Nuthatch

I had a rare day off work that also entailed some time to myself. So I took the opportunity to take the binoculars and the camera to my local patch. Not much was around so I ventured a few miles down the road to Bramhall, The woods were alive with the sound of birds marking territory and suddenly Spring is upon us.
This Nuthatch was very vocal. Either it wasn't keen on me being there or there was another bird in the vicinity. Either way he put on a good show. Unfortunately it was a little dark due to the cloud cover, so some of the shots are a little grainy and I forgot my monopod, so these are handheld.

There were plenty of squirrels scurrying around. This little guy was having a light snack.

Iceland Gull at Elton Reservoir

The weekend saw me out and about in search of a reported Iceland Gull. I had seen one a couple of years ago at Sandbach, but to be honest it was a little too far away for me to really appreciate, even through the binoculars. So I headed to Elton Reservoir in Bury wondering what I'd find. This time I made sure I did my homework and knew exactly what I was looking for. It was cold and windy as I scanned the water, but it was not long at all before I picked out the very pale feathered Iceland Gull in amongst a whole host of other gulls. It was quite some distance out in to the reservoir, so these shots are not particularly great but more of a good record in Manchester.

The pale bird just left of centre is your Iceland Gull





Here out in front

In flight at the back behind a Black-headed Gull

1st winter Common Gull in flight.

It won't be long now.

We're rapidly heading towards my favourite time of the year. Spring brings so much joy to me in terms of the birds that will soon be turning up just a few miles from home. Together with the British species that will be setting up territories and nest sites, many will be coming in from other countries to holiday and rear young here. There will be warblers, Cuckoos, Swallows and Swifts to name but a few. My favourite visitor though is the Redstart, and to help increase my excitement level I thought I'd share a few pictures I took a couple of years ago in the Goyt Valley. Such a remarkable bird.

Here is the male in all his glory.

And the female's pretty hot too.

There's the red orange tail that quivers quite regularly.

Same old same old.

You see all sorts on the water. If you're lucky you'll get to see something a little out of the ordinary, but most of the time it's the same old suspects. These shouldn't be taken for granted though. Once upon a time the Tree and House Sparrow were very common sights in this country. Enjoy what's in front of you no matter how familiar they are.

Canada Goose

Coot

Moorhen