What have you seen

Not long ago we watched a Great Northern Diver clear the whole of the Marine Lake, that juts out from West Kirkby on the Wirral, of all competitors that consisted of Goosanders, Red Breasted Mergansers, Scaup and other ducks such as Tufted Ducks. He then had the whole lake to himself.

Great to see and good for working out the differences between the 2 Sawbills.

So they weren't hunted here just bullied.

I remember a few years back listening to the haunting cry of a solitary GND on Buttermere. Spotted at some distance I was surprised how big it was, such a memorable experience and that sound will remain with me, fantastic.

Oneputt

Still no luck with Waxwings, tried again in Norwich, being in a car, can't wait around as there is no parking anywhere.

Yesterday they were in Edinburgh Rd, today the weather if awful, so I'm stuck indoors.

Windy and sea really rough this afternoon but a purple sandpiper and a raft of eiders in the shelter of the harbour walls made for an enjoyable walk. All the usual suspects including some harbour squirrels, as the locals call them, out there too on this shortest of days. Is getting dark now so headed home.

Spotted what I think was a young Grey Wagtail on our morning walk on a small dyke by the Whitegate Way. Then over at our new site there are lots of Fieldfares and on the field by the pond well over 100 Canada Geese.

I'm pretty certain I heard turtle doves on my walk yesterday.

Am I mad?

I'll be walking that way again today 🤞.  I tried to open my App to identify the call. It was quiet, start to move on - you've guessed. Several times! So will be ready today. 

Interestingly, tge App did say it could hear a tree creeper, couldn't spot it 😢. Not seen on for years.

Even slower, than of late, start this morning. Blackbird. One of the 4 that breakfast with us, was dancing on the wall to attract my attention 😉. The other 3 were down quickly, joined by a female. So.i had to change the running order

Have to be careful as sparrowhawk took out a pigeon 2 weeks ago 😢. I know they have to eat and are beautiful. I watched it fill its tummy, before sending OH out to dispose of the remains.

B2, I’ve checked and no sightings of Turtle Doves reported for a couple of months. Generally, at this time of the year they have long gone buts If you hear it again let me know where it is and I will report it for you

Oneputt I'm out now. Had to change walk b****y shoot on. They weren't on the shooting land.

I listened to tge distinctive call again this morning and I'm almost certain it was. I'll keep you posted.

I''m pretty certain I heard turtle doves on my walk yesterday.

They weren't the 2 that escaped from the Christmas Tree were they?

Maybe try to catch the song on your phone if you hear them again.

Hi OP

HNY to you both.

We have but a few around these parts and I have not seen any myself although had a couple of attempts, always just missing them. We have a tree loaded with berries in the garden, so supreme optimist hoping for a visit. Guess the lottery is more likely.

Even the Shorties (3) only came out at dusk and only stayed a couple of weeks

Regards

Keith