Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Great Grey Shrike, Fillingham, Lincs

 




Not bad weather so we thought we would head to Fillingham for another look at the shrike. We thought we may be on our own as surely everyone has seen this bird now but afraid we thought wrong. Packed with hardly anywhere to park ! We headed up the track and saw everyone now standing in the farmers field with the shrike in the hedgerow on our side. A few snaps were quickly rattled off and thank goodness because it suddenly went into hunting mode, flying at every bird and finally coming to land on the opposite side of the field, a dot in the hedge. So good views were had, although extremely brief ! So we headed off to Toft, a place we haven't been in ages......and saw absolutely nowt !

Goosanders and a bullfinch

 




Still a few goosanders on our local river

Striking colours on the bullfinch, glowing in the winter sun



Stonechats

 












Just stunning birds, we are lucky that we see them on most walks

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl and a pair of Stonechats

 

    









just love to see a short eared owl especially when you find it yourself !


a beautiful barn owl that we had hoped to get a tiny bit closer to......until it was flushed by a fluorescent yellow jogger !


What a cracking afternoon walk and it didn't rain much !

Russian White-fronted Geese, Alkborough Flats

 







They were a field away from the path and we could just make them out as we walked down but the local farmer was driving about (as he always does) and flushed them all. Lucky that these few flew over our heads, the rest heading out to the river.  

6 Pintails from the hide but so far away

and a toad swam past !

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Our local crossbills are still around









 These were a surprise this morning as we didn't think they would still be around but we heard chipping and a good 20 flew into the tree tops. Afraid impossible to get any closer but excellent to just stand and view thru bins. Very mobile and they were soon off.


Blue Tits on a local feeder

Reed Bunting in with the yellowhammers


Lots of yellowhammers, just look at the colour, brightens a grey winters day up.