The First BIG Year Bird Garden - 15th March 2016

I had my first real insight into the value of creating bird gardens in care homes with the opening of the first at Avon Court Care Home in Chippenham.

Some of the residents and staff at Avon Court Care Home enjoying their new bird garden.

The residents really love being able to sit out and watch the birds!

A big thank you must go out to my colleagues, friend and family for helping to build the fund through sponsorship. I have already photographed over 80 bird species this year and the fund stands at over £2000.

I'm having a wonderful experience traveling the length and breadth of the country, but it also amazing to contribute to bird conservation and help other people, who may not be quite so able, to enjoy birds as much as I do.

There is still time to offer your support, by letting me know when you spot a rare or interesting bird or by making a pledge or donation via my website:

www.phigowerbirdphotography.com

Thank you!

Trip to Weymouth 13th March 2016

Spent the night away in Weymouth with Tarn, Ange and Charlie and Fin with the purpose of finding the Pallas's warbler reported at Portesham. After a hearty meal and some local entertainment we hit the sack at around 11:00. I was up early on Sunday with Charlie and set off for Portesham. We met another birder at the sight and thankfully he quickly spotted the bird, but it proved very difficult to photograph as it flitted from leaf to leaf (I now know why they call it the Pallas's Leaf Warbler)

Frustrated we popped back to the B&B for a full English and then returned for the Pallas's Warbler. Within 5 minutes we had captured the bird and departed for Portland Bill.

Pallas's Warbler at Portesham.

At the Bill we photographed a Raven, Herring Gull and Skylark and some poor unusable Guillemot shots. We then went into Weymouth and parted company as Tarn and the boys wanted to sample the arcade delights of Weymouth and I wanted to captured the Marsh Harrier at Radipole Lakes. Both parties end the day completely satisfied.

Another stonking day out!!

Trip to East Devon - 10th March 2016

Spent a fantastic day out in Devon visiting some coastal habitats with my friend Pete Blanchard. I managed to add 5 new birds to the photographed species count, making the grand total 70 species.

The BIG Year fund now stands at £1455.00 and the first bird garden will be installed in a care home next week.

Added another bird to my life list: Spotted Redshank and also photographed a Greenshank, Long-tailed Tit, Black-tailed Godwit, Cirl Bunting and Dartford Warbler.

Cracking!