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20 February 2015

Cirl Buntings

I went to Labrador Bay today for another visit to see the Cirl Buntings and wasn't disappointed!

I was met by a small group of around 10 as soon as I got into the field from the car park, then ahead of me I could see 3 trees full of birds which turned out to be all Cirl Buntings! 50+ I reckon, while trying to take some pictures I met the Warden who is responsible for the reserve who said the numbers had slowly risen. I also made the point a lot of birds where coming from across the road, he made the point that the farmers field was full of them and the lane going into the local village had plenty in too. It was reported to him that in the local village Cirls had been visiting the bird tables in peoples gardens! Lucky them!!!!!

Other birds seen were worryingly a Sparrowhawk which I saw take out a Blackbird, ok but stay away from the Cirls! 3 Buzzard, Kestrel, Magpie, Raven, Carrion Crow, Herring Gull, Skylark, Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Robin, Chaffinch, Wren, Dunnock, Jackdaw and a small Tit flock comprising of about 20 birds, looked like only Long-tailed and Blue Tits.

Great to see these wonderful birds and great to meet the warden who was understandably proud of his work!!!



17 February 2015

Radipole, Dorset.

Went to Weymouth in Dorset today to see the Bearded Tits at Radipole lake.

When I first got there I was a bit worried as they were working on the reeds where the Bearded Tits are normally seen, thankfully I shouldn't have worried as they were close to the north hide and showing very well, a group of 6 birds close to the footpath. Don't think I have ever got that close! Fantastic sight! Go to the gallery to see more pictures of this special bird.

Plenty of other birds on view, ducks all over the place with mainly Mallard but Teal and Tufted Ducks in good numbers.

Mute Swans,Canada Geese, Coots, Moorhens, Cormorants, Little Egrets, Grey Heron, Water Rail, Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebes are the water birds on view.

Several Cettis Warblers making a noise around the reserve, robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Wood Pigeon, Raven, Carrion Crow, Reed Bunting and Magpie also seen.

Marsh Harrier and Buzzards seen by the North Hide.

Black-headed Gulls, Mediterranean Gull and Herring Gulls all on the car park.

Fantastic start to the day!



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