Branta Bonanza

 Yes indeedy - el Royzah has once again been bangin' them in on Donside. He even managed photographery too although it is likely to have originated on the internet. Thusly

Barnies on the Don t'other day

More of it, ted

In addition, he's also claiming a fly-by puffin on a seawatch, which all seems a bit unlikely. Still its enuff to push up to third spot, just behind Bushveld.

All this catch-up action has me a bit worried. So much so that I've had to cash in redpoll and a fine lesser whitethroat in an attempt to stay out in front. I need some south-easterlies, pronto!

LATE EDIT: Just remembered someone claimed 3 whopper schwans over Galley earlier today - a quick check of the lake from the majik patio (tm) and boom - two whopper schwanns right there! Fantastic!

11/10 EDIT - just added yellow-browed warbler this afternoon - score!

Bonus Y-fronts

Skiving around in the office yesterday pm with the door open letting in some spring air, when I heard a big honking and general commotion. Rushed out to see five (count 'em) goose-types pitching down into the grass a couple of fields away. Geese are reet scarce at Galley, so it was back into the office to hastily grab a pair of bins before they decided to do a bunk.

Happily they settled, and were still around today - 5 Greenland White-fronted Geese, only my third record for the patch, all in the last few years. Got some one better, closer shots today too - see exhibit A below...

One half of a pair of y-fronts, yesterday

Its still quiet on the mig front, although willow warbler and swallow have trickled through in the last couple of days - onwards and upwards!

Y-front from the jax window

Stuck me bins out the jax window this am and lo and behold there was a goose on the deck! A rare sight indeed at Galley!

Y-fronted Goose

Closer inspection after the school run revealed it to be of the Greenland race, as opposed to first thoughts of Russian. But you shouldn't try to race geese, as generally they fly too fast....