Sunday 2 November 2014

Week 29 02-11-2014 Birds Spotted: 2

I've been on holiday this week, so I've managed to visit a few places and see some new birds. Sadly, the weather hasn't been fantastic, meaning my shots aren't the greatest. Still let's take a look at the two new birds I spotted this week.

Pheasant
I've obviously seen these gamebirds in the past, but not since starting my blog. Anyway, we were taking a walk at Hengistbury Head when we discovered one in a bush tucking down on berries. We ended up seeing three in the end, but this male was arguably the most impressive.
It's found over most parts of the UK, and is introduced so there are plenty to hunt during the relevant season. In fact, over 2 million females exist, meaning the population shouldn't go into decline any time soon. It feeds on seeds, greens and shoots and is typically found in hedgerows, and open countryside. It's one of our largest game birds and is unmistakable due to its long tail.
I think this one was moulting as it looks a little scruffy.

And here's another shot of it. Tricky to get in focus due to the branches.

Goosander
I've been wanting to see a Goosander for a while, because it's one of our few saw-billed ducks. While I was lucky enough to find some over at Blashford Lakes, they were quite a fair distance away, meaning record shots only.
Anyway, Goosanders are handsome ducks with serrated bills designed for catching fish. They are on the RSPB's green list with around 3,000 breeding pairs and are found in most parts of the UK. They are often confused with Mergansers and are unpopular with fisherman due to their love of Salmon and Trout. Like many other ducks they happily winter in the UK, meaning that up to 12,000 will arrive. There were a handful at Blashford, mainly females. They stayed on the spit for for entire duration, meaning I'll need to go back for better shots in the future.
Here we have three Goosanders. The male is the bird in the middle.

Another record shot, this time showing the male preening.

So that's it for this week. I've now up to 122 photographed birds, with another 150 left to find!

Despite the weather being poor, I was still able to visit a number of different locations. So let's take a look at each one in turn.

Hengistbury Head
Always a favourite of mine, with lots of different environments and the possibility for rare birds.

Spied a Magpie at the golf course.

A passing Jay. Seeing lots of these at the moment.

Hunting Kestrel. Again, terrible weather.

Blashford Lakes
I've never been here before, but it's only 25 minutes up the road, so I'll certainly be returning.
Lots of Great-Crested Grebes were about.

Little Grebes were also plentiful.

A Cormorant dries off.

Saw a number of ducks including Tufted...

Mallard...

Pintail...

And Wigeon. There was rumoured to be a Ruddy Duck, but I didn't see it.

A flock of Lapwings were at the Goosander hide.

While Greylags and Egyptian Geese were far off on the spit as well.

Highlight of the day was a Kingfisher, that kept posing for pictures.

This is the closest he got, about 17 feet away. 

Heavy crops, but they will do for the moment :)

Truly stunning birds. Here's hoping I have more light next time as 1/100 is too slow!

Longham Lakes
I was hoping to see the Black-Necked Grebe, but it continues to elude me. Still it's a great location with lots of birds.
Seeing Cormorants resting on pylons is very odd. They were everywhere.

Managed to catch one on its way to fish.

Coots were plentiful, although I saw no Moorhens.

There was one lone Little Egret that kept the Mallards company.

Hopefully this shot is sharp enough!

A size comparison shot!

A Mute Swan plays peekaboo.

A Buzzard was on patrol.

I was surprised at how pale it was!

There was a single pair of Canada Geese.

And I disturbed a Shoveler!


Discovered a hunting Kestrel.
I think it's a male, but I could be wrong.
Stunning looking falcons.

I also spied a Pied Wagtail as I was leaving.

Hengistbury Head
Went there again today in search of the Lapland Buntings that had been sighted but didn't see them :( It was really windy and overcast, so there wasn't much about.
Starlings by the golf course.

More Pheasants were about.

Spied a Stonechat.

And also this male.

And a very noisy Wren.

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