TonyQ's Big Year: Number 4

[TonyQ]

I am really pleased we are able to go ahead with another Big Year, so seeing how many people have already been busy I thought I should get started!

 

1.UK1. Dunnock  Prunella modularis 

Our Garden, Birmingham        08.01.2018

I like to start with a common local bird- and what can be lazier than a photo in the garden!

We see Dunnocks virtually every day in the garden. They are mainly ground feeders but have learned to eat from hanging suet blocks.

Edited January 9, 2019 by TonyQ

[michael-ibk]

Great to get another BY from you, which countries can we expect this time? Ah, the "super-common" Dunnock - I haven't seen a single one last year!

[Tdgraves]

2 hours ago, michael-ibk said:

Great to get another BY from you, which countries can we expect this time? Ah, the "super-common" Dunnock - I haven't seen a single one last year!

 

@michael-ibk but you still got to a mammoth total, so it can’t all be bad... 

[xelas]

Glad to have you in the group, @TonyQ! 

[Peter Connan]

And another beautiful start! Great shot Tony!

[Kitsafari]

May be common but it's a faithful visitor and a lovely bird to kick another Big year with.

[Dave Williams]

Good to see you in the starting stalls Tony!

[TonyQ]

@michael-ibk thank you. One of the things I find interesting about the Big Year is seeing what birds are common in different home areas. We are going to India this year.

 

@Dave Williams @Peter Connan @xelas @Kitsafari thank you

[TonyQ]

2.UK2. Robin  Erithacus rubecula      

Our Garden, Birmingham        06.01.2018

[TonyQ]

3.UK3. Blackcap  Sylvia atricapilla     

Our Garden, Birmingham        09.01.2018

Our Garden, Birmingham        09.01.2018

A winter visitor to our garden (most migrate but some stay in the UK). We see the female sometimes, but not as often. This male is quite aggressive, chasing other birds off the feeders. It was around about Christmas time and we hoped he would remain for the New Year!

 

I promise that I will get out of the garden....

[TonyQ]

4.UK4. Canada Goose  Branta canadensis   

Swanshurst Park, Birmingham            06.01.2018

[TonyQ]

5.UK5. Coot  Fulica atra   

      

Swanshurst Park, Birmingham            06.01.2018

[TonyQ]

6.UK6. Tufted Duck  Aythya fuligula  

(F) Swanshurst Park, Birmingham            06.01.2018

(M) Swanshurst Park, Birmingham            06.01.2018

[TonyQ]

7.UK7. Cormorant  Phalacrocorax carbo       

Swanshurst Park, Birmingham            06.01.2018

 

[TonyQ]

8.UK8. Goosander  Mergus merganser         

(F) Swanshurst Park, Birmingham            06.01.2018

(M) Priory Pool, Birmingham         03.01.2018

Not such good light for the male unfortunately. Not regular visitors but not really uncommon either

[Dave Williams]

Envious of India, it has a magical mysteriousness all of it's own. Can't remember if you mentioned where?

Oh and the food can be really good too!

 

Poor light can be an advantage on the whites though Tony.You haven't blown them so I'd be happy!

I think the male Goosander is one of the most difficult of all British birds to photograph.

Edited January 12, 2019 by Dave Williams

[TonyQ]

9.UK9. Little Egret  Egretta garzetta  

Swanshurst Park, Birmingham            11.01.2018

Fairly common in the Midlands, but the first time we have seen one in this park.

[TonyQ]

10.UK10. Common Scoter  Melanitta nigra   

Earlswood, nr Birmingham      02.01.2018

Earlswood, nr Birmingham      02.01.2018

Only the second time we have seen one - the previous on was a tiny distant dot!

[Dave Williams]

Agghhhhhh ! I'm Very,very envious of that sighting and here was me thinking I was lucky at 400-500 yards !!!

[TonyQ]

Thanks Dave - Kaziranga and Satpura are the main places we are visiting. As you will tell we are not after Tigers!

[michael-ibk]

What a Scoter shot! I have only ever seen them far, far away - how did you get that one Tony? Ah Kaziranga - very strong BY material! :-)

[TonyQ]

The Scoter was at Earlswood (a place we regularly visit) and it stayed around for more than a week.

Earlswood birding is a very helpful twitter account and from our point of view always worth checking. (though we go often anyway)

When we first arrived it was in the middle of the lake, but after a while it came fairly close to the edge. So a bit of patience.

"Focus points" in Lightroom says it was between 15m and 18m. (no idea how accurate that is)

So obviously great birding skills.

[PeterHG]

An excellent set of photos! Envious too of the Scoter, but also of having a garden where Blackcaps are winter companions. 

[Galana]

A good first outing @TonyQ and great sighting of Scoter. I have read an awful lot about overwintering Blackcaps this year so something is definitely happening out there.

Kaziranga. Wild Grass and Torun as your guide. You won't go wrong.

[lmSA84]

Beautiful Scooter shot. I've yet to see one in the UK. Good luck for this years competition! It'll be great to see what you find in Kazinga and Satpura