What have you seen

We had an interesting day up the Lyth Valley. For starters we spotted a Red Kite on a couple of occasions around Crosthwaite, which we didn't know inhabited this area of The Lakes. Then as we were enjoying our lunch, in the car, we were entertained by a couple of male Blackbirds searching through the leaf litter, throwing dead leaves hither and thither, searching for grubs. Suddenly both upped and away, the reason being a Sparrow Hawk which flew across in front of us and away over the fields.

A stand off today, five male blackbirds attempting to establish territory in our back garden in readiness for the new breeding season. Funny to watch the constantly changing positions in the pecking order and tussles taking place. A lot of energy spent on what looks and sounds like a game of avian musical chairs.

Had a walk alongside the Dee Marshes yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to see a flock of Twite in the bushes alongside the path. Haven't seen such a size for many a year.

Just finished my dog walk. Very fresh morning, no sun today 😢 back to grey.

Heard a woodpecker drumming - 1st this year.

And I heard the turtle doves 🕊  😀.  In the tiny hamlet of Denton.

One very happy bunny 

Past few days the garden has been full of Redwings feeding on the abundant holly berries. They come every year when it is very cold.

peedee

If only I had my camera! Sparrow hawk hit a pigeon in the park this morning, It spotted me and immediately mantled over its prey and stood its ground, I was able to walk up to it, within about 10m, it just stared at me. It won the eyeballing battle and I backed off knowing that in this weather hunting is a life and death activity for both prey and predator. Lots of squirrels (grey only) about, do they predate these?

Haven't seen a Sparrowhawk take a Squirrel Micky but no reason why they wouldn't. Have seen Buzzards taking the "tree rat" though.

Saw a couple of Cetti's Warblers at Burton reserve yesterday, flitting about in the undergrowth, contact calling.

The squirrels were close to the pigeon when the hawk struck. Reminded me of Bela Lugosi as Dracula the way it mantled and stared at me. Showing my age there!🤣

Well I think these are Field Fares, we normally get about a dozen each year and they feed of the berries and stay until they are all gone, not Holy, dont know what it is just full of berries and quite a big tree, this year only approx 6 that i can see and so far they have not managed to clear the tree of berries, also have a very tame Robin that flies into the garage as soon as i open the door, it has taken to using my sandal as a toilet

They are Redwings Rufs. The White eye stripe is very distinguishable. About the same size as a Song Thrush whereas Fieldfares about the size of Mistle Thrush and more grey on them. All the same lovely to see your Redwings.

More than 100 Waxwing on Halkyn Mountain near the quarry. Couldn't get too close as quarry lorries don't take prisoners. We missed out on the drake Smew when we were down on the N.Wales coast the other day. Shame because its a beauty of a duck and a rare visitor up here.