whopper with large fries

one whopper swan gleaned from the jax window while having a pee has been the only highlight lately.

*Update* - just checked the lake (from the patio, not the jax) and there's a fine female goldeneye ensconsed there - puts me ahead of royzah I think!

ton up

A glorious yellow wagtail (4th ever on patch) and a smattering of whitethroats got me through the 100 species & 70% barriers today! All to play for!

Gurtcha!

sunday scores

Actually had a walk round Galley today! First time this year! Amaze-balls! Got 8 year ticks too, cashing in such goodies as whimbrel, goldcrest, raven & grey wag. Still, have to get them some time! However, back on the patio things livened up considerably when 2 (count 'em) gadwall were noticed on the edge of the lake reeds by my good self - kwality patch score! Think thats the 4th record in the last 5 years so they is very nearly annual! So now 65 species up, which is one better than the whole January total for 2011 and 2012 - and I'm back in the medals in 3rd place - good going!

yellow browed at Galley

Woohoo! Dug out a fine yellow browed warbler in Dirk this morning, in a stiff easterly and drizzle. Did a full lap of Galley afterwards waving to the crowds etc but couldn't do better than a handful of phylloscs, blackcap and 25 blue tits! Just one more required for the ton, and second place ahead of shakey!! Easterlies set to continue for next coupla days - its gonna be monster!

More monster this very afternoon after news of a lunchtime firecrest at Shite Lane! Once the rain eased off, it was swiftly hoovered for the year - 1st one on patch since 2008! Skills!