A lovely dawn on Orcombe this morning but not without rain showers.
From 7am on Orcombe this morning - 2 Chiffchaff, 10+ Goldfinch, 5+ Goldcrest, 25+ Chaffinch, c10+ Blackbird, 3+ Bullfinch, 3+ Redpoll, 1+ Redwing, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, c10+ Meadow Pipit, 5+ Pied Wagtail, 4+ Song Thrush, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Skylark, c5+ Linnet, 3+ Siskin, c1000+ Woodpigeon, 1 Snipe, 2 Stonechat and, best of all, a Richard's Pipit that appeared to come out of the large, flat grass 'top' field besides the coast path, before heading overhead and west. As always it announced its presence with a loud and emphatic 'scheep', very House Sparrow-like in both tone and quality. It continued calling until it was lost from view. This is my second one on Orcombe, following an individual that Nick and I had on November 17th 2013.
On the House Sparrow theme - I counted the flock on Foxholes which consisted of 50 birds - evidence of a decent breeding season with a number of young birds in the flock.
Very ropey shot of this morning's Richard's Pipit (click to enlarge) but to be honest I was chuffed to get anything at all. Fly-overs are never easy targets for an incompetent photographer like me!
On call and bulk I felt confident this was Richard's Pipit and not the much less likely Blyth's Pipit. Nevertheless it's reassuring to have a photo that captures the longer tail of Richard's Pipit, giving it a more wagtail-like profile and less Meadow Pipit-like profile associated with Blyth's.
One of at least 3 Bullfinches on Orcombe this morning.
Nice one Matt - and well done on getting those photos!
ReplyDeleteNice find Matt - Well deserved as always.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike, Hi Chris - thank you both for your comments. Pleased to get photos of this one but look forward to getting one on the deck up on Orcombe. Great birds. Cheers. Matt
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