December 2023

[@HeliShed]

Excellent video Rich - Interesting as ever! love the WaxWings - they look almost painted! thank you.

[@S2SBirda]

Thanks so much. Yes Waxwings are incredible beautiful!

[@tonycritcher3419]

That was a great recap of the year with some great footage and photos! Nuthatch is one of my favourite birds, But you had so many there all highly rated. Have a great 2024. Highlight of my Jan 1st morning out was a ring tail hen harrier. Also a small flock of fieldfare and c80 stock doves, here on the Essex coast.

[@S2SBirda]

Thanks Tony. Sounds like a great start of the year for you. Hen Harrier is a great bird any day of the year. I got a few hours in. 2 Blackcap, 6 Waxwing topped my list on the 1st. 👍

[@tonycritcher3419]

@@S2SBirda Indeed, it's one I often struggle with. Blackcap and waxwings, nice one! Nice two in fact! Here's to many more along the way during the year!

[@peterlittle6651]

Really good review of your year Rich, hope 2024 brings you as much if not a few more. Regards Pete.

[@S2SBirda]

Thanks Pete. 👍

[@peterlittle6651]

@@S2SBirda Out of interest where are you off to this year, abroad at all?

[@peterlittle6651]

@@S2SBirda Hi Rich, on eBird I noticed you had captured 80 Northern Shovelars recently are they likely to be there in a fortnight ? Daft question I know but no one else to ask....Regards Peter

[@S2SBirda]

@@peterlittle6651 most ducks will probably remain until early spring. 👍

[@peterlittle6651]

@@S2SBirda Thank you

[@peterlittle6651]

Hi Rich, would you go for the Rare Bird Alert SMS messages and website or the full package. Thanks in advance.

[@S2SBirda]

Hi Peter, I use BirdGuides but I guess whatever system suites your budget. I know your fairly new to birding and it’s not a bad idea to have one of these alerts but there is much to explore and get to grips with for you than chasing rarity. If used wisely these are great resources for what’s about but my advice would be to go explore and discover. There are so many discoveries out there for you, spring birds and passage birds soon to arrive, heathland, farmland, sea and estuary plus the wonderful seabird colonies to visit. Seeing rare birds is wonderful and you can do both but remember to put time in and continue to familiarise yourself with what’s common and local and most of all enjoy your journey. Hope that helps.

[@peterlittle6651]

@@S2SBirda Hi Rich, you are correct I am jumping the gun here and therefore I shall not bother with the alerts although I do follow the Rare Bird site anyway. Thank you for the thorough and explanatory answer it shows your wisdom and knowledge in these matters.

[@peterlittle6651]

Hi Rich, hope the crap weather hasn't dampened matters for you, I have only managed to get out twice in my spare time over the last two weeks due to it pissing down. Regards Peter.