My Outback 2004 / 4

[birdman]

Been lucky with the weekend weather so far this year, so managed to get another couple of hours out today. Although clearer than yesterday, in fact blue sky for much of the time, it was much windier - not quite strong enough to blow you about, but not far off.

Consequently, I guess, a little quieter today, with fewer numbers seen, but largely similar species.

Unfortunately, I am unable to add Partridge sp. to the main list for lack of id, but we did see a covey of about 20 or 30 startled into flight, but not long enough or close enough to determine the species - but it is pleasing to know they are still around, and as I get used to them, of course, I'll get a better idea of where to look.

Highlight 1 for today (other that the so-near-and-yet-so-far partridges), were the Bullfinches. After wating more than ayear for the barest flash of one yesterday, we (myself and partnyorsha) were treated to a male and three females at a range of about 40 feet - for as long as we wanted to watch.

Highlight 2 was the small flock of Yellowhammers... with the sun on them looking like a squadron of flying lemons!!!

List follows.

Plain text = Outback day tick
Bold text = Outback year tick
Bold italic text = Outback life tick

Starling : 7
Dunnock : 1
Blackbird : 2
Black-headed Gull : >18
Moorhen : 4
Woodpigeon : 1
Magpie : 2
Mistle Thrush : 2
Chaffinch : 4
Green Woodpecker : 1
Kestrel : 2 (perh. 3)
Great Black-backed Gull : 2
Nuthatch : 2
Goldcrest : 1
Robin : 2
Blue Tit : 2
Carrion Crow : 7
Grey Heron : 1
Yellowhammer : 10
Mallard : 1
Bullfinch : 4
Pied Wagtail : 1
Feral Pigeon : 2

[Karl J]

Snap !! ....... Got Dunnock & Pied Wagtail as a year first here as well .... And that wind

[Denis J]

There is a trick to this bird counting you know ..just count the legs and divide by 2!