sand martin – tonydavisonphotography.com

Staffs 2 – Derby 0 – 8th April 2012

2012, Birds, Year No Responses »

Apr 082012

A second weekend birding in Staffordshire. This time for a Common Crane that had arrived last week frequenting water meadows just outside the town of Stafford. A smart adult bird but just too distant for my camera. The area where the bird was feeding is quiet large and certainly the bird appeared to be well settled and undisturbed. A quick visit to Blithfield Reservoir, whilst in the area, is always worthwhile. On arrival the weather began to deteriorate and we had distant views of 3 Little Ringed Plover and a single Swallow with Sand Martin. Still a few Goldeneye about. […]

Winter Returns – Briefly – 18th March 2012

2012, Birds, Birds of 2012, Year No Responses »

Mar 182012

Winter Returns - Briefly - 18th March 2012

The weather this morning was a complete contrast to last weekend. Upon arrival at Carsington Water this morning, we were met with a freezing cold mixture of snow & heavy rain. The front lasted for well over an hour, then grey but very calm conditions and Carsington turned into a “Mill Pond”. The day did however produce my first spring migrants for the year. We were hoping for a Kittiwake dropping in but no such luck. In fact apart from the long staying Great Northern Diver, the numbers of wildfowl were very low. Five Goldeneye; 5 Oystercatcher; […]

Spring Jewels in Yorkshire – Saturday 2nd April 2011

2011, Birds, Birds of 2011, British Butterflies, Butterflies, Year No Responses »

Apr 022011

Spring Jewels in Yorkshire - Saturday 2nd April 2011

A day spent observing some spring jewels, namely Red-necked Grebe & Black-necked Grebe. These birds are truly stunning in their summer plumage. So rare to see Red-necked Grebe in full regalia. Black-necked Grebes are more common in their summer attire. This Red-necked Grebe has returned to this area of Yorkshire for its seventh year. Also seen during the day were numerous Chiffchaff & Sand Martin; small numbers of Little-ringed Plover, a single Green Sandpiper and a single Holly Blue & Peacock. Year List moves on to 152. PHOTOS – Below 1, 2 & 3 – Red-necked Grebe – Hatfield Moors, […]

Dances with Grebes – Sunday, 27 March 2011

2011, Birds, Birds of 2011, Year No Responses »

Mar 272011

Dances with Grebes - Sunday, 27 March 2011

Local birding in South Derbyshire. A very dull grey spring morning was brightened up by the courtship dances of the Great Crested Grebe. This pair were really putting on a show at Foremark Reservoir. A pity they were just a little distant for my camera lens. No luck with Lesser Pecker this morning but did manage several Grey Partridge. At least 6 singing Chiffchaff and several singing Yellowhammer. Once common birds locally, Grey Partridge & Yellowhammer are now getting exceedingly difficult to find. The woodlands around Ticknall were also unproductive for Lesser Pecker, another species that is very difficult and very […]

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