What's buzzing or flying near you 2024 ?

According to dodgy Wiki the chickadee had been thought to be a Willow Tit. Looking at them both I'd never know the difference, but then again it would be the same for me with the Marsh Tit.

 

Swans are beautiful particularly in full flight, aren't they @Jenny_Aster? In defence of my earlier post, I did not have on my glasses...

 

I have a curmudge, I have just watched a shield bug wee down my window

 

Told you they were bad! Bet it's stinky wee as well.

 

Yes, they are small birds, the finch is a male just getting its summer/breeding colours.

 

@hydrogardener We now have a Dark Eyed Junco in a garden here in Dorset although I haven't gone for it as there are crowds trying to see it. Along with a Myrtle Warbler and Bufflehead still in Scotland we have quite a few blown off course in the recent storms. The Forster's Tern which arrived here in Poole harbour last April, left in September and over wintered in Brittany in France and has now returned to Poole Harbour and probably now sees here as it's home.

 

A goldfinch flew into the glass, got up and then did it again. Went out and moved it carefully to a safe place. Looked out later and it had flown away. Then another thud! This time a chiff chaff. Again moved it and again seemed to be ok as it flew off. So not really buzzing with us today but did have a speckled wood on the house wall this morning, before the rain.

 

Yes - the Marsh and Coal tits are very similar. The latter is very common round here @DiggersJo. They both have a little white strip on their head though.

The colouring is gorgeous on that finch @hydrogardener

 

Went to a little local plant fair yesterday and on the way there is a place called La Cigogne (stork) and just before it is a row of storm-blasted, mistletoe ridden trees with a colony of nesting storks. There must have been about 30 of them standing on branches surveying the scene.

A few kms away is a place called Grues (cranes). You'll never guess which birds hang about there.

 

Breeding season begins by tigerburnie, on Flickr

Click on the image to watch the video with sound

 

We also call them Snowbirds, as they will make themselves scarce in the warm weather months but manage to show up when it gets cold. The saying goes that once you see one expect snow within the next two weeks. It is usually right on the money. The Dark Eyed Junco is one of my favorite subjects for photography. That said, they like to feed on the ground rather than feeders.

 

That's another very smart little bird @hydrogardener . Do you get snow buntings over there where you are, or are you not at enough altitude? I love seeing them when out on hills.

The new 'Dave' who is obviously a bit lonely, and comes in for frequent meals

Dave the pigeon was a regular fixture in my garden a few years ago. He knew when I was coming back in from a walk, and often just 'hung out' near me when I was doing any gardening or sitting having a cuppa. I became ridiculously fond of him, and still miss him
Daft mare.

 

No, we do not get snow buntings, sadly.

 

2 magpies on the peanut feeders and then....gone. Why? Sparrowhawk came in. Didn't go for the magpies but just sat on the fence for many minutes. Lovely to see.

 

We've had a greenfinch today too! He rarely comes in but I was pleased to see him! The goldfinches have been busy flexing their muscles at each other, and arguing over the feeding ports - one swooped at the greenfinch and he didn't even seem to notice.