Vane Farm - 28th January 2012

Couldn't decide where to go today so ended up heading out the 'Shire towards Vane Farm for a wander. There was to be a bird ringing event today so thought that it may be worth a look. Fair to say that the temperatures had dropped quite considerably and although it was lovely clear skies with little wind, it was rather bitingly cold.
On arrival at the reserve I found it packed with families with young kids there to see the BTO folk carrying out the ringing, which is nice to see.


I got there in time to see the arrival for ringing of some Great Tit

A nice male adult Blackbird

 And another Tit

The BTO were allowing the young kids, under strict supervision, to release the birds again once they had been weighed, measured, ringed and recorded.


To be fair, the racket was doing my head in, and as the Visitor Centre is under refurbishment I couldn't even get in for a cup of tea to the temporary tea-room so it was down to the hides for a look.


First spot was a Kestrel which was sitting on a fence post. It was being strafed by two crows so kept moving along the post until it finally got peace to settle.

A bit far away for my lens but we gave it a go anyway.


On the other side of the hide two Buzzards appeared, settling down for a long rest

To be fair, other than a number of Whooper Swans and the usual collection of Carrion Crows, the 2 x Grey Heron and the various Finches, there was not much else to see. Sadly the White Tailed Eagles, which are still around somewhere had retired out of view.


Well that was it and after a coffee (benefits of a flask), it was time for home.


Big Garden Birdwatch tomorrow so we'll see what that brings