An unexpected Treat.

[John]

Originally Posted by glsammy

Went to Brierley Forest again today, I was hoping the weather would cheer up, but it remained dull.
At first I didn't see too many birds, but as we walked along the bottom path, just past the pond, we noticed a few feeding points, with no food in the pots. We always carry a few seeds so my Mrs put a few into one of them and I waited, standing in full sight of them, barely 10ft away. Within minutes a pair of Great tits arrived, shortly followed by Blue tits, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch. Then the real treat!
Bullfinches:

We also saw two pairs of yellowhammers, although these didn't come to the feeder.

This is one special site, no need for hides, the birds are so used to Humans walking along the path, provided you stand still, they come to you!

We were only there for half an hour, I can't wait to get back there when the sun is shinning!

Hi Graham. Cracking images, especially the Bullfinch. I may be asking you for an invite to join you one day as it does look a nice place to go.

Does it support any woodland migrants, such as Redstarts,Wood Warblers, Pied Fly's, Tree Pipits and Spot Fly's when they arrive in the country.

John

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by John

Hi Graham. Cracking images, especially the Bullfinch. I may be asking you for an invite to join you one day as it does look a nice place to go.

Does it support any woodland migrants, such as Redstarts,Wood Warblers, Pied Fly's, Tree Pipits and Spot Fly's when they arrive in the country.

John

I can't see why not John. It's ideally located. Only a few minutes flying time from Sherwood Forest!
Next time I'll go and have a word with the warden to see what can be expected. Certainly at the moment it's got the widest variety I've seen anywhere, and the beauty of it is is that the trees are all by footpaths, so easy access.
The only problem with the place is a lot of dog walkers use it, and they're not all into cleaning up their mess, so you have to tread carefully! I can put up with that though for the ease of seeing and photographing the birds.
You'd be welcome any time John. Combine that with a visit to Kings Mill reservoir, with a small Heronry, Little Grebes, Grey Wagtails, Scaup, plus the usual waterbirds and you've got a good days shooting.

[John]

When are you going there again Graham?

John

Originally Posted by glsammy

I can't see why not John. It's ideally located. Only a few minutes flying time from Sherwood Forest!
Next time I'll go and have a word with the warden to see what can be expected. Certainly at the moment it's got the widest variety I've seen anywhere, and the beauty of it is is that the trees are all by footpaths, so easy access.
The only problem with the place is a lot of dog walkers use it, and they're not all into cleaning up their mess, so you have to tread carefully! I can put up with that though for the ease of seeing and photographing the birds.
You'd be welcome any time John. Combine that with a visit to Kings Mill reservoir, with a small Heronry, Little Grebes, Grey Wagtails, Scaup, plus the usual waterbirds and you've got a good days shooting.

[glsammy]

It's so local I can go almost any time John.

Good weather would be preferred, but there again I didn't have it today and still managed to get those shots.

I'm going to Whisby on Monday, weather permitting. Apart from that, any time mate.

Edit...silly me! I'd fogotten, the rest of next week is out, I think I'm going senile...can't remember from one day to the next when I've got things to do!!
After that should be OK!!

[John]

Originally Posted by glsammy

Edit...silly me! I'd fogotten, the rest of next week is out, I think I'm going senile...can't remember from one day to the next when I've got things to do!!

Know what you mean Graham!!

Originally Posted by glsammy

After that should be OK!!

Cheers Graham.

I might try a Saturday then perhaps move on further north, or east, for the Sunday.

I will give it some thought for either next weekend or the one after.

John

[James_Owen]

Cracking pictures.

At first I didn't see too many birds, but as we walked along the bottom path, just past the pond, we noticed a few feeding points, with no food in the pots.

Caught us out!
Actually, we were late today and didn't get around with the seed until the afternoon, not that visitor contributions aren't welcome. The Bullfinches were especially confiding today and they appear to have paired off into their seperate territories now, as have the Long-tailed Tits.
Otherwise, Skylarks aside, it was pretty quiet today. 150 Redwing came over from the farmland to the north quite late on.

Does it support any woodland migrants, such as Redstarts,Wood Warblers, Pied Fly's, Tree Pipits and Spot Fly's when they arrive in the country.

Haven't found any at Brierley yet, but on a number of sites 1-3 miles away you have good chances for Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, and Tree Pipit - try Silverhill Wood and the Teversal Trails for the first two and Pleasley Pit for the Pipits. You could easily fit all three into a day given the time.
Brierley tends to do better for heathland migrants, birds like Whinchat and Wheater.

[glsammy]

Thanks for that James. Saves me asking next time I go!

We had three pairs of Bullfinches, all feeding from one of the bottom feeders. We put some food in all the ones we saw. I just can't wait until I can get a sunny day to be there!
We also saw 2 Siskins, the first I've seen this year, plus the Yellowhammers, which are proving hard to get a shot of..Next time.

[James_Owen]

Horrible day, it felt truly unpleasant to be around the park. I only saw three other people this afternoon, which is perhaps why I saw a personal record number of Yellowhammer, at least 9 birds along one stretch, showing very well although not visiting the seed pots. The Green Woodpecker was in a new area of the park too, and in one view there was over 30 Blackbird, 30! Winter numbers always seem to explode.
Being so quiet of visitors, a Heron happily flew in late on to the small lake that's normally a little too cramped for the bird's comfort.

HERE is a shakey video of the Bullfinch from a couple of days ago. Since I can't compete with DSLRs, I'm figuring I'll go for video captures of them instead of stills at the moment, and I wait for a calm dry day to get something smoother.

A local has voiced concerns about the feeding stations, he says they are "overrun" by rats. During my thrice weekly visits I've only seen two in the last couple of months, which is pretty much the experience of most other park attendees too, so I'm inclined to think the complaint comes from some not entirely compos mentis character blowing things out of all proportion. Still, should any of you here decide to visit and a rat runs up your trouser leg, be kind and let me know please.

[BFG]

Dear All,

It just goes to show that you don't have to visit the Minsmeres and Titchwells of this world to see fabulous birds, give them the right habitat and food and they will surely come!

BFG