Patchwork Challenge 2016 - Bootertown Marsh And Surrounds

2016 has begun and so has my big year. I am getting married, but also I am doing the @patchbirding challenge this year. The importance of being earnest!

3km2 of land, marsh and bay scanning started yesterday with some 18 wonderful species.

magpie
dunlin
redshank
heron
little egret
song thrush
greenshank
black headed gull
blackbird
Brent goose
redshank
curlew
moorhen
starling
oyster catcher
black tailed godwit
common gull
woodpidgeon
hooded crow


Unfortunatley, the camera was still on Christmas holidays, but the new Optima scope that Santa brought is a revelation for identification and observing the beauty of birds.

A recent tip from clues to outdoor signs puts heavy reliance on the light and identifying the grey or green legs of a greenshank in winter plumage opened up the wonder of twitching detail delight.

2016 is going to be a big year!