MY BIRDWATCHING HIGHLIGHTS FOR FEBRUARY 2007
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A few final
words for February.
An
interesting month with evidence that the spring is getting going. There
was plenty of song as the month went on, mainly from the not often
reported on greenfinches, chaffinches, blue and great tits and even the
“song” of the sparrows as they all got under way with the new
breeding season. The warming temperatures drew some hirundines north and
as usual at this time of year, the raptors were on their way to do the
same in some distant location. The rock
sparrows were interesting as there is confusion as to whether they are
residents or winter visitors. There are so few records that no-one can
tell. Certainly they are extremely easy to overlook, as at any
distance they would be dismissed as yet more of those “little brown
jobs” while when seen very close to they are delightfully plumaged and
then unmistakable. Similarly,
the sombre tits are under recorded and little known. This is only the
second time in eight years that we have seen any. As yet we
have not seen waders, egrets or herons. They must be coming and we look
forward to their arrival. The vista of the snowy white plumage of great
white and little egrets against the lovely blue sky makes spring a
lovely time to be alive, something to be savoured as it something that
cannot be planned or laid on to order. It is completely free and
spontaneous. Not everything has a price tag attached to it! Hopefully your spring, wherever you are, will also be rewarding. Get out and enjoy it while it lasts! Until
next month, good watching. Paul Smith. |
Paul's Diary highlights commenced at the end of August 2001. The current diary is moved to the diary archive at the end of each month - if you are considering a bird watching trip to NW Crete, the previous highlights may well help you decide the best month for your visit - your link to the diary archive is below. |