Microbirdology

Paignton Zoo, located in Devon, England, is one of the UK’s most significant zoological gardens and a leading center for conservation. Managed by the Wild Planet Trust, the 80-acre site is designed around "geographic" zones, combining a large botanical collection with over 2,000 animals. While famous for its mammals like gorillas and tigers, the zoo has a historic and world-class reputation for its avian collection, which includes some of the rarest birds on Earth i.e. an Oriental White Stork. I did not visit on the best of days, weather wise and there was the usual problem of wire mesh obscuring the birds in their aviaries.  Chilean Flamingo White faced Whistling Duck Cinnamon Teal Red crested Pochard Hamerkop Secretary Bird Southern Screamer Toco Toucan Lars Gibbon On the way back to Seaton, I stopped at the Devon Birds of Prey Centre.  It was late on a slow afternoon so not much was going on but they did have a magnficant Golden E agle x Steppe Eagle cross.

 Set within 160 acres of parkland in Oxfordshire, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is unique for its "animals in a garden" philosophy. Rather than traditional zoo cages, enclosures are often bordered by "ha-has" or clever planting, blending exotic wildlife with world-class horticulture. The Tropical House is located within the historic Walled Garden, the Tropical House is a lush, walk-through oasis designed to mimic a mini-rainforest. It maintains a constant temperature and high humidity to support both its inhabitants and its collection of exotic flora like rubber plants, bromeliads, and orchids. The birds here are free-flying, allowing them to flit through the canopy just inches from visitors. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Tropical House is the symbiotic relationship between the gardeners and the keepers. When plants in other parts of the park are affected by pests like greenfly, they are often moved into the Tropical House. The free-roamin...

A male Boat-tailed Grackle was sighted in Hampshire, UK, near Calshot Spit, marking the first-ever record of this species in Britain. Ornithologists believe the bird, native to the eastern coast of the United States, likely arrived by ship from a port on the other side of the Atlantic. Its presence is considered a "mega first" for the country. The bird relocated to a residential street in Holbury , Hampshire, and was easy to spot.   It seems to be unafraid of humans but is wary of dog walkers! Absolutely stunning bird.

Crossbill at Holme N.O.A. The volunteer at the NWT vistors centre said that 15 Crossbills has been seen that morning. Despite walking round three times, I did not managed to see any Crossbills nor did I talk to anyone who has seen any.  Fortunately, a couple I had talked to earlier in the day, spotted one on a branch and call me over. Click, my first Crossbill! Two days later, I went back to Holme.  Crossbills could be heard near the NWT VC but the wind was moving the trees too briskly for them to be found.  I sat in the 'drinking pool' hide, hoping for a Coal Tit, and, out of the blue,  a male Crossbill landed on a tree branch near the hide. The best sort of luck. Snow Bunting, West Runton Snow Buntings are winter visitors to the UK, arriving from their Arctic breeding grounds as temperatures drop. These birds are often seen along coastlines, estuaries, and upland areas, where they feed on seeds and small invertebrates. In Scotland, a small population also breeds on...