The photos hardly bring justice to this spectacle. The sun had put the frogs in amorous mood; there must have been c200 of them spawning in this small pool and the air was buzzing with their empassioned croaking. Where's Sir Paul McCartney when you need him?
Anyway, onto the birds... Trimpley Reservoir was a bit quiet, but we did have 4 Goosander on the river, a few Siskin, Great Spotted and Green Woody and 3 Jays.
The walk around the the Dowles Brook and Knowles Coppice area was more productive and the highlights were; Tawny Owl (only my second one!); 2 Ravens, Buzzard, 2 Lesser Redpoll a Bullfinch and several Yellowhammer near Lodge Mill Farm and on Dowles Brook we had a Dipper, Grey Wagtail, several Siskins and a Treecreeper. A Marsh Tit was heard.
This morning we did our local urban patch in Birmingham and saw a Buzzard thermalling over Moor Green Lane. A nice patch tick but not a total surprise; we have seen them over the house before now. I got a picture, but I haven't mastered flight shots yet, so here's it's silhouette...
Next, some Warks twitching. A Black Redstart has been in Coleshill all week and I was itching to catch up with one again, this being my favourite bird, plus we'd have another chance at the Hams Hall Firecrests.
Arriving on site at Gorsey Lane, fellow lady birder and blogger Jo was already present - it was very nice to meet her at last. Martyn then rolled up with his friend Ian. We couldn't see the bird at first and it was cold and windy, but Martyn found it from the other side, we joined him and he soon got us onto the smashing Black Redstart; it was keeping low down at the back with a couple of Mistle Thrush and a Redwing. Scopes were needed as the gates of the industrial estate were closed today.
Everyone soon gravitated towards Hams Hall, where after a short wait the Firecrest with the 'gammy foot' popped up three times, the last time giving especially good views. Another top bird and one which has now achieved the accolade of being Max's favourite bird. Another year tick here in the shape of Mr Dean Powell.
Popping back to Gorsey Lane to drop Jo back off at her car, we couldn't resist another look at the Black Redstart and there it was, now showing well on top of the concrete pipes near the road, although only for a few minutes. We bumped into Pete who got a few shots before it darted away.
A good friendly crowd at both twitches, and a good chat and a laugh. Nice to see a few familiar faces and also meet some new folk. That's what it's all about, innit?
8 comments:
All those frogs, I'd like just one to spawn in my ponds. I built them especially for frogwatching - but not a thing ;-(
Great to finally meet you and Max aswell Kay. Thanks for the introductions to Dean and Pete also. Your company and help was vey much appreciated.
So you and Max both got to see your favourite birds!
It really was a great morning and like you said, with a friendly bunch, a good chat and a laugh, thats certainly what its all about!
Hope to see you again soon.
And hope the new job went ok today.
Warren - Hope your pond is spawned in soon. You would have been amazed to see this pond on Sat, I've never seen owt like it!
Thanks Jo - I've had a nice day at the new job, although it's a lot to take in all at once. Now you've met a few of us you'll have to come to the next midlands bloggers day out :)
It would be a pleasure. Thanks Kay. Glad the job went ok.
I love the Black Redstart thing, it'd look great on a T-shirt, get some printed Kay.... mine's a medium. :o)
Arch x
I should point out that the Black Redstart artwork isn't mine. Can't seem to relocate the website where I originally found it.
Definately would make a fetching T-shirt, perhaps even baseball caps, underpants etc..very 'soviet chic'...not so good for fieldcraft however.
Amazing pictures of the frogs :-)
Love the frog photos, enjoy reading your blog too.
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