Around the Patch

It's been a mixed bag of weather and birds this past couple of weeks, we've had snow, ice, winds, torrential rain and then finally an increase of temperature to 8°C. Not that warm but it certainly seems a big difference when you're walking to work! 

I've picked up another couple of patch ticks for the year - Nuthatch and Jay - it's already getting to the point where now i'm waiting on the warblers and those random flyovers to boost the list. I had a flock of 7 waders fly over the house in semi darkness when I was putting bird food out the other morning but I had no chance of identifying them which was a little frustrating. 

I'm finally seeing the garden in daylight during the week......just.......i'm so glad the days are getting longer. Still the birds are singing loudly in the dark by 6.30 every morning now and when I do get chance to garden watch the feeders are busy nearly all day. Blue Tits, Blackbirds and Robins are the most regular. A Goldcrest followed the Blue Tits in the other day and made a poor attempt at going for the feeder, I couldn't focus the camera quickly enough before it was gone but it was the first time i've seen one do that. 

I've spent a bit of time walking through the woods and seen Woodpigeons and Magpies nesting or attempting to already. No sign of the Kingfisher of course!

Chaffinch

I've seen a few Goldcrest around 

It's the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend, no doubt all the birds will disappear for the duration............