This bird represents a milestone for me. It is the 180th bird species that I have recorded this year in the recording area of the Peterborough Bird Club (PBC) and it is the first time that I have reached that number. Last year I came close with 179 and on a few other years I have hit the high 170's, but unbelievably on my busiest year regarding work I have also managed to see more birds than ever before. I know some of you reading this will think, 180, pah! I can see that every year without breaking a sweat, but this figure was seen in a 10 square mile land locked area that covers some of Cambridgeshire, Northants and south Lincs.
I first saw this bird before Christmas, thanks to Roy Norris who kindly put me onto the bird after I had walked up and down the banks of Gunwade lake at Ferry Meadows, but the weather was dull and horrible. I have since returned and with better conditions managed to watch and photograph this little beauty just going about his daily routine. I will probably return in the New Year if he is still about and bore you still more.
Congrats on reaching the milestone John. You have certainly taken some beautiful shots of the Stonechat.
ReplyDeleteThanks Roy!
DeleteThe lighting was slightly better than when we both saw him!
J
A good local total John.
ReplyDeleteThis talk of Ferry Meadows has made me want to revisit the place. I lived in Peterborough in the '70's, Ravensthorpe. I bet it's changed a bit now.
Thanks Keith!
DeleteI have only lived here for a few years and it has changed a lot in that time, so probably unrecognisable from 40 years ago.
J
Hi John. Well done for passing last years record. These shot in this lighting are superb. Happy New Year to you and may you have 181 in 2015,
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret!
DeleteThe weather has been ideal the past couple of days. Don't know if I will make that number, work will have to quieten down a wee bit (not something I really want!)
J
Hi John, Well done on the 180 species - on my SE London patch that would be impossible! Great Stonechat images you've posted; I've been slightly obsessed with this species recently as they show closely and look good and, in my area, have scarcity value too. If you're interested here's my account: http://greenwichwildlife.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/stonechats-in-greenwich-at-last-and.html
ReplyDeleteHi Joe,
DeleteThank you for the congrats, a pretty good total that was beaten as usual by Mike Weedon (weedworld.blogspot.com). It's easy to get obsessed by these little birds as they are so photogenic. Paid a visit to your post, excellent photos, puts mine to shame!
J