WHAT'S BUZZING OR FLYING NEAR YOU 2018

Nice Turnstone @Zigs.

@Sheal, the 'swans' in the last pic of Simon's are Goosanders, sawbill ducks, very similar to the Red Breasted Mergansers I saw on a Poole Harbour bird boat trip today.

The bird boat stopped off at Brownsea Island for a couple of hours and then went around the whole harbour, four hours in all, good job I picked the right day weather wise!!, sunny and a moderate breeze instead of the recent gales.
Avocet, there are hundreds.




Greenshank.


The lagoon had a couple of thousand waders but a distance away.
Dunlin huddling together with Grey Plovers behind, neither looking particularly colourful in Winter.


After in Poole Park (again) a Red Breasted Merganser was close to the lake path and gave good views. This shows how similar it is to a Goosander.




Oh and the 'painted' Mandarin Duck was resting by the smaller adjoining lake.

 

I think you'd best take another look at the last image on Simon's slide show @strongylodon.

 

@Sheal, I thought you meant the last one of the thumbnails I hadn't looked through the slide show. It looks like a domestic goose rather than a swan but I could be wrong.

 

Not a problem Strongy. Hmmm, identification considered doubtful then?

 

I think this is a Bunting, but which one? @strongylodon

Winter plumage Male Reed Bunting?

 

Blue Tit



Dunnock




P.S. A pair of Common Cranes have returned to a local reserve I visit, and it's hoped they will breed there, so might have some pics later this year!

 

Spot on with the Reed Bunting @Scrungee.

 

Well, I suppose I did want to attract more wildlife with my pond, even though I put a few fish in....

 

A few bits and bobs from the last few days.
Arne, Poole harbour, Spoonbills (and Shelduck) taking off.


and landing again.


Sleeping Shoveler and Teal.




Common Gull, not common down here and only visit in the Winter.


Grey Wagtail.

 

Ruffled feathers on a breezy afternoon.

 

A but choppy on Poole Park lake this morning in the blustery wind but it didn't bother the Goldeneye or stop the Red Breasted Mergansers displaying.

 

Egret.


What's it say? I can't read.


I need sleep.

 

Lovely shots Strongy! Is the Egret walking or kneeling down?