randombirder

A little trip to Lynford Arboretum - a post Christmas walk to provide a little mental restoration.  It felt collegiate - people milling about - keeping our distance - convivial - considerate - it's what we need right now. Nothing of real note, but 30+ Crossbill is what you might expect round these part with small groups of Siskin,   Redpoll and Marsh Tit within the woodland.  A pair of  Goosander on the lake were a little unexpected.

A fabulous day in the Brecks that started grey and murky but quickly transformed into a fine clear day.  This was definitely the calm before the impending storm that is due to imminently hit our shores. Now just an hour from home, Lynford Arboretum was the first stop.  Numerous Siskin surged through the alder canopy and at least six Brambling were rooting through the leaf litter at the feeding station with a few Yellowhammer and plenty of Chaffinch . It's always great to see the Marsh Tit .  Such busy little birds. There was so much to see.  The frenzied Tit flocks contained Nuthatch and a few Goldcrest zipped within the pines.  A single Firecrest was also seen busily feeding within the conifers. The Hawfinch was a sight to behold.  While a handful were seen feeding on the ground, a burst of spontaneous unease and a flock of at least 30 birds suddenly alighted flying into the adjacent trees.  By far the largest group I hav...

A couple of days on a course in Peterborough so I decided to make the most of it and head up a day early.  The Brecks seemed a good choice but as it transpired, it turned out to be a grim day with persistent rain that made birding challenging. Highlights though were found at Lynford Arboretum with at least 60 Brambling many of which were transforming into their handsome summer colours. It was gloomy but making the most of things, I traipsed around, avoiding the showers and lengthier spells of rain, eeking out as much as I could. A couple of chaps alerted me to a roosting Tawny Owl , high up in a pine on the route down to the bridge.  This area held plenty of small birds including at least four Marsh Tit ,  Nuthatch , Treecreeper , and seven flyover Crossbill heading toward the pines. Small groups of Redwing were still present, dashing round the tops of the trees.  Siskin were a constant sound over the arboretum.  It felt more like winter ...