First Few Months of 2026

 Just thought I would do a quick post on some of the more common and rarerities species I've seen in 2026. Mostly it's been with one of my mates Dave Gray, and on the odd occassion John Hague (Shrike Birding Tours) would join us. We would do a few hours birding in the morning mainly on a Satuarday and then do a non-league game of football in the afternoon. Must admit we have spent a lot of time in Lincolnshire this year, Frampton Marsh RSPB being a favourite.

Great-grey Shrike. This bird showed really well at Fillingham in Lincolnshire often hovering over its favoured field.

Black-throated Diver. This was with a couple Great-northern Divers at Covenham Reservoir in Lincolnshire. 

Great Northern Diver. This was one of two at Covenham Reservoir in February.

Shorelark. Took some finding, there were two individuals at Saltfleetby Lincolnshire but always distant

Avocet. These next few images were all taken at Frampton Marsh RSPB, it's always a good day at this reserve no matter what time of the year.

                                                                            Ruff
                                                                             

                                                                          Little Egret

                                                                     Goldfinch

                                                                            Sedge Warbler

                                                                                 Lapwing

Marsh Tit. This image was taken at Carr Vale NR in Derbyshire at a feeding station.

Reed Bunting. This was taken at the same feeding station as the previous Marsh Tit

Oystercatcher. The next few images were all taken at a local Wild Life Trust Rerserve, Cossington Meadows

Cuckoo. Very distant record shot, always nice to hear and see a cuckoo, you know spring has definitely arrived.

                                                                    Garden Warbler

                                                                     Blue Tit

                                                                         Common Whitethroat

                                                                        Little-ringed Plover

Wood Sandpipers. These are two of five birds found by John Hague -  almost sure a site record.

Long-tailed Tit. This was taken at Middleton Lakes Warkwarkshire, building a nest. This individual with a bill full of nesting material.

As always thanks for stopping by, let's see what the rest of the year brings as I'm excited about a couple of trips I'll be doing.