A Dailies dash at dinner time turned up my target bird when a Swift flew over >NW, my first 2016 bird, whilst several Swallows were feeding over the hillside Hawthorns. The skies were quiet other than a few LBB gulls heading >N.
A 1900 hrs visit to Soil Hill this evening with the usual sp about until I got to the top of the tree line where a small brown job was snucking about in the undergrowth. A scan through the bins revealed a Whitethroat. With camera poised ready for it to show I waited quietly in the soggy grass. At last it flew out to a small tree then onto the wire fence, perfect.
Up with the camera ,aim and press to focus, nothing, camera jam !!! The camera does this from time to time since I dunked it in muddy water on Ringby Top and strangely it only seems to happen when I,ve a special bird posing.
After switching on and off a few times plus a few choice words it sprung into action just in time to see the bird head off down the tree line and even after a trek down to the bottom ,not to be re located.
At least I know they are back down the north slope where the habitat is still good for them.
BS
WEST YORKSHIRE BIRDING. BRIAN SUMNER. I am based at Queensbury and bird a patch within a 10 mile range of home incorporating 16 stretches of water, several plantations, a belt of woodland, stretches of river and canal and good areas of moorland. I specialize in upland birds, reservoir and sky watching. My local patch is Fly Flatts reservoir. Any reports can be sent by text or call to 07771 705024 or see profile for e mail address. All images on this blog are copyright.(2025).