Marbury CP

Regular readers will know, that the month of March, means it's time to dip on Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Marbury Country Park. For eons now I have been coming to Marbury to get a sighting of this, for me, elusive pecker.
As is the custom at Marbury, I am greeted by others at the hide to be told, ten minutes ago it was here - and today is no exception. Still, I am here for the day, I can wait.
A very cold wind blows into our faces today. All the usual birds are here at the feeding station. Kingfishers are digging nest holes. Another secretive, bird the Water Rail, are out in the open. This has got to be the best place to see them in the north-west. A couple of early Sand Martins passed through. I sense that the birds know of the weather too come, and are a waiting for better weather before getting down to displaying.
Some great light, and some 160 shots taken. Great day out again, but no lesser pecker.
Back soon.

One Swallow, doesn't make a summer..

The first migrants from Africa slowly trickled into Manchester, with news of a very rare bird called a Desert Wheatear. The bird had found itself way off course, in a field, in that magnet (NOT), for all rare birds called Irlam. When I arrived, I was greated by a few hundred twitchers, all with faces like slapped-arses. The bird didn't like Irlam too much, and flown away. Ah-well!. I carried on my trip to Marbury C.P. in hope of catching a glimpse of the much sort after Woodpecker. Alas no. But got some more pictures of the locals.

Migration News: The first Swallow has arrived.

This week, we should see Sand Martins, Chiffchaffs, and Common Wheatears, making a welcome return, with a chance of something rare turning up. The spring migration has begun.

Years total: 85 - New additions: Green Woodpecker & Skylark.

"Love is in the air.."

March for me, means one thing. For the last eight years, I have making 3 trips to Marbury country park, Cheshire to see Britain's smallest Woodpecker - I have still yet to see them. Whilst waiting for a sighting, or even sounding of this very elusive bird, there are plenty of opportunities to photograph the other inhabitants of the wood. This weekend, you could not help but notice that most of the birds where beginning courtships. On the lake, many Grebes where starting their must see, fantastic courtship rituals with there intended. Kingfishers where flying around in groups, using the bright sunshine to reflect the electric colouring of the feathers to attract partners. Overhead, seven Buzzards danced on the air, with the same hope. The aggressive Robins spent most of the time chasing each other. A fabulous day spent with nature.

New species to the list: Water Rail, Raven, Little Grebe.

Year Total 83.