Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Saturday, 1 February 2014

Garden Birding!

Dunnock singing its heart out

Well, I am now officially a "poor" pensioner! Heather is at Towcester at a craft fair, desperately trying to keep me in the manner to which I am accustomed! It also means I was car less and with  the sun shining, I was keen to experiment further with my newly acquired pre-loved 500mm lens. So, the garden it was! I was drawn to a Dunnock that was obviously very pleased with the bright morning, and sung its heart out from a prominent high point.

Dunnock





Things got even better when a male Blackcap dropped in briefly. My first in the garden for many years!

Blackcap





The bushes at the bottom of the garden accommodated, briefly two Bullfinches, a first for the garden and a constant through flow of Goldfinches.

Bullfinch



Goldfinch



Starlings are regarded by many as a dull, black and dreary, causing a nuisance! I beg to differ, they are colourful with great characters and excellent mimics!

Starling




And finally, a once common species, but now under threat, the chirpy House Sparrow.





Other birds were Pied Wagtail, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Blue Tit, Robin, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and overflying Black Headed Gulls, Common Gulls and Lesser Blackbacked Gulls.

2 comments:

  1. An excellent selection Kevin, and not a bad picture amongst them.

    Not had any Blackcap in my garden since we had snow last year. I think there's enough natural food for them at the moment.

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  2. Thanks Keith - it's surprising what turns up when you look. Biggest surprise were the two male Bullfinches - a first for the garden!

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