Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Friday 7 January 2022

Happy New Year

Happy New Birding Year to you all. Thank you once again for all your comments. They do mean so much, and remind me that people are actually looking and enjoying the posts I put on here. I hope to bring you lots more this year.

I started the year off nice and early. Well as early as the sun would allow. It's the worst thing about the winter months for me. I much prefer to be out at 5am and get a good few hours in before the world wakes up. Hey ho, roll on Summer. There were some really good birds around too, and lots of them quite local. That said, I headed to the Wirral to give the new year list a real boost. I started at Shotwick to tick a fairly long staying Long-tailed Duck. It's usually a bird I have to make a special effort for each year, so thought I'd get it out of the way early. 

I found it fairly quickly, on what was quite a substantial bit of water. On my way back to the car, I was escorted by a pair of Stonechats. Cracking little birds, and always a joy to see them.

Stonechat



The Long-tailed Duck on the right, with a Tufted Duck on the left. It kept it's distance, so no more than a record shot.

I headed up to Wallasey where there were reports of 5 Snow Buntings on the beach and dunes. When I arrived it was absolutely manic with people on the beach. I thought there was no way they'd still be around, but these were the most tolerant birds ever. They just took off and later a few feet away each time they were disturbed. Gloomy light by this time unfortunately, so the shots are not too good.

Snow Bunting










21 comments:

  1. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you. Love the Stonechat image and wonderful sighting of the Snow Bunting

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  2. Hi Adam,
    Happy but above all wishing you a healthy 2022.
    What beautiful photos these are.
    The Stonechat is my favorite.
    Greetings Irma

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  3. Happy New Year to you! Looks like a great outing with wonderful sightings. Love the Long-tailed Duck, the Stonechat is a beauty! The Snow Buntings are a favorite. Great photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  4. Happy new year! Liked the birds you saw. I saw a male stonechat in my last outing.
    Here’s my post: https://craniumbolts.blogspot.com/2022/01/first-day-of-2022.html

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  5. Happy New Year, Adam. I will look forward to many excellent posts all year long.

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  6. You visited some wonderful terrain and your photos show you chose your locations well. I especially love that sweet small bird (the stone chat) although the water scene looks very cold! Those ducks are hearty!

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  7. Pretty Stonechat in the morning sun. Happy New Year!

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  8. The snow buntings are so well camouflaged it is hard to see them. Happy New Year. Look forward to reading more of your posts in ,2022.

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  9. The Snow Buntings are wonderful!

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  10. ...they all are delightful, but the coloring of the Stonechat against the background is my favorite. Have a healthy and happy 2022.

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  11. That was a good start to your year Adam. Hard to beat that trio on a first day out. Like you I can't wait to get some 4am starts underway. I just love those three hours of undisturbed birding. Happy New Year to you.

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  12. Enlarging the photos of the buntings shows so much detail. Terrific sightings to begin the new year, Adam!

    May all of us birders show well for 2022...and thank you for sharing your link at I'd Rather B Birdin'.

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  13. I love snow buntings! I seldom see them. Thanks for visiting.

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  14. i have never seen a snow bunting...you would have to have a sharp eye to spot them. they are beautiful!!

    those pesky ducks insist on swimming so far out, but you captured them well anyway!!

    i agree with your first paragraph, it is nice to know people are enjoying our posts. i always enjoy yours!!

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  15. Very professional looking photos of our feathered friends ~

    Wishing you a peaceful day,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  16. The Snow bunting sure blends in to his surroundings! Love your photos. The daylight is increasing now...I hope! Enjoy your week!

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  17. Lovely photos and I just love that snow bunting. All the very best for 2022, Diane

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  18. Love the first few shots - a pretty, sweet bird.
    Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2022/01/an-update-on-dave.html

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  19. Stonechats are cute - I'd never heard of them.

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  20. What calming pictures and I love the Ducks and the water. I wish is was warm enough to go see Ducks here.

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