Bruggen Camp and Niederkruchten, Germany, 29/12/1988

Dull, misty.

The woodlands on camp were virtually 'dead' with hardly any life, let alone birds seen, only Bullfinch, Long-Tailed Tit, Crested Tit, Chaffinch seen near car.

Niederkruchten was much better with Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Robin and Wren seen quickly. A large feeding party of birds was found and Long-Tailed Tits, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest, Treecreeper*, Nuthatch, Willow Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker also seen.
*Although bird named as Treecreeper the bird seen could equally have been a Short-Toed Treecreeper which would probably be more likely in Central Europe.

15 species including 0 new species.

Roermond Lakes and Area, Holland, 26/12/1988

Mild, quite bright.

Mute Swan, Black Headed Gull, Coot, Herring Gull, Moorhen, Cormorant, Magpie, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Kestrel (female which spooked flock of gulls), Starlings.
Ducks on lakes in flock included Pochard and Tufted Duck.
Unusual warbler-like bird proved to be Chiff Chaff overwintering.
Carrion Crow, Grey Heron, single Great Black Backed Gull, Woodpigeon.
Whilst walking around a pond: Buzzard, Goldeneye, a surprise, single Green Woodpecker.
Jay and large numbers of gulls and Tufted Duck.
Searching for geese produced Robin, Blue Tit and Blackbird but no geese.

25 species including 0 new species.

Roermond Lakes and Area, Holland, 18/12/1988

Overcast, breezy, cold.

During journey: Rook, Jay.
At lakes: Black-Headed Gull, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Common Gull, Great Crested Grebe, surprisingly Velvet Scoter, Gooseander (overhead), Cormorant.

Driving around other canals and ponds produced some of the above birds with others including: Kestrel, Starlings, Tufted Ducks, Pochard, Teal, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Heron, Herring Gull, Magpie, Dunnock, Greylag Goose, Curlew, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Fieldfare, Goldeneye, Little Grebe (seen whilst walking), Pink Footed Geese, Carrion Crow, Stock Dove, Chaffinch.

33 species including 0 new species.

Krickenbecker Seen, Hinsbeck near Venlo, Germany, 27/11/1988

Bright, cold.

Buzzard, Pheasant, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Jay, Wren, Robin, Siskin (feeding groups), Willow Tit, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe (winter plumage), Mallard (large numbers), Bullfinch, Fieldfare, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Moorhen.

17 species, 0 new species.

Roermond, Swalmen, Holland, 20/11/1988

Wet and cold.

During journey Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit.
Large numbers of ducks on lakes produced Tufted Duck, Pochard and Great Crested Grebe.
On canal: Carrion Crow, Black-Headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Common Gull, Herring Gull.
Canal banks: Grey Heron and Goldfinch.
Marshland around lakes: Mute Swan, Bewick's Swan, Snipe and large numbers of Lapwing.
Other birds in water and on islands: Gooseander, Buzzard (flying around, spooking Lapwings), Cormorant, Gadwall and Mallard.

27 species seen including 0 new species.

Lauterbrunnen to Elmpt, Germany, 06/11/1988

Mostly fair and bright.

Blackbird, Fieldfare, Great Tit and Blue Tit seen on campsite. Dipper seen on river whilst driving to Interlaken.
Carrion Crow seen on farm fields.
Magpie flew over motorwway.
Grey Heron flew over motorway and in a fog patch about half a dozen Herons sat in a farm field.
Unsurprisingly Buzzards seem although not as many, but a least a dozen.
Rooks seen at motorway side, as were Woodpigeon, Starling, Kestrel and Lapwing, in fields also. Chaffinch also seen at rest point.

15 species seen including 0 new species.

NOTE: 5-11-88 produced a Sparrowhawk at Grindelwald.

Kleine Schiedegg to Wengen, Switzerland, 05/11/1988

Bright, dusky, cold.

Previously seen Nutcrackers seen again, this time cawing. A flock of Fieldfare also seen flying about on lower slopes. Alpine Chough soaring on higher slopes.
Flock of finches flew around the coniferous trees and bushes and after prolonged viewing Greenfinch, Redpoll and Siskin were identified. These were also probably the previously unidentified birds seen above Murren.
Carrion Crow seen on upper slopes. Another flock of finches produced a number of Goldfinch feeding on grass.
In the coniferous forests near to Wengen feeding tits produced a positively identified Crested Tit. Entering Wengen, almost dark, a long billed wader quickly flew overhead. Although no features were seen was most likely a Woodcock.

10 species seen including 0 new species.

Camping Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, 05/11/1988

Bright, cold and frosty.

Feeding tits at campsite seen early in the morning included Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Willow Tit (matt black head), Chiff Chaff (resident in the Alps), Blackbird and Goldcrest.

Lauterbrunnen - Grutschalp - Murren, Switzerland, 04/11/1988

Quieter side of valley and surprisingly a Redwing seen at Grutschalp railway station, Chaffinch also seen.
Alpine Chough's in large flocks flying around higher slopes.
Coniferous forests alive with feeding tits and finches although none identified till later.
Whilst resting a Treecreeper appeared and climbed up a nearby tree. Also a Nutcracker fewl overhead. Now tits could be identified revealing Crested Tit and Coal Tit.
Still resting a peculiar musical call was heard. Heard again, a large black bird undulated through trees uttering fluty call. Through trees it seemed to be a Black Woodpecker. Stalked towards it and gained cloer views which proved the bird to be a Black Woodpecker, a new bird.
Two fighting Ravens raced into view throating their distinctive calls.
Whilst resting, tree-tops revealed a Greenfinch feeding amongst the pines with other unidentified finches.
Walking through a shaded part of the slopes a peculiar 'whooshing' and gobbling call attracted us to the slope above. Obviously a game bird and after climbing up the slope to hope to get a glimpse of the elusive bird a dull female bird shot from the foliage. Impossible to tell which species in the brief moments it was seen. After extensive reference to books it was probably a Black Grouse rather than a Capercaillie because of song, which is quite distinctive.
A flock of thrushes flew past and as well as Redwings a few Fieldfares were also identified. More feeding tits in coniferous trees this time a Goldcrest also seen.
Near to Murren at Allmendhubel a greenish bird was seen in tree and after getting closer a red bird also came into view. Unmistakeable bill identified them as Crossbills.
Carrion Crows were also seen on lower slopes.

15 species seen including 1 new species.

Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt, Switzerland, 03/11/1988

Sunny and bright, quite cool.

A rather disappointing trip to see the Matterhorn. Landscape 'changed' through quarrying and spoil dumping.
Dipper, Mallard and Grey Heron seen during journey.
In Zermatt region a large and very distant bird seen soaring. A bird of prey but was hard to tell if it was a Buzzard or Golden Eagle, left undecided.
Chaffinch, Alpine Chough, House Sparrow and Collared Dove seen around Zermatt.
Sparrow and Chaffinch added in desperation!

8 species (including unidentifed bird), 0 new species.

Lauterbrunnen to Grimsel Pass, Switzerland, 02/11/1988

Overcast, freezing cold.

Whilst waiting in car, largish bird of prey flapped over valley. Blunt wings, long tail and flight could only mean Goshawk.
Driving past Brienzersee lake a distant Mute Swan could be seen.
Up into the Grimsel Pass road a Buzzard and wedge-tailed, long winged Raven were identified.
On shape near road a winter coloured Chamoix picked its way across. More seen later on top of Pass along with a number of Ravens.
Alpine Chough's also seen in flocks over mountain peaks.
On lake at top of Pass two birds flew about, and, moving to get closer revealed two Cormorants, wintering inland, lacked white cheek patches so were probably juveniles.
A few Carrion Crows and Jays were seen on returning.
Disapointingly no Golden Eagles although terrain was ideal.

8 species seen including 0 new species.

Lauterbrunnen to Wilderswil River Walk, Switzerland, 01/11/1988

Clear sky but shady and cold.

A confusing black capped Willow or Marsh Tit seen on a bush. Seemed to have glossy cap and after reference Marsh Tit is more likely to frequent the area.
Great Tit also seen flitting along path.
Tubby white-breasted bird on rock identified Dipper, and more were seen on rocks and flying along river.
Wren buzzing in bushes near arable land.
Grey Heron flew over Lauterbrunnental valley.
Whilst resting, Nuthatch climbed down a nearby tree.
Chaffinch and Carrion Crow were also seen.

9 species including 0 new species.

Kleine Schiedegg to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, 31/10/1988

Bright and sunny but very cold.

Flocks of Alpine Choughs over Kleine Schiedegg and at Jungfraujoch where they were very tame, waiting for hand-outs!
Dark bird with strangely undulating flight led to an easy identification of a Nutcracker, a new species to me. 4 were seen at one time perched on cable car cables. Also birds were seen flying about Kleine Schiedegg which enabled close views revealing brown plumage flecked with white and a white triangle at base of tail, also stout beak.
Whilst waiting for Jungfraujoch train two birds floated into view, identified as Buzzards although rather pale.
At Jungfraujoch on ice field a flash of white against dark was enough to identify a Snow Finch, also a new bird. Only confusable with snow buntings which do not frequent the Alps.

4 species including 2 new species.

Elmpt to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, 30/10/1988

Holiday to Switzerland 1 of 9.

Mostly fair and quite bright.

Amazing number of Buzzards seen on car journey totalling 32.
10 Kestrels also seen and became less common further south.
Two large birds of prey mobbing and fighting between themselves first appeared to be a Buzzard and Osprey. After reference in books the pale bird was more likely to be a pale phase Buzzard, upping the total to 33 seen.
Lapwing and Starling on arable fields.
Magpie, Jay, Carrion Crow in small numbers.
Great Tit at stop. Sparrowhawk chasing other small birds across motorway.
Black Headed Gull in small numbers also same with Woodpigeon.
Great Spotted Woodpecker undulating across motorway.
Grey Heron also seen flying across motorway.

Total species = 13 including 0 new species.

Venokoten and Area, Germany, 01/05/1988

Hot and sunny.

All songbirds in full song on this lovely day.
Yellowhammer, Blackcap 'tack tack', Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Chiff Chaff, Nuthatch (appeared from nest-hole with seemingly some remaining down feathers, possibly a fledgling), Mistle Thrush, Great Crested Grebe (one pair nesting on lakeside), Buzzard, Mallard, Coot, Grey Heron, Jay, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, White Wagtail, Carrion Crow, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler (identified by clear musical song, after some time, first this year).
Long-Tailed Tit, Tree Sparrow, Mute Swan, Black Headed Gull, Skylark.

28 species including 0 new species.

RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, 13/04/1988

Hot, sunny, cold wind.

Oystercatcher, Black Headed Gull, Bullfinch, Dunnock, Linnet, Woodpigeon, Tree Pipit, Skylark, Mallard, Shelduck, Coot, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Ringer Plover, Teal, Cormorant, Dunlin, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Greylag Goose, Pochard, Avocet, Redshank, Pied Wagtail, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Grey Heron, Great Tit, Robin.

30 species, 0 new species.

Bass Rock to Craig, Berwick, Scotland, 07/04/1988

Via boat trip. Cold and misty.

Gannet, Kittiwake, Shag, Fulmar, Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, Greater Black-Backed Gulls, Cormorant, Guillemot, Razorbill, Curlew, Eider.

Also seen were about a dozen common seals seen in water or basking on rocks.

12 species, 0 new species.

Megget Reservoir to Manor Water, Borders, Scotland, 04/04/1988

Hot and sunny.

Lapwing, Mistle Thrush, Chaffinch, Tree Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Curlew, Carrion Crow.

8 species, 0 new species.

St. Abb's Head Reserve, Borders, Scotland, 03/04/1988

Bright, warm and sunny.

Kittiwake, Fulmar, Herring Gull, Shag, Guillemot, Razorbill, Eider, Cormorant, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Greater Black-Backed Gull, Puffin [N], Gannet, Jackdaw, Yellowhammer, Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Mute Swan, Wheatear, Robin, Coot, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Wren, Chaffinch.

28 species including 1 new specie[s].

Southern Holland Lakes, Near Roermond, 10/01/1988

Dull and showers.

Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Cormorant, Common Gull, Black-Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Mute Swan, Bewick's Swan, Carrion Crow, Grey Heron, Collared Dove.

German-Dutch Woodlands, Germany, 03/01/1988

Sunny periods, showers and windy.

Crossbill, Mallard, Coot, Mute Swans, Black-Headed Gull, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-Tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Siskin, Bullfinch, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Magpie, Great-Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Wren, Jay.

German-Dutch Woodlands, Germany, 01/01/1988

Sunny periods and windy.

Crossbill, Mallard, Coot, Mute Swan, Black-Headed Gull, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-Tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon.