Hi and welcome to my Blog, my name is Paul Riddle and I live in south Leicestershire, UK. Back in August 2007 my quest began to locate as many local Little Owl territories as possible. The driving force was a reported decline in the uk numbers so I thought I would do my bit and conduct a study in my area. After 7 years and countless hours out in the field I have detected over 200 different sites. With a thirst for a greater understanding of the owls a more comprehensive monitoring and nest box programme then commenced. This also now includes monitoring the local and very sparse population of Barn Owls, please pop back occasionally and catch up with the life and times of my owls and any other wildlife that I come across. I hope you enjoy your visit!!!

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Cosby Waxwings

The jungle drums have been banging quite loudly of late about a flock of Waxwings in the adjoining village of Cosby. They have been there around a week or so now and the temptation got the better of me so I had a wander down to have a look. Upon arrival 7 or 8 other birders were standing around idly looking at a birdless tree! I didn't join them, instead I opted to sit in the car and await the birds return. After a 30 minute wait and no sign of the Waxwings I decided to take matters into my own hands and went off looking for them. It took me no more than 2 minutes to locate them, just around the corner in the next street!
 

I was quite lucky as I had all the birds to myself for a good 10 minutes before they flew off, the image above was a bit different to the majority (no sky!) as a wooden fence offered a nice defused and neutral background. In total I saw 21 birds, however I don't think they will be around too much longer as there are hardly any berries left!

10 comments:

  1. Just beautiful!!!.. I love waxwing.. :-)))

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  2. An excellent image, Paul. Nice and sharp and background makes the shot.

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  3. I too like the background, compliments the bird nicely, well done.

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  4. Thank you for your comments ladies and gents.

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  5. I saw them at Cosby golf course on saturday 12th
    They settled within 12ft eating berries. brill
    Dave

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    1. Cheers for that info Dave, I know the couse quite well. Can you recall where you saw them (hole No), and how many??

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    2. Rid, I was with Dave and they were behind the 1st green and to the left of the ladies 18th tee. We stood and watched around 20 of them from just across the bridge over the brook behind the ladies tee. Regards, Allan

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    3. Thank you Allan/Dave, I will check it out asap.

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