Masked Wagtail

Britain's first Masked Wagtail (Moticilla alba personata) was identified in the small Pembrokeshire village of Camrose earlier in the week. While not (yet) a split, this particular individual was a real looker and it seemed rude to pass on the opportunity of joining Richard Bonser and team and heading west this morning.

The bird performed well on and off from around 08:20, often to within just a few metres as it fed on the road and along driveways. It seems very settled here, familiar with its surroundings and it would be surprising if it doesn't spend the winter here. It's a fantastic bird too, and well worth a look - tick or not.

Thanks to Rich for driving.

Masked Wagtail, Camrose, Pembrokeshire, 3 December 2016

Early Purple Orchids

 

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, I visited my father in South Wales. He is fortunate to live overlooking the delightful Kenfig NNR and, although birding can be tough at times here, it sure is a great place to see orchids. With next to nothing exciting around bird-wise, I spent plenty of time photographing Early Purple Orchids. I also saw Green-winged Orchid although, at the time, did not realise it was a different species(!) and didn't bother photographing them.