Who needs rarities at all?! Common birds rule!

Went this morning to look for the Great Grey Shrike at Staton Downham, before a meeting in Thetford. As I got on site the shrike was showing west of the bridge over Little Ouse, but at quite a distant. I watched it through the scope for some minutes but then it flew out of sight and was not seen again for the next couple of hours. I searched the wider area well but it was just gone. Quite frustrating as I didn't get even a record shot. Ah well. 

On the way out had a quick look at St. Helen's campsite. A nice local lad kindly laid seeds out for birds on the wooden bollards surrounding the carpark, and tons of local birds visited this small feeding site. I was there for about 15 minutes, appreciated the good sunlight and enjoyed every minute! Beautiful, common birds kept coming and going. Next time I should stick some nicer perches up for them.

Nuthatch

Marsh Tit - so quick!

Marsh Tit and Blue Tit

 Blue Tits

Great Tit and Blue Tit

Great Tit

Coal Tit

Bugger off! These seeds are mine!

Brambling

Chaffinch

Great Spotted Woodpecker

 Some nearctic birds of prey kept flying over making noise:

  

 Shrike habitat

I love tits, big and small

Sorry about the title, but I knew the content is rather unsexy for my European readers so had to spice things up a bit to get you all to read this.

Anyway, yesterday I went ringing with the UEA ringing group at Horsford, just north of the city. Lovely site, and lots of birds in the general area. Ringing was pretty busy, and dominated by tits of course - blue, coal, great and marsh. Some other bits and pieces - some finches, Goldcrests etc. And I do love tits. They're charismatic and full of character.

Coal Tit

Marsh Tit

Great Spotted Woodpecker - what an amazing tail! The longest, tough tail feathers support the climb up trunks, and there is moss growing along the shafts.

Thanks to Dave, Phil and all the others.