Knot and Sanderling

I think it's roughly a mile from the visitor centre at Titchwell down to the beach. It's a very open area on both sides, so it's always a pretty breezy walk. In January, when it's cold and the wind is a little stronger, it can be quite an uncomfortable walk.
I left Mum and Dad in the warmth of the café with their hot drinks and trudged off. It was my aim to get to the beach no matter what, but there are always many stops to make on the way. I caught sight of a Snipe in flight over the salt marsh and Marsh Harrier hunting in the distance. Lots of Dunlin and some Avocet kept my mind off the wind for a while.
I got to the beach, and it was windier still. I picked out a Common Scoter on the sea, but not a lot else. The waders were what I was really after, and they were on the shore line even further away.
I kept walking though and got as close as I dare. I never want to frighten the birds, as they are not just there for me, but everyone. I like to let them come to me, and if you keep your distance, keep low and move slowly they will eventually head your way.

A lone Knot.

Sanderling scurrying around as usual, making it hard to photograph.

Sanderling. Shaky shots due mainly to the windy battering me sideways.

Grey Plover - Titchwell

There were a dozen or so Grey Plover at Titchwell when I visited a few weeks ago. I like Plovers of all kinds, (Golden especially) so I was delighted to see the Greys on the tidal marsh. The sun was in the right position too for a change, which was a real bonus.

Nice mud covered beak and legs.

And he's off across the sludge.

More Sculthorpe Moor

Sculthorpe Moor is always a good place to see Bullfinch, and this years visit was no different. A pair were at the first viewing screen as we stopped for a look at the feeders. The male so resplendent with its peachy red colouration, showing up starkly against the bare branches. Not as easy to spot once the leaves are out though. They are quite secretive and even their call is quite low pitched and easy to miss.

A Pheasant looking for easy pickings underneath the feeders.

It wasn't really that cold. Mum and Dad always dress like this. I didn't even notice the writing on the bench. :-)

A lovely view from one of the hides across the marsh. The pale wintry sky even looks cold.

Sculthorpe Moor

One of the sites that I've grown very fond of in Norfolk is Sculthorpe Moor, run by the Hawk and Owl Trust. It's usually quiet, but it has good boardwalk paths through the woodland and along to reed beds and marsh. There are hides and viewing screens along the way and the feeders are always well stocked.
And where there are feeders, you will get plenty of birds. Such a good variety too, with the usual woodland mix and some raptors too.

Male Great Spotted Woodpecker

Long tailed Tit at a feeding table.

Marsh Tit. A Sculthorpe favourite of mine.

A Treecreeper at a feeder.

Pallid Harrier - Flitcham

Last weekend, I spent what is fast becoming a Birthday event for me, a lovely weekend in Norfolk with my parents bird watching. Alongside that is some good food, drink and plenty of laughs and reminiscing. I look forward to it immensely once Christmas is out of the way.
There are always some good bird highlights and possibly one of the best for a while, was the sighting of a Pallid Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham. It has been in the area for a while, but I wanted to catch up with it as this was a lifer for me.
We waited for 15 to 20 minutes before it showed itself, rising up from the stubble before disappearing once again. Another 5 minutes passed before it showed again. This time quartering the field in what was a real spectacle. We lost it over the hedge line before it shot straight through a gap in the hedge close beside us. An awesome sight and one I will remember for a while to come.

All shots are quite distant, but I'm pleased to have got some record shots of this harrier.

While waiting for the Pallid Harier to show, we were entertained by some large flocks of Brambling.

And a pair of Egyptian Geese.

Reed Bunting

I spent a couple of cold icy hours doing the rounds at Pennington Flash a couple of weeks ago. It was one of those where after a few minutes the tips of your fingers begin to hurt. No pain, no gain as the saying goes, so I braved it for as long as I could.
I actually love a cold frosty morning. Birds are more active in their search for food and far less secretive. Gloves, hat and several layers are a necessity though.

Reed Buntings were the most abundant bird this particular morning, which was good because I'd not really paid them too much attention recently. So I sat particularly still in a couple of the hides to do them justice. They didn't disappoint, with some lovely poses for me.

Goldcrest

There has been a real abundance of Goldcrests this winter. Catching a glimpse of one as it flits in and around the trees or bushes is quite often as good as it gets. You have more chance of hearing one with it's constant high pitched call always getting my attention in the bushes or conifers.

This guy stayed still long enough.

I am linking to Nature Thursday, hosted by Jutta. Nature Thursday

The Elusive Water Rail

A bird that I see all to rarely is the Water Rail. It is such a secretive bird, that catching a glimpse is usually all I get, and not on too many occasions either. It's one of those birds that really gives me a thrill when one comes into view. It makes me gulp and take a sharp intake of breath.
Having seen one the other day at Pennington Flash I hoped that I may be able to get some pictures of it. Why should this occasion be like any other though? It did what it does best, and that is to stay out of harms way in the undergrowth (and why not?).
I stayed watching for what seemed like seconds but may have been longer. It was all too short but a real privilege at the same time. What a great looking bird.

These shots are typical of what you see of a Water Rail.

At least I managed a face shot this time.

Pennington Flash

A cold bright and frosty Saturday morning was a welcome relief after what has seemed like weeks and weeks of dark and wet ones. I headed off to Pennington Flash, for just a couple of hours. It never disappoints and is always a safe bet for something to see, no matter how common. Plus, it's just a wonderful place to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle and mundaneness of everyday life.
Lots was seen, both out on the water and along the many paths. Cold weather always brings the birds out to forage for food a little less carefully than normal. There were plenty of finches, Robins, Blackbirds and Tits. Plenty to brighten up anybody's day.

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Collard Dove

In the summer I saw quite a number of large flocks of Collard Dove. In fact I came close to running a few over as they ambled along in the road, almost oblivious to the danger coming towards them.
These pictures, taken at Pennington Flash show one at more sedate times, having a drink.

My Charity Runs

Something a little different and away from birds.

I've decided to do a couple of runs for charity this year and am going to try and raise funds for Francis House. Francis House provides care for children and young adults with life threatening conditions. They also provide support and friendship for the whole family during these difficult times. You can find more information on their website:  http://www.francishouse.org.uk 

The runs that I have chosen to do are the Liverpool Half marathon on 13th March and the Manchester 10K on 22nd May. I am currently in training for the half marathon which involves me running 4 times a week. One long run at the weekend, which is currently at 9 miles, keeps me out of trouble.

I'd much rather be out with the camera, but I want to give something back this year, and this is my way of doing it.

Please take a moment to read about Francis House, the charity I have chosen, and if you feel able, I would love you to donate as little or as much as you like. I know it is not easy (ever) let alone straight after Christmas, so anything is greatly appreciated. My last race is in May, so no great rush. I have set up a Just Giving page to help with donations, and it can be found here: Just Giving Adam Jones

Thank you for reading and many thanks. :)

Black-headed gull

Not a bird that I take photographs of a lot, but they are real characters the Black-headed gull. With many roosts in Greater Manchester it's not difficult to know where they'll be hanging out. Quite often they're squabbling over some food that's been left to litter the pavement or just generally squabbling.

When there aren't many other birds around you can pretty much guarantee a Black-headed gull will help focus your attentions.

(No black or chocolate brown heads here as they are in winter non-breeding plumage)

I think this is a first winter bird, judging by it's plumage. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Gulls are not my greatest strength,

This chap looks more of an adult with it's nice reddish legs and no juvenile feathers in the wings.

Jackdaw

This is my favourite member of the Crow family. (I think I've probably said that before). The Jackdaw. With it's stunning blue eyes and greyish hood, it stands out from the other corvids for me. An intelligent bird and always great to watch. It can make a lot of noise too, but I don't find it too annoying.

These images were taken on a grey afternoon at Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale. I like the contrast it gives with the Jackdaw. The grey behind the first two pictures is actually the water of the lake reflecting the sky above.

With a little more colour to work with here the grey head is easier to see, plus the blueish tinge to the feathers.

Red-breasted Merganser

The final bird to make it onto my year list was the Red-breasted merganser. This bird seen at West Kirby marine lake took my total for the year to 181 different bird species seen, beating my previous best total by 6 from last year.

A common visitor to the UK coastline in the winter months, this is only the second time that I have actually come across one. Just shows you what you can find if you put your mind to it.
I was aware that a few of these were around the Wirral, so I made a special visit to see them. Great looking diving ducks with a nice spiky hair do and serrated bill to help with their diet of mainly salmon and trout.

Pictured here is the female. Quite similar to the female Goosander in clolouration and overall appearance. Unfortunately it was yet another dull grey day, so the colours are not great.
Still it pushed my year total up, so I'm happy with that. I now have a new target to beat in 2016.

I wish you all a Happy New Year. Here's hoping it's a great one! :-)

Merry Christmas

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Thank you all for viewing and your comments over the last year. It means a great deal to me and is always very much appreciated. I hope to bring you plenty of new birds and posts in 2016. Until then, enjoy yourselves in the coming week and I hope you drop by again soon.