Thursday 31st December - 2015 ..a mixed year

A final round up for what has seemed like a pretty mixed year from all angles. The last two months run of unseasonally mild,  wet and windy weather has probably done little to raise anyone's festive spirits and feeling particularly sorry for those folk in the north of the country suffering from extreme flooding as a result.

From a birding year, the one trip to Botswana was a highlight, but my UK birding was limited to largely local visits and certainly became reduced after mid-summer when full-time working kicked in again... subject to health and time, there is always 2016.. and beyond... despite that still some good birds seen

I went to Blackdown on Tuesday, which temporarily looked like a calm gap in the weather, although within 30 minutes I was getting wet. I only managed 5 Redwing, 1 Stonechat and 4 Goldcrest.. there was more interest at home !!

Wishing all a great New Year and a fun 2016.

This was mid-morning on Blackdown this week - dark, wet and windy - and no birds

Male Bullfinch at home - they love the ripened berries of the Guelder Rose

Monday 21st December - pre-xmas update

Not a lot to report - Since the beginning of November I've failed completely in birding. given my busy work schedule during the week it would otherwise be limited to weekends but my list of excuses ranges from appalling weather (of the grey very wet and windy variety), a bronchial bug that laid me low for 3 weeks, and extended parenting duties (otherwise known as taxi services).

When the wind has lessened the bird activity at home has varied and only this recent weekend have I noticed a small increase in activity with small numbers of Goldfinch, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin joining Chaffinch and Greenfinch around the feeders and a smart male Brambling yesterday was the first seen this Winter at home.

Tawny Owls remain vocal on clear nights, a Marsh Tit is still a regular visitor and Nuthatch, Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tit are probably the more interesting of smaller passerines. Redwings are still around although in smaller numbers than November and the early small flocks of Fieldfare seem to have dispersed.

With the continuation of these Southerly winds with mild wet weather it doesn't really indicate much of a change , but a few days break over Christmas will be welcome !

Lesser Redpoll

male Brambling

Very smart detailed feather patterns - just showing white rump

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