Local Wildlife

[Jack]

Afraid that is a dunnock as well :-)

You can see why many birdwatchers refer to these as LBJs - "Little brown jobs"!

[DVT]

Seems I need to brush up on my ornithology!

[Fester]

I find this thread irresistible and addictive.
I’m very keen on bird life, but I know so little about them it’s embarrassing.
In my garden, and on the Orme generally, I see all sorts of fabulous species but I never know what they are, despite employing my binoculars and my Birds of Britain book.
I know that I get a lot of wrens, robins, and a superbly noisy woodpecker.... as well as the usual jackdaws, magpies etc....
Today on my way to the summit, I thought I saw saw Stone Chats and Greenfinches,  but now I’m seriously doubting myself.
Keep the pictures and debate rolling!

[Ian]

I agree.  With DVT and his new camera it should go from strength to strength.

[Hugo]

I'm not that good at identifying birds either but love seeing any form of wildlife and those photos of DVT's were great.      I remember you seeing a Buzzard in your garden Fester some years ago but I can't remember if you attached a photo of the bird.     I see them flying overhead now and again and am able to recognise them by their distinguished call

[Fester]

I'm not that good at identifying birds either but love seeing any form of wildlife and those photos of DVT's were great.      I remember you seeing a Buzzard in your garden Fester some years ago but I can't remember if you attached a photo of the bird.     I see them flying overhead now and again and am able to recognise them by their distinguished call

Yes, well remembered!   I did indeed post a picture of a buzzard which was ignoring the half hearted attacks from the rest of the birds in our garden.
An enormous and majestic creature that was, and never seen before or since.

[SteveH]

Fester, If you hear a commotion involving gulls and crows, it is sometimes an indication that a Buzzard is about, it happens at quite a height, a sort of aerial dogfight, the Buzzard seams to treat it as a bit of a nuisance, despite the crows getting close, I have seen this behaviour about 3 or 4 times over the last few years, last week being the most recent.

[DVT]

Paid a quick visit to the RSPB reserve in Llandudno Jucntion this morning so here are a few more ornitholigcal delights - was playing with the camera settings so these are not as sharp as I'd like - need more practice.  I'll leave it you experts to say what birds they are but can anyone identify the "duck" because I don't think it's one of the usual suspects.  The bullfinch was a nice surprise but seemed camera shy.

[Hugo]

I can only recognise the Bullfinch and the Bluetit but I like the photo of the Goose.     It's not a Canada Goose but I can't say what type it is.
Is your camera a Bridge camera?

[SteveH]

Great photos, I think number 2 is a Tufted duck and 3 is a Greylag goose

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/greylag-goose/       

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/tufted-duck/

[DVT]

Yes Steve, I reckon you're correct on those two.  The tufted duck was quite elusive, every time I lined him (or her) up to snap it dived out of sight!

There was a big flock (at least 50) of the geese sitting together on one of islands.  There were also a lot of Canada Geese but they weren't mixing with the grey ones.

It's the first pic that has me a bit puzzled as I don't think it's a female mallard as the markings don't seem right.

The youngster in the final pic might be nothing more exciting than a sparrow, but I will be pleased to be corrected on  that!

If tomorrow's plans come to fruition I hope to snap something a bit bigger than any of those!

... and to answer Hugo - yes it is a bridge camera - Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82.

[DVT]

Think I've found the duck.  I noticed on a board inside the cafe a list of birds that had been seen and the last on the list was a Gadwall which I'd never heard of before - but I reckon that's what I snapped!  (Thanks Steve for the website link!)

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/gadwall/

[Jack]

From the top they are gadwall, tufted duck, greylag goose, bullfinch, blue tit and house sparrow.

[DVT]

Thanks Jack ... I have to admit I'd never heard of a Gadwall before ... learn something new every day!

[Hugo]

This clip about baby hedgehogs is well worth viewing

https://www.facebook.com/1071221419694245/videos/2218948718140663/