Enjoying Redpolls at Brandon Marsh - 26th February 2014

It was very pleasant in the sunshine at Brandon Marsh and even nicer to arrive near the bench at the top of Horsetail Glade to see Redpolls coming down to feed. A single bird looked much paler with an almost frosty appearance. Could it be a Mealy (Common) Redpoll? I would appreciate your comments, thank you.

Brandon Marsh - In the Woods.

Bullfinch

The woodland was full of activity and song and evidence of nest building. The Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming - always nice to hear and many other species heralded their territories, hoping to attract a mate.

Wren

Bullfinch

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Song Thrush

Brandon Marsh - On the Water.

Shelduck

It was forecast to be a bright, sunny morning and I had not been out very much over the last week so I headed over to Brandon Marsh. I just wanted to enjoy the fresh air and was really pleased that indicators of Spring were around every corner.

Great Crested Grebe

Tufted Duck

Wigeon

Kingfisher (Distant but my first of the year)

Love is in the Air! Well it is for the Oystercatchers!

Do you come here often?

Sitting in the Wright Hide at Brandon Marsh, enjoying pleasant sunshine, my attention was drawn to two Oystercatchers (at least four were present). The pair were obviously attracted and soon began to ensure that the future Oystercatcher line would be maintained!

Was it good for you, love?

The Robin

It was a beautiful sunny day at Brandon Marsh with many birds (hopefully) heralding the arrival of Spring. Who can resist a Robin? Sing Robin, sing, with all your might!

Black Headed and Common Gulls on the dog walk.

Black Headed with Common Gull

I've not really done any birding over the last week, primarily due to starting a massive clear out at home (17yrs overdue!) However. I have been enjoying the dog walks with positive signs of Spring occurring all around. I have a small Olympus Stylus camera that I endeavour to carry with me at all times. I have taken a few landscapes, sun rises and sun sets but not wildlife. Today, the gulls on the dog walk fields were showing well, so time to give it a go. Not easy with the camera in one hand and a boisterous dog in the other! Still, quite pleased with the outcome!

Stanford Reservoir

Swift Valley, Rugby

Nuthatch

Swift Valley Nature Reserve is a great little reserve, even though it is surrounded by an industrial estate and a new housing estate. It is easy to forget these eyesores and engross yourself in the wide variety of wildlife to be found here. Development of the reserve to its present state is down the the dedicated conservation team that keep it in check. I have a feeling it may well become my "local patch"! It also gave me an opportunity to try out the 500mm in a woodland.

Robin

Marsh Tit

Nuthatch

Dunnock

Chaffinch

Great Tit

Blackbird

Reed Bunting