A Grand Day Out.

For all lovers of top quality photographs I have to issue an apology, today had some very good birds but no real opportunities for photography so once again I'll be serving up some duff record type shots. Phil Rogers and I for the second day running did a spot of local birding and began our day at Hanging Houghton.

View near Hanging Houghton.

Our main target here was the Great Grey Shrike that's been present for a few days ably supported by a very good cast of other species. A Corn Bunting sharing its hedge with Yellowhammers and at least one Tree Sparrow was the first highlight. Sadly this species is on the brink of disappearing from the county so all sightings are to be celebrated. Another observer had seen the Lapland Bunting that has been in the area for a few days and this bird was also picked out by someone else a little later on. Unfortunately, despite a search which included a wander across the field by several determined sorts there was no further sign. On the plus side the shrike showed well though distantly and was my first in the county since the Deenethorpe bird of several years ago.

Not one of my best! Distant Great Grey Shrike.

Returning to the car we found at least two Bramblings amongst the many Chaffinches feeding on seed next to the barn. Attempts to get a decent photo were thwarted by the seemingly nervous nature of the flock which kept flying up at the least sign of disturbance. Once we'd finished at Hanging Houghton we moved on to Saddington Reservoir near Market Harborough.

Chaffinch flock with two Bramblings.

Goosanders were the main draw as a large flock had been reported here and given that they've been scarce elsewhere it seemed a good idea to pay them a call. Thankfully the birds were still on site and we found a total of thirty birds which showed rather distantly but well enough through the scopes. Time was beginning to ebb away by this point and we began the homeward journey by way of Eyebrook where Phil took the chance to replenish the bird feeders.

Saddington Reservoir and some of its Goosanders.