Saturday 22nd October
Now I know that a Kingfisher is local to one of the patches I’ve been viewing recently, I thought I might strike lucky and gain a few photographs this morning. However, just as I was setting up, a quick flash of blue shot down the river and totally out of sight. Not to worry, it goes with the waiting game when out birding but I did hear plenty of Robins, Great tits and Blackbirds.
With it still only mid morning, I thought I’d give the reserve at Bicester a visit. Well at least I can use the hide if the weather turns! It was wonderful to see so many Meadow Pipits sharing a pool of water with the Pied Wagtails. Not too much out on the water from where I was first placed then, just as I was about to move further up the reserve all hell broke out in the skyline. A Buzzard had moved in the air space sending up Gulls, Crows, Teal and Shovellers that had been further down the other end of the reserve. The three Herons hiding in the rushes continue to remain stock-still.
On the way home, I thought I turn off and come back via the gated road at Milton. Saw a Kestrel hunting then two lovely pairs of Yellowhammers.
I managed to get a few shots in so if good enough, I'll post them later
Now I know that a Kingfisher is local to one of the patches I’ve been viewing recently, I thought I might strike lucky and gain a few photographs this morning. However, just as I was setting up, a quick flash of blue shot down the river and totally out of sight. Not to worry, it goes with the waiting game when out birding but I did hear plenty of Robins, Great tits and Blackbirds.
With it still only mid morning, I thought I’d give the reserve at Bicester a visit. Well at least I can use the hide if the weather turns! It was wonderful to see so many Meadow Pipits sharing a pool of water with the Pied Wagtails. Not too much out on the water from where I was first placed then, just as I was about to move further up the reserve all hell broke out in the skyline. A Buzzard had moved in the air space sending up Gulls, Crows, Teal and Shovellers that had been further down the other end of the reserve. The three Herons hiding in the rushes continue to remain stock-still.
On the way home, I thought I turn off and come back via the gated road at Milton. Saw a Kestrel hunting then two lovely pairs of Yellowhammers.
I managed to get a few shots in so if good enough, I'll post them later
23rd October - Boddington Reservoir
Normally the reservoir allows for a peaceful stroll but not this morning. Noise from around the reservoir echoed no matter which way I turned. An angling match was on with shouts and calls ringing out between each match peg. Then, to top it off as I reach the top corner heading towards the dam, gunshot rang out followed by someone using a Gyrocopter. Memo to self, avoid Sunday mornings in future
I was just about to give up and head back towards the car when four Stonechats appeared. A nice viewing but they didn't stay long enough to smile for the camera!
Other species seen: Black headed gull, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Redwing, Stonechat, Bullfinch, Robin, Great tit, Goldfinch, Blue tit, Rock Pipit, Red Poll, Heron, Canada Geese, Yellowhammer and Pochard.
Normally the reservoir allows for a peaceful stroll but not this morning. Noise from around the reservoir echoed no matter which way I turned. An angling match was on with shouts and calls ringing out between each match peg. Then, to top it off as I reach the top corner heading towards the dam, gunshot rang out followed by someone using a Gyrocopter. Memo to self, avoid Sunday mornings in future
I was just about to give up and head back towards the car when four Stonechats appeared. A nice viewing but they didn't stay long enough to smile for the camera!
Other species seen: Black headed gull, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Redwing, Stonechat, Bullfinch, Robin, Great tit, Goldfinch, Blue tit, Rock Pipit, Red Poll, Heron, Canada Geese, Yellowhammer and Pochard.
