The recent rain has helped the last of the leaves to fall from the trees, here in Hampshire. Daylight hours have shortened considerably in the last few weeks and we have had a couple of frosty mornings, which I like, as it usually leads to a bright and sunny day. Birding wise, I have had a COAL TIT visit my garden feeders on most mornings throughout the month. The last occasion this species visited the garden was at least eight years ago, so I am very pleased that another bird has decided to return.
On the 4th November, I went to Thursley Common, Surrey, as according to reports, a GREAT GREY SHRIKE had returned to the heath. For several years now, a GG SHRIKE has returned here to overwinter. The day was sunny and bright and I commenced my search at an area named appropriately, Shrike Hill. Unfortunately there was disturbance there, the wardens and contractors were gathering some of the heather, so consequently, the bird wasn't seen. A further search of the nearby southern bog area paid dividends, as the bird was seen, perched in a sapling Silver Birch and looked fabulous, when viewed through my telescope, result.
Further along the track from the GG SHRIKE, were two DARTFORD WARBLERS, a male and a female, busily feeding amongst the gorse bushes and Silver Birch trees. These birds were with a pair of STONECHAT, which I have seen before. The two species, seem to enjoy each others company.
On the 10th, I made my first visit to Jennett's Park, Bracknell, Berkshire on another bright, sunny day, in the hope of seeing LITTLE OWL, after being informed by Mike Hunt, a fellow birder. The Owls weren't about during the first circuit of the reserve, but luckily two were seen shortly afterwards. I even managed a photo, even though the light wasn't that good where they were perched, but nonetheless, great to see. Thanks Mike.
On the 4th November, I went to Thursley Common, Surrey, as according to reports, a GREAT GREY SHRIKE had returned to the heath. For several years now, a GG SHRIKE has returned here to overwinter. The day was sunny and bright and I commenced my search at an area named appropriately, Shrike Hill. Unfortunately there was disturbance there, the wardens and contractors were gathering some of the heather, so consequently, the bird wasn't seen. A further search of the nearby southern bog area paid dividends, as the bird was seen, perched in a sapling Silver Birch and looked fabulous, when viewed through my telescope, result.
Further along the track from the GG SHRIKE, were two DARTFORD WARBLERS, a male and a female, busily feeding amongst the gorse bushes and Silver Birch trees. These birds were with a pair of STONECHAT, which I have seen before. The two species, seem to enjoy each others company.
On the 10th, I made my first visit to Jennett's Park, Bracknell, Berkshire on another bright, sunny day, in the hope of seeing LITTLE OWL, after being informed by Mike Hunt, a fellow birder. The Owls weren't about during the first circuit of the reserve, but luckily two were seen shortly afterwards. I even managed a photo, even though the light wasn't that good where they were perched, but nonetheless, great to see. Thanks Mike.
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