Lapwing Lane

It had been a while since I'd got out for a meaningful birdwatch, but I went to one of my favourite local haunts last weekend and had a really good couple of hours. The sun was out and it was a nice mild day. I didn't find anything unusual but there were plenty of the usual woodland suspects on show. 

A Kestrel was hovering over the lakeside vegetation for a good 10 minutes, and made a couple of unsuccessful swoops, but it allowed me to stand and admire the beauty of this majestic bird. Never underestimated by me, it's a really special bird.

Kestrel

The bridal path was packed full of birds and the constant calling of Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatch and Treecreepers. A Great Spotted Woodpecker called, but soon took off once it saw me.

Long-tailed Tit

Nuthatch

Treecreeper

Patch Birding

A walk around my local patch serves to remind me that there is always something to see. Any bird of prey always gets me looking more than twice. Kestrels are common in my area, but it's always nice to see them and watch where they go and see what they do. It was a bit gloomy, but the colour came out ok.

Kestrel

There have been a pair of over-wintering Stonechats on a nearby golf course, Some days I can be looking for 10 minutes and not see them. Other days they are there in front of me for some time. Just shows that you never know what you'll see and just because they aren't seen one day, doesn't mean they are not still around. 

Male Stonechat

Not a common bird any more, but there is a good flock of Tree Sparrows around near me. Lovely birds to see, just not an easy find these days.

Kestrel

 On one of my many Spring lockdown walks (when we could actually drive to somewhere for a walk) I found a pair of Kestrels. I stayed watching from my vantage point for a good 45 minutes, as they hunted the slopes neat Macclesfield Forest. The light was perfect and the sun was warm, so I just let them go about their business and every now and again, they'd venture close enough to let me take a few shots. Fascinating to watch them hover and keep that head dead still, constantly focusing on their prey.

Kestrel

I love to watch raptors overhead. More of often than not its a Buzzard that makes itself obvious to me with its large wingspan, but in recent weeks I've come across plenty of Kestrels hovering at the roadside and in fields.
Not always easy to get a picture of, as they are more often than not on the move. These pictures are a little grainy, but the best I've managed so far. Maybe that will be a project for this year. Get better Kestrel pictures.

Burton Mere

My first visit to Burton Mere wetlands the other week was a successful one. Plenty of different waders to watch. Black tailed Godwits, Ruff, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and then plenty of raptors too. It's a great place to go birding, and I recommend it to anyone. A nicely heated hide at reception keeps you warm and dry in times of inclement weather.
Anyway, on to some of the birds I saw:

Black tailed Godwits looking for something nice. 

Godwits with a Teal (front)

 

Godwits in flight.

My first cow tick at the reserve.

This Kestrel enjoyed doing fly-bys of the main hide.

A Nuthatch munching it's way through the sunflower hearts on offer.

Dipper de doo dah....

I came across a family of Dippers on Sunday. I wasn't expecting them as I got out of the car, but I soon picked up on their call and tracked them down. I think this is a well developed juvenile. I've not come across one with such an unusual white marking, very low down. Any suggestions are gratefully accepted.
It does seem to have a rather unusual orange digit on it's left foot. It appears to be a bit swollen and hopefully it won't cause it too many problems. It certainly seemed fine when I was there.

This was taken at Etherow Park earlier this year. You can really see the difference in the plumage of both.

A Kestrel waiting patiently for movement in the grass below.