGFISHER being seen on Friday just before 40 SWALLOWS flew through in front of a heavy shower.
Goldfinch

A quick trip to Oare Marshes with my my nephews, 10 and 13 yrs old on Saturday was nice, they enjoyed the large numbers of  BLACK TAILED GODWIT, the AVOCETS and just the surroundings in general. CINNABAR MOTH caterpillars were found as well as a single WHINCHAT, they did well to last a morning but did say they want to go again!!
Golden Plovers - Oare Marshes

8 comments:

Marc Heath said...

Love the Goldie shot. Nice to see them in that plumage.

Warren Baker said...

Hope to get a Golden plover fly over here this winter Alan, be a nice year tick!

Very quiet here in the mornings as well, for birds that is. Had another Whinchat this afternoon though :-)

Phil said...

Good to see you're getting them interested early Alan. Nice Little Owl pic.

Mike Attwood said...

Seems to be the same just about everywhere Alan. I'm exploring new places in the hope of finding something to photograph.

Maria said...

Very nice pictures! Especially the Golden plovers beautiful but also the Goldfinch.

Greenie said...

Alan ,
Getting the bug early , the bloggers of the future ?

Lasse said...

Hi Alan, beautiful bird shots !

Helma said...

A lovely blog Alan and I'm still a bit jealous of your nap :-) I hope someday to shoot. Around owl You Putter (you call him goldfinch!) Is also very nicely. The beautiful Golden Plovers colony is really great to see.
Greetings, Helma