Jumping Jay

Jay

The first Jay for 3 months was seen in the garden today and I managed to get a record shot as it jumped around on the fence in the corner of the garden.

Goosanders

Robin

Shoveler

Goosander

After finishing early at work I was able to check into Bough Beech Reservoir on the way home and was soon watching 3 drakes and 1 redhead Goosander as they drifted out of the bushes. The off-white underparts of the drakes were very obvious in the gloom and I was able to get a few shots before they flew off.
Unfortunately the Great Northern Diver failed to materialise and the reported Bearded Tit fialed to show by the Oast house. Also although the feeders were active with plenty of birds there was no sign of any Bramblings. Just before leaving, I was pleased to see a small group of Shovelers and get some flight shots as I failed to see any of these on my visit at the weekend.

Still Waters

With the mild weather, I found a few Ramshorn Snails and a Waterboatman in the pond. Not much I know, but this time of year you look for any sign of life to assure yourself Spring is on the way.

Bough Beech and Later

Got down to BB yesterday, unfortunately no sign of the recent Goosanders or Great Northern Diver, there was quite a bit of disturbance what with the local ringing group in residence and fisherman and sailing boats on the water, highlights were few:

Mandarin – 3
Common Gull – 30+
Herring Gull
Lapwing – 44
Kestrel
Green Woodpecker
Nuthatch
Coal Tit

Saw 5 Ring-necked Parakeets on the way to work – in the trees at Merton Golf Course, above the car at traffic-lights, seen through the sunroof.

Also saw a Sparrowhawk drift pass the window at work whilst in a meeting being mobbed by a crow. Always face a window when in meetings - you never know what is going to fly past.

Nice but Blowy

Sunny stroll around Wimbledon Park at lunchtime produced nothing of note - a few Long-tailed Tits, a Dunnock, Goldfinches and Goldcrests heard and the usual Coots, Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Swans, etc on the lake. No sign of the Grey Wagtail on the stream.
There were a lot of Black-headed Gulls benefiting from the bread throwing tourists and at least 6 Common Gulls amongst them. Nice to get out after days of grey and rain.

A Bird in the Hand

Woodpigeon

This Woodpigeon was rescued from Jaz but unfortunately died overnight. There was a flock of 7 foraging on the lawn the other day and make a tempting target for the prowling feline.

Heron

Heron

Saturday morning - a Heron was seen circling low over the garden looking suspiciously like it had been checking out the pond. It ended up on it's favourite perch on top of the conifer tree in the corner of the garden and was soon mobbed by a crow.

Also seen in the garden was 2 Goldcrests and the usual Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits.