Here are a few highlights of my year so far. From 1st Jan to Feb 2023.
I have been watching a local Kingfisher on and off for a few weeks, and after some searching, I managed to find its regular favoured spot during early January.
A trip to north Norfolk on 5th January, kick-started the year list, and all the long staying rarities were still around. So Barrie & I picked up Hume’s Warbler, Pallid Harrier, Shorelark, Snow Bunting, Red-necked Grebe, Russian White-fronted Goose, Hen Harrier and a stunning White-tailed Eagle. We had 80 odd species during the day.
So far local patch birding at Staunton Harold Res has resulted in me find a juvenile Mediterranean Gull on 14th Jan, and 3 fabulous Avocets, a new bird for the site, made a brief appearance on 10th Feb.
I eventually saw a few distant Hawfinch at Cromford on 21st Jan and a very obliging Little Grebe.
A trip into Cambridgeshire on 18th Jan resulted in some good views of Barn Owl, and a flock of 20+ Corn Buntings.
A visit to Welney WWT Reserve on 24th January was slightly disappointing, due to foggy conditions, but calling in at Eyebrook Reservoir on our way home, salvaged 5 Smew (3 Redheads and 2 Drakes).
On 28th January a “Twitch” to Langstone Harbour in Hampshire, for a stunning adult summer plumaged Sabine’s Gull. Such an unusual occurrence at this time of year.
Finally a morning spent with Dippers in the Derbyshire Dales, and another “Twitch” to Bradford on 19th February to see four long staying Waxing that were feeding on berries on a local housing estate.
