I stayed at Streamside for the entire time, as I wasn't feeling up to a walk today. I was hoping to get a close view of the Goosander to possible get a photo of her, but in the following shot that I took, just for a record, that was as close as she came.
I didn't expect to get anything even half decent, the weather was very dull, with the odd shower thrown in for good measure.
While watching the GoosanderI kept a look out for the Bittern, but I couldn't see it, in fact at one point I looked for at least 25 minutes, but nothing.
I thought it was about time I scanned the whole area, I saw many of the usual Species:
Canada Geese, Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Pochard, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, G/C/Grebe, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Common Gull, B/H/Gull.
I saw my first Kingfisher of the year as it shot across the lake at a rate of knots, as they do. I also saw my first Jay of the year, 2 of them actually, plus C/crow, and Magpie.
I did wandered around a short distance to scan the reeds froma different angle hoping to see the bittern, but still nothing, but what I did see was a Treecreeper. I flew right over my head into a tree in front of me, but before I could get the camera on it, the Treecreeper was already spiraling up the trunk. Again I tried to get a photo of it, but the one I did get came out, how shall I put it... not good at all. See below:
The only other birds seen was as follows:
Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch,
I never did see the Bittern this time, but never say "Never" not in this game.
In the hour and half I was here I saw 26 species of bird.
My "Bird of the Day" is the ** Treecreeper.**
You done well to get any shot of them. a tricky subject unless they are numerous.
ReplyDeleteYou've got to be quicker than that Ken.
ReplyDeleteSome nice birds there Ken, great to get any sort of Treecreeper shot, they've just thinned the wood here a bit and it's helped to find them a bit easier:-)
ReplyDeleteThose Treecreepers do give us the run around Ken :-) Well done on your Jay and Kingfisher for the year :-)
ReplyDeleteThey are a bit rapid those Treecreepers Ken, at least you managed a shot or two more than I've done recently.
ReplyDeleteKen ,
DeleteSnap with the redhead .
It was also nearly snap with Tree Creeper , but I missed out on mine completely .
By the way , what exactly were you selling at the 'Bittern view point' ?
Bet you're glad it wasn't today .
Hi Ken,good bird that Tree creeper.Only ones I see at New Hythe are in my nets.
ReplyDeleteMarc.
ReplyDeleteI was happy to see one let alone get a bad photo of one.
Mike.
If only I had your skills, I can dream :-)
Alan.
I hope you don't have to wait too long before you not only see one but maybe get a photo.
Warren.
You are right there. I was glad to see the other species. Cheers.
Greenie.
At least I am not the only one who dips out, and what was I selling? Well I have set up shop before while out looking for birds, but no more... once BITTERN twice shy!
Alan.
Thanks for that. I would love to see one close up.
Hi Ken,
ReplyDeletejust to let you know that the Bittern is stiil around and was seen today, Thursday 26th Jan in the normal place.
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2012/01/bag-better-bittern.html
Sounds like a good day Ken, some great birds!
ReplyDeleteI wish i could see a gooslander like that!
ReplyDelete