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Booted Eagle, Red billed Chough and Glossy Ibis, Cornwall, mid Jan 2025

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Booted Eagles ( Hieraaetus pennatus ) are sometimes seen in the UK as rare vagrants, primarily due to their migratory behavior. These medium-sized birds of prey typically breed in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. Occasionally, individuals stray northward due to navigation errors, strong winds, or dispersal of young birds exploring new territories. Climate change and shifting migration patterns may also contribute to their occasional presence in the UK. Sightings remain rare but are increasing, particularly along the southern coast. This individual has been in the South West for several weeks. We headed off with limited expectations of spotting the bird but were lucky enough to catch sight of it twice. The light was very poor and the bird was reasonably distant but the pictures were clear enough to identify the bird.  The other birders pointing it out, was added confirmation that we had the right bird! Red-billed chou...

Rainy two days in Norfolk, early Jan 2025

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Fair to say that the weather was not kind on this trip.  I failed, yet again, to find the Stiffkey Glossy Ibis and the Cranes at Willow Fen. I did see Shorelarks at Holkham but I couldn't get close enough for any sort of photograph.   Highlights were restricted to Fieldfare and Stonechats at Willow Fen. Plus the usual collection of birds on the superb feeders at Sculthorpe Moor.  This time, including a ringed Jay.

Favourite shots from NZ/AUS Oct/Nov 2024

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  Osprey at Cervantes Bee-eater  at Lake Gwelup Red Wattlebird Willie Wagtail and nest, John Oldham Park Black faced Cormorant , Bruny Island Tui , New Zealand Galah playing with stick to impress partner Juvenile Humpback whale and Dusky dolphin , Kaikoura Nankeen Night Heron , John Oldham Park Rainbow Lorikeets Glow worms , Spellbound cave tour Anhinga , Rockingham Pelican landing, Penguin Island Koala asleep, Yanchep Wombat , Cradle Mountain

Favourite UK shots from 2024

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Guillemot and Gannets at Bempton Cliffs . A fantastic RSPB site, especially in the breeding season Elmley NR on Sheppey is a fantastic resource for local Kent wildlife enthusiasts.   Wryneck at Swalecliffe Kingfisher at Cley Dartford Warbler at RSPB Alyesbeare Common Black Redstart at Lyme Regis Marsh Tit and Blue Tit, on a garden feeder in Dartmoor NP