Tuesday 21 January 2020

Banstead Golf Course - Perstistence Pays Off!


The sun once again had its hat on and it turned out that persistence would pay off at Banstead Golf Course but the Firecrest did not give itself up easily. I have been keeping an eye on this area with several pop in visits either on the way to or on the way home from other sites. 
Photo taken 18th June 2019

Today the course was alive with bird song despite a notable chill in the air. The Firecrest was not in the usual area maybe due to some garden foliage clearance and a small ivy laden tree was now blocking the path parallel to the golf course. The bird remained high and photo opportunities were limited it what turned out to be a game of patience which ended in defeat as the sun went down. I am certain I will get some decent shots before the year is out.


A close relative of this species was not as shy today with a couple of birds flitting around further up the path. I did have to secrete myself out of view to obtain this shot but it was worth the wait. Fortunately the path was not busy with dog walkers this afternoon. I might have given someone a fright!


The tits were well represented with a couple of Coal, several Blue and Great and a party of Long Tailed passing through overhead. The Blackbirds were semi aggressive today chasing each other around. A Mistle Thrush took up sentry duties looking down at me in scorn as I fixed the lens on its gaze.


The path is always worth keeping an eye on both of the common woodpeckers was heard in this area. The Green was very vocal in a garden next to the path. This area always looks good for a Yellow Browed in autumn or a Wood Warbler in summer but timing would have to be perfect to connect with one on passage as the area is relatively small.

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