In this second of four posts covering last Sunday I shall, as promised, be focusing on the smaller birds that were to be found in the trees and bushes surrounding Cosmestons two lakes. All of these photographs were taken in the space of about twenty minutes while standing on the first lookout point over on the west lake. Some kind hearted soul had left plenty of bread, seeds and nuts on the fence posts there and it wasn’t long before the first birds had decided we weren’t a threat and started to come down to feed. As usual Great Tits and Blue Tits were the first on the scene with the Blue Tit below striking a perfect pose as it eyed up its next meal.

25710 - Blue Tit, Cosmeston

While waiting for the next arrival Emma spotted a Goldcrest to our right moving towards us through the bushes. It got closer and closer until it was almost in range, at which point it promptly turned around and started to retrace its route. Not to worry though as a male Reed Bunting also chose that moment to show up and spent the next ten minutes or so hopping around the area as it decided if it should risk an assault on the tempting display of seeds. It frequently chose perches that were in the shade but every now and then it stayed in the sun just long enough for me to get my first photos of this species. (I did get a single shot of one at Cosmeston a couple of years ago but it was so poor that I don’t think it really counts).

25712 - Reed Bunting, Cosmeston
25713 - Reed Bunting, Cosmeston

Eventually the Reed Bunting finally plucked up enough courage to take the plunge and landed on a post not more than a couple of metres away from us. I expected a quick snatch and grab but in fact he stayed sat where he was until his beak was completely stuffed. I certainly wasn’t going to complain.

25722 - Reed Bunting, Cosmeston

A Dunnock was also in the vicinity and had chosen a beaut of a sun trap to rest in. As you can probably imagine it was perfectly content to sit where it was and I don’t think we saw it move more than a few inches the whole time we were there.

25717 - Dunnock, Cosmeston

This Magpie on the other hand was a very fleeting visitor. As a species they never seem willing to stay put for long and are easily disturbed so again its was nice to get a few photos.

25714 - Magpie, Cosmeston

Over near the medieval village we heard a couple of yaffling Green Woodpeckers but were unable to locate them. While I think about it I also heard my first one up on Bryn-bach-Common this evening after their apparent disappearance for the last several months. A fly over Mistle Thrush, numerous calling Chaffinches and what seemed like a never ending supply of Robins and Blackbirds all made the place seem so much more alive than it had done during the winter months.


3 Comments

TexWisGirl · March 15, 2012 at 7:45 pm

the star of the show was your first little blue tit. SOOO cute!

holdingmoments · March 16, 2012 at 3:16 pm

Great set Adam, but I agree with Theresa; that Blue Tit is a star.
What a pose he struck for you.

Adam Tilt · March 22, 2012 at 9:57 pm

Thanks guys.

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