Long Eared Owl
Apparently there were 3 Long Eared Owls in the tree next to the hide. They were very difficult to view as the sun was shining and they were hidden by the branches and foliage. I could only see 2 of them.
We walked along the river bank towards the railway line and narrowly missed seeing the Little Owl, he flew off from his prominent perch on a tree branch just as we arrived.
Coal Tit
Whilst counting birds for the Big Garden Bird Count I was fortunate to spot 2 separate Coal Tits in the garden at the same time.
This lone Starling seems to have experienced some unknown trauma? It remained in the garden most of the day, eating, drinking and taking short flights. It was trembling and the feathers remained puffed up, we feared the worst however the following day he was still in garden, but appeared to recover and leave the garden.
Not the best clarity but included as I have never seen such a black Blackbird. The beak and eyes are not the same as the other Blackbirds that visit our garden. Just look at those talons. Is this a European visitor or a first winter male?
