I promised that I would try to get to know my local area better so headed out for an exploration late this morning. I know the experts will say this is not the best time for birding but who cares it was crisp, not too cold, and the legs needed the exercise. No planned route but just see where the mood takes me!
Once away from the houses and into Castle Woods the very quiet surroundings were punctuated with a few calls that enabled me to locate Blackbird, Redwing, Blue Tit, Robin, Nuthatch (heard only), Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
It was fairly frosty underfoot but the horses were managing to nibble the grass. The fungi didn't look too good! Crows high on their perches and I found a number of Bat boxes on the edge of Four Acre Wood.
Friendly Robin stopped by to say a quick 'hello'.
My way home was a path I have never walked between open fields still very heavily frosted. Around Park Farm were House Sparrows, Wren, Great Tits and Dunnock plus a Black-headed Gull flying over.
Thank goodness for signposts...at least I know I'm heading in the right direction for home! During the last part of my walk I added Long-tailed Tits, Starling, Collared Dove and Greenfinch to produce a final total of 23. I'm sure this number will increase with improved weather AND when I get out earlier in the day. FAB.
Yes Frank, it definitely looks like an area with a lot of possibilities in the future.
ReplyDeleteLovely local walk Frank. I sometimes think that on particularly cold mornings, the birds are more active later anyway! (-:
ReplyDeleteGreat lookig patch Frank.
ReplyDeleteLove to explore.
John.
...any time is a good time to bird for me! I always seem to find birds midmorning. Love the photo of the horse...and the sweet robin. You'll have to watch for the bats one evening. They are so fun watch!
ReplyDeleteHi Frank,
ReplyDeleteIt looks promising anyway, just to see 23 species in what is not the best condition is quite good. I'd love to see these species around, but no chance I guess ;-) Nice that the robin decided to pose, you got a nice shot!
Very nice photos. It looks like a great place to take a walk and "take in" the birds and wildlife!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a dusting of snow in the merry old UK! Nice walk, glad I was able to "come along."
ReplyDeleteRoy & John. I certainly have high hopes for the Spring.
ReplyDeleteJenny. On this occasion they where not very active.
Chris. The Robin was a bonus, the only species to come anywhere near me!
Mona. I'm looking forward to making regular visits.
Hi Kelly. I agree, I'm happy to go out anytime and just see what is around. As for the bat watching...it will need to be a lot warmer!!
ReplyDeleteChris P. The snow has only just started falling in the last hour. What you saw was a heavy frost.
That looks a great patch Frank. I can imagine it buzzing come the spring.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun getting to see the surroundings around where you and your family live. Very nice images! What neat Robins you have, so different then ours. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Frank. Lovely post. Keep on with your local patch and you#'ll turn up something unusual sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteKeith. I hope so. Just a pity there isn't a bloody big lake and a reedbed!
ReplyDeleteMary. The locality is not dressed in it's best coat yet, but spring will change that. Yes, the Robin is delightful but has another side to it's nature in the breeding season.
TonyC. With luck but I won't be putting in as much time as Warren!
Often we overlook the beauty of home and go off looking for less than we have near where we live. My favorite birding place? My backyard. Great post.
ReplyDeleteLove the robin and horse photos. Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteBill S. I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteCindy. Thanks. The scene looks totally different this am...it has snowed!
A lovely walk Frank! You are going to have great fun exploring now you have more time. A good list of birds too. I enjoyed all the photos but particularly the Robin.
ReplyDeleteWe have heavy snow here today, hope it is not too bad where you are.
A very productive day I would say!
ReplyDeleteLove the little Robin :)
Hi Jan. I'm certainly looking forward to monitoring closer to home this year.
ReplyDeleteOvernight snow only 4 inches here so we are quite lucky so far. Still snowing lightly but maybe more to come!
Anytime is a good time for birding, but right now, a walk in the woods requires snowshoes! Lots of fun looking at all the animal tracks though...
ReplyDeleteHi Susan. I hear what you say and presume none of the tracks belong to the Queen!
ReplyDeleteHi Kerri. Not too shabby for a cold winter's day. I'm sure the Robin will continue to feature quite regularly.
ReplyDeleteThe area all looks very beautiful - but oh so very cold!
ReplyDelete.......so peaceful and tranquil...perhaps a little cold....?....the little robin catched in a sweet move...!!!!!
ReplyDeleteciao elvira
Hi Mick & Elvira.
ReplyDeleteNot too cold, only just around freezing point but no wind so quite pleasant outside if you are well wrapped up. Cheers FAB.