What's buzzing or flying near you 2024 ?

I had another look at the local Fulmars again this morning.

 

Mandarin ducks in the garden this morning

 

Heard the first cuckoo of the year, semi rural Kent, sadly not a regular occurrence anymore, so was delighted to hear that distinctive call.

 

I haven't heard one in years.

 

@Scroggin We didn't hear or see one last year in our local area. Maybe this year we will.

 

Up to a couple of years ago, I worked at an industrial area, that had extensive reed beds around the perimeter, every year I could guarantee hearing them calling, there were also regular sightings of Marsh Harriers, unfortunately due to the restrictions on site no cameras were allowed.

 

Fingers crossed

 

Never seen a Cuckoo in this country, but did have two visit the garden in Italy. We have a glut of hairy caterpillars they are partial to.

 

Dont get me wrong, but bearing in mind the breeding habits of cuckoos do we really want many of them.

I sometimes heard them when I used to work at Paddock Wood.

 

A Sparrow Hawk ate my original Mr Robin, actually caught him mid-day as we were 1m away having lunch in the garden. I still am in awe when I see any bird of prey, even Mr & Mrs Woodpecker are killers!

 

Predation in my back garden.

 

I'm easily pleased, so I was doubly excited to see not one, but two greenfinches today on the feeders - for the first time ever!

 

Thank you, yes you're right - well done for sussing that from the dark photo!

 

My daughter took these shots earlier so please excuse my inelegant pose below. One of the five visiting pheasants at the moment, this female is getting bolder and is on the brink of taking seed from my hand.

 

Dinner sorted then @Sheal . Only kidding, those are lovely pictures of some animal trusting a human - super.