Who ate all the (mince) pies ? !

There were some funny-shaped Robins at Hurworth Burn Reservoir today.


Is this what you call a round robin? The fattest Robin I've ever seen!


And what is going on with this guy?

I can't remember having seen 3 Great-spotted Woodpeckers in the same tree before, so the feeding station here was quite a treat.



There were 3 Willow Tits in the area and plenty of other very tame birds, like this Song Thursh, visiting the feeding station.



I must go back when the sun is shining!

Rubbish Photos - Great Birds!

During the Christmas period I have managed to demonstrate exactly how NOT to take digital photographs!

I did manage to get one or two images that were worth enhancing (much as I hate doing so) in these cases by taking the "brightness" control as high as it would go! I've put them under the originals to show the adjustment.

Here's how not to take pictures of birds ...

1] Don't use the automatic "portrait" setting !





2] Don't confuse the focus setting with the exposure setting!






In the end, these ones were almost bearable!





It's a shame as these Red Kites were absolutely magnificent, and right over the house. They must be one of the most beautiful birds of prey in the world, surely!

Best Bird Ever?

This Bohemian Waxwing was found exactly how Waxwing's should be found - from a moving car, almost causing an accident!



It's a first winter - no yellow on the inner edge of the primaries and only one 'wax' blob on the secondaries - and according to the Collins guide, the blurred lowered edge to the black bib could indicate it's a female.

This is my first and only Waxwing of the year and all the better for having stumbled across it myself.

They have a great call, they look comical and magical and they have one of the best names of any bird - Bohemian Waxwing must be one of the best birds ever!