Mixed Bag

A few weeks ago I popped over to Macclesfield to see what was around, and because if I'm honest I get withdrawal symptoms if I don't go. There is always something to see, and add to that a wonderful place to just be in. I can always find a quiet area away from others, and this usually coincides with being out early in the morning. This visit was no different, and I was content once I had been.

There were quite a few juvenile birds of all sorts around. Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps especially were numerous. On the reservoirs the young Great Crested Grebes with their stripy heads were now a good size and there were lots of juvenile Grey Wagtails around Bottoms reservoir (that name always makes me smile). Grey Herons were making quite a racket, as they do, but it all added up to a good morning and put my mind at ease that all was well in one of my favourite local areas. It seems nature can get on on it's own whether I'm watching it or not.  

Juvenile Blackcap

Common Buzzard

Coots chilling (look at those feet)

Grey Heron enjoying the morning sunshine

Grey Wagtail, of which there were almost a dozen youngsters.

Elton Reservoir

Elton Reservoir in Bury is a great place. It attracts most of the common water birds plus good numbers of rarities and less common stuff. Any visit there brings reward in one way or another, be it some good birds, good pictures or just a nice pleasant walk.
At the car park area there are lots of feeders that are regularly topped up by a local birder. These have brought in some good birds during the winter months, in the shape of Brambling, Willow Tit and Lesser Redpoll. I managed to see a Brambling while I was watching, but it was camera shy.

This very nice looking male Bullfinch was a pleasant surprise.

 A nice Common Buzzard overhead.

A Dunnock on territory and looking very nice too.

There were three Goldeneye on the water, but sadly they didn't hang around.

Common Buzzard

A cool morning and clear skies often means that the Buzzards where I live will be up soaring and climbing the thermals.
They didn't disappoint at Woodford recently with a couple giving quite close fly pasts. One had been on the ground in a sheep field, while the other appeared from nowhere. The shots below are of it trying to gain height after leaving the field.
I love the call they give as they fly. It just lets you know they're around. Always a great bird to see.

Gauntlet Bird of Prey Centre Part 2

Continuing on from my last post. I decided to focus on the heads of certain birds. More to get me used to the camera again and it's capabilities than anything else. Anyway, I had great fun and there's not much else to say. I was quite please with the results, although some may say it doesn't matter because they are not wild birds. Well it's not my intention to mislead anyone. These are captive birds, but they helped me rediscover my mojo for birding and my camera. So thank you Gauntlet.

 The beautiful Peregrine Falcon

Common Buzzard

The White-tailed Sea Eagle

Golden Eagle

Bald Eagle

 

The lovely Black chested Buzzard Eagle

Common Buzzard

When I hear the call of the Common Buzzard it has quite a haunting effect. I find there to be something just a little eerie about it. When the juveniles start calling they seem to do so constantly for minutes on end. I am not sure if this one below is a juvenile but it was calling for quite a considerable time whilst sat on a post. It then took to the air still calling. It had something on it's mind, maybe it was breakfast.