Alpine Accentor Slaughden OctoberNeeding to stay put for a few weeks I decided not to go to Scilly, but couldn't resist a day out to see this, actually my second in Suffolk. First winters are in fresh plumage in autumn, and more or less indistinguishable from adults, very smart.
Alpine Accentor Slaughden OctoberProving unusually difficult to get good views due to the rough tall grass where it was feeding, it did come out onto the beach area occasionally. Unfortunately it was a "gone Friday" bird, but it (or another) turned up on Blakeney Point. Glad I saw it in Suffolk!
Merveille-du-jour Sutton Bridge OctoberOne of my moth ticks was one of the most hoped-for species in anyone's trap. It's only taken ten years. Obviously fresh, two days later it was sat outside the trap and had faded noticeably. Presumably the pattern is a form of camouflage on lichen covered surfaces but it doesn't seem to work too well.
Dusky-lemon Sallow Sutton Bridge OctoberHaving done very little moth trapping during the year, I put the trap out quite a lot during what remained of October. This proved to be a good move, since I had three new moths, this one being rather worn as you can see.
Glaucous Gull Lerwick Harbour OctoberPresent most of the time we were on Shetland, this 2nd year bird was often to be found on the roof of the fish factory. It often wasn't also, and it was near the end of our stay when I managed a photo. Let's face it, when you're on Shetland Lerwick Harbour isn't usually the place to be!
King Eider Scalloway OctoberThe usual view of a King Eider on Shetland is of a distant bird in a voe which has to be found in a large flock of Common Eider. This bird was in a harbour with a small flock of Eider, and gave much better views, plus a Slavonian Grebe as a bonus.
Myrtle Warbler Shetland OctoberJust as we were due to return home TWO Myrtle Warblers dropped in. We only managed the first, unfortunately, as the second bird showed better apparently. There's always next year!
Twite Uyeasound OctoberA large flock of Twite was accompanied by a few Redpolls, which as far as we could tell consisted of an Arctic, a Greenland and several Lessers. However all the birds were very flighty, but the Twite in particular posed in front of the camera on occasion.
Great Grey Shrike Hillwick OctoberThought by most, and looking like, a homeyeri this bird had a long stay but took to hiding in a private garden at times. Having travelled back to Mainland to see it we then had to repeat the journey when a Pechora Pipit turned up about 100m away.
Hornemanns Arctic Redpoll Mid Yell OctoberOne of the Arctic Redpolls at Mid Yell, looking very white and frosty, but then so did the Mealy! The flock flew around the village, never in one spot for long, this was taken behind the community centre.
Mealy Redpoll Mid Yell Shetland OctoberThe redpoll "problem" in a photo. This bird looked like an Arctic, indeed there were two around, different from the earlier single bird at Mid Yell. But look at the undertail coverts. The bill also doesn't appear to be the stubby bill of Arctic.
Redpolls Voe Shetland OctoberA visit to Voe for yet another Hornemanni gave me a nice comparison shot with a Lesser Redpoll. Any Redpoll being quite scarce where I live nowadays, it was interesting to see all the (sub)species, although we didn't confirm an exilipes Arctic.
Red-backed Shrike Unst SeptemberMissed the Woodchat this year, but this Red-backed Shrike showed well on the other side of the trees holding the Yellow-browed.
Yellow-browed Warbler Shetland OctoberA few more than last year, but nowhere near the numbers that will show after prolonged easterlies. However, the change in weather patterns is bringing more Yanks to us, so we shouldn't complain.
Swainson's Thrush West Yell OctoberRarities are relatively uncommon on Yell, but this seems to be gradually changing, which suits us because we stay on Yell. Initially quite flighty and disappearing for long periods, it showed well at times during its stay.
Swainson's Thrush West Yell OctoberAlthough showing well from time to time, appearences were often brief, and due to its situation it was best seen from the main road which was rather distant. It was first seen on a fencepost at the side of the road, but obviously never returned there as there were two nice gardens below.
Blyth's Reed Warbler Shetland OctoberFound whilst waiting for the previous bird, there was some dispute about it's ID because the legs were quite pale. It did on occasion exhibit the "banana" posture, and as it wasn't a Marsh and Reed is a real rarity on Shetland, we are happy. We saw another later anyway.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail Shetland OctoberAnother repeat from last year, but this one did stay in one area during its stay. Unfortunately most of that area was out of view, but patience rewarded everyone eventually.
Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll Mid Yell OctoberLots of these on Shetland, this wasn't the first we saw but it was the most photogenic. A beautiful little bird, found in our friend's garden.
Common Rosefinch Shetland OctoberNorwick always seems to attract this species, this year there were four which were easily photographed when we went. A bit different to last year when all I managed was a beady eye in a weedy field
Pectoral Sandpiper Shetland OctoberI had a tick on Shetland this year but couldn't photograph it. This bird which was unusually flighty and actually changed locations several times, was one of two Pecs, also proving difficult to capture on pixel. I did manage a couple of shots.
Baird's Sandpiper Meikle Loch SeptemberAt last a decent photo of one, taken on our way to Shetland. Despite negative reports the bird showed very well on occasion, it took us much longer to find the Loch than the bird. It's hidden from the road but once on site we were rewarded with Red and Black-necked Grebes in addition to the Baird's.
Red-backed Shrike Kessingland SeptemberMy first decent find at Kessingland which lingered for a few days, just before we returned to Lincolnshire.
Lesser Whitethroat Kessingland SeptemberA few good migration days, an Iccy, and five Pied Flycatchers in one bush, plus large numbers of Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats, but photography proved difficult.
Kingfisher Kessingland SeptemberHaving been abroad for several weeks this year, we only had a short period at Kessingland before going to Shetland. Several migrants, but finally got a shot of the local Kingfisher, which is often flushed by dogwalkers.
Small Copper Frampton SeptemberA pair mating on a convenient broken stem. Unusually common at Frampton on this visit.
Cape (Kelp) Gull Graffham Water August Long predicted following records in France and Western Sahara, this came as a complete surprise one Sunday afternoon. A good find, often close, enabling the bare parts, which are the main identifying features, to be easily seen.
Black-Medded Gull Norfolk MayMediterranean/Black-headed Gull hybrids are becoming more common as numbers of Med Gulls increase. A quiet spring this year saw us photographing this whilst seeing nothing else in particular.
White-tailed Lapwing Frampton MarchStarting to moult in to summer plumage and better than when it was at Blacktoft, this was a Frampton wader tick for me so I had to go. I didn't have to go three times, but it was worth it eventually when it settled close to a hide.
Great Bustard Salisbury Plain MarchWhether you choose to tick them or not, the re-introduction scheme gives an opportunity to see displaying males at the right time of year. We saw 35 birds in total, about a third of the current population.
Belted Kingfisher River Darwen MarchAmid stories of mud like The Somme, and people getting very brief views after several visits, the bird started to be seen regularly after a period of disappearence, so we made the pilgrimage. Not only did we get good views but due to the recent no-shows the entrance fee to the field was suspended. It soon went back though, wonder how much went to charity?
Stone Curlew Norfolk MarchWe stopped off in the Brecks on our way to somewhere else, and found at least six Stone-curlews in a field, there were probably more. A few Tree Sparrows were also around, and our first Willow Warbler.
American Robin Eastbourne FebruaryAnother which probably arrived long before its discovery, on the edge of a housing estate. A lot easier than the nearby Hume's Warbler which was difficult to see, let alone photograph.
Purple Sandpiper Lowestoft Ness FebruaryNice to see a small flock of these, which have wintered at the Ness for many years. Numbers are down obviously over the long term but have been about the same since the millenium.
Red-breasted Goose Cley FebruaryLike buses, you wait ages and then three come along together. Not absolutely certain whether it's two or three, as the Lincolnshire bird seems to have disappeared, but was there when this arrived, although the Essex bird wasn't.
Green Woodpecker Dersingham FebruaryHow do you when it's time to cut the lawn? When it hides most of a woodpecker. Driving to see another Red-breasted Goose this was on a verge at the side of the road.
Goosander-Deeping Lakes JanuaryIf owls aren't showing, a visit usually produces at least a few Goosanders and Goldeneye. This pair looks as if they've fallen out, at least four birds were seemingly paired up.
Common Buzzard Deeping JanuaryBuzzards are far more numerous in the Fens now, when we first moved here they were a rarity, now I can see twelve in a day. Red Kites also, but this must affect populations of other species.
Long-eared-Owl Deeping Lakes JanuaryFairly close to home, a return visit found two owls roosting in a visible place. One was deep in and not really photographable, this one did at least move its head occasionally. It was a very pale bird for a Leo.
Little Owl Deeping Lakes JanuaryA well-known winter roost of Leos, initial failure turned to success in this Little Owl nearby, a species which is becoming more difficult, certainly in Norfolk and South Lincolnshire.
Dartford Warbler Norfolk JanuarySunshine recently has seen a lot of activity from these often elusive birds, not yet singing but it won't be long. At least two pairs seemed to be following the feeding activities of Stonechats.
Red-flanked-Bluetail Durham JanuaryAlthough it's been reported as a 1st-winter, this is the first record of a bird wintering in the UK. I think it could be a prospecting adult as the species is spreading westwards.
Red-flanked Bluetail Durham JanuaryHaven't seen one for years, although an annual visitor now. A very different scenario from 1992 when the Winspit bird filled a small valley with twitchers, but it was a convenient stopover on our way home.
Velvet Scoters Musselburgh JanuaryThe long-staying White-winged Scoter attracted us, and we found it immediately we arrived, also a male & female Surf Scoter. Sadly six hours on the rising tide didn't bring anything closer.
Water Pipit Welney JanuaryA bit of sunshine makes all the difference, although this bird can be elusive in reedy tufts. Spent most of my time putting recently fledged birders on to it, the sunny weather having bought them out in numbers.
Tundra Bean Goose Welney JanuaryHad to go twice for these, but it's not far. Weather/visibility poor on first visit, when I also dipped the Water Pipit, but there's always something to see (Great White Egret, Tree Sparrow, Short-eared Owl).
Red-breasted Goose Butterwick JanuaryHiding in plain sight, the flock also contained up to six Pale-bellied Brents and a Black Brant. The Brant's been in the area years, some say it's a hybrid but it looks like a Brant, albeit a little pale on the mantle.
Red-breasted Goose Butterwick JanuaryA far less common sight nowadays, but we went to play "hunt the redbreast" In a large flock of Brents, they only have to put their head down or turn away to become elusive. In a large field, our quarry remained distant.
Glossy Ibis Slimbridge JanuaryCalling in at Slimbridge after an abortive attempt to photograph the Pacific Diver, this juvenile was in a field just south of the reserve. My visit co-incided with the first break in the rain for 24 hours.
Bewick's Swan Slimbridge JanuaryDespite a seemingly large flock being mis-identified Whoopers, there do seem to be good numbers of Bewick's in the country this year. Ist year birds are also in evidence, always a good sign.
Smew Eyebrook Resevoir JanuaryAlways good for Smew at Eyebrook, this "punky" adult male was accompanied by five other males and two redheads, but numbers vary as the area is large and birds move to other waters in the region such as Rutland.
Tufted Duck Eyebrook Resevoir JanuaryThere was a Greater Scaup at Eyebrook but it was asleep. Photographing Smew, I thought another had appeared in the corner of the viewfinder so I took it. When downloaded I realised it was the pitfall for the unwary, white-faced Tuftie.
Iceland-Gull Cley JanuaryHaving waited till New Year to go and see this, I was very lucky as it didn't wander far from the seal carcasses. At one point it landed on the sea right in front of me.
Short-eared Owl Eldernell JanuaryThis bird has apparently roosted in the same spot for several weeks, and had its ear-tufts up most of the time we were there, which is unusual. I wonder whether a report of a Long-eared Owl was in fact this bird, since it's not really Leo habitat.
Short-eared Owl Eldernell JanuaryThere are probably several Short-eared Owls in the area, but two were visible at the start of the year, along with distant Cranes and a Peregrine for good measure.
Great Northern Diver Pentney JanuaryJanuary 1st birding started with this, which was a good choice because it departed soon after. There was also a Black-necked Grebe on the same pit.
Kestrel Frampton NovemberA visit to Frampton saw my quest for a decent shot of the male Hen Harrier thwarted again, I had to make do with sightings only, also saw Merlin, Peregrine and several Kestrels.
Mallow Sutton Bridge OctoberMy last decent trap of the year produced this which I had trapped before but never at home.
Gem Sutton Bridge OctoberA migrant mostly on the south coast, the second I've trapped at home. This is a male, the species is sexually dimorphic.
Long-toed Stint Swillington Ings OctoberMy only tick of the year, sadly conditions weren't right for a decent photo. I've twitched two (one on the Outer Hebrides) which turned out not to be genuine so this was a real bonus a couple of days after returning from Shetland.
Shorelark Grutness Shetland OctoberScarce on Shetland, two of these had us chasing around Grutness in a gale. There was an added bonus of a Jack Snipe, which had been sitting tight until someone inadvertantly flushed it.
Barred Warbler Wester-Quarff OctoberSeveral around, but this one proved particularly obliging when the sun came out, not always the case on Shetland.
Barred Warbler Wester-Quarff OctoberNot often seen foraging on the ground, true to type it did disappear at times but usually re-appeared given time.
Red-breasted Flycatcher Girlsta OctoberWe saw five R-B Flys, one of which we found. This one was at the back of a small quarry area at the side of the road, and spent long periods in the bushes there, often out of view.
Western Bonelli's Warbler Easter Quarff OctoberA classic example, heard to call and showed well. I hadn't seen one for many years.
Western Bonelli's Warbler Easter Quarff OctoberNo apologies for a second shot of this bird, a species often difficult to get good views of and high in trees.
Hooded Crow Brae Shetland OctoberCommon on Shetland but tend to be near human habitation, as opposed to Ravens. This one was possibly what kept the Red-eyed Vireo hiding, as we only had a couple of brief views.
Semi-palmated Sandpiper Pool of Virkie OctoberA long time since I've seen one of these in UK too. A howling gale was the order of the day, but we managed to find the closest point to the pool which afforded some shelter.
Woodchat Shrike Aith Shetland OctoberIn the same tiny community where we had seen the Rose-coloured Starling, this bird frequented back gardens, but was easily seen on the fence at the rear of the properties.
Long-tailed Duck Norwick Shetland OctoberDuring our several visits to Norwick, this lone bird frequented the bay, often coming quite close to shore.
Booted Warbler Skaw SeptemberSkaw is the site of the most northerly house in Britain, and also has a sheltered burn running for some distance through it. Being close to Norwick we had to twitch this Booted Warbler, good decision as it was a one-day bird.
Red-breasted Flycatcher Voe OctoberOne of the more obvious birds of this species, but still not easy in the extensive foliage still in the grounds of Voe House. As with many places on Shetland, access was no problem.
Yellow-Browed Warbler Skaw SeptemberWith no easterley winds there were few around, this one was on Unst in a North-westerley.
Spotted Flycatcher Norwick SeptemberSo difficult now in many parts of the country, a few passed through Shetland but were actually less common than Red-breasted or Pied.
Northern Wheatear Shetland SeptemberOne of the commonest migrants, most birds were of the Greenland Race leucorhoa, much more richly orange on the breast.
Great Skua or Bonxie Unst SeptemberA few Bonxies were still in evidence, this was the only one we saw on the ground when looking for the remains of a Viking settlement.
Bluethroat Norwick SeptemberWe made several visits to Norwick, as scarce birds seemed to keep turning up there. Mike actually saw this the day before I did, it spent most of its time hidden in the crop.
Citrine wagtail Norwick SeptemberWe first visited Norwick for the Grosbeak, when this bird was reported as a possible. We confirmed its identity for ourselves, but it wasn't until several days later I managed a photo. It ranged widely, even popping up at Skaw when we were looking for something else.
Marsh Warbler Norwick SeptemberThis bird was present several days and when we arrived for the Grosbeak it hadn't been definitely identified as it rarely showed for long. Our ID was vindicated as it became more settled and I was able to photograph it.
Little Bunting Norwick SeptemberWe saw more than one Little Bunting in our time on Shetland, but mostly they were elusive. Photographing one was a matter of luck, which was the case here, the rain gave a nice effect!
Brambling Norwick SeptemberBramblings were much in evidence in various places, obviously migrating south. Chaffinches were in the flock at Norwick, along with a Common Rosefinch which I struggled to see, let alone photograph (damn weedy fields!)
Raven Lerwick SeptemberRaptors are few on Shetland, but corvids plentiful. Ravens were common outside the towns, but this one was photographed on a field opposite Tesco in Lerwick
Bar-tailed-Godwit Shetland SeptemberBar-tailed Godwits were around in small numbers, we didn't consciously see any Black-tailed. This bird rose up briefly in a strong wind to confirm its identity.
Shetland Wren Yell SeptemberFor most of our stay we had a cottage on Yell, a pair of this subspecies frequented the few bushes outside the kitchen window.
Twite Skaw SeptemberSmall flocks of Twite were fairly common in many places we visited, these were on Unst but we also saw a flock in the south of Mainland.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Valyie SeptemberThe second (live) record for Shetland, certainly the islands had an American flavour this year in the absence of easterly winds.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Valyie SeptemberShopping in Lerwick we nearly left this until the next day. Luckily Mike persuaded me because it was a one-day bird. It was our first of several visits to Norwick.
Red-throated Diver SeptemberStill in breeding plumage and still here. Walking to the edge of the lochan I got very wet feet and inadvertantly flushed about ten Common Snipe.
Rose-coloured-Starling SeptemberHad to visit twice before getting any shots, but the second time we were invited in to the greenhouse a few feet from the feeder, out of the rain which drenched the bird.
King Eider Wadbister Voe SeptemberWe saw two King Eiders, both in our opinion second-year birds. The big Eider flocks and distance meant a better shot was all but impossible, I only managed one bird.
Greenish Warbler Sumburgh SeptemberThought we were too late for this as it had been in the gardens of Sumburgh Hotel for several days when we arrived. Elusive, too eager to spend time to get a good shot.
Pied Flycatcher Sumburgh SeptemberA common migrant in all areas, don't think we missed a Collared!.
Red-breasted Flycatcher Lerwick SeptemberFinding the lane in Lerwick was hard, finding the birds more so, although eventually we did find a second bird in the thick foliage.
Black Guillemot Lerwick SeptemberAlmost the first birds we saw on arrival in Shetland were Black Guillemots, present in almost every harbour on the islands. Winter plumage is attractive, but most birds were in various stages of moult.
Whinchat Kessingland SeptemberAs Ann is no longer very mobile we've bought a holiday caravan in Kessingland. Only spent a few days there but I've seen several migrants including Wheatears and Whinchats.
Hooded Crow hybrid Kessingland SeptemberAs more Hooded Crows are seen in East Anglia it is not surprising that two hybrids have appeared at Kessingland, around the sluice.
Sparrowhawk Sutton Bridge SeptemberJust before leaving for Shetland I walked in to our lounge to see a female Sparrowhawk on the fence, which I managed to photograph through the patio doors.
Sparrowhawk Sutton Bridge SeptemberIncredibly, this was repeated about ten minutes later by a similar performance by the male. The size difference was readily apparent.
Green Sandpiper Blacktoft AugustWhilst waiting for the plover to appear we were entertained by several Green Sandpipers and numbers of Common Snipe, both of which were far more showy than normal.
Common Snipe Blacktoft AugustUnusual to see snipe feeding in the open in the middle of the day, it did give us the chance to check for Pintail. Of course they were all Common.
White-tailed Plover Blacktoft AugustMy third in Britain, unfortunately the bird was starting to moult. If you think this is impressive you should see the breeding adults.
White-tailed Plover Blacktoft AugustDespite there being several records since the 2007 bird, which was the first for thirty years, this was still a major attraction, especially as it stayed four months.
Red Underwing Sutton Bridge AugustOnly see these in the trap occasionally, strangely they often turn up in twos. Photographed whilst waiting for my lift to Blacktoft.
Black Stork Frampton Marsh AugustA juvenile which was in the area for a few weeks. Close to home, I went twice in the hope of getting a better photo, but it never settled in one place long enough (for me anyway).
Western Sandpiper Snettisham AugustNot a tick, nor even a Norfolk tick, but only an hour's drive from home. Sadly for most apart from the finder (brilliant job!) it only came close when it was hidden behind saltgrass. A second visit the following morning before high tide was in vain.
Six-striped Rustic Sutton Bridge AugustA not uncommon moth but this was my first in ten years. I like the name more than the moth itself.
Pacific Golden-Plover Frampton JulyA mini-influx this July, with records from Norfolk and Lincolnshire. This bird was very distant at times, but often frequented an area inside the sea wall where it was photographed.
Pacific Golden-Plover Frampton JulyFor a while there were two birds at Frampton but I never caught up with the second. At one time the rarer of the species pair, in some areas Pacific is now far more frequent than American.
Lilac-Beauty Sutton Bridge JulyJuly is always a good month for mothing. This is probably the most attractive Beauty, but wasn't in the trap, I had to chase it around the garden for photos.
Webb's-Wainscot Sutton Bridge JulySecond and third records of this uncommon wainscot for my garden. Easily identified by the black semicircle shape on the forewings
Blackneck Sutton Bridge JulyA new moth for me, one I had long hoped-for but never really expected for some reason. Landed on pebbles near pond on release, an interesting background.
Garden Tiger Sutton Bridge JulyThese used to far commoner and everyone used to know "woolly bear" caterpillars from their childhood. I've only ever trapped three, my first at Gigrin in Wales.
Elegant Tern Cemlyn Bay JulyCemlyn being Britain's top tern site, it was perhaps inevitable that one would "tern" up one day. Although difficult to photograph due to heat haze, there were no issues about its identity.
Sandwich Tern Cemlyn Bay JulyAlways plenty of these at Cemlyn, the established colony is probably the reason so many rarities occur there, and if you dip there's always plenty of photo opportunities.
Arctic Tern Cemlyn Bay JulyThere seemed far more Arctic Terns at Cemlyn this year, and plenty of juveniles. This may be because the Farne Island colonies have apparently been deserted due to the National Trust not maintaining the vegetation.
Common Tern Frampton JulyCemlyn seemed to have fewer Common Terns, perhaps because of the increase in Arctics, but most inland waters seem to have a few pairs nowadays.
Mediterranean-Black-headed Gull hybrid JulyNear Wells in Norfolk, we were just generally birding when we came across this. Apparently it's a not uncommon hybrid in areas where Med. Gull populations are low.
Roller Icklingham JuneI was travelling elsewhere when news of this broke, near where I used to live, so I took a detour. Although showing well it spent most of its time at some distance.
Roller Icklingham JuneIt was one of the most dangerous twitches I've ever been on, due to the narrow twisting road in that area, with no real verges. Parking near the bird was difficult if not impossible, how no-one was hit by a car I don't know
Poplar Kitten Sutton Bridge JuneA quiet month for me birdwise, some compensation came in the form of my first record of this, after a Sallow Kitten earlier in the year.
Eurasian-Spoonbill Frampton MayNow annual at Frampton, but not often seen in flight. The RSPB erected a platform with plastic Spoonbills in a misguided attempt to promote breeding. Unfortunately I spoke to a beginner who'd ticked them!
Black-necked-Grebe Frampton MayNo inducements required for at least two pairs this year, unfortunately their attempts failed, but hopefully they'll become a permanent feature of the reserve.
Sedge-Warbler Frampton MayI didn't do a lot in May except visit Frampton, this Sedge Warbler was posing on a fence post, one of the most strikingly marked I've seen.
Little Egret Frampton MayI twitched a Little Egret once, now they are common everywhere, I even see them flying over the house. This one showed off its yellow feet as it flew from a ditch.
Common-Whitethroat Sutton Bridge MayWe see very few warblers in our garden, but every year a pair of Whitethroats breeds just over the fence in a scrubby area at the edge of the farm field, this was taken through the kitchen window.
Sallow Kitten Sutton Bridge MayI suspect that scrubby area is where a lot of moths come from, although many are from further afield I'm sure. We do however get large numbers of butterflies in most years.
Temminck's Stint Frampton MayA fairly regular spring migrant through Frampton, this year was the first time I've managed to photograph one there. There were two but they were distant when together.
Hobby Lakenheath MayHaving failed to photograph Nightingale at a regular site, I went to the RSPB reserve at Lakenheath, where a number of hobbies were hunting, this one landed to digest its prey.
Dotterel Frampton AprilI keep a Frampton wader list, currently standing at 40 species. Dotterel are rare, and when one does turn up it is usually with Golden Plover. This poorly marked 1st winter refused to come close.
Golden Plover Frampton AprilNearly as distant as the Dotterel, but the only chance to catch them in breeding plumage is the spring migration, when some birds are already moulted.
Grasshopper Warbler Frampton AprilWalking along the bank the far side of the resevoir to view the Dotterel, someone heard a Gropper. It wasn't as well concealed as it obviously thought.
Jack Snipe Frampton April"Showing well out in the open" until five minutes before I got there, it became "just wandered out of sight". I did manage to refind it but despite having a look at me it refused to wake up.
Ruff Frampton AprilUnlike some, Ruffs usually show well at Frampton, and spring passage usually doesn't dissappoint.
Ruff Frampton AprilFrampton has become the RSPB's best reserve for waders, but there is also good habitat beyond the reserve, so more could still be to come.
Ruff Frampton AprilRuff, Black-winged Stilt and even Spotted Redshank could breed at Frampton as the climate changes.
Spotted Redshank Frampton AprilUsually several Spotted Redshanks in spring, in various stages of moult. They often linger and attain nearly full breeding dress.
Black-tailed Godwit Frampton AprilThere are always Godwits at Frampton, during migration they can be present in their thousands. Many have varying degrees of moult, this one has just about attained full breeding plumage.
Puss Moth Sutton Bridge AprilProbably my "most wanted" British moth has turned up at last in my trap. Not especially rare, but the intricate patterning of the wings makes it special.
Garganey Rutland Water AprilTwitching a Bonaparte's Gull which showed as distantly as possible, (not sure it was still in Rutland!), a few Garganeys showed well as some compensation for the camera.
Siskin Lyndford Arboretum AprilArmed with my new mirrorless camera and 100-500mm lens, we went to see the Hawfinches, which of course didn't oblige, so I took it out on this nice male Siskin.
Lesser-Spotted Woodpecker AprilEvery year we visit a site where Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers occur. It wasn't always like this, I used to have them on my garden list before the millenium. One thing that is more certain is that I won't get a decent photo.
Dotted Chestnut Sutton Bridge MarchI rarely get many moths in my trap in March, but this was about the only thing of interest in a very quiet month from a personal viewpoint. It was new for me, trapped on the 31st.
Barn Owl The Wash MarchI did do some local birding in March. A road from the opposite end of the village leads to the seawall, and a walk will usually produce something. At least two Barn Owls are in the area and often fly in bright sunshine.
Barn Owl The Wash FebruaryHere's one I took earlier!. Possibly the same bird, although one or two subtle differences, but taken in the same area. I'm really beginning to like my new camera setup.
Grey Partridge The Wash FebruaryThe farmland behind the seawall doesn't hold a lot, but Stock Doves and Grey Partridges are present in good numbers. I've even had Grey partridge wandering around the cul-de-sac where I live.
Brent Goose The Wash FebruaryPopped out to see if the cold spell had bought an Ivory Gull in, but all I managed was a pretty photo of a Dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Eastern Black-Redstart Snettisham JanuaryUnlike the Skinningrove bird of a few years ago, this one was elusive and didn't stay long. It eventually showed briefly but soon flew to "hide" behind a fence post in heavy rain.
Red Knot Snettisham January.Armed with my new mirrorless camera and 100-500mm lens, this was one of the first photos I took in 2021. Early results are promising, and the weight saving is tremendous.