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19-02-2007, 10:54 PM
|  | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Coventry
Posts: 5,719
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by PMG  Is it a universal fact that females are larger and more aggressive than males?
This is also true of sparrowhawks . . . !Oh - you WERE talking about sparrowhawks then! 
Sorry just couldn't resist........... 
Pauline | Errr!! No comment. |
20-02-2007, 03:50 AM
|  | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Llanelli, Carms, S.Wales
Posts: 989
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
My bird of the day (Monday) was a Brambling, a first for me. While my wife was in Tesco's I went for a coffee at the WWT. Some of the locals told me that a Brambling had been on the feeders and as they were telling me it came back. I had no camera or bins with me so someone lent me some bins to have a good look.
Right I thought as soon as the wife has finished shopping i'll be back with the camera. I was back within an hour and the first words I heard was, it has just flown off but will probaly be back. 3 hours later and the WWT was closing, and it didn't come back so no photo but it made my day just seeing it.
I'll be back there today.
Dai |
20-02-2007, 05:45 AM
| | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Coventry
Posts: 5,719
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Early riser I see David.
I hope you get the chance to see the Brambling again and get a photo as well. They are stunning birds and as yet I haven't got a photo of one that I am happy with. Good luck when you do go and hopefully we will see some stunning images of the bird later today.
Is it a male or a female that is visiting?
John Quote:
Originally Posted by DaiTheDragon My bird of the day (Monday) was a Brambling, a first for me. While my wife was in Tesco's I went for a coffee at the WWT. Some of the locals told me that a Brambling had been on the feeders and as they were telling me it came back. I had no camera or bins with me so someone lent me some bins to have a good look.
Right I thought as soon as the wife has finished shopping i'll be back with the camera. I was back within an hour and the first words I heard was, it has just flown off but will probaly be back. 3 hours later and the WWT was closing, and it didn't come back so no photo but it made my day just seeing it.
I'll be back there today.
Dai | |
20-02-2007, 07:18 AM
|  | Member of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dinnington, S Yorks
Posts: 354
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
My bird of the day has to be the woodlarks that accompanied me for part of my walk through Clumber Park (last saturday AM). The song of this bird is sublime as it flies high above for what seems an age.
Les
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Leave only footprints, take only pictures |
20-02-2007, 08:41 AM
| | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Llanelli, Carms, S.Wales
Posts: 989
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
John, it's a Male in eclipse plumage ( no black head). As for photographing, I have to shoot through the cafe window.
Dai |
20-02-2007, 08:43 AM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Little village called Chedworth
Posts: 4,699
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nettle Runner My bird of the day has to be the woodlarks that accompanied me for part of my walk through Clumber Park (last saturday AM). The song of this bird is sublime as it flies high above for what seems an age.
Les | Are there resident woodlark at Clumber park then? Or do you perhaps mean skylarks - which are in full voice around where I live at the moment. |
20-02-2007, 09:19 AM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: East Kent
Posts: 1,498
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
My bird of the day today turned out to be a tiny Wood Mouse! Movement on the peanut feeder outside my window, could it be my sweet wren who is visiting all the time lately? But silkily it slid inside the peanut feeder, and silkily out again, tiny cinnamon coloured mouse, up the wire, along the branch, down the buddlia stems, and away. He (or she-Oh,  ) did this several times, while bluetits watched open-beaked.
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If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. |
20-02-2007, 10:01 AM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Laindon, Basildon, Essex.
Posts: 2,438
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
My bird of the day (well Sunday actually .... I am a bit slow off the mark ) was a Black-necked Grebe at Blackmoorfoot Reservoir near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire.
This bird has been present for several days and I found it easily when I arrived.
My first view was one of those "does my bum look big in this?" type poses that the smaller grebes tend to show off .... 
However, thankfully the bird turned to its better side swimming, diving and eating close to the shore ....  
Oh and before anyone questions whether I should deal with the "red eye" in Photoshop, Black-necked Grebes do have a very bright red eye .
I also saw a Grey Wagtail and 2 male and 4 female Goosanders at Blackmoorfoot Reservoir.
After watching the Black-necked Grebe for some time it was a trip to inner Leeds for a small group of Waxwings that have been present for some time. Unfortunately I only saw a single bird and then only briefly so no photos. Finally, I saw at least 5 Red Kites in the vicinity of Harewood House (this is the Yorkshire re-introduction site for this wonderful bird of prey).
Richard |
20-02-2007, 12:01 PM
| | Member of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dinnington, S Yorks
Posts: 354
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Hi Gill
Yes they are Woodlarks. (not that that takes anything away from the lovely Skylark).
We are fortunate to have resident Woodlarks in Clumber Park, Sherwood Forest, and on the Budby Common (all quite near to each other), and in late winter/early spring they are a delight to hear and see. The song also travels some distance when they are on the wing, so can be heard well before you reach their territory.
Les
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Leave only footprints, take only pictures |
20-02-2007, 12:34 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Little village called Chedworth
Posts: 4,699
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nettle Runner Hi Gill
Yes they are Woodlarks. (not that that takes anything away from the lovely Skylark).
We are fortunate to have resident Woodlarks in Clumber Park, Sherwood Forest, and on the Budby Common (all quite near to each other), and in late winter/early spring they are a delight to hear and see. The song also travels some distance when they are on the wing, so can be heard well before you reach their territory.
Les | Wow I had no idea, I thought they were just a southern or eastern species and that the eastern populaton only 'summered' at best.......
Clearly more reading to be done for me!! |
20-02-2007, 01:42 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Somerset, UK
Posts: 1,066
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
I've had two birds of the day! A few hours ago I was in my bedroom and there was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (I think!) on the telegraph pole outside my room, then I was watching the TV half an hour ago and saw a Goldcrest pop out of the conifer and swing on the Honeysuckle! This is the first time I've seen one 'in the flesh', such sweet little things!
Anyway, I managed to get some video of the woodpecker and you should be able to see it if you follow this link... woodpecker_01.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Let me know if it doesn't work and I'll shift it to my Live Video account 
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20-02-2007, 01:53 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lincolnshire/Cambs/Norfolk border right on The Wash
Posts: 2,177
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaina I've had two birds of the day! A few hours ago I was in my bedroom and there was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (I think!) on the telegraph pole outside my room, then I was watching the TV half an hour ago and saw a Goldcrest pop out of the conifer and swing on the Honeysuckle! This is the first time I've seen one 'in the flesh', such sweet little things!
Anyway, I managed to get some video of the woodpecker and you should be able to see it if you follow this link... woodpecker_01.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Let me know if it doesn't work and I'll shift it to my Live Video account |
It worked for me Gaina... you are lucky to see that.. I believe I saw one but couldnt confirm it as it was gone by the time I stopped the car.
jaki
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20-02-2007, 03:51 PM
|  | Wild Member | | Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SE London
Posts: 141
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
It worked for me too, although I'm not sure it's a lesser spotted. It looks more like a great spotted to me, but I may be wrong!
Either way, it's not a bad bird to have in your garden! |
20-02-2007, 04:35 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,208
| |  Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaina I've had two birds of the day! A few hours ago I was in my bedroom and there was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (I think!) on the telegraph pole outside my room, then I was watching the TV half an hour ago and saw a Goldcrest pop out of the conifer and swing on the Honeysuckle! This is the first time I've seen one 'in the flesh', such sweet little things!
Anyway, I managed to get some video of the woodpecker and you should be able to see it if you follow this link... woodpecker_01.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Let me know if it doesn't work and I'll shift it to my Live Video account | Gaina- hope it doesn't come as a disappointment, but it's definitely a Great-spotted Woodpecker. Lesser is about sparrow sized + doesn't have those broad white shoulder patches; it has a white barred back + is much rarer, but you may get lucky! |
20-02-2007, 04:56 PM
| | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Coventry
Posts: 5,719
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaina I've had two birds of the day! A few hours ago I was in my bedroom and there was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (I think!) on the telegraph pole outside my room, then I was watching the TV half an hour ago and saw a Goldcrest pop out of the conifer and swing on the Honeysuckle! This is the first time I've seen one 'in the flesh', such sweet little things!
Anyway, I managed to get some video of the woodpecker and you should be able to see it if you follow this link... woodpecker_01.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Let me know if it doesn't work and I'll shift it to my Live Video account | Hi Gaina
I have to agree with aeshna5. It is definitely a GSW. Below is a photo of a LSW. Look at the differennce in wing pattern, mentioned by aeshna5.
John  |
20-02-2007, 06:01 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Somerset, UK
Posts: 1,066
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Hi Gaina
I have to agree with aeshna5. It is definitely a GSW. Below is a photo of a LSW. Look at the differennce in wing pattern, mentioned by aeshna5.
John |
Ah yes, I see the difference very clearly now! Thanks John , I wasn't sure about it myself as the only other type of Woodpecker I've seen is the Green Woodpecker, so I just knew it was a spotted woodpecker. Glad you could clear that up for me
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23-02-2007, 08:37 PM
|  | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Posts: 509
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
After the stunning success of the nijer feeder (getting Goldies in 7 days after re-siting), I was prepared to sit on my laurels, so to speak.
However, I have to share this with someone - we had two siskins come to the feeder at the same time as the goldies. New species for the garden!
They seemed to be associated with a mixed flock of finches that also included chaffinches and greenfinches.
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23-02-2007, 08:44 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 4,201
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by wyevilla After the stunning success of the nijer feeder (getting Goldies in 7 days after re-siting), I was prepared to sit on my laurels, so to speak.
However, I have to share this with someone - we had two siskins come to the feeder at the same time as the goldies. New species for the garden!
They seemed to be associated with a mixed flock of finches that also included chaffinches and greenfinches. | glad to hear there are a few siskins around. I've not seen any this year, despite them being regular visitors to my garden last year. They're very attractive little things aren't they
Matt |
23-02-2007, 08:51 PM
| | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Posts: 509
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt_xyz glad to hear there are a few siskins around. I've not seen any this year, despite them being regular visitors to my garden last year. They're very attractive little things aren't they
Matt | Yes they are. I've only seen them before in mixed woodland (inc. Longleat Centre Parc). Never thought of them as a garden bird.
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23-02-2007, 08:52 PM
| | Knight Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Coventry
Posts: 5,719
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt_xyz glad to hear there are a few siskins around. I've not seen any this year, despite them being regular visitors to my garden last year. They're very attractive little things aren't they
Matt | Same here Matt. We had quite a few that came on a daily basis from Feb 10th onwards (last year) but so far they have not visited yet this year. The Goldfinch numbers are fairly high again (up to approx thirty) and we have a high count of Greenfinch also so I was half expecting to see some by now.
John |
23-02-2007, 08:53 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Berkshire
Posts: 1,637
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
I have not seen any siskins this year yet, either. They did come to my nijer feeder last year at about this time and I am patiently waiting to try to get a better photo!
However, my bird of the day was buzzard. There were 3 of them flying over our house for quite a while this lunch time. I rushed outside hoping to try out the recommendations on Eeyore's information sheet about taking photos of birds in flight (very useful stuff, BTW, Eeyore). Unfortunately, they stayed just of range for a decent photo.
I was surprised to see 3 of them. I have never seen more than 2 together before.
Jenny |
23-02-2007, 09:24 PM
| | Member of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 396
| | | Re: Bird of the day!
My room window looks out onto a junction of two valleys, which offers amazing thermals. On one occasion i counted twelve Buzzards all circling above one another, reminded me of Vultures. Can't wait to get into photography to share some of these sights.
House Martin and Swallow use the main valley on their winter migration, you can see them in their thousands. But what is most puzzling is that they are traveling North up toward the Beacons, love to know why.
My bird of the day was a Rook, have not seen one in my area for a long while. |
23-02-2007, 09:56 PM
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