Staunton Harold on 25th November, 2008

I felt the need for a short break from decorating today, and so decided to take advantage of the sunshine for a quick trip to Staunton Harold Reservoir. I arrived at the Round Car Park to find all the places next to the wall occupied, and a huge amount of seed and nuts on the wall. Fortunately I did not have to wait beyond 10 minutes before a suitable place became available. I quickly dived in and sat in my car, window open and camera at the ready.

There was the usual mix of birds, but I was surprised by the huge number of Collared Doves (didn't count them, but maybe around 40). What I was really delighted to see was more Tree Sparrows than I have ever seen here before (I would guess at least 30). However, what exercised me most was a couple of Nuthatches. Occasionally they would arrive at the same time, and then there was quite a lot of agression shown. Frustratingly, the sunshine vanished about 10 minutes after I got into position.

Nuthatch

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Tree Sparrow

My Garden on 1st November 2008

Earlier in the week, I was delighted to see a pair of Willow Tits at our garden feeders - a first for us. They have been back since, and it seems that they are now regular visitors. On this day, one of them decided to take a drink from our bird bath, visible from my study window. It was dull weather and the shots were through the double-glazing, so the results are not so good, but I was not going to miss an opportunity to record this event.