Brent Res Feb 6th
A very gloomy start, low cloud and some mist meant it was difficult to make out the far end of the reservoir from the hide. Hopeful of the conditions bringing in rare scarce wildfowl we stayed in the hide and were eventually rewarded when a fine drake Goldeneye flew in and landed close by. An hour and a half later it was joined by a female Scaup, at one point both of them were together. Two useful additions to my patchlist challenge. Also saw the Tawny Owl again at its day roost, being harrased by Jays & Magpies!
Westminster Feb 5th
Another wander around St James's Park at lunchtime, hoping to photograph the Med Gull again as the light was much better. It wasn't where it was the previous 2 days but I found it on the other side of the path, away from the lake. and it was very close, perfect. Well actually too close at times as it got to within one metre! Still managed to get some cracking photos though - and I could hear a Mistle Thrush singing as well which was an addition to the patchlist challenge!
Westminster Feb 4th
Another walk around St James's Park this lunchtime in a light drizzle. Still, at least ths Med Gull was there again and this time I had my camera. Not to difficult to get a shot as it was very close. opefully an adult next time! Also added Goldcrest to my yearlist, but still no raptors!
Westminster Feb 3rd
My first visit to St James's Park this week (and month!) and it paid off. I walked around the lake checking through all the gulls and eventually found what I was looking for - the 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull that I'd seen a couple of times at the back end of last year. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me this time as it was very close so will have to try again! And shortly after that success I added two more birds to my patchlist - by the cafe I heard a Treecreeper calling persistantly and while looking for that found a Greenfinch feeding under some bushes! So now up to 39 for the year.
Brent Res Jan 31st
And I thought it was cold yesterday! A freezing day so didn't spend too long up the res - long enough however to add two to my patchlist, a heard only Chiffchaff near the hide and a couple of Greylags that flew in and landed by the dam. Despite almost half of the res being iced over the f***ing sailors decided to come out and scare off a lot of the ducks who had nowhere else to go as their usual sanctuary in north marsh was totally frozen. I hope some of them capsized!
Not much more to be added now until some of the displaced birds start to return, like Kingfisher & Grey Wagtail.