The birds of 4AoS

New Year's Eve. 2009

My first trip to Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire.

What a fantastic site and a what a great end to the year! It was freezing cold, grey and there was an icy wind. Down by the shore it felt like I was by the sea.

My favourite hide is tucked away in the corner of the reservoir. The late afternoon sun actually came out for a while and gave everything a warm orange glow:

And I was so pleased  to catch this Green Sandpiper as it was getting dark. I was only able to identify it when I got home and had a chance to crop and enhance the original.

Then got shot of a Redshank on the way back to the car:

 

It's 44 miles away but straight up the A1 so only takes 50 minutes. I'm hoping this could turn into a regular site.

Draycote Water. Boxing Day 2009

Dad and I had a wonderful walk round Draycote Water on Boxing Day. It was actually quite warm and very sunny. This shot of a Blue Tit was from the Hide:

And this one too:

My first shot of a Bullfinch:

And this very lucky one of a Kestrel:

Not bad for an impromptu trip!