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Tuesday 26 February 2008

Just because it's a wonderful day

I wasn't going to write anything today, but as it's such a wonderful day, I'm in the mood for a note before going to the BBC Canteen for some gruel.

This morning went for a walk more than a birdwatch down at the coast. Last night we had a gale blow up the Bristol Channel and driving rain, so everything feels fresh and clean, the sky is azure blue, and real warmth in the sun. Not much to report birdwise, except a huge flock of gulls in and over the fields behind the beach. You could see they were enjoying the wind, flying just for fun it seemed. I didn't count anything but at last 100+ of both Lesser Black Backed and Common, plus a fair few Herring Gull.

Reports too of 2 Sand Martin locally in the last 2 days, early migrants are here. Sadly though the daffodils you see above, were flattened overnight in the wind. Oh well that's Life !!

4 comments:

  1. ooooooooh! Daffodils in bloom. How wonderful.

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  2. Well they were in bloom, until last nights gale :-(

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  3. I just found your blog via Shirl's blog spot and wondered if you know anything about Bramblings? We live in the countryside south of Dinan in Northern Brittany and we had a male Brambling in the garden for the first time -he hung around for a couple of days about 2 weeks ago now. Have never seen one in the UK or over here - is it usual to see them around? Just interested incase you might know... by the way - like your blog! many thanks Miranda

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  4. Hi Miranda, I like it when poeple just drop in and find my blog by accident. Exactly how I found Shirl's Blog. I haven't had a chance to read yours properly, but looks my cup of tea too.

    As for your question, Bramblings are basically the northern equivelent of the Chaffinches. they overwinter in Britain and Europe from their breding areas in Scandinavia and far Northern Europe. I'm not across what's happening in France, but this year has been a good year for Bramblings in the UK with flocks in their hundreds and other reports from areas not normally seen. If the beechmast crop fails in mainland Europe, they'll head further west and south searching for food so I guess they've found Brittany. Next year you may again see them or may not see them for years. They'll be gone by April, but in the winter Look out for them with Chaffinch flocks in woods, especially beech, but high up and restless (except in the garden of course). Does that help?

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