What have you seen

Lots of snipe displaying over our moors this afternoon. 

An invasion of goldfinches on our garden feeders, at least 50. Not complaining, of course, just wondering where they've all come from! Keeping the niger and seed feeders well topped up.

Envious, Pliers. For some reason I keep missing hearing and seeing Snipe drumming. 

Saw my first House Martin today while walking along the by the coast road from Piel Island to Ulverston. Don't know if I'm late in spotting them or if they just arrived this far north.

First Swallows flying over us today, lots of swooping and chatter in the sunshine, looking forward to seeing more. 

Walking on the local marshes here and noticed in the distance thousands of birds in flight so returned to car and drove in direction of birds.  Delighted to see 3 fields full of Barnacle Geese, my estimate would be upwards of ten thousand.  All was well until 2 women with 2 dogs (not on leads) decided to walk through the middle of them!  

This was a 1st for us 2 Geese with neck 'rings' on a sailing lake @ Cotswold Water Park. The other dropped into the water whilst my wife was getting the camera out.  Have seen Swans with leg rings to identify them but thought this unusual.  Wondered if anyone has come accross it before ?

Might  have  made  this  comment  before,  Oneputt    But  :--  I  recommend  a  12  bore,  pump  action  shot  gun  loaded  with  home  filled  ammo  using  Rice  and  Rock  Salt  !!

I have also seen neck rings, probably done for easier recognition at distance.

Thanks greylag.  Will post on RSPB thread.  Would be interested to know how common this practice & they may have some info.

A heron landed on the roof of the house at the backs of ours, managed a photo, but the aerial was in the way.

Very unusual sight in the middle of our housing estate, probably couldn't find its way to the canal.