I’ve just discovered #BirdoftheDay on here - such a lovely idea. My photo for the #Birds&Flowers theme today is a Puffin with sea thrift at Sumburgh Head.

Redstarts, Goldfinches and Stonechats were kept busy feeding their hungry youngsters at Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest this morning. Continuing the youthful theme, this juvenile Cuckoo suddenly appeared in front of me.

I saw my first Common Whitethroat of the year at Beddington Farmlands near Croydon this morning. A Common Sandpiper and several Swifts soaring overhead were also firsts of the year for me.

A very enjoyable holiday in Mallorca last week gave me an opportunity to spend some time visiting Albufera, Maristany and other well known areas. I was rewarded with good views of many birds including this juvenile Western Swamphen, Zitting Cisticola, Black-winged Stilt and Hoopoe.

I had a wonderful few days visiting Shetland and Orkney for the first time last week. The beautiful landscape, fascinating Neolithic sites and the many seabirds seen and heard made it a memorable experience. Watching the Puffins close up at Sumburgh Head was one of the highlights.

This female Red-footed Falcon gave me a wonderful display early yesterday morning at RSPB Dungeness. I then met up with other members of the Bromley RSPB Local Group for a very enjoyable day’s birding. A lovely male Red-crested Pochard gave good views from the ARC Hanson Hide. #RSPB #Kentbirding

Not a birdwatching post, but it was one of the best days of my life watching eagles flying high at Wembley yesterday and a brilliant balloon display by Coughlan’s bakery in Oxted ❤️ 💙 🦅 👏

A short break in Marrakesh last week gave me the opportunity to see the usual suspects there - Common Bulbuls, White Storks and House Buntings, as well as a very pleasing Woodchat Shrike.

I was delighted to catch up with the Hawfinches in the trees behind the churchyard at Penshurst early this morning. Such lovely birds and this species was a ‘lifer’ for me. #kentbirding