Waxwing

Waxwing
"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour."

From "Auguries of Innocence"

by William Blake

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Garden Blackcap!



Brian mentioned early this morning that he thought he had spotted a male blackcap in the whitebeam. Just after I'd put out more food for the birds mid-morning lo and behold a male blackcap appeared on the lawn and started to peck at an apple.

Here's a few record shots



I think I'd just been spotted as he looks exceedingly indignant in this picture!



We had a couple of garden sightings of this species in 2007/2008 but the last time a blackcap spent most of the winter in the locality (11 weeks) was in the winter of 2005/06. So I hope this one sticks around for a few weeks.

I also saw my first buzzard of the year this morning - perched in a tree about a mile from home. In recent years we have occasionally seen 2 or 3 soaring high over the garden.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brilliant, Caroline. I`ve been hoping for one to come to the apples in my garden.

Ragged Robin said...

Thanks Dean. Fingers crossed one will find the apples in your gardens soon!

Stewart said...

Fancy that Caroline after your comment on my blog!

Ragged Robin said...

I know Stewart - its amazing - I thought of that comment of mine as soon as I saw it! Hope Dean has the same good luck!

Tricia Ryder said...

Lovely birds the blackcaps... glad they're back for a visit

Ragged Robin said...

Thanks Tricia - they are attractive and it was back today - attacking the apples and foraging amongst the jasmine growing over the arch on the patio!

The Quacks of Life said...

lovely winter visitor!!

Rohrerbot said...

:) I just realized something. Your opening shot is a Cedar Waxwing?? I just found these guys the other day in the palms here. Love these birds a lot. I hope your visiting bird was able to enjoy some of that apple:)

Ragged Robin said...

Pete - yes, really chuffed with this visitor!

Chris - The opening photo is just a Waxwing - very similar to your Cedar Waxwings but only a few of the latter have ever reached our shores! Gorgeous birds - one of my favourites.

The Blackcap is still around and enjoying plenty of apples and fat.