Wednesday 27 February 2013

Wanderer returns

Tuesday 27 February 2013

First sighting of the Water Rail on the Watercress Beds since 11 January. So, has it been there the whole time or away on its hols? Still somewhat surprised that I haven't seen Blackcap or Chiffchaff on the beds this winter in spite of having at least 3 regularly in the garden. Beginning to wonder if this, together with the lack of Heron, Kingfisher and fewer than usual Water Rails might be connected to the drought during early 2012 and/or very high flows now.

Friday 22 February 2013

Garden watch

Friday 22 February 2013

Ventured out to Ewelme briefly but all a bit samey - nice male bullfinch though. Spent an hour pointing the camera out of the bedroom window this afternoon hoping to see one of the Blackcaps but they don't seem keen on the camera and never showed in spite of appearing on the fat feeders before and after.








Tuesday 19 February 2013

Last day of spring?

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Ewelme looking a picture if you ignore the mud underfoot. Daffodils glowing and very noisy Wrens and Dunnocks everywhere.



Thursday 14 February 2013

Sun at last

Thursday 14 February 2013

Quiet birdwise only species of note being four species of raptor, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Still I saw the sun and it was almost pleasant. Good showing of snowdrops and the daffodils wont be far behind. Meadow is very soggy - we need a couple of dry months!


Monday 11 February 2013

Dorchester

Monday 11 February 2013

A cold, snowy WeBS survey this month. You would have thought all that pain would have provided some excitement but afraid not. Numbers were high with 781 Wigeon, 75 Gadwall and 385 Teal but I couldn't find a new bird for my Dorchester, 2013 list - not even a Greenfinch!

Goosander/s

Sunday 10 February 2013

Cabin fever drove me out of the house for a wet muddy walk along the Thames to Shillingford then back via Warborough and the "prairie". Only thing or interest was a Female Goosander near Benson and another or the same one, which could have flown un-noticed past me, near Shillingford Bridge.