Tuesday 8 January 2013

EIGHT DAYS IN








Well,  it's eight days into the new year and I thought it was about time that I did a post ( I don't know how some of you guys manage to post almost every day, I wish I could be as organised!)


So far it's been a good year for getting out and about and teaming up with Keith I've managed to visit, and squelch my way around in the mud and the puddles, a good few of the local birding spots.


The mostly dull and damp conditions have not been good for photography but here are a few of the better  images that I've managed to capture.


Nuthatch


Robin



Some of the stunning Waxwings seen in the car park at Central Milton Keynes shopping centre




Common Snipe



Water Pipit



Blue Tit



Dunnock



Marsh Tit





My personal bird count for the year has now reached  66 species seen and I hope to add a good few more tomorrow when  Keith and I plan to visit RSPB Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire and (time permitting)  RSPB Titchwell Marsh in Norfolk. The weather prediction is for a cold and sunny day so hopefully I'll see, and photograph, a good selection of birds.

16 comments:

holdingmoments said...

That Pipit came out well Trev.

We've had some good birds so far. Hopefully tomorrow will produce a lot more; and some sun.

The Herald said...

Photoshop worked overtime on the Pipit Keith, not bad in the end tho'!

We should bag a few good ones tomorrow Keith and maybe get a suntan into the bargain!!...lol...[;o)

Bob Bushell said...

The Waxwings are fabulous, it's so close. Have a good bird hunting for youself and Keith.

The Herald said...

Bob,those Waxwings sure stunners aren't they?...and so confiding!

Hopefully tomorrow will be a good SUNNY day!...[;o)

Roy Norris said...

You have taken some really special images her Trevor. Brilliant and a great start to the year.

The Herald said...

Thanks Roy, yeh it's been good for week one, I hope it lasts!!...[;o)

FOREST SNAPPER said...

Yes i agree,those Waxwings are lovely. How did that Dunnock land on that branch and not hurt his feet on the spikes ?


peter

The Herald said...

Waxwings are splendid birds to see Peter.

Small birds like the Dunnock can perch on thorn laden branches and also cold wires, frosty telegraph wires etc. because they have very few nerves and blood vessels in their feet and therefore have little feeling...[;o)

theconstantwalker said...

Lovely images Trevor... enjoy your trips out and I look forward to reading the write up.

The Herald said...

Thanks Andrew, hopefully I'll have something good to write about!...[;o)

grammie g said...

Hi Trevor...I am with you on how do they get out a post every day . I'll never get there, I probably could for a few days then... ; )
Very nice every one ...and aren't those Waxwings gorgeous!! I was in hopes of having some yesterday!! A huge flock flew down onto the top of my neighbors Maple tree and right beside it is an ornamental Crab apple tree just loaded..they spooked and where of !! I bet they remember where that tree is and be back "HOPE" so : )
I love the Common Snipe and others that have those long beaks like them "cute buggers"
You and Keith behave out there, and hope you get some good birdie shots!!
Sounds like good weather day!!

Grace

The Herald said...

Hi Grace...thank you, I love to see the Waxwings and just now there's daily reports of sightings, of from just a few to flocks of over a 100, in the surrounding area. I hope they come back to 'visit' you soon. Almost 5am and just off to meet Keith to start our day out, I hope the sun shines (drizzle at the moment!!)...[;o)

Heather Wilde said...

Really lovely images and a great start to 2013.

The Herald said...

Heather, Welcome and thanks for the kind comments...[;o)

ShySongbird said...

A lovely selection Trevor. You have made an excellent start to the new year with some great sightings! Of course I'm very envious of your photos of the Waxwings having spent a lot of time just before Christmas trying to track down a small flock locally....with no success :-( I have never knowingly seen a Water Pipit either.

I hope you and Keith had a good day out :-)

The Herald said...

Thanks Jan, I hope you'll get lucky soon and are able to connect with some Waxwings. They're stunning birds to see and generally quite confiding, these ones at Milton Keynes were coming down to feed less than ten feet away from the cars and shoppers!

We get regular sightings of (single) Water Pipits around the local lakes, a typical LBJ but a tick none the less!!

We had a mega day out thanks Jan and a post is on it's way...soon!!!...[;o)