Few from the Vale Hide.

This could be the end of this years Waxwings as they move south.
Brambling is the exciting bird from the hide recently, only this female yet!
There has been a Sparrowhawk about though not yet seen on any perches. Also a Buzzard in most afternoons and very vocal.
Keeping my eyes open for a few `road kills`that will bring it down along with Raven and the Fox that`s in the area!

Cardiff Waxwings

Trying to get some good shots of this most amazing bird is not so easy .
The streets are narrow with people constantly flushing them as they come and go.
Of course the light hasn`t been that kind either. Perhaps another go midweek or a different set up. We shall have to wait!

New Hide

A while ago we set up another hide, this time to see through the winter. Numbers are now building with a Jay at last!  Also now a male and female Greater Pecker.
With a little light between showers I made a start with the Peckers then the Jay came in!
Up in the hedgerow (next to the hide) were a few female Bullfinches and Yellowhammers.
A Wood pigeon and Pheasant are now on the seed ( premium seed) using a quality seed to lure in the Buntings!
With colder weather approaching this will get very interesting to see what comes in!

Cirl Buntings. Just for a change.

A trip to south Devon has been talked about for a while now, so, myself and Nigel Addecott decided on the last minute that we should give it a go with good light predicted in the morning.
As it turned out it wasn`t quite as easy as we had thought. The dreaded dog walkers were a problem, constantly parading dogs around the car park. Kiddies on motorised bikes and little old ladies who just walked between us and the hedgerow and not giving it a second thought untill a few sarcastic comments were thrown at them. That happened on 2 occasions!
The birds were nearly always about, but only when it was very quiet did they venture out to the edge of the hedgerow then on the seed!
Birds with seed in their bills never a good natural shot, a bit like a Pecker on a nut feeder!
So one day we will have another go during mid week when it would be quieter!

Few more recent shots

Light has been the problem!
Really needing to work when it has been dry, but still putting the time in when I can.
She isn`t as regular now as she was at first and the hide has taken a real battering, will replace it soon but need to sort out some poles.

A few friends have been invited but when there are 2 of you it`s hard not to talk and being so close it stops her from being so regular!

Kingfisher

This selection has been taken from this previous week.

I have set up a hide and added 2 perches. Earlier in the week she came in very often but  now not so frequent. Perhaps because I have been there a little too often! I was hoping that she would get used to the situation, There are now 2 birds, occasionally  chasing each other and calling a lot when both birds are near. Yesterday they had a quick scrap in the water unfortunately I wasn`t quick enough! Another female? not sure, as the bird using the perches I feel is the same bird.