Todays sightings

With the weather warming up, sightings are Improving daily. My daily afternoon Raven watch, at the top of my patch, threw up a nice surprise today!

While looking at the Ravens, in their daily courtship aerial display, a larger and whiter shape came into view.

Moving position ever so slightly, to get the best views, a male Rough-legged Buzzard was gliding on a thermal breeze. Showing a lighter phase belly, clear black carpal patches, a fanned white tail with 2 black bars underside & a hooded look to the head and neck.

Showing for 5-6 mins, good observations were had against a perfect clear blue sky.

 Species showing were:

Nutcracker..Blackbird.

Blue, Sombre, Marsh, Great & Long-tailed Tit.

Hawfinch..Fieldfare..Chaffinch..Brambling..Serin..Starling.

Hooded Crow..Magpie..Jay..Raven.

Goshawk..Rough-Legged Buzzard.

Grey-Headed, Black & Great-Spotted Woodpecker.

Yellowhammer..Goldcrest..Bullfinch..Wren.

Tree Sparrow..Crested Tit..Mistle Thrush.

Little Owl..Goldfinch & House Sparrow.

A good days birding, well afternoon I should say, until dusk which is about 6.30pm now.

With the promise of the next 5 days being, clear, bright and sunny, I am expecting to find more good birding!!

Winter's Wren.

09/02/2012.
-8 degs & dropping, Wind NNE biting cold.
A dense cover of cloud all day.
A constant light fall of snow, lays winter's carpet. With bitter coldness that has a winter smell and the feel of soft flakes on my face, I watch as two Ravens fly low on the ridge. I watched as they grew small in the fading grey light, until just a distant echo!

Walking I came to a stone wall, where still last summers grasses hang from it's edge, like tendrils of some dying creature. There were some hole obvious, and it was from one that a male Wren appeared. 
The smallest of bold, with much quickening of wing and a standing tail erect!

I decided to stay and observe for a while, I marvel at his traversing & searching among the dead tendrils, foraging for a food to keep out a winter night's grip.

A russet brown energy, bar marks compliment his creamy eye stripe that is ever so evident.
His long down curved bill, purposefully probs for a spidery delight. 
For this time of watching, all else is forgotten, in timeless motion I watch & write. To take note, to admire and learn, to observe the smallest of small, yet the loudest of all.

This shy elusive singer, can be heard all year long. Hidden from sight so as not to be seen, but to hear his, excited, rapid and vibrant verse, so loud from so small, it not to be missed.
Then all of a sudden, with a "whirring" of wings, into dusk's dull light he's gone, I am left with cold breath and alone, but evermore fulfilled! 

Cruel weather breaks, for a day!

It's a day, when the sky touches the earth, there is no space between. Heavy snow has rendered the land a bland whiteness. Severe minus temperatures has frozen the ground making walking difficult to bloody dangerous, every footfall sounds like walking on a million packets of cornflakes. 


The good news, today the skies parted, lunch time revealed a brilliant deep blue sky. White fluffy clouds floated in periods, casting walking shadows across the snow.

Ok, time to get out birding, now where has my wife moved me bins this time? Out the door and bang, it was like being hit with the arctic tundra, it was so cold my teeth hurt!
Still, been there, done that, I can do it. Decided to walk up to the beginning of my patch, which is about 300mts from my front door.


Not more than 50 mts up, Lesser-spotted woodpecker, brilliant, my favorite Woody, great views for around 10 mins, then I turn round and to my left is my flock of Long-tailed Tits, this is a family group that I have been observing for the past 2 years. 
I love these birds, so I savor the moment, well 15 moments actually, taking notes to continue my observations on them.

Just when I was ready to try and go further, two things became apparent. First the weather was starting to deteriorate, cloud dropping and light becoming that magical crappy colour, but secondly, and most importantly, 2 Rock Buntings landed on a snow bank back down the track, just outside my house. 
Taking my life in my hands, and with all the trained skills of a complete idiot, I started to jog, run, ok stumble and slip my way back to the house to get......yes me bloody camera!


Just to put things straight, I am a field observer and have been for the past 48 years. I am not a photographer, but I do take photos from time to time, and I so wanted the Rock Buntings in my folio. 
So doing one of the most spectacular slides across our frozen tiled walkway that has ever, not been witnessed, I hit the door with the force of an out of control, train, no still "Idiot",  and shout to my Alison to, how did I put it...... oh yes...."chuck us me bloody camera hun"


Now armed with the tool for the job, I stealthfully, re-slide my way back to the frozen arctic that is still waiting back outside.
I had some amazing views of this handsome Bunting. I managed to get to within 5-6 mts of them and got some very nice pics.
I stayed there for as long as my already numb fingers would allow. 


With the weather now returned to it cruellness, which at the moment seems to have been here forever, I return to the warmth of the Indoors.
Log fire roars in the hearth, a hot chocolate is on the table, with a chocy biscuit of course, next to my computer, and a big warmest of all hug and soft kiss from my Ali.

Not waiting too long, I download my pics, and here are the results.......hope you like them!!!!!

Winter Blogs

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• Arctic start to woodpecker watch

  Today has been bitterly cold! -12 degs and it's due to go as low as -20. So today wrapped up like an Eskimo's mummy, I started my woodpecker watch.
  Around the beginning of Feb, is one of the best times to see Woody's drumming on tree trunks, for the start of their territorial claims and to drive out any larvae.
  So I venture out, freeze Immediately, icy cutting north wind, regret the whole Idea but grit my teeth & go!
  
  The air is so cold that there are ice particles that are slowly drifting down, they are making a rather beautiful frosting on everything, even as they fall the air seems to glitter. I have not gone far, when I hear a rapid knocking from a thin shrub on my right, I look to find a Lesser-spotted woodpecker, the smallest of our Woodys, on one of the thinnest upright branches.
  
  This is as close as I have ever been, not more than 10 feet away, brilliant views, the best on this cold day. With a super spot, I stand and observe this lovely little bird, about the size of a house sparrow, who is so busy, never staying still for more than a few seconds, drumming constantly and working his way around each branch he visits.
  
  With my bins being able to view at very close range, I follow him along the lane, he is very sociable and does not seem to mind my presence, and am able to get real close views.
  I can see all his feathering, every single detail that you sometimes only get a glimpse of, I can even see the staining on his face from the drumming.
  
  Another thing that I now get a good image of, is just how pointed & sharp looking his bill is. It is more than up to the job it is required to do. Long for his size, dark almost black in colour with a powerful look.
  
  This observation lasts for over an hour, and I am amazed at the time I am given to really watch this bird, If you ever get a chance to really spend time observing a single bird like this, I truly advise it, and resist the temptation to leave and find other species, they will always be there!
  
  With cold in every bone, fingers numb and the Image of a waiting hot chocolate and biscuit, I head home wit a contented heart, not that I had far to go, all this took place within 100mteres of my front door. Mind you if it had been any further, I probably would not have stood for such a long time. Took a pic of the place I stood, but not of the bird, I only have a small compact camera, sorry!!
  • yesterday at 19:48
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• My patch in winter

  The weather here in Bulgaria has been really bad, and the forecast is it's going to get worse!
  With our mountain location being turned into a landscape that resembles the Arctic Tundra , with blizzards, biting winds and snow up to our knees.
  
  But still I go out birding, in fact I went out today, -15 degs all day, but the atmosphere was magical, eerie but peaceful. There was not a sound, nothing moved, everything seemed frozen in time (or ice come to think of it) but one could not help ones self for just standing and soaking up the moment!
  
  Anyway I decided to go up to my patch, well the first part at least, no one & nothing had been there as the track was 50cms under snow. It was perfect, so while I was there I took some pics to share with you what part of my patch looks like at this time of year.
  I dont have the easiest of patches, that was my choice. I wanted a place that was not frequented that often by people so as to offer the best chance for a wide variety of species as possible.
  
  Sightings today were:
  Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Hawfinch, Green woodpecker, Greenfinch, Nutcracker, Sombre tit, Marsh tit, Raven, Hooded crow, Buzzard, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Magpie, Jay, Blackbird, Starling, Tree sparrow & Sparrowhawk.
  • 3 days ago at 22:11
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• Worst weather so far!

  With the weather going from bad to worse!! If it was at all possible! Blizzards & gales, heavy snow 35cms & counting, no electric no Internet & no good news on the forecast front.
  
  I decided to wait till there was a break in todays weather, we had some sun for an hour, then went out looking for foraging bird flocks & took the camera.
  
  Large number's of Goldfinch, Great Tit & Rock Bunting's. Along with Blackbird, Blue, Marsh & Sombre tit.
  • 21 January 2012
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• A bad winter

  The weather so far this winter has been the worst up here in the mountains for some years!
  With the forecast showing it to be getting even colder over the next week. Temperatures overnight are as low as -17, but they are saying it will go lower!!
  
  What happens to our little friends now?
  I have already noticed a drop in the number of, both Blue & Marsh tit visitors to our feeding stations! But also noted that the number of Jays, has risen, today's count was 11 at any one time.
  
  With the ground so covered and frozen, Blackbirds & Rock Buntings, who are primary ground feeders, are having a really tough time.
  
  But what's in my mind, is to what effect this will have, come spring, to the number of resident birds, and there breeding numbers???
  
  I will monitor, the number of nesting birds in and around, both our village and my patch, to get some comparison, to last year.
  
  I did used to do BBS for the BTO, back in UK for a number of years, so I dont think it will be an Issue to get going.
  
  If anyone else is having a similar change in adverse weather, why not see what numbers you come up with!
  
  RB.
  • 17 January 2012
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• A find in the snow!

  We decided to have a late night walk a couple of days ago, It was -11 degs, biterly cold and driving snow. The Idea was to see if any birds were around at dusk time.
  After about 30mins, wesaw something black in the snow! It turned out to be a 10-12 week old puppy!
  
  We could not just leave him there, so I tucked him into my jacket, brought him home, gave him a warm meal & a soft bed to sleep in, and sleep he did.
  
  The next day, after a phone call to some Brits we know who run a dog rescue, his future looked bright!
  
  But another day passed and his future now is even brighter!!! We decided to keep him. We have called him Kenji, it's Japanese for strength & Intelligent.
  
  He is now well at home, giving our 3 cats, a right old terror time!
  
  See Birding throws up all kinds of unexpected adventures!
  • 11 January 2012
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• Alone in the snow.

  Have you ever noticed how deafening the quiet is in the early morning snow fall?
  Today we had heavy snow from the early hours. I decided that it would be good to get out and see how the birds were coping with this bad weather.
  
  Dressing for the occasion & grabbing my bins, I first had to clear the front path to be able to get out. It was very early, and the first thing I noted was.....how quiet it was! It was so quiet it was beautiful! I just found a spot and listened to the peace.
  Strange you may think but I kid you not, It was so surreal! It was one of those, so glad to be alive moments. I could have just stood there forever, no worries, no problems, no fear not even the effort of thinking, just peace.
  
  I probably did spend some time, just standing there, but I was here to observe the birds. Something I have done for over 40 years now, and I never get tired of it! I have been keeping field sightings & observations all this time, I have been in many places, but right now I am so glad that I am here, here in the magical setting of the Rhodope mountains, where I have had the pleasure of living with my family for the past 7 years.
  
  I dont think I would rather be anywhere else. The birding in Bulgaria is brilliant all year, with summer visitors arriving soon to start their courtship and nest building.
  But right now, on this magical day, it is the everyday birds, the ones that got us interested in the first place, the ones that are there for us everyday, and the ones that are now trying to survive the next cold night, these are the birds I want to see and enjoy! Happy Birding all.
  • 7 January 2012
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• Autumn Day

  Inspired by a friends beautiful Autumn photo, I decided to go birding today, in a different way!
  I wanted to get out in the warm sunshine that today offered. So I jump into my old Defender "Betsy" and drove up one of the tracks I use for Off-roading tours!
  
  I really just sat on the bonnet and birdwatched from there, the sun was warm, the sky was this deep bright agean blue, there where birds all around & not a sound but nature!
  
  This is what I wanted, those photos got me thinking that even though the summer was technically, over, it did not mean that autumn does not have it's warm days!
  
  I go birding seriously, I mean everyday. But I wanted to do something so removed from what I would normally do! and I did, and I really enjoyed it!
  
  Species seen: Black Redstart..Chiffchaff..Ring Ouzel..Blackbird..Goldfinch..Gt, Blue, Sombre & Marsh tit..Wren..Robin..Peregrine..Sparrowhawk..Chaffinc- h..Siskin..Brambling.. Jay..Magpie & Nutcracker.
  
  So go on, no matter what you like, just get out there and enjoy...whatever, because if you dont one day, it will be too late!!!!
  • 8 November 2011
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• Birding gives so much!

  I have been birdwatching for over 40yrs now! I am not one that collects ticks in a book, I am happy to see everyday birds....everyday!
  
  Yes it is nice to see something new, it keeps you alert & your interest going on wet days. But for me it is always about the birds that are there day in day out.
  When all the summer visitor's have flown back to their wintering grounds, It is those common bird's that remain, that keep us entertained and keep our passion for birds alive!
  Working as a bird tour guide, I meet lots of different kinds of people. A lot, not all, are just interested in a new tick, rightly so especially if they are paying to see birds they would not see back home.
  
  But that does not mean, when you are out, you ignore common species. Some serious twicher's can't Identify these bird's, and when asked, they just say, "It's only a ......." I see them all the time!
  
  Well try this.
  Think about our small birds, the ones who say behind to face winters harshness.
  Think about freezing temperatures, that plummet even more during night time.
  Think of, say a Blue tit or Goldcrest, of the time it takes, just to find food.
  Think of the effort that goes into staying warm at night, just to wake and do it all again the next day!
  
  Last year I had a serious op, I did not know if I would see my beautiful wife again, or my sons grow up! This year has been another worry, with a drop in business and no news on the immediate horizon.
  When I feel like this, I go out birding, for myself. I watch these amazing small everyday birds and I remember. These are what got me interested in the first place!...These are always here for me to see and enjoy!...these make me feel good, and lift my spirits!...and no matter how tough I think I have it!...they have it a lot tougher!!
  Go on enjoy.......