A Winter Bird

Even though the sun was shining and the sky was almost cloudless, it was much colder as I started out on my Parkland Walk yesterday. There was a fairly strong North Easterly wind blowing. My first thoughts were that perhaps it had blown in some winter birds like the Redwing or Fieldfare.

I searched around a small copse which consisted of mainly hawthorn and bramble bushes with numerous berries ready for eating by winter species.  Having counted four Redwing which were moving around the area I waited in one position out of the sunlight for a chance of a shot.

Initially at this time the Redwing are quite wary of movement and will fly off at the sight of humans. I noticed in previous years that they become more tolerant as the winter progresses.

I managed only two birds at separate times.

Two Regular Favourites

A couple of portraits of regular resident species that fortunately are usually available for a few photographs to be taken. 

The Long-tailed Tit can be observed in groups moving through the hedgerows searching for food.

Long-tailed Tit

The Robin will make you aware of its presence from a perch as you walk along footpaths or from a perch in a garden. Being very territorial it will often be seen driving off other Robins from its area.

Robin

Autumn Woodland

These are scenes from a recent walk around a Woodland (Fineshade) that I had not visited for a while.

I wanted to show the changes occurring at this time as the Autumn season is now underway.

Blog Problem Corrected

Stonechat and Whinchat

A  few distance shots I was able to grab this week of the Stonechat and Whinchat that have returned to the Parkland for the winter months.

Whinchat

Whinchat

Whinchat

Stonechat

Whinchat

Stonechat

Note: I am having major problems with this blog at the moment. I am not always able to reply to comments or comment on other blogs. Apologies for that. I am working on it.

A Late Chiffchaff

Walking around the Parkland today I observed a Chiffchaff amongst hawthorn branches. 

He was busily feeding away on insects and elderberries, moving quickly between the twigs to search for the next meal. I mentioned 'Late' in the heading as I would expect most Chiffys to have departed on migration by now, although some remain in the Southern part of England over winter. 

I just got the impression that this one was feeding up as much as possible for his onward journey.