6th February 2010 – Rosy Revisited…..!

Roy arrived at mine an we soon on our way to Kendal. It was a bright sunny day and we were soon enjoying stunning views of the moulting juvenile Rose-coloured Starling. Rose-coloured Starling Rose-coloured Starling Rose-coloured Starling Rose-coloured Starling Rose-coloured Starling Rose-coloured Starling Rose-coloured Starling Rose-coloured Starling Next we made our way to Leighton Moss, which was unfortunately shrouded in thick fog!...

5th February 2010 – Rosy and Snow….!

Chris H arrived at mine and we made our way to Penrith. We picked up Chris B from the Railway Station and then tried (but failed) to locate the Black Redstart. Next we made our way to Kendal. As we arrived we could see Craig was present, though the bird had just flown off! However it was not long before we were enjoying views of the Rose-coloured Starling, despite the murky weather. Rose-coloured Starling Rose-coloured Starling Once we...

3rd February 2010 – Rose-coloured Starling etc

After my counselling session in the morning I made way way down to Oxenholme where I had arranged to meet Mike s I could help him with some computer stuff. On arrival at the railway station Mike was there waiting for me and we made our  way towards Kendal. We were hoping to see the Rose-coloured Starling that was present in garden there. Despite the disturbance of some tree surgery happening across the road from the favoured garden it...

27th January 2010 – Red, White & Black….

Chris arrived at mine just before 0700hrs and we made our way to Penrith to meet up with Roy and ‘The Craigster’. We all piled into Roy’s car and continued on our journey south. Four hours later we arrived at Rhaydar in time for another coffee. Just before 1300hrs we made our way to Gigrin Farm. On arrival at the farm we could see good numbers of Red Kites. Once we had paid our£4.00 entrance fee we made our way to...

20th January 2010 – Black-throated Thrush

Chris arrived at my house and we were soon on our way to Newholm in North Yorkshire. We arrived in the village at just after 10:00hrs and it was not long before we were enjoying great views of the female Black-throated Thrush (despite the rain). The thrush showed well as it perched up in bushes before flying onto the ground to feed. As it was raining, we decided to have a break from the thrush and have a quick check of Whitby Harbour....

January 14th-17th 2010 – Ireland

At about 1215hrs on the day before our journey across to Belfast; Chris arrived at mine and we were soon on our way to Roy’s.  Just near to Roy’s house we had superb views of Jay and in his garden Nuthatch were showing really well; not a bad start to our trip! Once Roy and his gear was loaded into the car we were on our way to Chris & Pats! En route, the birding was relatively quiet, with the only noteworthy addition...

10th January 2010 – Birding in the Freezer…..

Chris arrived at mine at 0830hrs and we (including Lachlan) made our way to Grune Point. As expected, Grune was very cold and icy! Despite the cold there seemed to be a good number of bird about. The highlights being Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Sparrowhawk, Twite (a flock of c50) and a solitary Pink-footed Goose. A quick look at Silloth harbour and environs produced two Scaup. Next a visit to Siddick Ponds...

5th January 2010 – Bramblings

Having managed to see a couple of  Bramblings the previous day, I decided to walk up the road and try and get some pictures. Luckily on arrival at the stand of beech trees there were at least two birds present. At least one of the Bramblings were quite approachable, allowing me to take some pictures. The nearby stubble field was full of Tree Sparrows, Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings and...

3rd January 2010 – Leighton Moss etc

Roy and Jane arrived at mine just after 0830hrs ans we soon on our way southwards. We stopped off at Sizergh Castle hoping to see Hawfinch. There was no sign of any, however Nuthatch was some consolation. Next we visited a very frozen Leighton Moss where the birding Highlights were brief views of a Waterail, Peregrine, Long-tailed Tits and a reasonable selection of ducks. Leighton Moss Next we went to Kents Bank which was a fantastic...

1st January 2010 – Happy New Year

Happy New Year! A walk up the road produced a good selection of birds including Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Redwing, Fieldfare and Songthrush. A trip along to Anthorn was very productive with views of Black-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover, Sparrowhawk & Snipe. Cardurnock hosted Whooper Swan and Barnacle Geese (Incuding a leucistic individual). Leucistic Barnacle Goose Leucistic Barnacle Goose Bowness area provided views...