Hoopoe in Royton!!

Coming home from some friends I read in disbelief that a Hoopoe had been found feeding in a garden in Royton. Had a quick look, seen briefly in a tree befor spending most of its time feding on a back lawn out of view

Ring Ouzel and Wheatear

Fantastic evening sunshine on my local moorland watching up to 12 Ring Ouzel and dozens of Wheatear

Mountain Hare also added to the atmosphere!

Wheatear

Nice to see these guys back on territory. Breezy conditions made them flighty and I couldn't get close enough for a decent shot (excuses!)

Woodlark

Several displaying Woodlark seen at Budby Common. Great to listen to the amazing song. Plenty of Yellowhammer and a 4 Mandarin Ducks too. Then onto Long Eaton GP to see a Black necked Grebe. We also saw several Sand Martin and 2 Swallow. It was also nice to see and here several Chiffchaff. We finished off at Carr vale NR for a drake Garganey

Garden Birds

Some good species being recorded in the garden over the last few days. Lesser Redpoll seen only twice this year. Also an interesting partial leucistic Goldfinch. Daily Goldcrest is a real joy. Nice to see a Robin frequenting a nest box for the first time. I hope she makes it her home this spring