Bird of the day!

[vinnychameleon]

Do birds you heard calling but didn't see count? . If so mine would be either a water rail or LSW. If it's only what birds you have seen then it would have to be the kingfisher.

[GuyF]

Mine would have to be the little Goldcrest that has spent the whole day in and around the wheeping willow at the bottom of the garden. It gave me a good opportunity to practice with the new camera but hurt my neck looking up at it all the time! Also it was good having a flock of Long-Tailed Tits joining him and hopping around just above my head!
Guy

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by vinnychameleon

Do birds you heard calling but didn't see count? . If so mine would be either a water rail or LSW. If it's only what birds you have seen then it would have to be the kingfisher.

Vinny, you can count want you want! I like to see the birds if I can, but if I only hear a Nightingale, a Cetti's Warbler or Quail to give 3 examples of elusive species, I know what they are + their calls prove their presence, so I count them!

My bird of the day was a stunning male Dartford Warbler singing on a dead stalk at a place I was taken to today- Wildmoor Heath, a BBOWT reserve which I hadn't been to before. Briefly saw another 2 flitting in a Gorse bush where a male Stonechat was perched.

[Garden Carpet]

I think I heard a woodpecker tapping away this morning... must have been quite close as it stopped as soon as I opened the gate. Didnt hear enough to say what it was.

Also my back garden, which is just grass...was heaving with Gnats and other insects this morning. It was beautifully warm out there and so still. There were three or four columns of gnats and once or twice two joined up to make mega columns. I have to put the kitchen light off to let the dogs out as they congregate on the door and window each evening. They are supposed to fortell a bright dry day to come.
jaki

[colincurry]

I mentioned earlier in this thread seeing a barn owl and hoping that the pics must be good enough to upload. Some were good enough to keep but probably not moderator friendly.

I went to the same spot yesterday afternoon with Cordless Dave, who lives round the corner from me, and is a mentor. We immediately spotted the barn owl but he then flew off. We went further up the lane but could not see him, and decided to turn round nd collect our bikes to ride further on. We had almost reached the bikes when we spotted him again. He flew into a field and perched on a post about 150 yards away. We used our best fieldcraft in sparse vegetation to try to get nearer - to no avail. He took off and we managed several shots. He flew up and down the land and around the edge of the field, but largely with the sun now behind him. I had one keeper; and it is my best so far. John - wait until I get my 1.4 converter!

I have used the term "him" generically as I am not into sexing barn owls.



I look forward to seeing Dave's pics

[snowdrop]

Another beauty of a pic Colin. Love the sunglow. Thank you.
Cant wait to see Dave's pics myself.

[jennyb]

What a beautiful photo. Lucky you!

Jenny

[glsammy]

Stunning shot Colin. I've never managed to get anyway near one.

My best has just changed, I managed to get some waxwing shots this morning. This is one of them from the Gallery. I'm chuffed!

[badgerwatcher]

Oh Graham, that's marvelous. And how kind of it to pose with the red berries.
And the Barn owl, Colin! That's great. I've only seen these birds a few times, and never when I was ready with a camera.

[mrs fish]

That is brilliant photo Glsammy, everyday I am on the lookout for the waxwings, were there many ?