Saturday, February 20, 2010

Cold but a worthwhile days birding

I awoke to a sharp frost but there was a hint of blue skies so out I went.

First stop was the Walkers Snack bar at Barton Mills. Is it bad form to send a picture of your breakfast to people?

On to Lynford Arboretum, shortly after entering the Arboretum a Treecreeper flew on to a tree!! Loads of tits (Blue, Great and Coal). I hadn't gone very far when a group of birds flew overhead and into some trees behind me, they looked like big finches..... bins up on to a lovely red CROSSBILL!! Not the easiest of birds to see down here.

I crossed the bridge to the paddock and pointed my bins to the tops of the trees. OOH!! Hawfinch! Set up the scope for a better view!!

I wandered around the lake to take some photos and then back to the car. Lots more tits and finches (including Crossbill) and a few Goldcrest.







So where now? I didn't really fancy a trip all the way to the coast but did go to Sculthorpe Moor.




I think Blondie was calling me this when she got my text about see 20 Crossbill and Hawfinch!





No bird pics but will this chap do?

I saw 5 species of Tit (saw Marsh but not Willow, both are there), a Water Rail, the common finches (Bull, Gold, Chaff and Green) and a Brambling!






Also seen during the trip were Redwing, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mallards, Grey Heron, Mute Swans, Brent Geese, Coots, Moorhen, Jays, Green Woody (well heard), Wren, Robins, Magpie, Crow, Jackdaw, Wood Pigeon, Canada Geese and Brent Geese.

5 comments:

holdingmoments said...

Excellent trip out Pete. Crossbill and Hawfinch; two birds I've never seen before.

oldcrow61 said...

Yes, it was a worth while day out. The pictures are wonderful. I love the sign saying Old Gits Corner, lol.

The Quacks of Life said...

oc - so did I!!

HM - Jan and Feb are good months to see Hawfinch at Lynford. Crossbill are a bit hit and miss. Its a nice place but not good for bird photos!

Tricia Ryder said...

Great landscapes; that little Panny is a gem! :D

Pity no bird pics and I'd love to see a Hawfinch.....

Janine said...

LOL @ Old Git's Corner. Is that on a bench? Im sure its a popular photo spot!

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