Long-tailed Duck at Chetwynd Pool

Last night just arrived back from Sofia, Bulgaria and late this morning I went to have a look at the female Long-tailed Duck at Chetwynd Pool, Newport that was found by Martin Grant.

There has been up to an amazing total of 4 long-tailed Duck in Salop this winter with a single at Middle Pool at the beginning of Jan and the pair were still present at Whitemere today. This individual was my sixth for the county and was showing very well in the bright sun just over the wall from the road. 

Only 8 Gooseander, including this male and 20+Shoveler but at Trench Pool there were 17 Gooseander with another 21 on nearby Middle Pool

  

Long-tailed Tit at Trench Pool

Anna and I had a short break in Sofia, Bulgaria and we loved the snow covered city. No birding except for what was around are apartment we stayed in.

It's cheap, very good food and home-made and friendly folks.

Two of the Orthodox churches that we visited in the city

Anna walking next to the government buildings

An old one from the Hungarian composer ,Yonderboi His music is difficult to pigeonhole because it is quite conceptual and combines a wide range of sources, plays around with various musical styles. Despite of these a certain intense atmosphere and the distinctive melodies remain recognizable in all of his works. Each record was followed by a tour, the first and the second with a live band and the current one as a one-man act. He performed on diverse stages over the years, including festivals such as Sónar, Pukkelpop, Lowlands, Big Chill, Sziget, ADE and venues like Razzmatazz, Melkweg, Paradiso (Amsterdam). Yonderboi's music is often licensed to films, TV and fashion shows or video games.

Cahuita Costa Rica

Volcano Turriabla showing off minor activity while passing towards Cahuita from the Pacific Coast 

Arrived at Cahuita three days ago after spending a few days on the Pacific side. Again I ain't done much birding as I'm just relaxing and having a great time As internet can be a pain in the butt, I've just quickly uploaded photos before it goes off again.

The boat that took us out to go snorkeling where we saw Manta Ray and for me my highlight was following a Barracuda. 100's of fish of many species that you could almost reach out and touch!!

This is a cracking place to stay. Hakuna Matata Hostel is located just as you enter the small town of Cahuita with the park only a two minute walk away

Ringed Kingfisher

Westen Slaty Antshrike

Little Blue Heron

Adult and immature Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Boat-billed Heron

Good numbers of Prothonotary Warbler in the park

Cahuita Bay

Baird's Trogon

I was so pleased when I stumbled on two Double-striped Thick-Knee in a paddock next to the road. I drove off I saw that were 10 in the next field!

Great Black Hawk

Stripe-headed Sparrow

Flannery's second studio album White Lies was released on 12 September 2008, achieving a top ten position on the Irish Albums Chart. It later went platinum and was nominated for the Choice Music Prize. The Irish Times placed him at number forty-six in a list of "The 50 Best Irish Acts Right Now" published in April 2009. Also that year Flannery won Best Irish Male at the 2009 Meteor Awards. Influences include Kurt Cobain, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan.