Murphy was up to his old tricks today. I visited the wood with the sole intention of reconstructing a better and more substantial hide. I didn't take my camera and Murphy was watching! I called in to see my friends Dick and Rosemary and as we chatted in their kitchen a male Green Woodpecker came in to feed on the lawn. It got closer and closer to the house and in the end, was close enough o have given me the best ever photos of this hard to photograph species. It stayed feeding on ants for 15 minutes at least, their favourite food. I kikcked myself for not at least having the camera in the car ad resolved to never ever go out without it ever again! Later on in the new and improved hide, I failed to get any decent in-flight photos but enjoyed all the usual birds including a bathing Treecreeper. I almost got a good picture but better to come I am sure.  It was interesting when the Jay arrived again.  I knew it was around because suddenly it went quiet and the visiting birds stopped flying in, a Blackbird alarmed and there it was, first it took a few peanuts and then went down to take one of the day old chicks, they are there for him (or her) anyway!

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A Great Tit, I like this one enough to say that its possible one of my best ever portraits.

This is a Coal Tit, a ragged bird probably caused by nesting and breeding activity.

The same adult Nuthatch in both pictures, again a couple of very pleasing images.