Turnstone's in Ireland (Dingle)

Redpoll at Yarner

After a nice afternoon at Stover Country Park, a late afternoon visit to close by Yarner Wood, was rewarded with 3 visiting Redpoll to the feeders at the Woodland Hide. They were not at all flighty unlike all of the tits, finches and Siskins possibly due to the threat of Sparrowhwak attacks, witnessed before at the hide. This one sat and fed for at least 10 minutes at the nyger seed feeder before being replaced by two more. For myself and my son this was a first and what a treat to see this rather smart looking little finch with it's bright metallic red cap.

Photo supplied by ~ Luke Curno 

Heron Preening

Heron Preening, originally uploaded by Images of the West.

Cleaning those neck feathers after a spot of fishing in the midday sun.

Greenfinches - where are they?

Last year, I hardly saw a greenfinch in the garden, even through the bad weather they were scarce visitors to the feeders. This year not even a single sighting, even during the RSPB Big Weekend...nothing. 

Has anyone else noticed the reduced numbers or is this an isolated case for my local patch. Goldfinches on the increase, Siskins regular visitors in a group of 6 or so, Chaffinches 20 plus at times and then the Sparrows, oh yes Sparrows everywhere, each family group fighting with each other and in fighting too. 

Images of the West's photostream

Images of the West's photostream on Flickr.