A flock of several hundred redwing flew over the house this morning heading westwards. A small group landed on neighbouring apple trees to feed on some of the fruit remaining on the branches.
A lone ring necked parakeet was sitting on a neighbouring tree but failed to to be tempted to use the feeders in the garden.
I have placed a model eagle owl at the bottom of my garden to deter sparrow hawks. Two tawny owls were flying around it yesterday at dusk.
A Natural History Diary. Base in Kent, UK but also reflecting observations made on my travels.
Tuesday, 31 October 2017
Sunday, 29 October 2017
Seasalter
Several hundred brent geese were on the waters edge with the tide out. Their calls created a wild atmosphere to this busy estuary. A number of oyster catchers were in close proximity to the geese whilst further inshore were redshanks. A flock of sanderlings seemed to spend much of their time in the air. Other shoreline birds included turnstones, starlings, and rock pipits. Numerous small flocks of finches were also apparent. Some could be identified as chaffinches but others were difficult to identify.
Friday, 27 October 2017
Parakeets
A flock of around twenty ring necked parakeet were flying above the downs this evening. They often flock prior to flying off to their communal roosting site. This is the first time I have witnessed this activity in this area, I wonder how long before they will be in the garden using the feeders.
Two warring green woodpeckers were chasing back and forwards across the garden this morning. Long tailed tits were the latest addition to the list of birds using the feeders.
Two warring green woodpeckers were chasing back and forwards across the garden this morning. Long tailed tits were the latest addition to the list of birds using the feeders.
Dungeness
Had a good day on Tuesday at Dungeness seeing over 37 species. The two best being a red necked grebe and a curlew sandpiper.
Also, had a female sparrow hawk dive across the track just ahead of the car.
It was a cold wet day and so most of the smaller finches were hidden away, but it was still possible to hear cettis warblers singing.
Also, had a female sparrow hawk dive across the track just ahead of the car.
It was a cold wet day and so most of the smaller finches were hidden away, but it was still possible to hear cettis warblers singing.
Monday, 23 October 2017
Winter Migrants
Saw a flock of thrushes overhead today. Almost certainly fieldfares which makes them my first sighting of winter migrants for this year.
This comes at a time when, following recent storms, the weather has turned very mild, such that the local skylarks have been bursting into song for brief periods.
Vast flocks of pigeons remain feeding on the recently sown wheat fields, which also have the linnets in residence along with some chaffinches, starlings and members of the crow family.
Yesterday primroses were in bloom at Ightam Mote!
This comes at a time when, following recent storms, the weather has turned very mild, such that the local skylarks have been bursting into song for brief periods.
Vast flocks of pigeons remain feeding on the recently sown wheat fields, which also have the linnets in residence along with some chaffinches, starlings and members of the crow family.
Yesterday primroses were in bloom at Ightam Mote!
Wednesday, 11 October 2017
Bird Feeder
Just put up my feeders for the winter: Within the first day I observed four different tits (blue, great, coal, and willow); five goldfinches; a female blackcap and a greater spotted woodpecker. See pictures below.
There is still a flock of linnets (around fifty) on the stubble fields and were joined today by a flock of around twenty pied wagtails. The farmer has planted wheat today and so there has been an influx of pigeons (wood and feral); crows, jackdaws and gulls. There have also been a few skylarks on the field over last few days (the first for some weeks).
Near Sheffield Park yesterday, saw a large flock of meadow pipits on a cattle pasture.
There is still a flock of linnets (around fifty) on the stubble fields and were joined today by a flock of around twenty pied wagtails. The farmer has planted wheat today and so there has been an influx of pigeons (wood and feral); crows, jackdaws and gulls. There have also been a few skylarks on the field over last few days (the first for some weeks).
Near Sheffield Park yesterday, saw a large flock of meadow pipits on a cattle pasture.
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