Bathtime at Brake Mill Pools!....14/02/2015

A gloomy morning that was brightened by the sighting of a Green Woodpecker as I started my walk. On the water were the usual Mallards, Coots, Moorhens, Canada Geese, a few B H Gulls, Little Grebe x2, Grey Heron and the Mute Swan family.

A Muntjac Deer was a surprise sighting as it made it's way tentatively alongside the stream in one of the gardens, this was only my second sighting of a Muntjac Deer in this area. Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen and also the welcome sound of a G S W drumming! Good views were also had of a Goldcrest, Wren and a Common Buzzard.

The lone Muntjac Deer.

A shy Wren!

 

 

 Bathtime!

 

A visit 3 days later was much of the same species wise other than seeing a Treecreeper and 3 Goosander that were sleeping peacefully!

Forest of Dean....6th-9th February 2015

I had looked forward to this visit to the Forest of Dean and it did not disappoint...well ok the lack of a Goshawk sighting was a little disappointing but the super sightings of Crossbills and Hawfinch at Parkend more than made up for their no-show! Splendid views were had of both species, in fact my best ever views of them!

The Crossbills were around the Parkend Church area and came down periodically to drink from a couple of puddles of water alongside the small Church car park. Fortunately the water had defrosted...it was a very cold (and sunny for the most part) weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hawfinch were also in Parkend and were in a grassed area which was surrounded by mostly Yew trees next to the Cricket Ground. Someone had placed seed, nuts and fatballs under one of theYew trees which then attracted Hawfinch, Blackbird, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Wren, Blue, Great & Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and  Nuthatch. Redwings were also sighted but kept their distance as they sifted through leaf mould. It was a treat to see the Hawfinch so closely, their plumage is absolutely stunning! A wonderful experience having lengthy views of these birds at fairly close quarters!

 

 

 

 

 

New Fancy View.

As mentioned earlier a Goshawk was not sighted, this is my 3rd attempt of having a Goshawk sighting at New Fancy, maybe a 4th visit in the future will be  lucky!

 

Green Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Siskin, Green Woodpecker, Raven and a Kestrel were notable sightings, heard only were a drumming Woodpecker and the squeals of a Wild Boar!

 

 

 

 

Cannop Ponds

 

Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Chaffinch, Robin, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Mallards, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen and bathing Raven were the highlights on a walk around the ponds.

 

Symonds Yat Rock

 

A male Peregrine perched distantly in trees by the nesting sight was the only sighting of this species today, still very nice to see viewed through a scope. A couple of Common Buzzards circled around a couple of times one being a pale phase Buzzard. Cormorants, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Blue & Great Tit, Chaffinch and distant views of what I believe to be Roe Deer were the highlights!

 

Cormorants roosting.

 

 

It had been a great few days in the wonderful area that is the Forest of Dean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine's Day.

Love is in the air!

 

 

 

My Funny Valentine....Ella Fitzgerald

February.

If Candlemas Day [February 2nd] be fair and bright, Winter will have another flight:
But if Candlemas Day be clouds and rain, Winter is gone - it will not come again.

Time will tell with the above quote! :-)

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My Daughter found a Barn Owl pellet in Norfolk during a holiday in December 2014 and dissected it a week ago. Amazing tiny little bones that are possibly those of a Vole.

 

 

 

 

A flying visit was made to feed the hungry waterfowl at Brake Mill Pool at lunchtime today. Green Woodpecker (my 1st of the year), Buzzard and a volery of Long-tailed Tits being the highlights!

 

My garden has been very quiet today......probably because a Sparrowhawk put in an appearance!