Tranquility (NOT) in Napton on the Hill Churchyard!

I assume that this enormous pile of wood near the windmill is a beacon for the Queens Jubilee. I hope that they check for small animals before they light it.

Napton on the Hill churchyard is usually a tranquil spot, where you can sit for an hour or two and let the birds and wildlife come to you. How wrong could I be today! Arriving at 0700, coincided with the arrival of workmen rebuilding the north porch. So, no peace and reconcilliation for me! My main aim was to see the Spotted Flycatchers and hopefully get some images. At least four birds were present, very active and flighty, perhaps unsettled by the workmen and building site noise. It was a challenge indeed but I managed to get a few shots. Pleased to meet Paul Lathbury and looking forward to seeing how well he did after I left!

Spotted Flycatcher

Blackbird

Robin

Chaffinch

Wren

Kestrel

Grey Heron, Brandon Marsh - 23rd May 2012

Sitting in the West Marsh Hide hoping for the arrival of a mega bird, the best I could find was a very obliging Grey Heron! It just begged to be caught on camera and as a result, I think it deserves a post on its own!

Brandon Marsh - 23rd May 2012

Common Tern

I really do not like the heat! I prefer my days to be sunny but cool, so expecting a rather hot day, I arrived at Brandon Marsh at 0500hrs. At this early hour, I had the reserve to myself and hoped that something good would show. As normal, of course it didn't, so I enjoyed taking images of some of the commoner birds. A list of birds seen can be found at the end of this post. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my images. (See also the Grey Heron entry).

Willow Warbler in early morning light

Song Thrush

Robin

Redshank (ensuring the continuation of the species)

Mute Swan Reflectives

Common Tern

Teal

Wren

Not at Brandon but nearby - Oil Seed Rape

Todays Sightings:

Chiffchaff; Jackdaw; Magpie; Pheasant; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Robin; Swallow; Blackcap; Wren; Blue Tit; Starling; Kestrel; Black Headed Gull; Chaffinch; Wood Pigeon; Mute Swan; Greylag Goose; Green Woodpecker;Whitethroat; Willow Warbler; Stock Dove; Dunnock; Goldcrest; Canada Goose; Song Thrush; Mallard; Reed Warbler; Sedge Warbler; Oystercatcher; Lapwing; Tufted Duck; Cettis Warbler; Bullfinch; Reed Bunting; Coot; Common Tern; Redshank; Gadwall; Little Ringed Plover; Pied Wagtail;Teal; Great Crested Grebe; Moorhen; Long Tailed Tit; Cuckoo; Grey Heron; Linnet; LBB Gull; Gtreat Spotted Woodpecker; Swift; Kingfisher; Garden Warbler; Jay; Buzzard; House Martin; Sand Martin; Hobby; Goldfinch.

Nearby: Yellowhammer; Rook; Collared Dove; Skylark.