31st January

 The Firecrests were showing well this morning and this afternoon in area 40. In trees on either side of the fence at times. Familiarity of the call will aid you when looking for them.

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At times they forage in the tops of the Holme Oaks, then they can be difficult to pick up. Like Goldcrests they often hover, picking off insects on the underside of leaves.

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The Finchley Road Waxwings totalled 89, when I watched them this afternoon. Though when I first arrived there were only 32, others then began arriving in small groups. They looked magnificent with the sun shining on them.

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Head on the colouration and markings are reminiscent of a Hawfinch, though the bill is know where near as powerful.

Comments

Joe Beale said…
Great photos. I'm still searching for the Firecrests that were present earlier in the winter in my neck of the woods, but haven't seen or heard them since the second cold snap in December. I fear the worst, but there are still plenty of Goldcrests around and the Firecrests are sometime elusive, so fingers crossed they're still there!
Hi Joe.

It is only in the last week that our birds have become very vocal. It can take a few minutes of searching, then their distinctive call gives them away.

I hope you still have them to brighten up a quiet day at this time of year

Tony
Unknown said…
my only comment is two questions: what camera are you using - what time of day did you take those pictures and are you one of the official birders in Regent's Park early morning? That's three questions - sorry!
Hi Sue.

I am the senior Wildlife Officer at Regent's Park, though that might be under threat. My assistant and I you could say are the official observers. we do a set walk most mornings, this is extended once the migration period starts. There are a few other more casual birders that pop in and then there are then others that come to see something that has been reported.

My camera is a Nikon D5000 with a 300mm nikon lens. Sometimes I use a 1.4 converter but not for today's shots. These were taken at around 2.30pm. I have been waiting for a chance to take some waxwing photos with some decent light, having seen a lot this winter in dull conditions.

Cheers

Tony