Mike Barth Photography

@mikebarthphotography.com

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Photographer & birder, Macclesfield based, casual twitcher, world list 2486 last addition Baikal Teal, British List last 374 Pallid Harrier https://www.mikebarthphotography.com #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #ukbirding #twitcher

My first Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) of the year, always nice to see these back for the spring after their winter in sub-saharan Africa. Long distance migrants indeed.
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Spain. Famous for its large, visible nests, which it often builds in high, open locations. These birds have adapted well to living near humans and frequently nest in man-made structures, as in my images here at the top of a local village church. They were once native to the UK but became extinct as a breeding species around 600 years ago, mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. But thanks to reintroduction efforts, they are now starting to breed in the UK again. Based in Knepp Estate, West Sussex, the project aims to establish a self-sustaining breeding population in southern England. Captive-bred and rehabilitated storks have been released to encourage natural breeding.
They are dabblers, feeding on seeds, aquatic plants, small invertebrates. Highly migratory, moving between breeding grounds in the northern regions (North America, Europe, and Asia) and wintering areas further south.
Puffin running along the water to aid take off
Breeding Grounds: Coastal cliffs and islands in the North Atlantic, such as Iceland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Newfoundland. Winter Range: The open ocean, where they spend most of their non-breeding season They eat mainly small fish like herring, capelin, and sand eels. Puffins are excellent hunters, diving underwater and using their wings for propulsion. They can hold multiple fish in their beaks simultaneously due to a specialized serrated beak and a unique hinge in their jaws. This bird is doing this with Sand Eels in this image.
They thrive in cold, snowy climates and are well-adapted to survive harsh winters. Omnivorous, feeding on insects, berries, seeds, and small animals. During autumn, they store food in tree crevices to sustain themselves during winter. In Scandinavian folklore, the Siberian jay is considered a bird of good fortune, often referred to as "the woodsman's friend." It is said to bring good luck to travelers and hunters who encounter it.
Males are typically a bright rosy red with gray underparts and wing bars. Females and juveniles are more subdued, with olive-yellow or grayish tones and similar wing markings. Pine Grosbeaks thrive in coniferous forests of the taiga and subalpine zones. In winter, they may wander southward into mixed forests or urban areas with fruiting trees. Found in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, they are especially common in regions like Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska, and Canada.
Found in cold, coniferous forests (taiga), often among larch, spruce, and birch trees. It is particularly adapted to surviving in harsh, northern climates with frigid temperatures. This species is non-migratory, meaning it stays in its breeding range year-round, enduring extreme winters. It is a social bird, often found in small flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
Goosanders inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, particularly those surrounded by forests. They prefer clear waters rich in fish. As a carnivorous bird, the goosander's primary diet consists of fish, though they may also eat aquatic invertebrates. Their serrated bills help them catch and hold their slippery prey. They are strong swimmers and divers, using their feet for propulsion while hunting underwater. They are widespread across Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, they are known as common mergansers.
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) Known for its agility and strength, the northern goshawk is one of the most effective and versatile hunters in the raptor world. Northern goshawks are found in forests across the Northern Hemisphere, preferring dense woodlands for nesting and hunting. They inhabit coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests, often in remote areas away from human activity. The northern goshawk is a versatile predator with a diet that includes: Birds: pigeons, crows, grouse, and songbirds. Mammals: squirrels, rabbits, hares, and other small mammals. Occasionally: reptiles and insects. They use their powerful talons and keen eyesight to ambush prey, often hunting through fast, maneuverable flights in dense forests.
Flock of Greylag's depart the marsh at RSP Frampton
Black-bellied Brent Goose aka Black Brant