new year list

The excitement for starting a new year list was building as we moved towards January 1st but I was feeling a little under the weather on New years eve so called the Jims to postpone things and instead ticked a few birds in the garden. On the 2nd I called and asked if they would like to do a short local trip with me as I still didn't feel up for a longer drive to Norfolk for the big start. They agreed and we made our way to Abberton where we found three Bean Geese in the fields before finding three drake Smew either side of the causeway.  Next we found the White-fronted Geese from the gate opposite Billet's farm and then two Little Stint, Goosander, Rock Pipit, Marsh Harrier, Green Sandpiper, Black-necked and Slavonian Grebe from the main causeway. We failed to find the reported Bewick's Swans but at Lodge lane Jim found the Lesser Scaup amongst the Greater Scaups for our best tick of the day. A Kingfisher was a nice addition before we left too. On the way home we stopped at Ardleigh and quickly ticked the Red-necked Grebe.

Today I called and asked if they'd like an hour or so at St.Albans which is only half an hour from home and again the Jims fancied the trip so we arrived just after sunrise and saw a couple of Kingfishers before the main target of Yellow-browed Warbler was found and enjoyed for the best part of an hour. We also added Nuthatch, Goldcrest and Grey Wagtail but didn't see the Med Gull that others reported. A quick stop at the Watercress LNR in St Albans bagged us Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Bullfinch to take my three day list to 90 and we also enjoyed another Kingfisher show.

I do love the energy that the new year brings to the hobby.