Where have all the birdies gone? - update.

[flicrat]

Thanks all who replied to my posting. As I have just said to Z-M it is a relief to know all is well and there are still birds and watchers around. I had the thrill of seeing a spotted woodpecker very close, while walking past a small wooded area ( in a Leicester suburb) the other day, and was amazed to see the vibration going right through its body when it was drumming. Masses of birdsong when I walk down the road, but I am not always sure what it is. Spring is coming....

[bensmum]

I'm not very good on birdsong - can identify some but I just love to hear them all. They are getting very noisy again now and I'm seeing different birds back in the garden (typical - they weren't around while I was doing the RSPB Bird Count in January!). To me watching and listening to the birds is one of life's greatest pleasures, costs very little and it's a lovely way to spend time

[pillj123]

a lovely ,lovely start to spring....simple happines..

[flicrat]

Thanks all. Happy springtime! :o)

[tenrec]

It's great to see that flicrat. I saw a small larch tree that was filled with coal tits. They were hanging from the branches like christmas baubles. Made my day!

[Cetti]

Recently I saw a couple of Male Bullfinches, a GS Woody, Buzzards galore, Goldfinches chatting away in my Birches and something wonderful when out for my first bike ride of the year. Bigger than a Buzzard, different flight, but not sure if it was a Male Hen Harrier or Marsh Harrier.

[naomi24]

My apologies flicrat .... but I just want to say....

Cetti, is that really you? So pleased to see you back here. How are you?

[rowanwitch]

Did you see any tail or wing barring that could help you differentiate. Also the county bird recorder might know if one has been sighted in your neighbourhood

[Cetti]

No, it was too far away and daftlike didn't have my trusty bins hanging round my neck, but what was very noticeable was a white patch at the back or underneath. Been thro' all my birdy books but can't see anything similar. So annoying! The flight was flap flap glide, like a harrier - but which one?

[hippyhoppy]

flicrat - I think they were all perched on the front garden fence outside my bedroom window at half four this morning... well, it sounded like it. Couldn't hear the usual aircraft overhead and I'm only 10 minutes from East Midlands Airport....!!!

[rowanwitch]

White patch is diagnostic male hen harrier good spot

[Cetti]

Sounds good rowanwitch - might give my Dorset Recorder an email as I believe the female was sitting on a pylon, so a pair (maybe?) an excellent sighting. Thank you. Now I'm back will report anything else interesting.

I'm just thrilled that after years of moaning AB has at last listened and put a Birdwatching only topic on the boards!

[rowanwitch]

A few of us made a nuisance of ourselves