Bfb`s Outdoor Ramblings

Friday, 24 January 2014

Male Common Kestrel

Having just been out for a walk around the Cat & Fiddle moorland I was driving home when I bumped into this fella sat on a wall eating his lunch.

as I double backed round with the car he flew to another wall to finish his meal

and then just chilling

a few hundred yards away I caught up with at least 3 Dippers

Thursday, 23 January 2014

Carduelis flammea

Winter is good for the Redpoll species, especially in my garden. December was as usual busy at the feeders. The last day of December seemed quite normal with 20+ Lesser Redpoll and 3 Mealy Redpoll on the feeders, however New Years day brought just 6 Lesser Redpoll and then nothing since, it is really unusual to be Redpoll free in the winter in my garden 23 consecutive days is highly unusual

anyway.......

They are back. A large flock just arrived which includes 25+ Lessers and 2 Mealys. Probably the same group that were visiting pre New Year, wonder where they have been.

Sunday, 19 January 2014

European Stonechat

Saxicola rubicola

One of my favourite UK birds.

I noticed the female first as she sat on the fence line posing for a few seconds, it was nice to get images showing her off from all angles. The male was a little more wary and kept a little distance between us.

They were both feeding in the tide wrack at Burton Marsh a few days ago.

Both birds still showing non breeding plumages

the female from the back

a lovely pose from the side

from the front and looking a little windswept

and the male

Friday, 17 January 2014

Buff Bellied Pipit

Anthus rubescens

I had to go over to the Wirral for second helpings of this mega rarity. First visit happened to be last year even if it was only three weeks ago, anyway I hadn't managed any images on the first trip.

It didn't take long to track it down, about 10 minutes in fact.

Image quality isn't the best but really wanted some record shots of this bird before it does finally fly off.