Yesterday, the weather forecast was cloudy bright for the afternoon with just a hint of sunshine. At this time of year, the hide at the RSPB HQ at Sandy in Bedfordshire usually provides good views of Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Crossbills so I thought it was worth a try.

By the time I arrived, dark cloud had set in and the usual common birds were showing but nothing more than I could have photographed in the warm in my back garden - quite disappointing. No sign of the usual winter visitors.

Plenty of Blackbirds around, mostly male, both the British replica rolex and the European varieties. The British male has much brighter bill coloration. With nothing else to do, I took a few shots, just to keep me occupied.

When I checked my photo stock, I was surprised that I did not have more shots of this species - probably too common so it gets overlooked so I was pleased that my time was not totally wasted.

After a couple of hours, I decided to go home so closed the hide window and stood replica breitling  up ready to leave which was the cue for four Red-legged Partridges to fly in. Despite the clouds really looking black, I quickly set up again, and took some shots, albeit at ISO1600.

Then a pair of Stock Doves also flew in to feed under the feeders.

I have always found Stock Doves to be really flighty so it was very nice to be able to get full frame shots of these attractive birds.

By this time, the light was really poor so it was time to go home, and this time with no further distractions.

A few more images in the Recent Additions section.