My 2011 Moments

I'm sure people will shrug and wonder why some of these are down as special moments, but for me they stand out as memorable.... Some are mentioned in my blog - others aren't for want of spare time.

Starling murmuration heading to roost at Aberystwyth in early November. We tried to get to see them last year but the weather was so bad on the coast that the birds used a different roost area while we were there.This year we were more lucky and saw them on several occasions - an amazing spectacle.

Barn Owls up close. I've been quite lucky this year to be close to where Barnies have perched to look for voles on several occasions. Being a mere 10-20 feet from these magnificent creatures as they turn and look straight at you, as if summing you up and finding you wanting, before they resume their scan of the grasslands then flap silently away..... breath taking.

Marsh Harriers thriving at our local reserve. A few years ago you wouldn't have thought that you could go somewhere and be virtually 100% certain of seeing MHs, but this year saw several successful nests and it seemed that we were guaranteed views of these beauties every time were went to the Fen. Firstly the adults, then later these were joined by the juveniles. Their successes are described on the RSPB blog for LHF.

That blasted badger........ Still laugh when remembering the incident but sadly haven't seen sign of the beasty since then.

Kingfishers - on one sunny Autumn day spotted 3 birds in rapid succession along the field drainage channels near LHF. Wow.

The Crane Family - watching them heading home to their roosting area as the sun goes down.

The "White" Kite of Nant yr Arian - one of the leucistic red kites. We were lucky enough to see one of these as it flew around near to the feeding station while we were in Mid-Wales this November.