Snowdrop time

Yes lots of Snowdrops out today both in Normanby Park and all the surrounding woodlands - also of note seen in the area today; 2 displaying Common Buzzards, 1ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 G S Woodpeckers, 13 Siskins, 3 Nuthatch and a  Peregrine.

Birds singing and a motorway tick

Yesterday was a unique day in many ways, firstly no wind which meant an early morning walk in the park was alive with bird song and territory setting; Nuthatch, G S Woodpecker and Jackdaws were all at prospective nest sites with Goldcrests, Treecreepers, Songthrush, Robins and Wrens in full song and a lovely flock of 13 Siskins newly in. Snowdrops and Acconites are also in full bloom now so definitely worth a visit to  the park if you’re in the area.  So to the highlight of the day, later in the morning whilst travelling as a passenger (I hasten to add) I spotted a Great Grey Shrike perched up on the edge of the M18/180 junction so a quick text to Graham and …………

…digiscoped with Iphone.

Two-Barred Crossbill

These images were taken by Neil Drinkall on Sunday .. An extremely rare bird in Lincolnshire possibly only the second ever record the first being in 1889.

Two-barred Crossbill, Forest Pines, Broughton, N Lincs

Well turned up at 8.15 this morning expecting hoardes of birders for such a special bird but no not a person in sight and within 5 minutes I picked up the Two-Barred perched up out in the open on its own at the top of a Larch.  It was soon joined with around 15 other Common Crossbills and stuck primarily to the Larch trees, photo below shows one of the favoured Larch and the bird is actually in there!  I was shortly joined by a member of the golf course staff who was concerned I may get hit by a golf ball and pointed out where it would be safer to stand! He couldn't have been more pleasant and helpful and welcomes any birders as long as they stick to the paths - Forest Pines keeps a record of its wildlife and would like a photo of the Two-Barred so if anyone out there has  a good image could they kindly email a copy to them via their website.

Lincolnshire Two-Barred Crossbill

The first North Lincs record for Two-Barred Crossbill - a stunning immature male was showing well with around 20 Crossbills at Forest Pines golf course this lunch time, very cold wet and windy but well worth it!