Sunday 6 January 2013

Smeeeeeeeeeewww!


It was my last day off before school starts again, so I had a first time visit to Moore Nature Reserve. Bird wise  I did quite well, as I saw a female Smew the second for me this Winter. The first one I saw was on a pool a short walk from home.


The female Smew is pretty, however for me nothing can beat the black and white of the male birds.


A group of birds were having an important meeting on the island, and I am sure you would guess the Heron was  in charge.


As we were going back to the car for a drink, I spotted a Tree Creeper creeping up an Oak tree right beside us.


My favourite picture of the day was this astonishing Robin who was singing it's heart in a small Hawthorn.


The birds were really active at the feeding station today. We saw Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Nuthatch, Siskins, Chaffinch, Reed Buntings and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. I also met two friendly people one called Mike, thank you very much for all your information.


My favorite species of woodpecker (in the UK) is the Great Spotted Woodpecker Woodpecker. This one kept feeding in the nut cage feeder, when he could reach the food.


Since we were by a tip there were hundreds of gulls and in the past  some quite rare ones have been spotted. We mainly saw Black Headed Gulls like the one causing a splash below.


The usual Coots were everywhere, literally everywhere.


So that is an end to my brilliant Christmas holidays. They have been epic!




30 comments:

  1. Epic indeed Findlay. Willow Tit in the hand; I've never seen one, and a redhead Smew; not seen one in over a year.
    I'm sure you'll be seeing plenty more this year.

    Enjoy school, as much as you can. The birds will still be around when you are next on holiday.

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  2. The female Smew is a smashing to view, and you spotted her, well done Findlay. And a Treecreeper, you certainly see them.

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  3. Brilliant sightings Findlay - what a great end to the hols - I know how you feel about going back to school - I'm back in work tomorrow :-(... and thank you for the comment on the stonechat painting, really pleased you like it!

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  4. Moore Nature Reserve is one of my favourite places to visit Findlay... I am so pleased you had a wonderful day there.
    You are capturing some great photo's.

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  5. these are great shots! like that meeting of birds, and the creeper was a great catch!

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  6. You've had some great days out and seen some excellent birds, and had the super experience of the ringing day, over the holiday Findlay so it's about time you went back to school...and gave us old'ns a chance to catch up!! Only joking!!, I'm sure it won't be long before you're out and about once again...[;o)

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  7. What a fabulous way to end the school holidays, Findlay. You certainly know how to pack the excitement in! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

    Looking forward to hearing of your adventures when next you get a break from school.

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  8. Loving the water splash -- great way to spend your last day before school starts up again. :)

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  9. What gorgeous photos - I love he Heron. What a great way to spend your Christmas vacation. Take care and have a wonderful week.

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  10. Excellent stuff Findlay, some great birds well captured :-)

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  11. There is certainly a good variety of birds there, a great day to end your christmas holidays, some brilliant photos especially the Treecreeper, a great spot as they are quite difficult to see. Enjoy school!! but kept dreamimg of the next day out birding!!

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  12. Well done on the images Findlay, I like the water splash of the B.H.Gull, Treecreepers aren't an easy subject too, I totally agree about the male Smew and just remember...It will not be long before half term fly's around :)

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  13. Such terrific captures, as always, Findlay! I have to admit that my favorite is the same as yours!! The ROBIN!! So beautiful!! Hope you have a great week!

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  14. What great shots. Your birds are just lovely!

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  15. What a wonderful experience indeed. I just love that puffed out robin.

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  16. There is nothing any more pleasurable than visiting a wildlife refuge. These photos are wonderful. Thank goodness we have these all over the country to take care of so many beautiful and interesting species. A wonderful post. genie

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  17. Wow, awesome series of shots Findlay! The Snew is cool and I love the Woodie. The treecreeper and robin are also favorites of mine. Great shots. Have a happy week ahead.

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  18. Great post and your holidays look like they were epic. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  19. So much to see in your post. Great serie of photos!

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  20. Great series of bird photos. Best wishes for school!

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  21. Nice one Findlay. I love a good Smew.

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  22. So many beautiful birds! I don't think I've seen most of these before. Thanks for sharing.

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  23. Wonderful shots! I love the Robin also!

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  24. fabulous shots you picked up again Findlay. So nice to hear that you had a super holiday and what a grand finale with these beautiful photos. I loved the robin too

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  25. Very nice Finlay. Yes, that great blue heron is definitely the boss of his group. I am always so envious of "your" robin!

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  26. Out all the wonderful birds you captured the Robin is my favorite too, Finlay.

    Happy birding :>)

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  27. That meeting of the birds is a great shot. That heron certainly does look authoritative.

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  28. Hi there - great set of pictures - I remember seeing my first Smew - I was very excited.

    Cheers and thanks for lining to WBW - Stewart M - Melbourne.

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  29. Wonderful captures! Love that flight shot!

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