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Saturday, 28 November 2009

Wallington West Woods

I enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon at the observation hide in Wallington's West Woods yesterday. The weather was fine, if suddenly very much colder after the recent mild spell.

Activity at the two feeders was frenetic: Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Robin and Blue, Great and Coal Tits were all regular visitors. Happily, the ground-feeding chaffinches were joined by a group of four Brambling; I was particularly pleased to these as they are still to return to my Redesdale garden this year. Two male Great Spotted Woodpecker's were present and a Jay put in an occasional appearance. A single Red Squirrel popped in and out to feed from nuts it found on the ground.

A male Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)

A male Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major)

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

I include a picture of the Jay (Garrulus glandarius), only because I am pleased to have photographed one for the first time (it's certainly no prize winner).

13 comments:

  1. ADRIAN28 November 2009 at 14:58

    The Jay is right up my street. The brambling, OHH! and the Woodpecker, glad to see one doing what it's supposed to do. Red squirrel, never seen one I paint greys. Thanks for sharing Emma.

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  2. Anonymous28 November 2009 at 16:27

    Wow, Emma, brilliant images.
    I don't have a problem seeing Great Spots and Jays, but I haven't seen a Brambling for a couple of years now and I have never seen a Red Squirrel. Very well done.

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  3. holdingmoments28 November 2009 at 16:56

    Love the new header Emma.

    Good shot of the Brambling. Not seen any here yet. And how nice to see the Red. It's been years since I saw one of those.

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  4. Emma Anderson28 November 2009 at 18:11

    Thanks you Adrian, Keith and Roy for your comments. We are very fortunate to have red squirrels locally. A nearby neighbour has a whole family come into her garden from the woodland surrounding the Hall.

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  5. Stewart28 November 2009 at 19:35

    Lovely Brambling Emma. Its sad isn't it how most people are unfamiliar with Red Squirrels. I have yet to see a Grey in Northumberland. And long may that be!

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  6. Emma Anderson28 November 2009 at 20:29

    Thanks, Stewart. Hopefully, the red squirrels will stay ahead of the greys as they try to take over.

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  7. Wilma29 November 2009 at 00:53

    The brambling is lovely, Emma; first time for me to see one, even in a photo!

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  8. Midmarsh John29 November 2009 at 15:43

    Lovely photo of the Brambling. I don't think I have ever seen one.
    Also great photos of the Woodpecker and the Red Squirrel - only greys round here.

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  9. Alcester nature photography.29 November 2009 at 22:07

    Another great set of photos, I particularly like the colours on the Brambling.
    Cheers Colin.

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  10. Emma Anderson30 November 2009 at 12:24

    Thanks too to Wilma, John and Colin for your comments.

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  11. FAB2 December 2009 at 20:57

    Hi Emma. Just caught up after our return from Norfolk. Super captures, particularly the Brambling..still yet to catch up with one down south.
    I enjoyed the scenic views of your Scotland trip and the shot of Rosemarkie brought back good memories, but not Dolphins. Ah well..next time maybe. FAB

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  12. Brian R4 December 2009 at 22:59

    Excellent photographs Emma, really fine work. Brambling is a smashing image.

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  13. JRandSue19 December 2009 at 14:30

    Hi Emma,lovely images.
    Your Brambling is excellent.
    John.

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Hello and thank you for visiting my Northumberland Naturalist blog which I hope you enjoyed. Any comment, or correction to any item or identification, is most welcome. Emma

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