Something has sprung!

How soon we forget – not that long ago EVERY day was dark, dreary, miserable and overcast and light levels so low, photography wasn't an option. Now it is wall to wall sunshine and there aren't enough hours in the day.

So here are some images from out and about and briefly, a coal tit from the garden; Martin popped around and a quick walk locally revealed a Bullfinch (no photo) and SPOOKILY no sooner had I finished the sentence 'I have only ever seen one Golcrest hereabouts over many years, I don't think there are any', than two minutes later, flitting about in the hedgerow was a Goldcrest. I could only manage a record image, so you know I'm not making it up. Spooky indeed! Two sightings in twenty odd years (but that's probably my lack of ability than there not being any). 

Godwits at Newton Marsh, a male in summer plumage with an immature male of the Icelandic variety I believe; Lapwing, Shoveler, a male Teal, some Wigeon action and on another visit no sooner than I was mentally bemoaning how quiet it was when I found this Merlin. Smashing.

Boinnngggg! (or was that just Zabadee passing?)

Coal Tit in the garden 

Goldcrest

Goldcrest – spooky

Black-Tailed Godwit, Icelandic, male and juvenile male

Lapwing – becoming territorial

female Shoveler

male Shoveler

male Teal

Wigeon fly by

spooked Wigeon, harrassed by Coot and Lapwing

Wigeon, retreat to water

male Wigeon

female Wigeon

the Wizard of Newton Marsh – Merlin

Merlin

Strewth, it's nearly the end of March and I have only posted 4 posts, hmmnnnn – too busy birding!