Wildlife in unusual place

Got my first good wildlife 'tick' today: a Woodcock flushed (unexpectedly) by my dog, Muttley, beside a hedge at the back of Newtownards Police Station! Mind you, the only other Woodcock that I've seen was in the Red Kangaroo paddock in work (along with a Water Rail - which hung about for months). Work has also thrown up an Iceland Gull, plus 200 Waxwing last year. Strangest place i've seen unusual wildlife was McDonald's car park with a Laughing Gull. Pride of place though goes to the Long-eared Owl in my back garden last year (I live in the middle of a housing estate). Go on Karl, even you didn't really (?) believe me on this one until it flew past you and Marty a week later!

Its rather cool when the wildlife seems to come to you and even better when its in unusual places - that Long-eared owl at yours was brilliant! Usually you have to go looking for the unusual things......like the Black Redstart below I got a few days ago :) - blown in by the recent northeasterlies.

Karl, you jammy devil! I've never got a Black Redstart yet; but I got a Kingfisher yesterday near to where I saw the Woodcock the previous day. Although I've seen Kingfisher quite a few times, it pleased me even more as Hannah got to see it too - she was thrilled - in fact she said what I said when I saw my first one: they're not very big!

Great place for Kingfishers....OK, head out toward Castle Espie and take the left hand turn before the centre entrance. Drive down it a couple of 150 yards or so and there is a small parking area on your right. The parking area is opposite a small lake/large pond that falls within one or two residential boundaries. There is a small outlet that runs adjacent to the pond and terminates in the lough proper.

Firstly, take a good look in the foliage and low hanging branches around the pond, you often see two or three perched and ready to dive or the flash of brilliant colour as they fly from one perch to another or sploosh for a fish.

Secondly, walk down the small watercourse to the lough [only a very short distance from the car parking area], again, you'll likely as not see one or two there either perched or blazing a trail up or down the stream.

I've often taken myself there with camera in hand to get the shot of all shots, truth is you really need to set up in a hide and sit patiently for hours for your perfect photo opportunity.....as yet I still await a really good Kingfisher shot!

Tony, next time your down that neck of the woods.........call in! Thats my second home :) I can guarantee you a few spots for Kingfishers, one in particular is not far from you at all - PM sent :)