I have never seen so many birds in my garden (what am I missing by being at work all day)?  On top of the usual Goldfinches, Blue Tits, Coal Tit, Sparrows, Dunnocks, Wren, Robin, Great Tits, Collared Doves, Woodpigeons, Starlings and numerous Blackbirds I had two Long Tailed Tits arrive (a first for my garden).  I had put out apples and pears on Monday hoping some Thrushes may appear.  Low and behold  two Song Thrushes arrived and paid numerous visits throughout the day.  As if this wasn’t enough excitement some Redwings appeared at the front of my house.  I was struggling to get decent photographs of them.  I had opened my bedroom window, pulled the curtains to and knelt on the floor, but the light was poor and they nearly always had branches in the way .  However later in the afternoon they decided to visit the back garden and I did manage a number of shots.  Just as I was thinking what a super day it had been,  I looked up and there must have been at least 3 dozen Field Fare in the tree at the back of my garden.  Next thing about a dozen swooped down onto my lawn.  I had a really hard job trying to get single shots of them.  This has all aided my recovery and unfortunately I feel I will have to return to work tomorrow.  What will I be missing?  Here are just a few of the shots I took.  I should add they were taken through glass from the kitchen.

No prizes for the winner, other than the fact you definitely shouldn’t need to go to Specsavers. Other opticians are available

Please contact Jim Steele or Paul Shaw for support – we will do what we can.

Jim/Paul

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We had spotting scopes, binoculars, guide books and a camera set up for people to try and had a big bag of corn kindly donated by Taylors Corn Stores of Ilkeston for people to feed the birds with. One of our aims was to educate folks on the perils of feeding birds bread, especially at this time of year. The corn went down well with both visitors and residents!!

The scopes were set up so people could check out the different birds on the lake. We focused (no pun intended!!) on the different gulls and the difference between Mallard and Shovelars. It was nice to see so many people so enthusiastic about the different species of birds on the lake. Here’s a typical view from the day.

I think some of the volunteers enjoyed it as much as the visitors. Here’s Rod taking in the scene, and taking a snap or two.

The highlight of the day for most was a bird walk, led expertly by our very own Jim. Despite problems with his feet Jim took a group of around 15 around the site and by all accounts it was a resounding success. Many thanks Jim!

Jim and wildlife cameraman John Keeling discussing the day. No good hiding the tea Jim, we’ve spotted it!!

I took along my hide and camera and let the kids that came along have a go. One young chap produced this outstanding image of a male Mallard. Well done that man!!

It was nice to meet Mel Johnson at Straw’s today and a good few people who had been on the site as visitors.

The main aim of the day was to raise awareness of our group and our aims for the site. We’re shortly going to be doing some major conservation work. A new beach area will be created to control the erosion near the car park, reed beds will be created, some of the old vegetation removed and footpaths improved. This should make the site better for both wildlife and visitors. If anyone’s interested in getting involved in any of this just drop me a line. We meet as a group every couple of months to organise forthcoming events and to sort out practical work that needs doing.

All in all a very successful day and one enjoyed by all. I even managed time to get a few shots of my own!

Cheers

Paul