Happy New year to one and all within the Cornwall Birds family. So a New Year and a new bird list for many. Certainly the photographers amongst us went out in force despite some inclement weather on Monday and Tuesday and challenging conditions.
Monday Scott Usher had a clear shot of the adult Ring-billed Gull and on Tuesday Sarah Talbot had some pleasing shots of the Red-breasted Merganser.
As the weather improved on Wednesday so the range of photographs increased. Amy Berry had a great shot of the Lesser Scaup pair which highlighted the differences with the Greater Scaup captured by Martin Webb. Martin produced a great set of images of a variety of birds – I particularly liked his Stonechat pair showing clearly the difference between them.
New Year’s day despite being a bit dull, produced some lovely images, Long Tailed Tit by Vic Booth, Kingfisher by Deena Sharp and a lovely Reed Bunting by Sarah Talbot. Also interesting to see the Willow Tit by Caroline Taylor versus the Marsh Tit by Vic Booth.
Friday was a much better day and many birders were out and about with some great captures, Tony Mills had a really good image of the Lesser Scaup, Nick Watmough caught a good one of the Ring-necked Duck and I loved the guilty look in Gill Fisher’s Sparrowhawk portrait. Also worthy of mention are Rupert Kirkwood’s flotilla of Eiders.
Saturday saw more good images of the Lesser Scaup and White Stork by Martin Webb and a lovely Kingfisher by Sue Bothamly
To complete the week was a very cold showery day but the photos kept coming in and 2 further favourites appeared and usurped Rupert’s Eiders from one of two in the top spot. Gill Fisher’s Reed Bunting is an excellent shot as was the Greenfinch by Kevin Bowers but my Photo of the week goes to Adrian Lea’s Water Rail shot from earlier in the week. An illusive bird often heard but rarely seen. Well done everyone who ventured out and kept those photos coming in.
Jasmina Goodair

Thanks Jasmina for getting us off too a great start to the year and congratulations Adrian, a lovely shot.