Microbirdology

  A scattering of images I like from February 2025. I either like the images or the birds are a 'year' first. Greenshank on the Exe Long billed Dowitcher on the Exe Coot at Chard Purple Sandpiper at Lyme Regis Tree Sparrow at Welney Shortie at Ouse Fen Shore Lark at Holkham Stonechat at Ouse Fen Barn Owl near RSPB Ouse Washes Black necked Grebe at Welney Beardie at Ouse Fen Smew at Eyebrook Reservoir Long eared Ow l at Nene Washes Water Rail and Bullfinch at Sculthorpe Migrating Whooper Swans feeding on sugarbeet mulch in Fenland fields

Pictures from January 2025, that interest me and are not covered by a separate post Cirl Bunting at RSPB Labrador Bay Snow Bunting at Hamworthy Ross's Goose , blue-phase Snow Goose , feral Black Swan and Little Stin t at Slimbridge Hawfinch near Andover Semi-reliable W ater Rail at the Seaton Wetlands

Bearded reedlings ( Panurus biarmicus ), also known as bearded tits, are small, unique passerine birds found in reed beds across the UK. Recognizable by their long tails and distinctive appearance, males have striking grey heads with black 'moustaches,' while females are warm brown with no facial markings. They are non-migratory and mainly reside in southeastern England, particularly in wetlands like the Norfolk Broads and RSPB reserves such as Minsmere. Their diet shifts seasonally from insects in summer to reed seeds in winter. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize their populations, although they remain vulnerable to harsh winters and habitat loss. In my experience, finding and photographing Bearded reedlings is a real challenge. Fortunately, I was very lucky on my first visit to RSPB Ouse Fen.   RSPB Ouse Fen is a flat nature reserve located in Cambridgeshire, UK, created from former sand and gravel quarries. It is gradually transforming into the largest reed bed in B...