Better Fieldfare

Here's a better shot of the Fieldfare. It's been hanging around for 4 days now. I hung some apples out a few weeks back after I saw some Waxwings fly over the house (you never know) but decided to offer them to the Fieldfare. Sure enough this bird was munching on them most of the day, getting through the best part of 2 apples and allowing me a decent shot.

Fare enough

I usually get at least one Redwing in my garden every winter during a cold snap. This year it's the turn of the Fieldfare with a maximum count of 3 so far. This 'digibinned' effort belies the subtlety of colours and beauty of this bird.

Southend Pier

Had a lively trip up the pier yesterday with my friend Paul. There were plenty of birds in the estuary with the favourable winds of late. I'm guilty of taking med Gulls for granted now at the end of the pier and it seems their numbers increase every year. Our biggest count yesterday was 37. As well as great views of the med gulls we had plenty of Guillemots close to the pier head and a cracking 1st winter Kittiwake flying close by. Further out on the water and in flight were loads of Red Throated Divers (30+) and we missed a Great Northern Diver seen earlier by other birders. Paul saw 4 porpoise fins break the surface in close succession that unfortunately didn't re-emerge and there were a few seals knocking about too. Just as the icy winds were taking their toll on my spirit Paul spotted a Velvet Scoter and we watched it fly down river. All in all a good (and very cold) trip.