River

Across the border

Went down to visit Ryan just over the border in Herefordshire and had a little walk along a brilliant stretch of the River Teme, just downstream from Lentwardine - its a pretty typical bit of river but there always seems to be something different along there each time I visit.    In the summer there was breeding Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Goosander, Mandarin and Sand Martins as well as Green Sandpipers, Kingfisher, Hobby and Yellow Wagtails while this morning there were 2 Little Egrets and 3 Green Sandpipers.

A couple of Kites were cruising around

Green Sandpiper

Its the first time I've seen Little Egrets here (although I only visit a couple of times a year!)

Cormorant in the early morning mist and frost

Marsh Tit

No room at the feeder

Not strong enough to open it this way

Have to resort to grubbing around on the floor

Until this brute scared everything away!

Venus Pool

There were a few ducks at Venus Pool at lunchtime today including 50 Wigeon, 20 Shoveler and a handful of Gadwall but not much else so I photographed a bathing Jackdaw!

This nice family of Whooper Swans were close to the road at Cound on the way to the mighty Venus Pool

Wyke

A few pictures from walking round Wyke, here in deepest, darkest Shropshire - slim pickings but what can you do!

Had to crop this Buzzard quite hard to get rid of the power lines behind it!

This is one crazy Pheasant; one of those 'rogue' males that attack anything in sight (I suppose it could just be me!) he lurks in front of Benthall Hall then comes running out to meet me before jumping up and trying to rake me with his spurs!   I did film it but the internet here is not good enough to upload it - one day maybe...

River

Out all day today on a long walk - from Wyke, along the lanes to Cressage then back along the River Severn to Ironbridge and back to Wyke through the woods; it started well with a Dipper along the brook at Farley which for some reason was singing his heart out, it was a nice day but not that nice!

Its ringed!  Wonder where from?

Just showing his crazy white eyelids

Grey Wagtail at the same spot

There wasn't too much along the river with wintering Common Sandpiper and Chiffchaff the highlights so here's a Yellowhammer

One of those killer Robins with its latest victim

Attenborough

I left Rutland on Monday morning and spent most of the day just up the road at Attenborough Nature Reserve near Nottingham; a lovely time was had by all with plenty of birds showing well in the bright sunshine.

After hearing a few Cetti's Warblers singing deep in cover I said to myself that it would be nice to get a photo of one but then instantly dismissed that idea as hardly very likely given their nature.   Ten seconds later one popped out!

Reed Bunting

Bullfinch

Blackcap

Gadwall

and Shoveler

Otter

A little look at Eyebrook Reservoir on Saturday afternoon after a pub lunch produced great views of this Otter as it mooched along the southern shore and caught a fish; the photos are no more than record shots but an Otter is an Otter!

Rutland

I have just had three days at Rutland Water, visiting people, going to pubs, helping out with the WeBS count and trying to take some pictures.

I found this Red-throated Diver off the dam on the 5th - apparently no one else saw it and I have to do a description!

Pied Wagtail

Wigeon

Foxy and Muntjac making friends along the edge of Burley Fish Ponds

Peregrine bombing over the new volunteer centre being built

And a Little Owl by Steph's house near Melton Mowbray