Redwing at Pegsdon Hills

A Redwing seen at Pegsdon Hills, 16th December 2006 by Steve Blain

Thurleigh raptors

The set-a-side next to Thurleigh airfield in north Bedfordshire is superb for raptors at the moment with Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard all seen there in the last few days. The shots above are of a female type Merlin (top) and an adult female Peregrine (bottom) seen there on 16th December 2006, by Steve Blain

Stewartby Lake Gull roost

Gulls roosting on Stewartby Lake, 9th December 2006 by Steve Blain.

Great Northern Diver at MVCP

Great Northern Diver on the Pillinge at Marston Vale Country Park, 9th December 2006 by Steve Blain

Melanistic Black-headed Gulls

Please click on the images for a larger view








Ray comments:"I first picked it up looking down to the sailing club from the 'Beach' . it immediaterly stuck out like a sore thumb in the Bins as being so much darker than all the other Black heads in flight but as I got nearer I was struck by the amount of white in the tail, and, having got nearer still by how pale it appeared in the wing and head compared to what I remembered of the bird the other day. However as soon as went back into the air it immediately stood out alongside the other Gulls so I remain somewhat confused,undecided etc and stuck firmly sitting on the fence as to wether it was a different bird or just different lighting conditions!!!!

The 2 from the other morning (see below) are an attempt to show the tail and some colour comparison with the other Black heads and the rest are from this afternoon.

Regards Ray Roche"

Golden Plovers

Part of a good flock of Golden Plovers at Biggleswade. 4th December 2006 by Steve Blain.

Little Owl

A Little Owl seen at night just outside Old Warden, 1st December 2006 by Steve Blain

Wintering Garganey at Blunham

Garganey at Blunham Lakes, 30th November 2006 by Steve Blain

Great Northern Diver at Priory CP

Great Northern Diver at Priory Country Park, 27th November 2006 by Steve Blain

Mute Swan and Long-tailed Tit

Mute Swan and a Long-tailed Tit at Priory CP, 26th November 2006 by Steve Blain