News at last!

This winter has seemed very quiet for birds around Thornton. 2012 ended with me on 114 species for the local patch. This is well down on last year and is probably due to the high water levels and a lack of waders. 2013 got off to a similar start with only 46 species recorded on the New Years day bird count. As the cold weather has arrived a trickle of species have been added to the list. The few highlights have included a flock of 48 Siskin, 34 Gadwall, 27 Pochard and a Woodcock. A pair of Little Owl have also been seen. A single Raven was a fly over on 19th. Surprise bird for today (21st) was a Little Egret that flew in from the Markfield inflow and perched in a Scots Pine by the car park. We did not record this species last year so perhaps things are looking up! Far more exciting are the posts on my daughters blog, see the link.

Sri Lanka.

 There has been little to report from Thornton recently so I am attempting to lift the gloom with some highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka. Above is Sloth Bear, and my first Leopard below.

 Whale watching was excellent with Pygmy Blue Whale and Spinner Dolphins on all three trips.

 We also had these two probable Sei Whales. However, at present I cannot rule out Brydes and hope to confirm this soon.

Back at home I did at last add Snipe to my Thornton year list.A Woodcock was also flushed at Browns' wood. As I write this the Beast from the East is on its way, so hopefully something interesting might appear before years end. Some Wild Swans, a Smew or some Waxwings would be nice!

Red-crested Pochard

 Two male Red-crested Pochard were off Wood bank on Sunday 18th

It was nice of these two gents to be present for the November Webs count. The only problem was that they had hidden behind the willows when I eventually returned with my camera. So these are record shots taken through the foliage. No sign of them on Monday am. Other highlights are 47 Lapwing on the dam, and a Chiffchaff with the tit flock on the 17th.

Brambling

 A female Brambling was frequenting the neighbours conifer today.

A Pied Wagtail sporting a ring was at the outflow.

Correction!

Having just checked in Collins, Mammals of Britain and Europe, I think they are Common Seals with the more dog like appearance.

Shetland Highlights!

I would normally keep the Thornton Blog for Thornton birds but I weakened! So here are some Shetland celebs! Hooded Crow is everywhere as are Ravens.

 My first tick of the trip a Buff bellied pipit from North America or Asia. Much less streaked than Meadow Pipit and, well buffer!

 My favourite, Yellow-Browed Warbler from the Siberian Taiga. There is bound to be one some where in Leicestershire just waiting to be found.

 The Snowball! Hornemanns Arctic Redpoll.

 1st winter Black Guillemot.

 Is it a Pallid Harrier? I hope so!!!!

 Siberian Stonechat showing the lovely plain rump.

 A female Blackcap, one of my favourite birds.

 Photogenic Grey Seals, these ones on the rocks near to Tesco in Lerwick!

So what is frequenting Thornton, well we did the October Webs count. No surprise, both the Scoter and Ruddy ducks had departed, but the highlight was a stunning Kingfisher in the autumn sunshine. Other birds today included a male Blackcap,  Goldcrests, Redwing, and Skylarks. Two migrating Swallows were also seen, but I am confused as to why they were flying north!

Common Scoter.

 A group of 5 Common Scoter, one male and 4 females on the res. at 0830 11th Oct.

 They were still present at 1830 and best viewed from the east bank.(Stoney Bank)

There is also a single Ruddy Duck with the Tuftys. Will the Scoter stay for Sundays Webs count? I have my doubts!