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.

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.