A 'guaranteed' tick on my annual list.
Monday, 18 February 2013
Small,but perfectly formed
A 'guaranteed' tick on my annual list.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Something to Crow about
When you think of a Crow, I bet you think of a big black bird, something that isn't too exciting to look at. What I bet you don't think of is a bird that is pink, with black and white markings and has a flash of bright blue in its wing. The Jay is a member of the Crow family, but is so far removed from its cousins as to be thought of as a different species.
These birds are normally fairly shy, staying out of the view of humans, with occasional forays into the open when the acorns are ripe and ready to eat. This winter has been slightly different though, with the failing of large swathes of acorns, this normally shy bird has taken to come into gardens, one of which has been mine in Peterborough. We have had two of these birds visiting fairly regularly, taking loose peanuts as a replacement for acorns, surely something to 'crow' about!?
These birds are normally fairly shy, staying out of the view of humans, with occasional forays into the open when the acorns are ripe and ready to eat. This winter has been slightly different though, with the failing of large swathes of acorns, this normally shy bird has taken to come into gardens, one of which has been mine in Peterborough. We have had two of these birds visiting fairly regularly, taking loose peanuts as a replacement for acorns, surely something to 'crow' about!?
Monday, 4 February 2013
Birds in the snow
A couple of weeks ago we had some snow, not a lot, but it lasted for about a week and consequently things got a bit hard for our feathered friends.
Birds such as the Waxwing are used to harsh weather, coming from the European Tundra, but they were struggling to find the now depleted berries on which they feast. A few weeks ago these birds were everywhere, but now the reports are getting fewer and it is thought that they have moved off to Europe.
The Grey Heron is a familiar sight, but the one below looked decidedly 'miffed' at all this white stuff, curtailing his fishing exploits somewhat.
The gardeners friend, the Robin is adept at using us humans to find food, hanging around while we dig the borders and jumping down from his perch in order to grab a tasty morsel or two.
Times are hard for Owls at the moment, numbers of the Barn Owl are in freefall due to the wet summer and with snow on the ground they find it very hard to hunt.
My wife's favourite, the badger bird comes into the garden with a couple of his mates, feeds on the fatballs and is gone in a few seconds. A lot of these small birds won't survive long periods of cold.
The snow has now gone and some spring like weather has arrived. The birds are starting to sing more and several are starting to check out the nest boxes, just in time for another cold snap at the end of the week.
Birds such as the Waxwing are used to harsh weather, coming from the European Tundra, but they were struggling to find the now depleted berries on which they feast. A few weeks ago these birds were everywhere, but now the reports are getting fewer and it is thought that they have moved off to Europe.
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| Waxwing |
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| Waxwing |
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| Grey Heron |
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| Robin |
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| Barn Owl |
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| Long-tailed Tit |
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Ferruginous Duck
A Ferruginous Duck was found at a small park in Bedford on Sunday morning, a bird that is more normally found in southern Europe and Asia. This was on my way, of sorts, to my parents house (Bedford, not southern Europe and Asia) and I thought that a short diversion wouldn't way lay me too long!
On arrival at Priory Country Park in Bedford it was noted that all of Bedford had decided to come out for a walk with their children and dogs on a fairly sunny day, the day after the snow had melted. I had a quick scan with my binoculars and noted a small hide on the other side of the lake, so I started to walk in that general direction, soon meeting other binocular clad people who kindly directed me to the birds' haunt. The walk was quick and non-eventful, save some rather odd glances from the dog walking/children playing people of Bedford (how dare someone walk here with some binoculars around his neck, what kind of weirdo is he?). I entered the small hide where a kind gentleman put me straight on to the bird through his scope, a lovely drake fast asleep! A took a seat and waited for the bird to wake up. It put its head up about 4 times whilst I was there, when I managed to get the ropey shots below, but other than those rare times it sat with its head firmly tucked under its wing.
A lovely bird and my first drake in Britain and also a species which my Nephew can pronounce, although his Dad has a slight difficulty!
On arrival at Priory Country Park in Bedford it was noted that all of Bedford had decided to come out for a walk with their children and dogs on a fairly sunny day, the day after the snow had melted. I had a quick scan with my binoculars and noted a small hide on the other side of the lake, so I started to walk in that general direction, soon meeting other binocular clad people who kindly directed me to the birds' haunt. The walk was quick and non-eventful, save some rather odd glances from the dog walking/children playing people of Bedford (how dare someone walk here with some binoculars around his neck, what kind of weirdo is he?). I entered the small hide where a kind gentleman put me straight on to the bird through his scope, a lovely drake fast asleep! A took a seat and waited for the bird to wake up. It put its head up about 4 times whilst I was there, when I managed to get the ropey shots below, but other than those rare times it sat with its head firmly tucked under its wing.
A lovely bird and my first drake in Britain and also a species which my Nephew can pronounce, although his Dad has a slight difficulty!
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