December 2017 A Rare bird in the Uk and the Costwolds the Great Grey Shrike

There is something really charismatic about the Great Grey Shrike.  I love the way they sit high on bushes looking out for prey.  I am always amazed at the reports of different prey they catch, voles lizards, newts and small birds.  To me they just don't seem big enough but the must be very feisty hunters with plenty of aggression.  An amazing bird to see and near to my Cotswolds home too!

Great Grey Shrike on the lookout.

Under carriage down - Red Kite

As always I could never resist getting a few images of a Red Kite as they pass by.

December 2017 Rare bird in Gloucestershire, the Penduline tit

It was so near to home that I could not resist a short trip to try and find the Penduline tit that has been reported on a local reserve.  After an hour of waiting and searching it finally turned up.  A lovely bird to see and also catch up with a few birding buddies while I was there.

Saluting his followers

Penduline tit

It is also great to find a new local reserve that is easy to get to, with good parking.  I will definitely visit there again.

December 2017 Goosander on my local park lake

I got a notification that there was a male Goosander on my local park lake at Pittville Cheltenham.  This is only a few minutes drive away from my home.  So it was grab my gear and off to the lake within a few minutes.  I spotted the Goosander as soon as I arrived.  What a handsome bird and it was great to get some images.  Even the light had improved during my journey.

Male Goosander looking serene

Time to stretch those wings

Lovely sunlight

This really is a handsome bird and I was well pleased to spend some time with it.

December 2017 Lots of wintering thrushes around at the moment in the Cotswold Hills UK

At this time of the year there are many wintering thrushes here in the Cotswolds.  It is relatively mild here and they come in there thousands from Northern Europe and Scandinavia.  I always enjoy seeing them as they come in flocks into the trees that contain berries.  I bet the resident blackbirds and thrushes feel under threat the way they quickly strip the trees of berries.  I would imagine in these great numbers that they are welcome addition to the menu of the resident Sparrowhawks!

Fieldfare

Redwing

These redwings were on my garden holly tree and this must be one of my shortest ever birding trips!

December 2017 During each time spell I always seem to get a favourite character. This Water Rail is amazing!

This is definitely my favourite bird of the moment.  These are really nervous and shy birds, but this Water Rail seems to appear consistently and is quite confiding.  The Willow Hide at Slimbridge is so well designed for photography having really low positioned openings.  With limited time to spare this was a great morning.

I particularly like this last image with the drop of water on its bill.