BIRD NEWS:575

I looked across the field and spotted the peacocks -now displaying their tail feathers. I was too far away to get a good shot and there was a fence banning me from getting closer, but it was definitely worth coming back the way I had come rather than doing a loop.

The preening farm duck-goose was now sailing through the water on its pond near a mallard.

HERE is a link to the results of the January birdwatch. We have seen all 10 in our yard over the past year, but not all stay around. 

The next picture that I took was of a goldfinch - and 2 sparrows - munching on the bird feeder in my back yard. My next hike was around Angmering Park woodland, walking up Swillage Lane, cutting thru to the gate, and walking down thru Patching. On my way I passed Swillage pond where I spotted the farm duck/goose as usual.

My final picture for today is of a rather different bird - yet exactly the same species...and sits in my flower border premanantly.

BIRD NEWS:574

My final attempt to get a photo of the nuthatch was sucessful. Well, at least you can see it is one, if not get a perfectly clear view. It was definitely worth turning off-course to look for the elusive woodpecker to find the nuthatch - even if I did not get perfect shots of it.

I then heard the distinct sound of a cuckoo calling 4-5 times! After that unseen treat, I discovered two fairly big dull birds in a field I was passing, having decided to head home.

At first, I thought they were doves - but they looked a bit big for that. Then I thought odd pigeons - but their coloring was wrong. Partridge perhaps?

The coloring was still not quite right though they were the right size and shape. They seemed to be plump grey birds - with a face that rules out both wood pigeon and partridge.

Possibly striped wings, too...

Could they be quail? After consuting several ID books, I am taking them to be red-legged partridges. Well - this is the first time I have seen that species in my entire life as far as I am aware!