Whoop, Whoop!

 An initially scabby-looking juv schwan on the lake this evening raised its head and turned out to be a suddenly much less scabby looking Whopper Schwan. Tickage! Add to that a fine male Teal lurking in the reeds near the shoreline and that takes the new patch at Squince to 61 species... bang on the mythical 50.00%.

 Majik!

goldies

a bunch of golden plovers flying aboot was a welcome year tick for me, bringin me over the near-mythical 50% barrier innit

through the 50% barrier

Two very valuable scores yesterday on patch - first up was an unseasonal coal tit at the top of Dirk. Normally restricted to the occasional one in October, and definitely not annual, this was a definite "punch the sky" moment!

And then, not to be outdone, the patio duly provided this afternoon, in the form of a kingfisher sitting around in the sun! Another tricky species at Galley, and one I probably only get every two years, so all in all, a most productive day!

Over the 50% barrier too - good goin for January! And ahead of the proccies and in 3rd - even better!

Over halfway there

Broke through the magical 50% barrier this morning by bagging the wintering whimbrel down in Dirk. Not much else doing - had 2 merlins knocking about today, one of which just edged onto the BWI garden bird survey by hunting through the garden and a few GNDs but quiet otherwise. Still, the dugbirds will be back soon....