My initial plan to rise early and get into work before anyone was around to photograph the Nuthatches was thwarted first by ignoring the alarm and second by the weather, drab, overcast & windy! So I decided instead to stop by at Epsom Common Pond for a short walk. Around the car park many species were singing and I had sightings of Dunnock (3) feeding along the paths, a pair of Blue Tits in courtship flight, Long-tailed Tits (min 6) frantically feeding together with a Coal Tit, Nuthatch carrying a leaf (obviously nest building) but couldn’t locate his new domain, Blackbird & Chiffchaffs in full song. Just over the fence in the top horse paddock there was a Song Thrush and Redwing (2) feeding until they felt my presence! Jackdaws were noisily flying overhead with a few Carrion Crows for company. At the Great Pond there were at least 8 Canada Geese (all paired up), Mallards, Moorhen and one Cormorant on his usual perch. Despite the poor light conditions I attempted a few photos BUT for some reason they are not as sharp as I had hoped – I’m not sure I was firing on all cylinders this morning. Anyway here are two of the snaps.
At lunchtime after diving into the box to replenish my reserves (including a chocolate fix) I briefly visited the Nuthatch site as the sun was shining to see if there was any activity. I only had 10 minutes to spare and the male visited just once before being called away by his mate. I managed a very quick shot but again I am not happy with the poor focus on the subject but here it is anyway.
P.S. I've just had a call from a very old friend who is making a brief annual spring visit to the UK and we will be birding together at Farlington Marshes on Sunday so lets hope the weather is on our side.
Very interesting photos of the nuthatches and their nesting hole.
ReplyDeleteI hope the weather holds for you. Nice photos by the way. I esp. like the one of the Cormorant.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank, with the Nuthatch you just have to keep plugging away. They are quite co-operative when nesting is in progress. I know for one site that they nest. They will build up the hole with mud until its just big enough to get in and out. The male usually hangs out near the nest site.
ReplyDeleteChocolate snacks are a must while birding! :-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed all the shots - especially the geese flying!
Great capture of the nuthatch in a natural setting.
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I love the nuthatch photo. So cute to see them like that!
ReplyDeleteYou sound like me w/ that chocolate fix of yours. I think chocolate should belong in its own food group. ;o)
Have fun birding on Sunday with your friend. I just know you will have good luck!
Looks like a fun place to bird. Keep us posted on the nuthatches!
ReplyDeleteI enlarged the nuthatch photo, and it looks great. What a nice-looking nesting cavity!! Good luck with birding this weekend!
ReplyDeleteGetting closer with the Nuthatch.
ReplyDeleteHope the weather holds for your planned trip Sunday. I'm hoping to get out myself at the weekend; no work for a couple of days.
Just a perfect little nook for the Nuthatch. :c)
ReplyDeleteNot happy with your photos, Frank? I would be more than happy if I had taken those shots.
ReplyDeleteHi Frank,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the weather is as bad to you as it is to me!! Since this week end, which was not that superb, I was not able to go out!!! I love the nuthatch picture with the nest hole. They are behaving so funny around the nest, you should check it up time to time. Have a nice week end.
Sorry that I didn't respond to your individual comments.....been very busy!
ReplyDeleteNo chance to get back to the nest site today but will try again next week to check on developments.
Best wishes, FAB
Loved the Nuthatch Frank, and it's probably my (strange) brain (I'm a pictures in the clouds and in the fire kind of person!) but the Cormorant made me laugh as it looks as if it has human legs and is stood in the water with slightly bended knee!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan. Yes, I can see where you're coming from.
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