Although strictly this is not a sighting, it is sightings related. Simon Barnes’ book is entertaining and informative. Here is a bit I like:

He talks about jizz recognition (this is something I can do with herons) – ‘But looking and absorbing the shapes and sizes and movements of a bird is how you begin to get the hang of them. From the chaos of biodiversity comes a pattern and from the pattern comes the beginning of an understanding. You acquire the skill of jizz recognition simply by looking at birds you have already identified; because you see, identification is the beginning not the end of the process, and that is why birdwatching, good and bad, is the exact opposite of trainspotting’

sighted again yesterday, more birds than the half dozen

or so spotted last week.

This time, perhaps 20, near the bridge/ railway embankment area and on the allotment adjoining The Mere,

They seemed to be everywhere!

Photo taken Nunnery Allotments side of the Ver.

a Goldcrest, in the oak tree, behind the toolshed.

Not a great shot, but nice to see nonetheless.

saw this fellow again

(Gt. Spotted Woodpecker)

on the almost-dead tree by the hide.

lone Grey Wagtail, near the Shady Place.

some six Redwing in the tall trees,

other side of the Ver,

on opposite bank to The Mere.

Had spent a good few hours in the hide on Wednesday, -with little hope of anything “special” turning up, as the rain had been constant and the gusty wind seemed to put the birds off landing for a snack.
Suddenly this fellow (Great Spotted Woodpecker) arrived-what a treat!