Microbirdology

Exmoor Zoo is home to a diverse array of bird species, including rare and endangered birds, tropical parrots, and ground-dwelling foragers. Several species are part of international breeding programs aimed at their conservation.  In particular, the zoo runs a rewilding project featuring white storks. They also had a large group of Spoonbills. Black crowned Night Heron Grey crowned Crane Lesser Rhea Inca Tern Red billed Chough Southern bald Ibis Tawny Frogmouth Chestnut backed Thrush Hooded Vulture Black headed Weaver Black winged Red Bishop Grey headed Swamphen Grey capped Emerald Dove Pink backed Pelican MeerKat!

The 'mugging' of Osprey CJ7 over Poole Harbour by the resident male White-tailed Eagle G463 in pictures - as seen from the always excellent Birds of Poole Harbour Osprey Cruise.   The tide was low and CJ7 caught a fish close to where G463 was sitting on a small island, watching and waiting... He immediately launched himself into the air and went after CJ7, forcing her to drop the catch.  He tried to catch the fish when it was falling but failed.  However, he caught a bigger fish on his own immediately afterwards and CJ7 also caught another fish within a few minutes.  Poole Harbour is an amazingly bountiful environment, and it is a privilege to see these birds at such close quarters.