What have you seen

We haven't seen it, but there have been confirmed sightings of a Black Browed Albatross off the RSPB cliffs at Bempton in East Yorkshire.  It's usually a south Atlantic bird, so is way out of  the normal habitat.

I think we may take a trip over there tomorrow to see what we can see (through the crowds, perhaps). 

Saw the reports Valda, unfortunately too far away to get to take a peek

Went to Highnam woods just off the A40 a couple of miles out of Gloucester and listened to Nightingales singing.  There are 9 males around the woods.

if you decide to go beware that parking can present a problem.

We made a quick trip to the cliffs late today, plenty of gannet, kitiwake razirbills and guillimot. One of the RSPB volunteers did mention an albatross, but no sign when we were there.

We never got there, we've had our three grandchildren (including a six month old baby) for the weekend - without their parents, so it's been a busy time.  Phew, just handed them back..................  but we did see a very interesting looking very dark bee today, pollinating my raspberries.  I'm going to look it up to see what it was.

I was explaining how the flowers turn into raspberries to my four year old grand-daughter, and the bee provided a lesson in 'pollination'.

Wish I'd had my camera with me today in Fineshade Wood (Stamford CC). Our Jack Russel went nose to nose in the grass with a Fox Cub. Both stood perfectly still for over a minute, each probably thinking "What on earth are you?" And both wondering how to get round the impasse. Well, Fox was braver than our Jack (named Badger), he turned his backside to Badger and walked back from whence he came. Thankfully Badger obeyed my command and didn't follow the little fellow as Mummy and Daddy Fox may have set up an ambush in the scrub.

On the same walk, a 2 mile circuit from the site, were Spotted Flycatcher and Cuckoo. 

Nice to see you post Twitch.  In the Forrest of Dean today and came across a Pair of Mandarin ducks which had young, could see how many in the brood.

Popped to Rutland Water yesterday afternoon, to the Western side. In the middle of the reservoir is a high frame with a large nest on top. A gentleman came in and said to his wife, "there is the Osprey, sitting on its nest". I knew it couldn't be because the Ospreys are nesting on the south side. I took a look through the scope and initially, viewing only the back of the head, I thought, "he's right". Then the head turned, revealing a bright red bill. It was an Egyptian Goose. I didn't know they nested in such places. 

Back at Stamford CC this evening, a Nightingale sang. The only one in the forest so far.

Went to Skomer on Wednesday, absolutely fabulous not only bird life including Puffins and Shorteared Owls but the colours of Bluebells, Campion and Seathrift.

Just back from a week's birding in North Norfolk, wonderful of course, but no WiFi on site.

Great views of turtle dove in the car park at Titchwell, it's years since I saw one and this one was certainly posing beautifully.

And just love the cakes in the visitors' centre at Cley!