Redhead Smew and Red-breasted Merganser

Upper Castleshaw Reservoir

Parkgate

Male and female Hen Harrier, Merlin, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl and Great White Egret enjoyed on the marsh

Pallid Harrier

Spent Saturday at Welwick Saltmarsh and saw an incredible 9 species of raptor. The juvenile Pallid Harrier was seen a few times initial view was alongside a Hen Harrier and Peregrine. Also see were Kestrel, Merlin, Marsh Harrier, Short eared Owl, Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard

Yorkshire

A few images from  today in North Yorkshire

Best Images of 2011 Pre Blog

just a few images of some of the birds seen in 2011 before I started this blog. Stunning pictures of Dotterel taken by Dave Evans

Stonechat

Went to Flamborough Head today in hope of rare migrants. No luck! Goldcrest Willow Warbler Redwing Peregrine Kestrel Gannet Fulmar Stonechat and that was it

Raptor feast on the Wirral

Myself and Dave went over to the Wirral on Sunday 8th.January for a day's birding. We were treated to a great display of Hen Harriers (ringtails), Short Eared Owls, 2 Merlins, a Buzzard,  a Peregrine Falcon and a Kestrel. Other highlights included a lovely male Stonechat, 2 Tundra Bean Geese, good views of the long staying Great White Egret, Snipe, Whooper swans and Stock Doves

I saw plenty of migrating thrushes in small groups as I headed to Anglers Country Park. On arrival I could hear lots of finches and sparrows and got some good views of the many tree sparrows present. There were redwings around and good numbers of wigeon on the water. I saw a brief glimpse of a kingfisher as it flew low across the water and enjoyed watching a female kestrel hunting.

                                                             COMMON KESTREL

                                                                    TREE SPARROW

                                                                     WIDGEON