Bittern

I went back to Anglers Country Park yesterday afternoon to view the gull roost. From the bird hide I had good close views of the gulls. I saw 3 Yellow-legged Gulls a third winter, an adult and a first winter. Also present was a first winter Caspian Gull. Also seen was a Long tailed duck.  I met some very friendly local birders in the hide and they said the Bittern was being seen in the reeds at Wntersett reservoir at dusk recently. I followed in the car to the spot to view the reeds and there it was. I fabulous Bittern! Has to be the best bird of 2013 up to now. With that and the Long-eared Owl seen 2 days ago thats 2 birds that I failed to see last year already in the bag

South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire

We went to Rufford country park this morning in search of Lesser Spotted Wood today but no look. We were straight onto a nice Hawfinch though. Then onto Old Moor for a Bittern but again no show. I took some pics of a pair of Bullfinch and best of all was the arrival of a male Sparrowhawk.  We finished this short day at Pugneys for a Smew but again no luck. Over the road at Calder Wetlands we managed a male Scaup and a Long tailed duck

Long-eared Owl

Myself, Tracy, Eleanor and cousin Dave had a nice walk at Dovestone and against all the odds we found a fantastic Long-eared Owl sat in a conifer. I hope it stays as conditions were rubbish for photography today and I will return on a brighter day. If anyone wants to know where it is then tough shit! You will have to find your own as I don't want this wonderful bird being disturbed by masses of idiots.

Crossbill

Had a look at the feeders at Binn Green this afternoon in the mist. Plenty of Siskins and Goldfinch plus 2 Lesser Redpoll. Best bird though was a lovely female Crossbill feeding on a larch tree nearby. I must remember to bring the camera. Other local news was of a Long eared Owl on my doorstep at Dovestone seen yesterday by the warden. Great pics on RSPB web site taken yesterday. I'm going to have a look tomorrow.

New Year's Day Norfolk

Great winter day birding in Norfolk. Bearded Tit Richardson's Canada  Goose Hen Harrier Marsh Harrier Brambling Sparrowhawk Barn Owl Eurasian White-fronted Geese Barnacle Geese being the highlights of a total list of 62 species

Short Eared Owl

Went over to Huddersfield to try and see the Ring billed gull at Sands lane.No show in the pissing rain and poor light. All was not lost though as on the way near Holmfirth I spotted from the car a lovely Short eared Owl hunting. On reflection I would much rather see an owl than any gull!

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