Saturday 20 November 2010

Reed bunting

I think I might need help. Waiting for an appearance by some bearded tits today it occurred to me that this might be my first genuine 'twitch'. It has all the hallmarks. An alert by email that they might be at the reserve. A special visit to see. Asking people on the way in if they'd seen them. Standing with a group of birders waiting. That increasing sinking feeling that they weren't going to show. And then finally the cold got the better of me and I headed home for a hot chocolate. Is it too late to save me?

Reed bunting

Whilst waiting for the bearded tits someone put out a load of millet - and here is a reed bunting which cashed in on that. The light was really poor again today - but I guess that's part for the course at this time of year...

Monday 15 November 2010

New forest pony

Another trip to the New Forest. Absolutely stunning light for a change (hurrah!) but no birds to speak of (boo!). Was nice to be out though.

New Forest pony

Sunday 7 November 2010

New forest deer

This Friday I made my way down to the New Forest in search of Dartford warblers. I didn't find any. Actually it was a pretty good birding day, with lots to see including bramblings, black caps, field fares, red wings, a sparrowhawk and a buzzard amongst other things. Photography-wise it was a bit of a wash out though. Generally grey and dull with intermittent rain.

The only decent shot of the day was this chance encounter with a young stag near Rufus Stone. I think it is a fallow deer?

Young stag