Bird of the day!

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I wonder Gill whether it is a genuine migrant or an overwintering bird. Most of the latter are suppposed to be birds that breed in central Europe, but it's certainly possible it could be one of our breeding birds that's overwintering (Blackcap behaviour has obviously changed in recent years) or even a European bird rehearsing!

It's obvious quite a lot of Chiffchaffs turned up at least in the south yesterday. Maybe yours is a slightly early one, but no way of knowing really, without a ring. Just great to hear whatever its origins + you feel spring is here (even if weather forecast doesn't!).

Also a handful of Little Ringed Plovers have turned up around London in the last couple of days.

no there is no real way of knowing if they stay... - but then you'd imagine that a black cap would have a drive to move especially as even blackbirds often move for the winter even though they could easily stay.

The black cap I heard at home is singing from the same area that one held a territory last year - but that proves nothing!
I shall keep listening and see if it stays put

[John]

I must admit that was my sentiments as well regarding the Blackcap. It is a little early for their migration but with dates seemingly getting earlier who knows.

We have had Little Ringed Plovers at Upton Warren, Worcs since the 12th March.

John

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I wonder Gill whether it is a genuine migrant or an overwintering bird. Most of the latter are suppposed to be birds that breed in central Europe, but it's certainly possible it could be one of our breeding birds that's overwintering (Blackcap behaviour has obviously changed in recent years) or even a European bird rehearsing!

It's obvious quite a lot of Chiffchaffs turned up at least in the south yesterday. Maybe yours is a slightly early one, but no way of knowing really, without a ring. Just great to hear whatever its origins + you feel spring is here (even if weather forecast doesn't!).

Also a handful of Little Ringed Plovers have turned up around London in the last couple of days.

[Gill Catton]

I will let you know if it appears to move on

[muckshifter]

one solitary ... Sand Martin ... at Mere Sands Wood today.

[James M]

Just this second had a Goldcrest visit, I know it's quite common but it was exciting for me as it's the first one I've ever seen.

[Gaina]

Originally Posted by James M

Just this second had a Goldcrest visit, I know it's quite common but it was exciting for me as it's the first one I've ever seen.

James, I hadn't seen one 'in real life' until a few months ago so I appreciate how exciting that must have been .

No 'bird of the day' for me as such, but I've seen quite a few wagtails, which was nice.

[agrumpycow]

The house at work sits on top of a steep hill above the Thames and earlier today I was treated to a wonderful view of three red kites circling, at my eye level and only about 20yds in front of me!
I know I sometimes moan about work but that kinda view makes it worth it

[mrs fish]

Nothing too exciting just a pair of canada geese flying around the LNR honking away , they flew quite close to me, they looked huge

[John]

I have had a male Brambling visit my garden for a week now but this is a different one so at least two have visited me know.

It could be three as one day last week I briefly had another one that joined my regular visitor but I didn't have much time to study it.

Any way the first two photos are of the one that arrived today and the other photos are of the one that has been here for a week. Note the the darker markings on the face on the other photos.













John

[tich007mt]

I loved this picture I took yesterday of a Pied Wagtail as I caught it stretching its wings - a different shot which really brought it to life for me.



Cheers

Tich