What have you seen

Nice.

20 years ago we used to have Bramblings coming into the garden in bad weather, now we never see them locally. Lovely birds.

Having been house bound for days by high winds followed by lots of rain, a dry day was to good to waste, so took a little trip to check out the male Penduline Tit that has set up in Gloucestershire. Not to difficult to find, just pull up in the car park at Plock Court and look across the field to the reed beds. Much more difficult to spot the bird though, it is right at home in the reeds, accompanied by a male Stonechat.

My first sighting of a Penduline Tit

As I was in no hurry, so I set the cruise control on 55mph and was really surprised to nearly double my normal mpg figure given out by the car's electronics. Shame it doesn't replicate that with the van on the back. 

Beautiful photos BM, many thanks. 

Thanks Brue

Not quite to the plan, first stop was intended to be the Great Grey Shrike, which had been seen about 5 miles from the Penduline location. Unfortunately there was no sign where it might be found. Then the Penduline went awol for over well over an hour just after I found the location. By the time it turned up and came within range, it was to late for my last planned stop at Sharpness dock where the has been a Great Northern Diver present for several weeks.

Never mind, another outing should help.

Lovely photos BM.

One of our greatest thrills when last in Germany was to stand about 5 yards away from a Penduline Tit's nest and watch him work the reed around the opening, then climb inside and start singing, with his head poking out. Mind you the son was extremely feeble and Mrs.P would have to have super hearing or be the same distance as us away. Anyway he gave us a magical moment as we were hoping to just find one, near mind watch him work for his living.

Great photos, BM. Not been fortunate yet to see one, but keep on hoping.

Hi Micky

The rare bird alert is showing a possible glossy ibis sighting near Stockton on Tees if that is anywhere near enough for you.

Check for a confirmed sighting and local bird bloggers.

Thanks BM.👍 Away on tour at moment but will keep an eye out hoping it lingers and gives us the chance to nip up. Sad to hear of the demise of the desert wheatear. Thought to have been predated earlier this week.😥

You are welcome Micky, had not heard about the wheatear.

If you or anyone else are near to the Severn Bridges, it might be worth a visit to the Old Ferry, for those of a certain age, known as Aust Warth these days, Short Eared Owls can be seen hunting for voles just before dusk.

Watched over today by a couple of Jackdaw.

Wonderful photos!

We used to see short eared owls quite regularly on our local moors, but not this winter, not so far, anyway.