Sunday 16 December 2012

Spot the Bittern


Today I had an enjoyable visit to Marbury Prak and as soon as I got to the first hide there was a very secretive bird lurking in the reeds.................. a Bittern.

Can you spot it?


What a lovely bird to see on the last day of the weekend. I am one of the first people to see one here this Winter, so for me it is quite an achievement, however I wouldn't have viewed it so well if it hadn't been for a helpful man and his telescope.


As I was walking back to the hide I was originally in, I spotted a feeding party of Long Tailed Tits. I recon if this Tit didn't have this lovely long tail, it might be as small as a Goldcrest, as it's body is tiny.


The Heron was stalking in the reeds today since the lake was frozen.


And when I got to the first hide I noticed three Mallards skidding about on the ice.


I saw loads of Robins today at Marbury; however I saw a few more in my garden. Infact there were three at the same time fighting and squabbling. I almost managed to get one to feed out of my hand.


I just wanted to mention the other great bit of the weekend, my football yesterday. It was the semi-final of a cup match. Once the game had finished, we were drawing, so that meant extra time; however it was still level pegging when extra time was finished, so we went onto penalties - a bit scary as I am the goalkeep. I saved two penalities and the other keeper saved one. So we are through to the final. I hope we win the cup.

Our World Tuesday

Wild Bird Wednesday


24 comments:

  1. Well done on seeing the Bittern Findlay. I'm still waiting to see my first this winter, so you've beat me to it. lol
    And congratulations on the football result. Good luck in the final.

    ReplyDelete
  2. congrats on the soccer win! sweet long-tail and robin!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very good, I wonder if they go in the reed beds along the canals?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Spot on about the Long Tail Tits I was looking at some images of the ones in my garden and was thinking how tiny their bodies are, well done on the Bittern and good luck for the final.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fantastic Work Finley and and good luck for the final. look forward to seeing more of your Work.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well done on the Bittern, a great spot in the Reeds, and a great result in the semi final, see you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Excellent spot there Findlay - it's years since I've been to Marbury but I have see a bittern there. Look out for the Lesser peckers there.
    Keep up the good work and well done for saving those pennos!

    Cheers

    Davo

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's great you saw the Bittern Findlay... I took a little video clip of one at Marbury a couple of years ago I will reshare tonight.
    I hope you win the cup... where and when is the final?

    ReplyDelete
  9. From experience of the Bitterns at Leighton Moss, a good time to 'catch' them when they often venture out on to the ice on the search for food....Nice one for you at Marbury Findlay.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Good shots of the Bittern Findlay.

    ReplyDelete
  11. amazingly camouflaged - I love how bitterns stick their beaks up in the air and mimic the shape of the reeds around them, brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good work seeing the Bittern Findlay. They can be very difficult to see and to photograph. Good luck with the footie.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What luck to see the Bittern Findlay! It's been a few years since I've seen one. Congratulations on the footie - good luck for the final.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Well done in seeing the Bittern Findlay. I hope you can top of a grand year by lifting that cup!...good luck!...[;o)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Good luck on the cup!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great shots! I don't see little Robins in my part of Australia. Good luck with the Footie!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Nice post, Findlay! Love the ducks ice skating and the pretty robin. Cool sighting of the Bittern, they like to hide in the tall grasses!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Magnificent shots of nature's gems ~ Wow!

    (A Creative Harbor) ~ aka ArtMuseDog and Carol ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  19. A great series of birds and the Bittern is certainly well hidden.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congratulations Findlay. Finding a Bittern is always tricky but so rewarding when you finally manage it. Well done for getting a photo as well.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Very nice work spotting that Bittern! Super photos of the Robin and Tit, we don't have those varieties here.
    Good show on your penalty saves! Best of luck for the cup!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Well done on the Bittern and the football. Looks like it would be a cold weekend to be in goal!


    Cheers and thanks for linking to WBW - Stewart M - Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  23. That Bittern is hard to spot! Love the ice-skating Mallards and your lovely little Robin. Congrats on making the finals!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Not sure my eyes would have picked out the Bittern. :)
    LOVE the shot of the ducks and their icy reflection.

    Best of luck for the cup!

    ReplyDelete