April Surprises

When I saw this I was taken aback. On closer inspection this Tree Sparrow seems to have lost some feathering and exposed darker downy feathers. I wonder if this is the one using my blue tit nest box?

Stonechat

Sorry, couldn't resist it!

Google and Books out for this one this afternoon.

Black Redstart

I failed to see the long staying Newbiggin bird so I was delighted to come across this one. Then I realised there were two, ha ha, just like buses.

I spent nearly an hour watching these birds and the accompanying Pied wagtails and Wrens feeding nearby.

This Collared Dove fledged on April 1st. A second fledged today. I guess this means the eggs were in the nest in February. Now I know why the adults have been pestering me to feed them over the last two weeks.

The annual Greenfinch visiting my garden. It will be great to watch them displaying early morning when the weather improves. My first Siskin visited the Nyger seed feeder too, unfortunately it didn't linger for a photo.

Greenfinch

 

Migrant Madness (Missed)

Garden Warbler

What a brilliant start to October. I'm still learning what I missed as I catch up with birders I meet on patch. Unfortunately I was unable to get out during the peak of the fall. I have had to make do with picking up scraps that were left behind once the 'cream' had departed.

I did catch up with a few Goldcrests, Blackcaps and this Garden Warbler.

Hopefully I'll get a chance if the forecast for this weekend is good.

Fungus sp?

Of course patch birding has its consolations. Greenfinches love these rosehips. Water Rails easily observed following the reed-cutting. A trickle of Whooper Swans along with many more Pink-footed Geese and Barnacle Geese. Jays, Treecreepers and Great Spotted Woodpeckers becoming more showy along the North of the reserve.

Dragonflies enjoying the sunny spells. This Southern Hawker allowed a close inspection.

Southern Hawker (above)

Common Darter (below)

 

Holiday Weekend

Aaaah

Thought the Twite had all moved on, so it was a surprise to find 9 still at Druridge. This one gave a nice pose to show the details of its plumage.

5 Reeling birds so far and 3+ Sedge (one in full song).

Black-tailed Godwits

This morning it was bitterly cold and I wasn't dressed for the occasion. So I eventually found a sheltered spot and in a very small patch of grass I  found Yellow, White and Pied Wagtails along with dozens of Meadow Pipits.

Having not used the car for a couple of weeks and then only for shopping, I am finding the walk from my house more interesting than expected. My aim once this terrible pandemic is clear will be to continue this exercise route at least two days each week (weather permitting). I must have saved quite a bit of money by not buying petrol. I am also finding new birds. Today I heard a loud Huueet call, reminiscent of Chiffchaff. However, it was coming from a larger bird. When I got my binoculars focused on the bird it was a superb male Common Redstart. It then flew into the shelter belt and apart from hearing it call a few times I never got another view.

Today I want to go to the shops but feel I don't need to. (I may have to walk to Widdrington Station just for a few items but they are not essential.) I'll do a bigger shop later in the week.

Back in the house a welcome visitor to the Nyger feeder. Greenfinch. A rare garden bird but as I have mentioned before there is always one breeding pair nearby.