Mottos

I love this shot of a female Golden Oriole (D. Stanic)

Yesterday's twitch was just the tonic I needed. I sprung out of bed with renewed vigour and optimism. As I travelled to The Scrubs, I remembered one of the several Urban Birder motos; 'Go out expecting everything or nothing. Then you'll never be disappointed.'

My patch was fairly quiet bar a singing Sedge Warbler, 2 Swallows and a couple Meadow Pipits were observed carrying food in the grassland. There were plenty of Common Whitethroats, Song Thrushes, Linnets and a singing Lesser Whitethroat. All was good in the hood.

I learnt today that the White-winged Black Tern had moved on along with its 13 or so Black Tern congeners - so I got in just in time. Checking Birdguides' website showed a large movement of Black Terns around the country with a sprinkling of White-winged Blacks. All very interesting.

This evening, I popped down to my local chippie for a fish and chip dinner. As I strolled down the road, I looked up and flying leisurely over was a Peregrine with full crop heading in the direction of nearby Paddington Station.

Another Urban Birder motto sprung to mind: Look up and enjoy.