Jan 6 2017

I've pretty much abandoned this blog for no particular reason (procrastination) and it's been dormant for over three years.  I read through some of the older posts and now regret not keeping it up to date as there are some great memories and photos documented here, so I'm going to make an effort this year write up the blog more.

The year started cold and bright and a walk on Longridge Fell was pleasant but uneventful bird wise.  I'm always on the look out for Crossbill here but no luck today. The highlight was close  views of a buzzard.

On the 2nd a visit to Barrow gave the opportunity for some great photos of Waxwings of which there have been more than 100 here recently.  A wintering male Blackcap also put in a brief appearance.

Later in the afternoon I went down to Brockholes to see if the two Bitterns would be showing and they were, putting on a great display both flying in to the usual patch of reed bed below the Osprey platform. Despite the distance they were away and the reducing light levels I got some good photos including the flight shot below and some video of the two birds.

Also the Grey Wagtail that has been wintering close to the house was  joined by another on the 5th when both were on the driveway.  All in all a pretty good start to 2017.