did two weeks around the Western Isles back in April, didn't spot a single eagle of any variety, very disappointed. Did see an Osprey though, sorry no photo.
did two weeks around the Western Isles back in April, didn't spot a single eagle of any variety, very disappointed. Did see an Osprey though, sorry no photo.
Poole Harbour is the place for eagles these days. 4 White Tailed Eagles recorded around the harbour area a couple of days back. In your face Mull
I never thought for a moment when I went out this morning that I'd see a Dartford Warbler. Incidentally, this bird was named by a man called John Latham from Eltham. The birds Latham saw (and killed) were actually in Bexley Heath (pre-contraction) not Dartford.
I never thought for a moment when I went out this morning that I'd see a Dartford Warbler. Incidentally, this bird was named by a man called John Latham from Eltham. The birds Latham saw (and killed) were actually in Bexley Heath (pre-contraction) not Dartford.
Last week I drove to Colchester to see a flock of these. This week they are in Southend just a mile from my home.
Many years ago we had a flock in our garden in Chatham, they stripped the cotoneaster bush of its berries. Such stunning birds, I keep hoping that I'll see them again where I live now.
They were at Kings Hill, West Malling a couple of weeks ago. Apparently this is a Waxwing year.
I hope you get to see them again, they are so beautiful. I also love their boldness. You can go right up to them and the don't flinch. My theory is that it's because the berries they eat are often planted in big numbers in public places likes trading and industrial estates - if they want the prize they have to get used to the hubbub.
Just done my count. Zero birds in the garden, which is unsurprising as it's like a postage stamp. Counted what I could see from the garden: Goldfinch 16; Starling 13; Black Headed Gull 11; Lesser Black Backed Gull 1; Herring Gull 1; Unidentified gulls (genus Larus) 6; Collared Dove 2; Wood Pigeon 19; Buzzard 1; Carrion Crow 5; Magpie 3; Feral Pigeon 6; Blackbird 1; Robin 1 (heard, not seen).
Hoping to do my count this afternoon. Hubby has filled up the birdfeeders and we would normally have 40+ feral pigeons, taking their share before any others. At the moment no birds in sight, the pigeons would normally congregate on the roof before flying down for their meal. I suspect that there is a sparrowhawk in the vicinity, so I'll have to delay my count.
Managed to see a few birds - Great Tit 1, Wood Pigeon 4, Feral Pigeon 20, Robin 1, Starling 4, Collared Dove 1, 1 unknown gull flew over.
A squirrel monopolised the peanut feeder, so might have had more great tits if it hadn't been there. Last week I saw about half a dozen long tailed tits, which I've never seen in the garden before, though haven't seen them since.
I'm in Lewisham too, but near Hilly Fields so get quite a few birds. 10 sparrows, 2 each of rock and stock dove, 2 dunnock, 2 long tailed, 1 great and 1 blue, 1 starling. There are dozens of starlings in the big trees in the park but only one came into the garden
Stopped at a petrol station just on the outskirts of Reading a couple of weeks back, and there around 15 Red Kite circling above us. I thought they were gulls at first, then looked again and they where 100% Kite. Unbelievable to see in such an urban area
My count for yesterday. Blue Tits =2, Jackdaws =6, Blackbirds=2, Buzzard (In the air above) =2, Robin=2. No sign of our regular Sparrowhawk at our pond unfortunately.
Stopped at a petrol station just on the outskirts of Reading a couple of weeks back, and there around 15 Red Kite circling above us. I thought they were gulls at first, then looked again and they where 100% Kite. Unbelievable to see in such an urban area
It's amazing how successful they have become and they are steady heading east. I think it’s brilliant how they have become rejuvenated. They are so successful now though, that I wonder if it's only a matter of time before they are seen as a nuisance and control measures are put in place.
Stopped at a petrol station just on the outskirts of Reading a couple of weeks back, and there around 15 Red Kite circling above us. I thought they were gulls at first, then looked again and they where 100% Kite. Unbelievable to see in such an urban area
It's amazing how successful they have become and they are steady heading east. I think it’s brilliant how they have become rejuvenated. They are so successful now though, that I wonder if it's only a matter of time before they are seen as a nuisance and control measures are put in place.
Raptors don't usually make it onto the General Licence and think I'm right in saying they're mainly scavengers, so not a treat to livestock etc. The only time I can see them being controlled would be for conservation reasons maybe?
Hopefully they'll stay as they are for a long time yet
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4 White Tailed Eagles recorded around the harbour area a couple of days back. In your face Mull
I never thought for a moment when I went out this morning that I'd see a Dartford Warbler. Incidentally, this bird was named by a man called John Latham from Eltham. The birds Latham saw (and killed) were actually in Bexley Heath (pre-contraction) not Dartford.
Last week I drove to Colchester to see a flock of these. This week they are in Southend just a mile from my home.
They were at Kings Hill, West Malling a couple of weeks ago. Apparently this is a Waxwing year.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch/submission
for the first time. Only my second citizen science activity ever.
They have a beautiful song too.
A squirrel monopolised the peanut feeder, so might have had more great tits if it hadn't been there. Last week I saw about half a dozen long tailed tits, which I've never seen in the garden before, though haven't seen them since.
There are dozens of starlings in the big trees in the park but only one came into the garden
Hopefully they'll stay as they are for a long time yet