Sunday, January 10, 2010

Goosed...



Much milder today with the temp rising to 5 degrees. A lot of snow has melted already and long may it continue. The wind was very strong, up to E8 causing a raging sea.

Unfortunately for the Canada Goose ( see yesterday's pic) the thaw came too late. But, 'waste not, want not' is the motto of the wild and I was pleased to see both Ravens getting stuck in. At one stage one was carrying a Canada Goose head and neck around the field, a pretty gruesome sight. I'm not sure if the goose died of natural causes or if it was helped on its way...




Later one of the Raven pair showed very well in Village Wood calling and flying just overhead, obviously pleased with its breakfast.

Not many highlights around about today but a dozen Fulmars off the coast path and a lone Pied Wagtail wandering on the frozen pond were list additions.

The Brambling was stil in the garden, but today's best were when we were off to Alnwick for some shopping. On the way, the Water Rail ran over the lane just in front of the car then on the way back, a Kingfisher was perched on a fallen branch over the ditch in the same spot the rail ran over. A bit of luck there....

4 Roe Deer were in the Vilage Wood and only one Woodcock flushed as they ran off...



6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love that shot of the Raven Stewart. Very Japanese.
We have a huge influx of thrushes down here in West Cornwall at the moment. All the gardens in the town are being visited and I've even had Redwings feeding right up against the front of the house. Great for us to see them but very tough on them. However it is forecast to get milder down here this week giving them some respite. In fact it's not so bad for the thrushes as they will come in to the gardens but the Lapwings and golden plover that haven't cleared out are really finding it hard.

Stewart said...

I think you have it much milder than us but you might get snow this week. I hope I dont see any more until 2011!

Earsdon said...

Glad to see your ravens are back stuart

Anonymous said...

Cracking Roe Deer shot, that last one Stewart.

A lot milder down here too. Hopefully the lake will thaw, atttracting back some of my much missed wildfowl.

Birding about Northumberland said...

Lovely Raven shot, such a shame about the Canada Goose.
Always enjoy your blog
Michelle

Stewart said...

Earsdon - Cheers, I'm pleased they are ok.

Dean - That Smew is on its way ( though I think I predicted the 10th)....

Ta Michelle....