Local Patch: Firecrest - a site first

A long expected find by John Lynch - a singing male Firecrest. The sun had all but gone as the cloud and wind increased, the now emergent foliage meant focusing manually. None-the-less - a super find by John.

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.

South Beds Badlands

On the local patch early morning saw the first Willow Warbler followed by Goshawk and Red Kite. The mist rose revealing the graceful Mute Swan.



News broke of the first Redstart seen in the paddocks at Blow's downs. Digiscoping would have secured a reasonable image, instead a rather distant record shot will have to do !



This Woodpigeon was feeding on freshly emerged leaves.



Elsewhere, a Firecrest was very active, but stood still long enough for this image, albeit in rather low light.



Just as active was this singing Marsh Tit.



This Meadow Pipit defied convention by posing in a tree.



Nuthatch

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 !