Stonechat

Spent a few hours looking for a Common Crane, unsuccessfully, which was tracked around the Great Ouse/Ivel river systems.
Stonechat seem to be scarce after the hard winter, so I was pleased to see this male feeding around a farm on Biggleswade common. The common itself was full of birds - Linnet, Skylark, Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting. Disturbance from dog walkers was a problem so photography was limited.

East Hyde Revisited

I couldn't resist a second visit to East Hyde. The sun came out and even provided a little warmth and with it some insect life. The Firecrest was on view all afternoon.

This Grey Heron didn't mind us watching as he consumed a three course meal. First, on the menu was amphibian a-la-creek.

Then, using only the most fresh ingredients - Vole Supreme !

Always wash your food before consumption...

Don't be put off if the food is still wiggling...

After one more amphibian it was time for R & R.

East Hyde Firecrest

A gloomy day, rain, white van drivers racing past - but all worth it. This Firecrest was discovered on sunday and is faithful to an ivy-clad hedge at East Hyde 10 yards inside the Beds border with Herts.

How to brighten up a dull day !

Turning round and peering in to Hertfordshire you may be able to see a Green Sandpiper and a Jack Snipe - up to five of the latter have been seen.

Wild Goose Chase

Today, a visit to Radwell to see some Geese. Unfortunately there was no sign of the two Pink-feet recently reported. However, the two White-fronted Geese were still present, feeding with a large flock of Greylags. They were distant at c.750m away - but that didn't deter the camera !

The ex-BT building in the centre of Bedford regularly hosts a Peregrine.

Stotfold

This afternoon saw a glimpse of sun and a trip over to Stotfold to see a large mixed flock of finches and buntings. In times past sizable mixed flocks were not that uncommon. So, in the modern context, reports of  800+ Corn Bunting with Yellowhammer, Skylark, Grey Partridge, Stock Dove and Merlin is rather noteworthy.