We started off at Draycote and notched up 38 species including the Great Northern Diver, Black Cap, Willow Warbler and we were lucky enough to see a kestrel quite close
We also heard a green woodpecker (i think i will remember that one) and ChiffChaff but they remained elusive. Not many photo opportunities as most of the birds were too far but I did get a nice shot of a cormorant and a coot
As it approach dinner time Draycote was resembling Nuneaton Market on a Saturday and we were constantly looking over our shoulders to dodge the hordes of bikes that were charging round the reservoir. Time to head for Brandon.
Now then, trying to impress Alan and show that I didnt need a Sat Nav to get there, and I could find a quicker way round the backroads, the 5 miles or so that is the distance bhetween the 2 venues soon became 10 miles and we were close to setting the sat nav when we saw a sign - phewwww.
Although the birds were quiet we managed to increase a species total to 53 so not a bad tally for the day. When Alan showed me the iris colour of the little Ringed plover it convinced me that I needed a scope - so today I have been and invested in one - more back ache me thinks on these long treks we seem to get involved in.
some of the birds seen
great tit,blue tit, long tailed tit, yellow wagtail,pied wagtail,Redshank, Oyster Catcher, Little ringed plover,Golden Eye,Great Northern Diver,Black Cap,Willow Warbler,Chiff Chaff,Buzzard,Song thrush,lapwing,teal,tufted Duck,Mallard,Shovelar,Kestrel,Great Spotted Woodpecker,Gadwall,rook,c.crow
"Sounds" like you had a good day, Col. Bird song is difficult to master, but it comes. Concentrate on the common birds and then move on. Glad you have got a scope, it will improve your skills and enjoyment - what did you get? Regarding carrying the scope, I use a Mulepack from Cleyspy (google it!) which carries the scope like a rucksack and keeps your hands free for bins.
ReplyDeleteI will have a look at that Kev, just got back from a couple of days visit to the cairngorms, 10 hour drive phew.I wasnt birding as such but did see A red Grouse, Cross Bill, and Eider so all bonus ticks for me. I got a lieca 77mm with a 20 x 60 eye piece, not tried carrying bins, camera and scope yet though, so the test is on Sunday.I am going to Great Orme & Conwy (N,Wales). I have bought 3 tripods in the last 2 years but I have invested in a carbon one with a friction controled head - it is super for the camera and the scope, so just hoping I can manage both, watch this space lol
ReplyDeleteI will have a look at that Kev, just got back from a couple of days visit to the cairngorms, 10 hour drive phew.I wasnt birding as such but did see A red Grouse, Cross Bill, and Eider so all bonus ticks for me. I got a lieca 77mm with a 20 x 60 eye piece, not tried carrying bins, camera and scope yet though, so the test is on Sunday.I am going to Great Orme & Conwy (N,Wales). I have bought 3 tripods in the last 2 years but I have invested in a carbon one with a friction controled head - it is super for the camera and the scope, so just hoping I can manage both, watch this space lol
ReplyDeleteNice one, Col.
ReplyDelete