Patch Birding

The weather has turned recently (for the better) and it is beginning to feel as though Spring is finally on the way. The sun has been out and the temperature has risen a little. I've noticed the Blackthorn is in blossom, along with cherry and the Magnolia. Chiffchaffs are here and singing and even some butterflies are on the wing again. There is light at the end of what feels like a very long winter.

I've taken some very nice walks on my local patch at Woodford, where there is a real cross over of the seasons, with winter Thrushes still around and Daffodils and Summer migrants singing. It has lifted my mood and put a real spring in my step. Add into that mix an early afternoon Barn Owl, and you can imagine my excitement. Can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring in.

Come with me on my trip around my local patch here:

The Barn Owl came out to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine.

Curlew

Redwing

Ring-necked Parakeet

Stonechat (female)

Stonechat (male)

New Years Day (part 1)

 Happy New Year to you all!!

A new year and a new year list. I like to start the new year with a good effort on the first day, and see how many I can get on my list. It was an early start and still dark as I headed towards Merseyside. The forecast was good, with some actual sunshine and no rain for once. Lisa and I arrived at Lunt Meadows hoping to see the Green-winged Teal that had been resident for some weeks. That would be a really good one to get on the 2024 list. Before that though, we were so lucky to watch a Barn Owl float across the fields in the early sunshine. What a great start!

Just one loan Goldeneye dropped in, but it landed nice and close for good views.

The Green-winge Teal (on the left) spent most of it's time roosting on the bank, but gave good views of the tell tale white vertical stripe beneath it's shoulder.

On the water this time (top centre) with other Teal.

We moved on to Crosby Marine lake where there quite a number of bonus birds which were not on my radar for the day. This lone Oystercatcher gave a nice fly-by giving it's usual call.

There were a few Turnstones on the shore line of the marine lake. A bird that I'd not expected to see.

Barn Owl

This Barn Owl has been around for some time close to home. It likes to do a circuit or two of it's favourite field and then disappear for a while. For a large bird it is quite surprising how well they can conceal themselves in grass. It's a real joy to watch in any sort of weather, but when the sun comes out in the late evening it just lights up the sky with it's flight.

Barn Owl

Barn Owl

The joy of going out early at this time of year is that you may just get lucky and see a Barn Owl. I'd normally be happy to see one from the car in the distance or maybe along the verge, but when in Norfolk I got more than I bargained for a couple of times. I was minding my own business on my walk, when I turned the corner to seen an owl quartering a field . I watched it for a short while before it started coming towards me. I managed to get some shots of it before it moved out of view. Some of my best views.

As normality resumed and my heart rate returned to a more acceptable level I paid more attention to the other birds around me, like this lovely Sedge Warbler.

Barn Owl

A tricky bird to find at the best of times, it was a real bonus to find one out in the afternoon on a walk with my parents in Norfolk. It was bit grey and damp and so not easy to photograph. I spent most of my time just admiring it through the binoculars and with the naked eye. They look so majestic in flight with those broad white wings. A real bonus to seen at any time of the day or year.

Light didn't help, but at least the face and tail feathers are in focus.