randombirder

The days weatherwise have been lovely.  Blue skies with wall to wall sunshine.  A small blip at the weekend was brief before high pressure dominated once again.  A keen easterly has made it feel a bit chilly.  Just a pity I don't have a reservoir close by but am grateful for the solitude found in the local countryside. I've discovered Weston Hills NR.  It's a 15 minute walk from the flat.  The habitat looks great for passerines, areas of scrub and mixed woodland with a few clearings.  It also appears to be a good site for butterflies and wild flowers.  We shall see what the next few weeks conjures up. This Greenfinch posed for me at Weston Hills.   Wheatear once again have been in good supply.  Three were seen on the 18th along with three Lapwing on the IW ridge that appear to be breeding in fields close by. On the 19th, Wheatear numbers increased to six on the airfield.  A Yellow Wagtail was pr...

We're now in lockdown.  The Covid-19 virus has now spread onto our shores and the signs are that it will continue to strengthen its grip over the subsequent weeks and maybe months. These are deeply concerning times.  The numbers of recorded infections and deaths appears to be growing exponentially with Italy and Spain bearing the brunt of the rising infection rates. While some continue to flout the guidance on the measures set out by the government to suppress the infection rate, it does appear that the majority of people are conforming to this new way of life.  It is always heartening to acknowledge the good in humanity with many altruistic and benevolent acts in support of those that are struggling through these unprecedented times. Living day by day is become a real challenge for all of us.  Remaining housebound for large portions of the week is something I'm not used to.  Work projects have all been placed on hold and the risk of being furloughed has n...

Great to be out on the weekend.  Great to be able to get on the bike and head out to the wetlands.  Great to walk around this urban reserve and not remotely feel like I'm just a few miles from the centre of the nations capital city. It was a thoroughly decent day and at last, my first summer migrants of the year.  I had arrived early but began scanning the skies where a group of five Sand Martin were seen flying around the Peacock Hide.  Later, a single flew through followed by another small group of three birds. There was decent variety to be seen today with six species of wader and six species of Gull. On the Grazing Marsh, a single Black-tailed Godwit was actively feeding close to the bund between the Wildside hide and the sluice.  A Jack Snipe was seen scampering into cover with around four Common Snipe roosting on the marsh and a couple more on the wader scrape.  Three Redshank were scattered around the marsh and the wader scrape. ...