Nethergong Birding

I have had a couple of sessions at Nethergong in the past week with a few hours also spent in the hide at the feeding station. I managed to find a few more mossy perches which I have used and hopefully they will look a bit more natural and photogenic. I do need to drill a few holes into them so I can put peanuts in there as often the birds fly down at some speed and take them which does not allow any time for photos. Slowing them down a bit should give me a better chance. Having said that, I am pretty pleased with the results so far and although the visitors are common birds, it does make you appreciate them more and their stunning colours and plumage. Blue Tits dominate the feeding station with a few Great Tits also coming in. The odd Robin and Dunnock are usually around and Chaffinch have slowly started to gain in confidence. Great spotted Woodpeckers usually appear a few times each session and a Jay is normally lurking but seems unsure whether to come down at the moment. Hopefully it will soon. Long tailed Tits pass through and show some interest in the fat balls whilst in the background Moorhen and Water Rail often walk out of the reeds on to the grass to feed. Last year Yellowhammer were in this area all winter but nothing as of yet but i'm hoping with some cold weather that this may bring them in. As ever there is always a chance of something else flying in which make it quite addictive and add a warm flask, comfortable chair and food, and it's quite nice just sitting there studying and photographing. I also recorded a few nights ago, the first time in a few months. A few bits of interest included Wigeon and Teal flying over calling as well as Lapwing and a Curlew heard. Two Tawny Owl were quite vocal. 2 Woodcock were also seen. I might try and have another night recording session before the years out and maybe a bonus year tick will come my way. 

Blue Tit

Great spotted Woodpecker - female

Great Tit