Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

[theMusicMan]

I have been working at home today, sat in my conservatory occasionally peeking out to the bird feeding station to see what winter feeders are there.

Suddenly something caught my eye, and it was gone in a flash - but it was something I hadn't seen before, let alone in the garden.

I waited patiently and sure enough, it returned but only fleetingly. Enough though for me to grab the camera and take a few shots before it scurried off into the grass.

Very unusual for this bird to be in a garden. Though not rare, they are usually extremely secretive and hide away in reeds and grasses usually in ponds and wetland areas. A nice garden tick for me!

A Water Rail

[StephenL]

Re: Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

That's a very nice picture of a secretive bird, John. Well captured!

[andym]

Re: Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

It's amazing what this cold weather will bring into the garden,after that Snipe in mine the other I'll believe anything is possible.

Saw one of these myself this morning while out look for my local Bitterns but no picture.I find I usually just hear these.

[rsh1960]

Re: Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

Very nice picture, it's amazing how this cold weather makes wildlife search for food where the don't usually go.

[gregles]

Re: Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

That is a cracking shot and a very unusual garden visitor

[timmypreston]

Re: Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

Certainly the first one I have seen in an Ivy! Great capture.

[edmund473]

Re: Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

Wow! What a catch well done, well worth waiting patiently for it to return.

[Guest]

Re: Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

I have been working at home today, sat in my conservatory occasionally peeking out to the bird feeding station to see what winter feeders are there.

Suddenly something caught my eye, and it was gone in a flash - but it was something I hadn't seen before, let alone in the garden.

I waited patiently and sure enough, it returned but only fleetingly. Enough though for me to grab the camera and take a few shots before it scurried off into the grass.

Very unusual for this bird to be in a garden. Though not rare, they are usually extremely secretive and hide away in reeds and grasses usually in ponds and wetland areas. A nice garden tick for me! A Water Rail

Sometimes we get lucky. You did good for a grab shot, John.

[David Morison]

Re: Gobsmacked at this bird in my garden today!

Excellent shot, I had to use stealth and patience for over an hour to get some shots of a Water Rail at my local reed beds. I am envious!

David