Pendulines and Lesser Peckers...

Dave H had a great day out in Devon yesterday catching up with one of the Holy Grails of birding today, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. He got some nice shots of the male too:

Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: Dave Helliar

Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: Dave Helliar

Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: Dave Helliar

To think they use to be so common - I use to get them regularly in the garden in Chard and they use to breed at Chard res. What a sad reflection on the state of things today that these and many other species have declined so drastically.

To round off an already good day he then went for seconds of the long-staying (and well performing) Penduline Tits, which have been hanging out at Darts Farm near Exeter. Some lovely photos:

Penduline Tit, Darts Farm: Dave Helliar

Penduline Tit, Darts Farm: Dave Helliar

Penduline Tit, Darts Farm: Dave Helliar

Penduline Tit, Darts Farm: Dave Helliar

Penduline Tit, Darts Farm: Dave Helliar

We could all do with more days like this, fantastic!