Sunday 11 December 2022

Dartford


A dawn Stonechat on a frozen Orcombe Point.

Another freezing cold morning as the cold spell continues. On Orcombe Point - 15 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plovers, 2 Chiffchaffs and a Dartford Warbler.

Madeira Walk - 1 Firecrest, 5 Blackcaps and a Redwing, and in the Maer long-stay carpark - 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, 1 Redwing and 1 Nuthatch.

I had several looks for the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat today but could do no better than 4+ Blackcaps, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Mistle Thrush.


The wintering Dartford Warbler was preferring the sunny side of the hedge to the frozen turnips this morning - remarkably well camouflaged but fortunately quite vocal.



3 comments:

  1. Certainly wintry at the moment, Matt. Some snow herein the garden this morning, the first for at least a couple of years.

    Lovely shot of the Dartford Warbler-quite a few around London currently including a record count of 3 at the London Wetland Centre. Saw the Little Bunting at Lower Morden last Monday, my second London bird. I didn't go for the one that was around at the beginning of the year.

    If I don't comment again before, hope you & your family have a lovely, peaceful Xmas & a wildlife-filled 2023. Always enjoy looking at the posts even when not commenting.

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  2. Hi Neil - Thank you! Still no snow here. Probably a good thing. Had heard there were Dartfords at the Wetland Centre as my neighbour, Neil, popped in there the other day. We've got lots on nearby heaths but wintering birds away from breeding habitat always feel a bit special. Well done with the Little Bunting - I haven't seen on for years and years. Just returned from an OBP a few hundred yards from my front door though, so feeling extremely chuffed! Crazy record and, with an Eastern Lesser Whitethroat even closer, just goes to show what might be lurking. Have a fab Christmas and thanks again for all your comments - they're hugely appreciated. Matt.

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  3. Cheers, Matt. Just commented on your OBP above.

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