2012 Start

Well it's been a quite start to the new year with no mad dashing around getting those ticks, the year is but young and there is plenty of time.

As a quick re cap of last year I managed a healthy 174 species last year which is one up on 2010, this is quite good as due to the arrival of my daughter post mid August birding became a little restricted. I have learnt though which local reserves are push chair friendly and which sites have good baby facilities.

Back to 2012, so far birding has been restricted to the garden which has got me Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Great, Coal and Blue Tit, Lesley has also bagged Willow Tit.

We did manage a quick trip out to Aqualate Mere on the Shropshire/Staffs boarder always a nice little spot although can be a bit of a wind trap.
Managed to see on the drive there Buzzard, Kestrel, Lapwing, Redwing and Fieldfare.
At the Mere I managed to get Chaffinch, Willow, Blue, Great and Coal Tits, Reed Bunting, Coot, Buzzard, Moorhen, Mallard plus Black Headed Gull.
Was really busy there with the car park being full and the hide was standing room only when we turned up unsure if everyone was just out for a walk or the pull of the Bittern was bringing them in.