Croxley Moor birding year ticks

I've been going for lunchtime walks through the nature reserve (SSSI) and encountered some pretty nice species this week

In particular the SISKIN which was almost on my shoulder!
Nice to hear and see the first  CHIFF CHAFF of the year as well as see a REED BUNTING on the canal

Up close - Siskin feeding

Chiff Chaff singing

Long tailed tit

Green Woodpecker - plenty around

Goldcrest on the canal

More siskin on the river feeding

SPARROWHAWK at Granville!!

Up bright and early partly due to the Harry alarm clock - having a pleasant look out on the garden from the 'House Hide' and a female SPARROWHAWK glides over the garden at fence level! It then sat on the fence next door for a while. Certainly one of the best sightings I've had of this type of raptor.
Also present this morning : JAY, WOODPIGEON, WREN, SISKIN (up to 12 seen at once this week!) BLUE TIT, LONG TAILED TIT, CHAFFINCH and the call of a SKYLARK and PHEASANT

The magnificent Sparrowhawk

New work patch - Croxley Common Moor

I went for a search this lunchtime to see how to get the the local moor. I successfully found the entrance - just 5 mins from my desk. An instant sighting of a GREEN WOODPECKER with many other bird species around including JAY and BLACKBIRD. I didn't have any binos with me but there were plenty of LBJ's about.....
I continued to walk to the Grand Union Canal - where a GREY WAGTAIL was showing nicely.
A great new work patch that I expect to bring me much pre work and lunchtime happiness (if I'm not at the gym!)

Grey Wagtail on the canal

The return of the Pheasant

The local Granville PHEASANT returned this weekend - strolling down to the front feeder, then making use of the wheelbarrow slope on the return!!

Nice use of the Geordie built wheelbarrow slope

Up close and personal - pecking around the nearest feeding station to the house

Pheasant in the garden

I got a text from my lovely wife informing me (with picture) that a PHEASANT was strolling around the garden!
Nice spot wifie!!

Pheasant taking a stroll 

Birds on all four feeding stations

Garden birding doing very nicely indeed - spot the birdie!!

Birdies on all stations ! 

Hedgehog house in situ

No new bird news today - but the hedgehog house is in place - right by the bird hide.

The outside of the house is a combo of twigs and logs that I hope will encourage wildlife on the inside and out. I plan to build another half way down the garden

Side view of the new house

The entrance to the hedgehog house right by the bird hide

Siskins a plenty to house building

Another cracking day on the bird front in the garden - the trees are full of siskins etc currently...I caught 4 SISKIN on one feeder earlier - with a threesome of LESSER REDPOLL around too

Siskins brawling over the sunflower seeds

Nice show of the wing barring

Inspired by the Eco festival in Tring over the weekend I was inspired to knock up a hedgehog house this morning - I hope to get it in place at the weekend. Also hope to get a night vision camera up in the garden to see what visits at night....

Little house complete with additional air pipe! 

Sparrowhawk alert

While viewing from the upstairs hide, all the feeding birds took flight and as excepted a hunting SPARROWHAWK flew over the hedge - no prize for the hawk but a good sighting!
Dreadful weather today!