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Writer's pictureWildstarts
16 minutes ago1 min read

Layover birding tour

This week we were joined by Rachael from California for a very enjoyable two-day tour during her extended layover, heading out from Heathrow for some excellent birding. Here is a photo blog of just some of the highlights...

Blue Tit at Richmond Park. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
In the mild and sunny conditions, Blue Tits at Richmond Park were inspecting potential nest sites for next year
Robin at Richmond Park. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Robins were very friendly in Richmond Park!
Tawny Owl at Richmond Park. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
We were amazed to spot this roosting Tawny Owl by chance while watching Goldcrests in a nearby conifer
Tawny Owl roost site at Richmond Park. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
The owl had certainly chosen a cosy spot to slumber!
Marsh Tit at Aston Rowant. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Marsh Tits showed nicely for us in the Chilterns
Red Kite at Aston Rowant. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
We took time to photograph Red Kites in the Chilterns
Red Kite at Aston Rowant. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
The kites were picking small prey items from a stubble field
Red Kite at Aston Rowant. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
But sometimes they picked up a clod of earth and plant material instead
Redwings at Aston Rowant. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
The same field in the Chilterns was full of Redwings (photo) and Fieldfares
Pied Wagtail at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Pied Wagtails greeted us at Staines Moor
Chiffchaff at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Wintering Chiffchaffs were feeding busily along the River Colne
Water Pipit at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Water Pipits were a highlight at Staines Moor, this being a rare wintering species in Britain
Dartford Warbler at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
A male Dartford Warbler was a delightful surprise
Little Grebe at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
We spent time watching Little Grebes diving in the river
Green Woodpecker at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Green Woodpeckers were active on the moor
Stonechats at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Several pairs of Stonechats allowed good photographic opportunities
Kingfisher at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
A Kingfisher was making the most of the floods
Mute Swan at Staines Moor. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
This male Mute Swan was keen to turf intruders out of his territory
Great Crested Grebes at Staines Reservoir. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Despite being in winter plumage, pairs of Great Crested Grebes on a calm Staines Reservoir were getting in the mood for some courtship behaviour
Common Gull at Staines Reservoir. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
This immaculate first-winter Common Gull patrolled the causeway at Staines Reservoir
Water Pipit at Staines Reservoir. Private guided London birding tours with experts at Wildstarts.
Staines Reservoir delivered an extra Water Pipit, calling as it flew around us before heading off

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