2014 starts off in style!

Wow, what a way to start a years birding! Shrugging off the bad weather myself and M.P. headed for the south slob. Always one of my favourite places to visit, as it's off the beaten track, we weren't disappointed as as soon as we arrived we picked up a very calm and approachable Glossy Ibis in the flooded field opposite the pump-house. A peregrine was seen hunting the fields near the slurry tanks and our luck didn't stop there. We crossed the causeway to the shore and while walking flushed a magnificent pair of Short-eared Owl. I have been lucky enough to have seen both Short-eared and Ibis for three years running now and am by no means tired of it! They weren't as welcoming as the Ibis but still managed a couple of shots. Six or seven Great-crested Grebe kept a curious eye on us and a Red-breasted Merganser was found in the channel opposite the ruined barn. Here's hoping the rest of the year is as fruitful.