Local Shrike and Besthorpe sightings

 

Idle Valley

 

Parkgate

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

Cumbria

Excellent day out yesterday in Cumbira. First off was Sizergh castle with good views of a couple of Hawfinch. Then onto Leighton Moss where we had the best views ever of a Great White Egret. Also seen were Marsh Tit, Greenshank, 5 Red breasted Mergansers Spotted Redshank Marsh Harrier and Tree Sparrow

Hawfinch and more

Great day out in Cumbria and Lancashire. First stop Sizergh castle for Hawfinch

Next it was Leighton Moss where we had brief views of Bearded Tit on the path to the grit trays and excellent views of Marsh Tit on the feeders.

We then went onto Heysham where we had the best views of Twite I've had in 30 years mixed in with other finches

We also had nice views of a Mediterranean Gull

We finished off at Marshside Marsh RSPB and saw a Great White Egret and the Ross's Goose that's been around for over a week

Little Bittern

Back from a week in the South West on holiday. Managed to fit in some birding including a visit to Ham Wall where I saw a male Little Bittern in flight after I was about to give up. Incredibly elusive birds showing for a few seconds usually in the morning only, so that was very lucky! Other birds of note were a Great White Egret, Lesser Whitethroat and Marsh Harrier.
Went to Arne later in week and had views of a Dartford Warbler but again no opportunity to get a photo.
Plenty of Stunning butterflies in Somerset and Devon many more than in the North west of England.

                                                                     Peacock

Marbled White

Small Tortoiseshell

Florida

jJust come back from a week in central Florida family holiday but saw some decent birds around the villa and on a trip to Crystal River to see the Manttees.
Best bird was a fabulous Bald Eagle a dream bird for me.

                                                               Bald Eagle      
                                                 

                                                                     Grey Catbird

                                                       Double crested Cormorant

                                                                    Palm Warbler

                                                               Great Blue Heron

                                                             Great White Egret

Red shouldered Hawk

   

                                                         Hooded Merganser

                                                                Lesser Scaup

                                                           Little Blue Heron

                                                    Northern Mocking Bird

                                                              Brown Pelican

                                                                      Osprey

anhinga, 

Anhinga

Sandhill Crane

                                                                      
                                                                      Turkey Vulture

                                                                     White Ibis

                                                                 Pied billed Grebe

                                                                  Ring billed Gull

Yellow throated Warbler

In total I saw 38 species without much effort. The incredible manatees were great to see and we got the opportunity to swim with them too