Mar 01 2012
We decided to have a couple of days birding so we started off with a visit to Leighton Moss RSPB. We had seen on their web site that there were a number of rarities in the area including a “redhead” Smew, a Glossy Ibis and a Snow Goose so while we were looking forward to a site that we visit as often as we can we had the addition spice of possibly seeing some “twitchable” birds as well. Did we manage to see any of these ? – Read on !
Mar 01 2012
We were on holiday in Lanzarote for the week between 2nd and 9th of February. We weren’t really doing any serious bird watching but we kept our eyes open and we did see a few species including Pallid Swift, Kestrel, Kentish Plover, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Collared Dove, Swallow, Spanish Sparrow and Berthelot’s Pipit. It would be well worthwhile returning here in Spring but at this time of year it seemed fairly quiet for birds.
When we returned from holiday it was clear that it had been very cold and the moment we removed the ice from the bird bath, the Blackbirds were back for their baths. The whole of the first half of the month had been very cold but the second half was much milder if a bit windy at times. The Blackcap has remained until the end of the month at least and is to be seen often having got the hang of the bird feeder – it is as likely to be seen there than on the bird table. Goldfinches are plentiful – often up to 14 or so at a time. Blue and Great Tits are pretty active. Woodpigeons and Collared Doves are back at full force and the Robin is occasionally seen. As usual, a couple of Dunnocks (sometimes three !) are seen daily and may even be nesting in the ivy at the bottom of the garden. Mistle Thrushes continue to be seen from our front and back windows, either protecting a neighbour’s Rowan tree facing our house or in the trees in the park behind it. On occasion they are accompanied by Redwing in varying numbers. Blackbirds and Magpies bathe frequently in the bird bath. A Coal Tit was on the bird table at the end of the month.