Mild, overcast, dusky.
Virtually resident birds seen at the lakes although in relatively small numbers before being swelled with large numbers of migrants: Black-Headed Gull, Common Gull, Coot, Mallard, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Kestrel, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen.
12 species.
Sunday 1 October 1989
Genk, Belgium, 01/10/1989
Mild, overcast.
Heathland area with large areas converted to farmland. Lakes in area were extensively reeded but lack of signposts ended up in a disappointing day there: Carrion Crow, Magpie, Starling, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Jay were very abundant with a pair of Buzzard seen quartering this area highly populated with rabbits.
Also seen were Mistle Thrush, Coot, Pheasant, Meadow Pipit and Collared Dove and the highlight was a Green Woodpecker.
13 species.
Heathland area with large areas converted to farmland. Lakes in area were extensively reeded but lack of signposts ended up in a disappointing day there: Carrion Crow, Magpie, Starling, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Jay were very abundant with a pair of Buzzard seen quartering this area highly populated with rabbits.
Also seen were Mistle Thrush, Coot, Pheasant, Meadow Pipit and Collared Dove and the highlight was a Green Woodpecker.
13 species.
Wednesday 9 August 1989
Aberlady Bay - North Berwick, Scotland, 09/08/1989
Showers, overcast.
Birds seen on mudflats at Aberlady Bay were Black-Headed Gull, Lesser and Greater Black-Backed Gull, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Curlew and Grey Plover.
At North Berwick at sea near beach were Herring Gull and Eider. Gannets could be seen at Bass Rock and a Shag flew towards sea.
10 species.
Birds seen on mudflats at Aberlady Bay were Black-Headed Gull, Lesser and Greater Black-Backed Gull, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Curlew and Grey Plover.
At North Berwick at sea near beach were Herring Gull and Eider. Gannets could be seen at Bass Rock and a Shag flew towards sea.
10 species.
Tuesday 8 August 1989
St. Abb's Head Reserve, Berwick, Scotland, 08/08/1989
Bright, sunny, cloudy.
Small numbers of birds on cliffs produced Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Shag and Fulmar. Steady stream of Gannets out to sea but no skuas.
Walk around lighthouse produced Woodpigeon, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Oystercatcher and Pied Wagtail and Curlew.
Scanning cliffs and sea produced possible Guillemots, Greater Black-Backed Gull and Common Tern.
At Mire Loch: Dunnock and Robin hopped about gorse bushes. On loch were Coot, Mute Swan, Mallard, Little Grebe, and during journey back to car park Blackbird and Carrion Crow and Rook.
23 species.
Small numbers of birds on cliffs produced Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Shag and Fulmar. Steady stream of Gannets out to sea but no skuas.
Walk around lighthouse produced Woodpigeon, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Oystercatcher and Pied Wagtail and Curlew.
Scanning cliffs and sea produced possible Guillemots, Greater Black-Backed Gull and Common Tern.
At Mire Loch: Dunnock and Robin hopped about gorse bushes. On loch were Coot, Mute Swan, Mallard, Little Grebe, and during journey back to car park Blackbird and Carrion Crow and Rook.
23 species.
Monday 7 August 1989
Fossil Valley - Scroof, Scottish Borders, 07/08/1989
Overcast, wet.
During journey: House Martin, Swallow, Carrion Crow and Pied Wagtail (on lochside).
A quick glimpse at a bird flying away upstream identified Grey Wagtail.
Returning from valley and a scan of nearby hills revealed a Kestrel.
At roadside a bird attacking crows could only be a Peregrine Falcon which then perched on a rock up on hillside and allowed views through telescope before flying off.
Whilst watching falcon a brownish bird flew down into valley and white rump identified female Wheatear.
On journey to Scroof: Chaffinch, Black-Headed Gull, Starling, Woodpigeon, Grey Heron and Pheasant. Search for grouse only produced two Lesser Black-Backed Gulls on small pond at bottom of Scroof.
During journey back to Galashiels produced Jackdaw, Rook and Collared Dove.
18 species.
During journey: House Martin, Swallow, Carrion Crow and Pied Wagtail (on lochside).
A quick glimpse at a bird flying away upstream identified Grey Wagtail.
Returning from valley and a scan of nearby hills revealed a Kestrel.
At roadside a bird attacking crows could only be a Peregrine Falcon which then perched on a rock up on hillside and allowed views through telescope before flying off.
Whilst watching falcon a brownish bird flew down into valley and white rump identified female Wheatear.
On journey to Scroof: Chaffinch, Black-Headed Gull, Starling, Woodpigeon, Grey Heron and Pheasant. Search for grouse only produced two Lesser Black-Backed Gulls on small pond at bottom of Scroof.
During journey back to Galashiels produced Jackdaw, Rook and Collared Dove.
18 species.
Thursday 16 February 1989
North Norfolk Coast, King's Lynn - Titchwell - Sheringham - Weybourne, Norfolk, 16/02/1989
Bright and cold.
Majority of birds seen at Titchwell reserve although during journey Pheasant, Mistle Thrush, Woodpigeon, Black-Headed Gull and Common Gull seen.
Seen at Titchwell car-park: Robin, Great Tit, Dunnock.
Surprisingly few numbers of birds at marshes and in lagoons, included Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Teal, Shelduck, Brent Goose (in quite large numbers), Mallard, Coot. Some interesting birds were spotted on marshes and after observation revealed Grey Plover, Redshank and Shoveler. Also after repeated observations of the reed-beds Marsh Harrier was seen.
Other birds on lagoons included Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Cormoratn, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall. Other small waders were seen also other larger waders. After reference the small dark billed and drak legged, neatly plumaged birds were most likely to have been winter-plumaged Little Stints, a new bird species for me.
Continuing along coastal roadpast the marshes at Cley produced Herring Gull, Grey Partridge, Moorhen, Egyptian Goose. Also seen were large numbers of Brent Geese in a field inland, they appeared to be feeding, resting, etc.
Finally arriving at Weybourne produced a large number of gulls flying towards Titchwell. Also a small group of Turnstone fed on the pebble beach and a Pied Wagtail was seen in the car-park.
34 species seen including 1 new species.
Majority of birds seen at Titchwell reserve although during journey Pheasant, Mistle Thrush, Woodpigeon, Black-Headed Gull and Common Gull seen.
Seen at Titchwell car-park: Robin, Great Tit, Dunnock.
Surprisingly few numbers of birds at marshes and in lagoons, included Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Teal, Shelduck, Brent Goose (in quite large numbers), Mallard, Coot. Some interesting birds were spotted on marshes and after observation revealed Grey Plover, Redshank and Shoveler. Also after repeated observations of the reed-beds Marsh Harrier was seen.
Other birds on lagoons included Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Cormoratn, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall. Other small waders were seen also other larger waders. After reference the small dark billed and drak legged, neatly plumaged birds were most likely to have been winter-plumaged Little Stints, a new bird species for me.
Continuing along coastal roadpast the marshes at Cley produced Herring Gull, Grey Partridge, Moorhen, Egyptian Goose. Also seen were large numbers of Brent Geese in a field inland, they appeared to be feeding, resting, etc.
Finally arriving at Weybourne produced a large number of gulls flying towards Titchwell. Also a small group of Turnstone fed on the pebble beach and a Pied Wagtail was seen in the car-park.
34 species seen including 1 new species.
Sunday 8 January 1989
Flevoland, Holland, 08/01/1989
Dull, overcast, quite mild.
During journey: Stock Dove, Magpie, Pheasant, Kestrel.
On Flevoland island close view (probably closest) of female kestrel, also crossing Flevoland canal Common Gull, Black-Headed Gull, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Coot.
Reasonably large number of Buzzards which seemed quite oblivious to traffic as they perched on trees near roads and roadside reflectors.
On dykes and nearby fields: Carrion Crow and Mallard.
On canal-like (Ijssel-Meer) surrounding Flevoland huge numbers of wildfowl produced some of the above and Cormorant, Goldeneye, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Gooseander.
Distinct black and white plumaged medium-sized duck easily identified male Smew which were present in large numbers and were later seen much closer giving excellent view, also a new species.
On the canal the large number of birds probably also included Wigeon, Red-Necked Grebe and also Gadwall and Eider (both seen later). Around lakeside Herring Gull and Great Black-Backed Gull.
Dark duck on lakewas identified as an Eider in eclipse plumage which left the bird with only white plumaged areas left.
Coming away from sea-wall and into a town Starling and Greenfinch seen.
Back at lakeside and whilst at a stop above ducks included a pair of close Gadwall.
Eventually finding north coast Ijssel-Meer road large numbers of wildfowl produced no new species. However on opposite side of road large numbers of geese could be seen and after viewing white forehead, yellow legs and pink bill identified White-Fronted Goose, also higher-pitched 'honk' whilst birds flew, was a new species.
Continuing to see geese in fields a browny coloured bird of prey was also seen. After distinctive quartering behaviour the female bird was obviously a harrier. After very close views a generally brown-barred bird with white rump identified either hen harrier or Montagu's harrier. Heavier appearance and more extensive white on rump identified female Hen Harrier.
Continuing on lake-side road and pulling along side some moorings to view flocks of wildfowl a crow was seen in a nearby bush, after second looks the bird was identified as a Hooded Crow.
On marshland grown on opposite side of road large numbers of birds could be seen: Shelduck, Greylag Goose and Whooper Swan were amongst some of the birds not already seen. More geese, gulls (including great-black-backed gulls) and shelducks and unidentified waders also seen.
32 species including 2 new species.
During journey: Stock Dove, Magpie, Pheasant, Kestrel.
On Flevoland island close view (probably closest) of female kestrel, also crossing Flevoland canal Common Gull, Black-Headed Gull, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Coot.
Reasonably large number of Buzzards which seemed quite oblivious to traffic as they perched on trees near roads and roadside reflectors.
On dykes and nearby fields: Carrion Crow and Mallard.
On canal-like (Ijssel-Meer) surrounding Flevoland huge numbers of wildfowl produced some of the above and Cormorant, Goldeneye, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Gooseander.
Distinct black and white plumaged medium-sized duck easily identified male Smew which were present in large numbers and were later seen much closer giving excellent view, also a new species.
On the canal the large number of birds probably also included Wigeon, Red-Necked Grebe and also Gadwall and Eider (both seen later). Around lakeside Herring Gull and Great Black-Backed Gull.
Dark duck on lakewas identified as an Eider in eclipse plumage which left the bird with only white plumaged areas left.
Coming away from sea-wall and into a town Starling and Greenfinch seen.
Back at lakeside and whilst at a stop above ducks included a pair of close Gadwall.
Eventually finding north coast Ijssel-Meer road large numbers of wildfowl produced no new species. However on opposite side of road large numbers of geese could be seen and after viewing white forehead, yellow legs and pink bill identified White-Fronted Goose, also higher-pitched 'honk' whilst birds flew, was a new species.
Continuing to see geese in fields a browny coloured bird of prey was also seen. After distinctive quartering behaviour the female bird was obviously a harrier. After very close views a generally brown-barred bird with white rump identified either hen harrier or Montagu's harrier. Heavier appearance and more extensive white on rump identified female Hen Harrier.
Continuing on lake-side road and pulling along side some moorings to view flocks of wildfowl a crow was seen in a nearby bush, after second looks the bird was identified as a Hooded Crow.
On marshland grown on opposite side of road large numbers of birds could be seen: Shelduck, Greylag Goose and Whooper Swan were amongst some of the birds not already seen. More geese, gulls (including great-black-backed gulls) and shelducks and unidentified waders also seen.
32 species including 2 new species.
Monday 2 January 1989
Venokoten and Area, Elmpter Woodlands, Germany, 02/01/1989
Cold, bright.
Whilst cycling to Venekoten a feeding party in nearby woods produced: Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird (not in party) as Woodpigeon and Jay, Chaffinch, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch.
Near Venekoten lake: Coot, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe.
In trees around lakeside in another feeding party, Siskin and Long-Tailed Tit also included. Other birds seen whilst cycling included Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mute Swan (seen through trees on lakes).
Near a small 'dyke' a flash of metallic blue flying upstream identified first Kingfisher for a long time. Wren also seen in brambles near river-side.
Whilst watching another feeding party a Sparrowhawk flew overhead spooking birds.
At another feeding party Goldcrest was spotted.
At another area of lakes along-side Venekoten called Baggersee about a dozen Grey Heron were seen (also flocks of Mallard).
A pair of Greylag Geese were also spotted.
A small mottled bird skulking in reeds around lakes was stalked to identify Dunnock.
A duck amongst a few Coots was not easily identifiable and fieldnotes were needed. After reference to books the duck with grey bill, white forehead, white chest, grey back and brown flanks identified a female or immature Pochard.
Bullfinch and other feeding parties seen whilst returning home.
Finally a treecreeper was first heard then seen and after rusty flanks and vent seen and reference to distribution was identified as Short-Toed Treecreeper a new bird.
29 species including 1 new species.
Whilst cycling to Venekoten a feeding party in nearby woods produced: Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird (not in party) as Woodpigeon and Jay, Chaffinch, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch.
Near Venekoten lake: Coot, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe.
In trees around lakeside in another feeding party, Siskin and Long-Tailed Tit also included. Other birds seen whilst cycling included Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mute Swan (seen through trees on lakes).
Near a small 'dyke' a flash of metallic blue flying upstream identified first Kingfisher for a long time. Wren also seen in brambles near river-side.
Whilst watching another feeding party a Sparrowhawk flew overhead spooking birds.
At another feeding party Goldcrest was spotted.
At another area of lakes along-side Venekoten called Baggersee about a dozen Grey Heron were seen (also flocks of Mallard).
A pair of Greylag Geese were also spotted.
A small mottled bird skulking in reeds around lakes was stalked to identify Dunnock.
A duck amongst a few Coots was not easily identifiable and fieldnotes were needed. After reference to books the duck with grey bill, white forehead, white chest, grey back and brown flanks identified a female or immature Pochard.
Bullfinch and other feeding parties seen whilst returning home.
Finally a treecreeper was first heard then seen and after rusty flanks and vent seen and reference to distribution was identified as Short-Toed Treecreeper a new bird.
29 species including 1 new species.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)