March 2017 A rare bird in the UK, the Great Grey Shrike

This is a rare bird in the UK with around 65 over wintering.  They are a great little predator to watch and they seem to be quite faithful to an area once they have established a winter territory.  When you know where they are and you get your eye in, they are easy to spot, as they like to perch near to the top of bushes and trees, where they drop on their prey. I feel quite lucky to have one quite near to home this year.  It will soon be off now to its breeding area in Scandinavia, but hopefully will be back again next year.

The beautiful Great Grey Shrike

March 2017 The magnificent large wader the Curlew. Gloucestershire UK.

This is the largest wader found in the UK.  It is easily recognized by its large size and the massive downwardly curved bill.  They breed on moorland but during the winter we get them on the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire UK.  I love to see them probing for food and their call is one that really epics the wild open country side.  In April they usually move away from us to find their moorland nesting habitat.

Best foot forward

Curlew

Curlew

March 2017 The local Sparrowhawks are busy gathering nest material. UK.

I went to check up on the local Sparrowhawk pair.  They were really busy going backward and forward between the trees carrying branches back to the nest they are building.  Both of the pair helped but it seemed that most of the work was done by the male.  I was really glad to see they are getting on with it, and I am looking forward to seeing the young branching later on in the year.  Hopefully with a chance of a few images!

Male Sparrowhawk busy this morning

March 2017 Sparrow Hawks getting back on territory. UK

It was really enjoyable to have an early morning start and find the Sparrow hawk pair back guarding their territory.  There was nest building and mating activity.  Although they are a late egg layer not actually laying eggs until May, it is good to see how early in the year they are hanging around together.  Later when they are feeding the young, the male does not hang around and it almost seems that he gets attacked as he delivers prey.  But for now they are quite content to sit closely together.

Gathering nest material

Beautiful Male

Mating behaviour already started

The pair hanging around together

March 2017 Always happy any night I see a Barn Owl! The Cotswolds UK.

When working to 4.00 p.m. and he light goes down at 6:00 it always makes it a rush to get home and get the camera gear out.  When there is good lighting I always try to make the effort.  Its makes my evening though and I am always happy any night I see a barn owl!

Barn Owl on the hunt

March 2016 Common Buzzard in the Cotwolds, UK.

I don't normally get much luck when I see a bird in a tree when I am in my car.  They usually just take off and fly away as I slow down.  This buzzard though just stayed there and looked around as I got my camera and bean bag out. 

Common Buzzard

March 2017 Grey Wagtail in his prime!

At this time of year a lot of the birds you see are in their prime condition ready for the breeding season.  This Grey Wagtail caught my eye in the local park and after getting the image open it struck me how finely defined his marking are.  A really handsome chap!

Grey Wagtail

March 2017 Sping in the air. UK

In the local park today birds are getting into breeding mode.  This female Blackbird was busy gathering wet mud used to line  the inside of  its cupped nest.

Female Blackbird