Perched high in an oak tree, this Kestrel is a male bird; males have blue-grey heads and tails with a single black band, while females are brown overall with barred tails.
Kestrel.
birdwatching
Oystercatchers.
Oystercatchers are a fascinating group of waders forming the family Haematopodidae, which has a single genus, Haematopus. These striking birds are renowned for their long, colourful bills and distinctive black-and-white plumage, which makes them easily recognisable. They inhabit a variety of coastal environments, from sandy beaches to rocky shores, and can be found on coasts worldwide, {apart from the polar regions and some tropical regions of Africa and South East Asia.} Oystercatchers’ feeding habits are primarily molluscs, such as oysters and clams, which they expertly pry open with their specialised bills. Their social behaviour often includes foraging in groups, and during breeding season, they exhibit strong territorial instincts, defending their nests against intruders while also participating in elaborate courtship displays to attract mates. These birds were in Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve this morning.
Tuffted Ducks.
Tuffted Ducks are a diving duck and a bit smaller than a Mallard. This pair were on North Pond at Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire.
Time to nest.
Black-headed Gulls are nesting, and the sound of gulls calling is filling the air, one sound in nature I find quite irritating after an hour or so!
Reed Bunting.
A lone Male Reed Bunting on a high perch singing in this morning’s sun at Titchfield Haven this morning.
Mandarin Drake.
Pay to Park.
From yesterday, the Forestry Commission has introduced parking charges for cars parking in the New Forest, so no longer a free day out when we visit the forest.
Nuthatch.
Why is a Turnstone called a Turnstone?
A picture {or afilm says a 1000 words!}
Female Stonechat.
Siskins.
These small, brightly coloured birds are said to be a common sight in UK woodland, although I rarely see them! I spotted this pair in the early evening in one of the New Forest car parks, where people regularly feed birds, but everyone had gone home, and some seeds were on one of the poles. The Blue Tits and Great Tits had also gone, so these Siskins came in.
Continued Reflections from my World. 