1 January 2024 - Hollingworth Lake

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Brambling, Kestrel, Kingfisher

The year started off with a typically dull day, but at least it wasn't raining.  A male Kestrel perched up high in one of the alders by the path near the reserve, and when I reached the fence that runs along the far end of the big hedge, I was scanning, hoping for a finch or two.  A Bullfinch popped out, and then suddenly a Brambling appeared!  It flew into one of the hawthorns, and while remaining elusive, allowed for some record shots.  Shortly afterward it flew toward the hide and seemed to be heading towards the pavilion area.  Simon was able to catch up with it in the Pavilion wood.  That's the first one I've seen here for several years.

A Sparrowhawk flew overhead and then a little further on a Kingfisher was perched in the bushes overhanging the water near the pavilion, where it has been fairly reliable lately, though you can't ever get close enough for a photo.  

Apart from the odd Redwing, that was about it for the new year list.

Kestrel, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 1000 (view full size image)

Brambling , 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 2000

Brambling, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 8000 (view full size image)