Brambling

The RBF at Leagrave Marsh remains but kept deeper in to the wood, probably owing to a cooler and keener wind. A Brambling posed briefly in rather difficult lighting.

Red-breasted Flycatcher at Leagrave Marsh

The second Red-breasted Flycatcher for Bedfordshire was discovered at Leagrave Marsh by Jon Palmer on Sunday. The bird is frequenting a block of woodland bordering the River Lea - a small oasis of habitat surrounded by estates, tower blocks and factories.

A tasty fly for lunch !

Fabulous Firecrest

This male Firecrest was discovered by Geoff Dawes off Derwent Road, Linslade yesterday. Today, after an hour searching, I saw it briefly down to 6ft not that far from the county boundary. Always a nice bird to brighten up those cold, short winter days !

Green Heron

One may find it difficult to twitch a mega rarity these days without encountering hordes of other birders seemingly trying to trample one to death. Not today, however, where down in Kent I caught up with a new bird for me - a first winter Green Heron. At one point there was only one other birder ! It was discovered on 25th October on the Royal Military Canal, West Hythe in Kent. It seemed unperturbed by the activities of humans close by. The light was abysmal, with shutter speeds of about 1/80th sec at ISO 800 - thankfully the subject was large, close and very still !

Common Scoter

This female Common Scoter was found at Harrold CP. A record shot, unfortunately, as the light was atrocious with the bird at digiscoping distance. There were three Goldeneye present- my first of the autumn.



Winter plumaged Great-crested Grebe