Saturday 8 January 2011

First Patch Walk.

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.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers were constantly announcing their location from their high perches.
I eventually caught up with one a little lower down and feeding much higher up was, the best find of the day, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker who regretfully defied the camera!   FAB.
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18 comments:

  1. Montanagirl8 January 2011 at 20:19

    Nice afternoon you had! Love that last WP photo.

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  2. theconstantwalker8 January 2011 at 20:22

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. JRandSue8 January 2011 at 20:29

    Looks like you had a enjoyable day Frank.
    By look of images,a very rewarding day also.
    Happy Birding.
    John.

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  4. Val8 January 2011 at 22:36

    Hi Franck!
    Such 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

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  5. grammie g8 January 2011 at 22:47

    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!!

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  6. Carol Mattingly8 January 2011 at 22:52

    I love the woodpeckers Frank. Something about woodpeckers. They have such stark contrast of color. Carol

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  7. Empty Nester8 January 2011 at 23:38

    The wings on your cormorant are so different from the wings on the one I see at the pond. Love the woodpecker too!

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  8. Julie G.8 January 2011 at 23:52

    Sounds 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!

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  9. Angad Achappa9 January 2011 at 03:39

    Nice birding trip eh.. :) Love the colors on that woody.. :)

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  10. Monts9 January 2011 at 08:44

    Looks like a great birding day Frank, great shots and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker to boot dont get much better.

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  11. Tricia Ryder9 January 2011 at 11:28

    Pleasant walk by the sounds of it. Congrats on the Lesser Spotted... still on my "much wanted" list and would be a lifer for me!

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  12. Warren Baker9 January 2011 at 18:01

    Great bird to find, that LSW Frank, well done mate!

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  13. ksdoolittle9 January 2011 at 18:44

    Love the shot of the woodpecker. Didn't know there could be so many. Glad you spotted the lesser!! Good for you!

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  14. FAB9 January 2011 at 20:42

    Apologies to theconstantwalker

    .. 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.

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  15. FAB9 January 2011 at 20:53

    Hi Everyone.

    I 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!!

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  16. Lois Evensen9 January 2011 at 21:19

    Wonderful images as always. Thank you for sharing with us.

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  17. holdingmoments10 January 2011 at 14:49

    Well done with the Lesser Spotted Frank. A bird I'd love to see.

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  18. Lisa 11 January 2011 at 12:57

    I sure love that woodpecker. Had one at my feeder and missed the little guy.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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