Snowflake

Snow Bunting, Ben Nevis, July 2009. Several of these boys singing (and eating peoples sarnies) at the summit. There are four races of them around the globe, this is Plectrophenax nivalis insulae which breeds in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and in Scotland.

prrrrt!

It always happens when you least expect it. I was out counting ducks at the salubrious location of Brogborough landfill site (once Europe's largest tip!) last weekend when I found this little beauty. After counting the heafty nine Mute Swans, four Canada Geese and two Tufted Ducks, that were on the two pools, I decided to walk the really muddy, slippery path to the top of the hill to look for Short-eared Owls. It was virtually bird-less, except for a single Meadow Pipit, a Carrion Crow, then I flushed a bird from a post. Immediately it called and I knew what it was! I got my bins on it flying around above me and saw those glorious white wings - a Snow Bunting!

Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis, The Golf Course, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, 30th October 2007