What's buzzing or flying near you 2022 ?

First Song Thrush we have had in the garden today for about six years but didn't stay long as it was bullied by the Blackbirds.

 

Some of several hundred Golden Plovers 'glowing' in the afternoon sun in Weymouth.

 

Sanderlings.

 

Pied Wagtail, she has been around most of the day.

 

I heard there were 5 Cattle Egrets on the common near to home yesterday. Had a look today and there was just one, distant and very wary. Nice to see these 'new' arrivals spreading around the country.

 

Had one of these around this morning.

 

Closer views of the Cattle Egret today and it caught a Field Vole disturbed by the cows.

 

As low as the night, and day, temperatures have been for the last week or two I was surprised to see lots of flies, proper flies not aphids, collecting on plants in the sun.
So much for the cold killing insect pests etc.

 

With the snow on the ground I've found birds are flocking together, possibly scouting as a group for food. About ten Blackbirds are ready and waiting in the mornings for me to fill the feeders and basket with various foods.

Early afternoon sees a flock of up to eighteen Wood Pigeons in my front garden. I suspect they are picking up Beechnuts after a good harvest this year.

 

@wiseowl Buzzard.

 

Three hours out on a Bird boat around Poole Harbour yesterday and we were lucky to see one of two White Tailed Sea Eagles, about 150 yds away and on a moving boat meant I couldn't get a decent shot but amazing to see these birds on the south coast staying here after being released as chicks four years ago. The reintroduction programme is on the Isle of Wight as that is where they were up to 200 years ago.

 

You must have been eagle-eyed to catch sight of that Strongy.

Have they bred since being reintroduced?

 

Not yet @Sheal some are 3/4 years old but are usually 5 years old before ready to breed.
A couple birds have disappeared (known to be poisoned by anti Eagle farmers) and some have been seen on the continent. Hopefully Poole Harbour (which is huge) or the Isle of Wight will be where they might eventually set up home.