What's buzzing or flying near you 2021?

Black swans are so beautiful. I have only ever seen one in The Azores.

 

Neither buzzing or flying but Mrs Pheasant, a daily visitor, took food from my hand for the first time today.

 

They used to always have black swans at Leeds Castle near me, but apparently the last one died recently from the bird flu I think.

 

There is something about the red on the beaks I must look up ... tomorrow.

 

Very murky, dull conditions today, the white Ruff has returned to Lodmoor reserve after a brief trip along the coast but was distant. A majority of Ruff overwinter in Africa but this one obviously likes it here and may stay again.


Just one young Spoonbill.


Common Snipe.


Sleepy Teal.


A brief glimpse of a Water Rail, first one I have seen in 5 years!

 

A Brambling visited the garden today, only the second one I've seen in three years.

 

That is very pretty Sheal. I have never heard of one let alone seen one.

 

They are pretty @Victoria and looking from the front can easily be mistaken for a Chaffinch.

 

@Sheal, I've not seen one for a few years now, they are often found in Chaffinch flocks and some come here for the milder Winters.
Their French call them Pinson Du Nord, Northern Chaffinch.

 

@strongylodon, due to virus most of the Chaffinches that visited my garden have gone - just a few now. Goldfinches have now replaced them and the Brambling seemed happy in their company.

 

I was surprised to find dozens, if not hundreds of American Robins feasting on crab apples today. In a normal year robins fly south in September but this year has been mild, so far.

 

This Jay visits the garden from time to time.

 

Tundra Bean Geese, over wintering here from Russia. Very rare to see them in this part of the country. and just three of them.