Images of male Starlings

 

Mockingbird Madness

 Once again, we see that twitchers have given real birders a bad name by driving distances to see the Northern Mockingbird in Devon, whilst we still are under the restrictions of Covid, including travelling for essential journeys only. 

I am disgusted at the behaviour by these wholly selfish idiots who are putting others lives at risk in their self-centred obsession to see a rare bird.  If, for example, one of these idiots had an accident, the services and resources used to attend to them should be used for some poor person who really needs attention.

I notice from news reports that some of these idiots were issued a measly £200 fine, a fine they were undoubtedly prepared to risk to see this bird.  Firstly, the fine was too small, and secondly, these irresponsible people should have had their driving licences withdrawn for a period of 6 months.

Once again, I wish to reiterate I am not, never have been, and will never be a twitcher-type.  Too many examples in recent times have shown how twitchers have offended real birders by their breaking of current Covid restrictions, and at times, actions which have resulted in criminal activity.

I must add that some well-known bird guide sites should take some responsibility, along with those who release information on rare birds, for poor behaviour by selfish twitcher-types.

I am pleased to say that those who resort to rule breaking and criminal activity to see a rare bird, are in the minority, real birders look upon these idiots as disgusting, shameful people who are not welcome members of the birding community.  I also find it rather strange when I invite twitchers to give their side of the story as to why they should break current restrictions and laws to see a rare bird that they fail to respond, come on, don't be shy, let's hear your side of the story.

A local walk in the woods

 Another day of icy conditions, however, the last day of this for now with much milder weather with wind, rain, and temperatures into double figures.

This morning I walked through local woods where a lot of standing flood water/ice remains with snow remaining, it was within the woods I found a lovely spot by a frozen pond in Carr woodland.  The woodland initially looked lifeless, but after waiting a while at least 4 Blue Tits, Marsh Tits, and Goldcrest passed through, keeping low where little wind bothers them, whereas high in the canopy the wind caused a good deal of noise amongst the upper reaches of the trees.

Whilst watching this beautiful habitat I was hoping for a Woodcock to appear, but it was not to be.

It was in this snowy woodland where I fund several patches of fresh earth where probably Deer had hoofed the ground for nuts, acorns etc.

Probably the most notable species seen this morning was Redwing where many birds were seen flying between trees, not only here, but in other woodlands also.  I managed to see a few Redwings on woodland floor where they were tossing aside leaf litter in their search for invertebrate food.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was 'drumming', but no sign of Lesser Spotted, a species I have recorded here in previous years.

Redwings are easily spooked Thrushes, however, with patience, these beautiful Thrushes will be encountered, as with this one, along with others, on the woodland floor searching amongst leaves for food.

Redwings, along with Fieldfares, are now beginning to show locally, these will be passage birds returning north to breed. 

Recent records from the garden

With birding confined to the garden, and the occasional local walk for 'exercise' birding has been for the most part confined to the garden.  Concerningly, however, it is evident from reading various journals, social media etc. that some selfish people continue to go birdwatching clearly away from their local area.  When will these numbskulls comply with the current law and rulings regarding Covid.

Birding in, and from the garden in recent days has been productive, and indeed, if we were Covid-free, some species would have been missed.  

The first day of February provided me with a male Blackcap feeding upon apples I had halved and hung on a tree, in fact, I provided fruit specifically for Blackcap in winter.

A pair of Red Kites appear daily over the garden, as do Buzzards, but on the 10th February, a juvenile Peregrine passed NE and low overhead.  Sparrowhawks are regular.

On the 12th February a small flock of Lapwings were seen flying WNW, given the bitterness of the wind and recent snowfalls, I wonder if this was a hard-weather movement. 

House Sparrows are well represented in the garden with around 30 or so birds daily attending feeders, also Starlings are daily in good numbers.  I have noticed that the bill if the male House Sparrow are now black, a feature of the birds appearance which happens with the breeding season approaching.   A pair of Dunnocks are present daily, either with the male singing high in the hedge, or birds typically shuffling on the ground close to cover.  Single Pied Wagtails visit, they have a penchant for meal worms.

Blue Tits are common, I wonder how many individuals actually visit throughout the day as they move round various feeding sites.  Great Tits also appear, often at dusk.  I love to watch Blackbirds gathering at dusk in the garden, and close by, as they silently sit until it is time to fly to their roost sites.

I noticed today that Fieldfares are now putting in an appearance, these are likely to be migrants moving north for Scandinavia to breed. 

1st February (A good start to record collecting for the month)

Some excellent records collected locally today began with a two hour walk through my local Breckland habitat. I decided to walk my chosen route following Dawn Balmer’s record of Hen Harrier there yesterday.  Despite not seeing the ring-tail, species I did record Crane (3) Marsh Harrier (3), Goshawk (1♂), Cetti’s Warbler, and Brambling.

Later in the morning once home, good record collecting continued when a fine ♂ Blackcap was seen feeding upon halved apples I hung on a tree.  A local Sparrowhawk also passed through causing panic amongst the Doves and Starlings.

Acrobatic Blackcap in garden 1st February

Blackcap (male) in garden 1st February

I arrived home at about 100hrs to find this lovely male Blackcap in one of trees feeding upon halved apples I hung out.  By providing this fruit like this, Blackcap was a species in the forefront of mind to attract into the garden.