Wednesday evening. There looked to be a window of weather for the morning of Christmas Eve.
All the forecasts promised a biting northerly wind with a frost but this would probably be our last ringing session for 2020 so one not to miss.
There was a film of ice on the windscreen that soon cleared and by 0830 I was at Gulf Lane to meet Andy where we hoped to catch a Linnet or two. Recent numbers of Linnets had been poor but as they say “Hope springs eternal” and we needed few Linnets to bump up the year’s total for Project Linnet 2020/2021.
We set the whoosh net, put out fresh seed and waited with a hot coffee to warm our by now icy fingers.
Ready To Go
The Linnet flock numbered 40/50 at maximum so we were quite pleased with our catch of 10 – 5 first winter females, 4 first winter males and 1 adult male.
Linnet - adult male
Linnet - adult male
Linnet - adult male
Other birds seen during our stay- 2,000+ Pink-footed Geese, 2 Stonechat, 1 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Wren, 1 Reed Bunting.
Stonechat
Linnet
Now you must excuse me. There’s a pile of spuds, carrots and parsnips to fettle and a glass of ouzo waiting for the kitchen volunteer.
See you soon fellow blogger and birders. Have a great Christmas. See you soon.
Linking today to Eileen's Blogspot and Anni's Birding.
Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am glad your last ringing session was successful. The Linnets are beautiful, I love all the birds. But, I think the Stonechat is my favorite today. Your photos are lovely. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Also, thank you for all your comments and links this past year. I wish you all the best in 2021, a very happy and healthy NEW YEAR! Take care, enjoy your weekend!
Happy Holidays Phil and cheers to your Ouzo! :) What lovely photos, I love the feathering on the linnet, so pretty! And yes, I think I may become addicted to birds lol! Holding the chickadees while they fed was a priceless experience for me. :)
ReplyDeleteSweet captures!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/12/going-buggy.html. I hope this finds you safe and well, and wish you a happy new year!
Such captivating photos! The feathering on the linnet is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a blessed and joyous 2021, Phil!
Magical photos of the little shuttlecocks!
ReplyDeleteI admire your great photos again, every single feather can be recognized, respect!
Greetings between the years
Jutta from Germany
First, the apologies.
ReplyDeleteAs our age advances, so does the need to be the steadfast rocks our children and other family members have come to expect. This year we have earned our salaries as counselors, intermediaries, social coordinators and all 'round listening posts. All of which is the definition of a parent/grandparent/brother/sister/uncle/aunt/friend.
So - we have neglected our friends of the blogosphere. Mea culpa.
We are very happy to read that you appear to be "ringing" out the old year with a successful session with Linnets! Outstanding!
You once again receive our utmost admiration for braving what we would consider life-threatening frigid weather to accomplish your goals. Ice on the windscreen and we would certainly be scrambling back under the covers until Spring!
All is actually quite well here at Rebel Alliance HQ. Good health abounds. We are out birding at least four days out of the week. Laughter within our own household is frequent. Life really is - GOOD!
Rumor has it America held a presidential election nearly two months ago. We can hardly wait to hear who won.
Congratulations on escaping the European Union! The future may be uncertain, but it shall be YOUR future!
Dieu et mon droit.
Hello Phil
ReplyDeleteSo pleased your last ringing session went well, lovely photographs.
Hoping you had a good Christmas as Eddie and I did, although a little different from usual, the food and wine was enjoyed!
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2021.
All the best Jan
I adore those Stonechats~
ReplyDelete