My first patch walk at Epsom and Ashstead Common yesterday didn't start until early afternoon when there was a break in the constant rain showers. The fishing pond held just 6 Mallard and the Great Pond looked even bleaker until I spotted a distant Grey Heron and then a Cormorant on sentry duty.
Skirting around and then through the woodlands produced Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Blackbird, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long-tailed Tits, one Goldcrest, several Nuthatch, Woodpigeon and noisy overflying Parakeets. Scanning towards Rushett Farm I picked out a single Pheasant, two Moorhen and a few Black-headed Gulls plus two Redwings.
Nice afternoon you had! Love that last WP photo.
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ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a enjoyable day Frank.
ReplyDeleteBy look of images,a very rewarding day also.
Happy Birding.
John.
Hi Franck!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lobg time without visiting blogs *shame on me* I just drop by to wish you a wonderful 2011. May it bring you birds, sun in addition to the sincerly best wishes.
Val
Hi Frank.. I like the photo of the Comorant,not everyone finds them pretty,but I do like the pattern of there feathers on there back,and a great pose he has there!!
ReplyDeleteI love the woodpeckers Frank. Something about woodpeckers. They have such stark contrast of color. Carol
ReplyDeleteThe wings on your cormorant are so different from the wings on the one I see at the pond. Love the woodpecker too!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you spent an enjoyable afternoon birding. Lovely sightings! Terrific photo of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (I have never seen one before). A pleasure to view your blog!
ReplyDeleteNice birding trip eh.. :) Love the colors on that woody.. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great birding day Frank, great shots and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker to boot dont get much better.
ReplyDeletePleasant walk by the sounds of it. Congrats on the Lesser Spotted... still on my "much wanted" list and would be a lifer for me!
ReplyDeleteGreat bird to find, that LSW Frank, well done mate!
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of the woodpecker. Didn't know there could be so many. Glad you spotted the lesser!! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteApologies to theconstantwalker
ReplyDelete.. for some reason Andrew your comments (below) failed to publish:
I had just the same experience with the GSW while getting my Treespotter photos. Lots of drumming then calling from high in the trees. Lovely birds.
Hi Everyone.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I hear more Woodies than I see so being able to watch the Lesser feeding was a definite highlight. Maybe next time it will perch for a portrait but I won't hold my breath!!
Wonderful images as always. Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteWell done with the Lesser Spotted Frank. A bird I'd love to see.
ReplyDeleteI sure love that woodpecker. Had one at my feeder and missed the little guy.
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