December 2010

Waxwings in Balham!!!!

Waxwings near Pegwell, Kent.

Grey heron on the pond.

Robin by the pond.

Another busy month with few opportunity to get out. However, there were a good surprises and unfortunately one of the Robins down, due to a Sparrow hawk. Once again, heavy (ish) snow and the common was covered. Clearly, I had to go and take a 'Robin in the snow picture'. I was in the middle of it, when two Robins started scrapping, continuing into a nearby bush. Whoosh!!!! And before I could register what was going on, out came a female Sparrow hawk and only one Robin...

Otherwise: Little owls (2), were heard calling on the way back from Brian's on the 5th. Not seen at the usual tree yet. A Dozen Redwings beside the pond (23rd). The pond has been largely frozen trough out, though on the small open patch has been Cormorant and Shoveler (8) and 60 Black headed gulls.

Of more note, were the Waxwings seen in the area. I had a job in Folkestone and popped up to Pegwell to look at the Waxwings there (published in The Times) to see an email from Duncan on my return, who had seen a group of around 50 in the trees beside his house near Streatham Hill (17th). Go figure! Brian and I went for an early look the following morning to no avail. Luckier for Duncan who had 150 there later in the morning. Over 50 were also seen by Clapham south tube on the Friday, presumably the same group. I finally tracked them down on the Sunday 100 apprx, (19th) on Hanson Close, just off Balham High Street. Not my find, but pleased to see them! They stuck around for most of the week and when I went to the sorting office this morning (31st), 50 were feeding on the berries besides Waitrose, brilliant!!

November 2010

Waxwings in Norwich, a group of around 60 and part of a huge national invasion. Stunning birds!!

A Robin on a frosty common, published in The Times.

Tawny eagle, Nakuru National Park, Kenya.

Lesser flamingos, Lake Nakuru. The colour was stunning, difficult to capture and translate the sense of scale and richness in colour.

Kittlitz plover, Nakuru National Park, Kenya. An amazing park with huge amounts and variety of birds, this is a very small sample. Highly recommended!

October was a write off as I was away on a job in Africa. Fortunately, I managed to squeeze a few days safari in Kenya which was brilliant. The impressive Kenya Wildlife Service were very supportive in my modest efforts at wildlife photography.

I got back at the end of the month and motivation was low to get out and about, partly because of a heavy work load, but also perhaps due to having been spoiled in Africa. Coupled with some DIY at home, meant there also wasn't really much time.

Did get a stroll out on the 7th, though didn't see much. Shoveler are back on the pond (12) and there were Cormorants (8) perched on the dead tree, two herons were on the pond and another flew over. Mistle thrush (6) and a Sparrowhawk were also seen. Little owls didn't seem to be back yet. One of the Robins was published in the paper during the first cold spell.

Also of note, Waxwings everywhere in the north and East Anglia. During, a short trip to Norfolk I had a look at a lively group in Norwich.