A resolution... resolved...!
One of my New Year resolutions is to spot new bird species for my personal list, getting pics of them where possible and also to improve on shots of pics I have taken previously...
Target one was a Nuthatch, colourful little birds, but fast and not common near me. So, when today dawned bright and clear with a forecast to remain so, I bundled into the car and set off for Delamere Forest in Cheshire, where I have seen good numbers of these birds visiting feeders in the past.
Where there is free and easily accessible food, there will always be Robins...
Another common woodland bird willing to brave bird tables is the Great Tit
Although Blackbirds do tend to stay more on the ground pcking up scraps, the offer of mealworms was clearly too much for this female to resist!
Another regular to woodland feeders.. the ubiquitous Squirrel, cheeky and endearingly cute...
although eventually my patience paid off.. and a Nuthatch put in a fleeting appearance.. kindly escorted by another Great Tit to give a size comparison
It would seem that suet pellets are the way to bribe Nuthatches, as it was this which I saw them taking as the 'morsel of choice' from the selection of seeds, mealworm, chooped dried fruit and suet which I had put down.
Again and again, it was the suet they foraged through the woodland buffet for.
I was somewhat suprised that they weren't after the mealworms.. but no..
However my shoot was ultimately thwarted by a combination of squirrels.. cold, and an influx of human visitors making the most of a sunny winters day
So, one last shot of a Robin - for Ian & Steve...
... and a final farewell from Nutkin as he made a bee-line for the sunflower seeds!
Throughout the day I also saw Jackdaw, Rook, Curlew, Buzzard, Cole Tit, Chaffinch, Long Tailed Tit and heard a woodpecker calling. Still no wild owls or kingfishers... yet...
Delamere Forest is run and maintained by the Forestry Commission, and more information can be found at the above link. It is a popular area for recreation with horseriding, plenty of marked walks, cycle paths and 'Go Ape' a treetop adventure walk involving rope bridges, deathslides and abseiling... If you dare!
Hope you enjoyed!
Kaz
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Hello Kaz
Happy New Year to you. This looks like a great location. Bloomin shame that other humans have found it though. We have a great location near here and they arrive on a nice day and have picnics and screaming kids run around. That is where the Red Squirrel is and getting them to appear with that racket going on is very hard.
Best of luck with your list this coming year. Some time, if you are up for it, South stack awaits us!!! If ya like. XX
PS: Thanks for the Robin by the way.
Steve
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Some lovely pics here Kaz, really like them. Like from me!
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Well done Kaz,a good set of pictures. I haven't the patience to sit around in the cold to get shots like them. A big like from me.
Ron.
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rinklyron.. I was sat in my car about 5' from the feedrs, wrapped up, soup in hand & comfy, beanbag on wing-mirror, camera on beanbag, remote in the car with me... The birds are used to there being cars so close so it doesn't faze them, unless of course they move! - Best 'hide' ever
Dawn, Thanks
Steve, SouthStack is on my list for Spring once the Pufflings are about - will sort out a date with you soon, calendar filling up fast!
Kaz
Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish. John Jakes
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Love the shots Kaz - brilliant hide - beats sitting in the cold till your fingertips freeze.
Chrissy.
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what a great idea for a hide Kaz - much warmer and comfier than the ones I have to use!
A super blog, great shots and good luck with your new bird finds for this year
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Nice to see 'birdie' another blog from yhou Kaz! great captures!
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Great blog Kaz, brilliant photos.
I notice the Nuthatch is ringed - someone must be studying them.
Happy birding for 2012.
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Good use of DoF to define the birds. Great blog.