Weather: sunny & windy. From 2pm.
A visit to check the fields for anything different, but initially the usuals: Meadow Pipit, Black-Headed Gull, Redshank on the harbour mud, a group of about a dozen Brent Goose on the field, Curlew towards the beach as well as Bar-Tailed Godwit.
A nice group of about a dozen Linnet whizzed past the wall around the field & a Little Egret flew up from a nearby dyke. Then I noticed a few passerines foraging in the field, which is what I had hoped to see, & although the view was not great with the wind & lengthening shadows, I was able to spot Skylark (3). Next to them I spotted a couple of different-looking birds, smaller & feeding lower to the ground, again the view was not great but I could just about pick up the strong facial markings of Lapland Bunting (2). I decided to change the angle of my view & as they were nearer one side of the field I headed along the wall, however by the time I got round to a nearer section I could no longer see them unfortunately, nevertheless a new species despite the limited view. Hopefully with regular visits I will see them again, although the wind seems ever present at this site.
Heading back a few more species: Pheasant, Starling & Marsh Harrier towards the Holme hides.
13 species, 1 new.
Sunday, 21 December 2008
RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, 21/12/2008
Weather: murkier than earlier, increasing breeze. From 12pm.
From the car-park & visitors centre: Robin, Pheasant, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Long-Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Collared Dove.
I didn't stop in any of the hides as I was intent upon sea-watching, but all along either side of the path, on the marshes, water or flying over: Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Coot, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Redshank, Shoveler, Marsh Harrier (I apparently missed a female hen harrier next to the marsh harrier which was spotted by a couple of other birders who told me when they passed), Herring Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull, Mallard, Lapwing, Teal, Meadow Pipit, Black-Tailed Godwit (2), Pintail, Shelduck, Ruff, Reed Bunting (heard), Black-Headed Gull, Curlew, Starling, Avocet, Snipe (~20) a large flock flying to & fro over the water, easily the largest group I have seen together, Greylag Goose, Crow, Brent Goose (2), Little Grebe (2), Oystercatcher, Cormorant.
On the beach: Turnstone groups very close to the viewpoint; Snow Bunting group further up the beach; Bar-Tailed Godwit, on the shoreline; a lone Sanderling came very close & squabbled with the turnstones for food, there were also a couple on the shoreline; Pied Wagtail also on the beach; Goldeneye (~6), Great-Crested Grebe, Common Scoter (ones & twos fairly close to the shore then a large 'string' much, much further out) all on the sea.
On the way back: Common Gull, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Moorhen, Goldfinch.
53 species, none new.
A quick visit to Choseley barns yielded next to nothing though I did see 3 Corn Bunting on the hedgerow on the way back plus a couple of Kestrel & a Weasel which scampered across the road.
From the car-park & visitors centre: Robin, Pheasant, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Long-Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Collared Dove.
I didn't stop in any of the hides as I was intent upon sea-watching, but all along either side of the path, on the marshes, water or flying over: Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Coot, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Redshank, Shoveler, Marsh Harrier (I apparently missed a female hen harrier next to the marsh harrier which was spotted by a couple of other birders who told me when they passed), Herring Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull, Mallard, Lapwing, Teal, Meadow Pipit, Black-Tailed Godwit (2), Pintail, Shelduck, Ruff, Reed Bunting (heard), Black-Headed Gull, Curlew, Starling, Avocet, Snipe (~20) a large flock flying to & fro over the water, easily the largest group I have seen together, Greylag Goose, Crow, Brent Goose (2), Little Grebe (2), Oystercatcher, Cormorant.
On the beach: Turnstone groups very close to the viewpoint; Snow Bunting group further up the beach; Bar-Tailed Godwit, on the shoreline; a lone Sanderling came very close & squabbled with the turnstones for food, there were also a couple on the shoreline; Pied Wagtail also on the beach; Goldeneye (~6), Great-Crested Grebe, Common Scoter (ones & twos fairly close to the shore then a large 'string' much, much further out) all on the sea.
On the way back: Common Gull, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Moorhen, Goldfinch.
53 species, none new.
A quick visit to Choseley barns yielded next to nothing though I did see 3 Corn Bunting on the hedgerow on the way back plus a couple of Kestrel & a Weasel which scampered across the road.
Abbey Farm, Flitcham, Norfolk, 21/12/2008
Weather: cool, cloudy, some sunshine, slight breeze. From 10am.
A visit with the nephews to a local farm, I had hoped to see little owl, which is often present, & flocks of pink-feet at close quarters as I assumed that the hide looked out onto agricultural fields but I was wrong. The hide actually looks out onto a small pond & creek with some pasture which is bordered on both sides by woodlands.
On the short walk to the hide, amongst the trees: Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin.
On the various bits of water or on the pasture: Mallard, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Jackdaw, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Pink-Footed Goose were over the more distant fields, Lapwing, Common Gull, Little Grebe, Red-Legged Partridge, a Buzzard flapped over the trees, Black-Headed Gull, Egyptian Goose (2), Lapwing, Great Tit.
On the way back home we passed fields packed with hundreds of Pink-Footed Goose & also saw a Sparrowhawk hunting along the hedgerow.
26 species.
A visit with the nephews to a local farm, I had hoped to see little owl, which is often present, & flocks of pink-feet at close quarters as I assumed that the hide looked out onto agricultural fields but I was wrong. The hide actually looks out onto a small pond & creek with some pasture which is bordered on both sides by woodlands.
On the short walk to the hide, amongst the trees: Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin.
On the various bits of water or on the pasture: Mallard, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Jackdaw, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Pink-Footed Goose were over the more distant fields, Lapwing, Common Gull, Little Grebe, Red-Legged Partridge, a Buzzard flapped over the trees, Black-Headed Gull, Egyptian Goose (2), Lapwing, Great Tit.
On the way back home we passed fields packed with hundreds of Pink-Footed Goose & also saw a Sparrowhawk hunting along the hedgerow.
26 species.
Saturday, 20 December 2008
RSPB Lakenheath, Suffolk, 20/12/2008
Weather: cool, overcast, still. From 12:25pm.
A winter trip to Breckland on the chance of seeing my number one target bird that was reported as being present from the RSPB recent sightings blog.
On arrival a few species were noticed on the way to the car-park, where the road passes by a large area of trees & shrubs, so & as well as Kestrel (1), Jay (1), Starling (>10) there were large numbers of Goldfinch (~50) & Long-Tailed Tit (~6).
From the car-park towards the visitors' centre were Stonechat (2), on fences around the feeders though not feeding from them, & Carrion Crow (1s & 2s).
Instead of heading towards the main reserve area & the poplar plantations & reedbeds we decided to head out past the washland (lake/pond) & onto the river-wall, along the way: Greenfinch (3), Dunnock (2), Cormorant (2), Mute Swan (~12), Shoveler (>12), Black-Headed Gull (>20), Herring Gull (1, first winter), Redshank (3), Wren (~6) amongst the reeds & Fieldfare (6) flying along the far river-bank.
Heading back along the same way towards the washland a Grey Heron flapped over the reeds & Common Gull (2) were seen amongst the black-heads on the lake as well as a Canada Goose (1).
Instead of taking the path from the wall back to the car-park we decided to act on the tip-off received when we arrived, & elected to continue along the wall towards the more agricultural land outside the reserve, although to be honest I had given up on seeing the target bird.
No sooner had I finished the thought than I heard a "what's that?" & there it was, perched on a bush about 20 yards away, a Great Grey Shrike (1), which also explained the numerous chaffinch & blackbird alarm calls I was hearing from the nearby poplars! As mentioned before I have always wanted to see one of these enigmatic & charismatic birds & I was delighted to get a good look at one especially in Norfolk, as I had thought that with their non-breeding scarcity in the UK, I would most likely see one abroad. So there it was in front of me & there it perched in its neat grey & bandit black mask for a few minutes, before unfortunately it flew off towards the farmland building, disturbed by a couple of dog-walkers, what else?
No sooner had it gone that I spotted a distant Green Woodpecker (1) & alarmed birds also showed themselves as Blackbird (4) & Chaffinch (~10).
Unfortunately the shrike didn't come back despite a good few minutes spent on refreshments in the car-park, but on the way out there seemed to be even more activity amongst the scrub between the car-park & the main road, as well as the goldfinches, Redwing (2) , Great-Spotted Woodpecker (1) & Goldcrest (1) were also seen.
27 species, 1 new.
A winter trip to Breckland on the chance of seeing my number one target bird that was reported as being present from the RSPB recent sightings blog.
On arrival a few species were noticed on the way to the car-park, where the road passes by a large area of trees & shrubs, so & as well as Kestrel (1), Jay (1), Starling (>10) there were large numbers of Goldfinch (~50) & Long-Tailed Tit (~6).
From the car-park towards the visitors' centre were Stonechat (2), on fences around the feeders though not feeding from them, & Carrion Crow (1s & 2s).
Instead of heading towards the main reserve area & the poplar plantations & reedbeds we decided to head out past the washland (lake/pond) & onto the river-wall, along the way: Greenfinch (3), Dunnock (2), Cormorant (2), Mute Swan (~12), Shoveler (>12), Black-Headed Gull (>20), Herring Gull (1, first winter), Redshank (3), Wren (~6) amongst the reeds & Fieldfare (6) flying along the far river-bank.
Heading back along the same way towards the washland a Grey Heron flapped over the reeds & Common Gull (2) were seen amongst the black-heads on the lake as well as a Canada Goose (1).
Instead of taking the path from the wall back to the car-park we decided to act on the tip-off received when we arrived, & elected to continue along the wall towards the more agricultural land outside the reserve, although to be honest I had given up on seeing the target bird.
No sooner had I finished the thought than I heard a "what's that?" & there it was, perched on a bush about 20 yards away, a Great Grey Shrike (1), which also explained the numerous chaffinch & blackbird alarm calls I was hearing from the nearby poplars! As mentioned before I have always wanted to see one of these enigmatic & charismatic birds & I was delighted to get a good look at one especially in Norfolk, as I had thought that with their non-breeding scarcity in the UK, I would most likely see one abroad. So there it was in front of me & there it perched in its neat grey & bandit black mask for a few minutes, before unfortunately it flew off towards the farmland building, disturbed by a couple of dog-walkers, what else?
No sooner had it gone that I spotted a distant Green Woodpecker (1) & alarmed birds also showed themselves as Blackbird (4) & Chaffinch (~10).
Unfortunately the shrike didn't come back despite a good few minutes spent on refreshments in the car-park, but on the way out there seemed to be even more activity amongst the scrub between the car-park & the main road, as well as the goldfinches, Redwing (2) , Great-Spotted Woodpecker (1) & Goldcrest (1) were also seen.
27 species, 1 new.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Abney Park Cemetary & East India Dock Basin, London, 06/12/2008
Weather: bright & sunny, bitterly cold. From 12pm.
For a blog with 'urban' in the title I haven't actually done much urban birding, I mostly head out of the city. However after reading of various excellent sightings at londonbirders wiki & group, I decided to leave the car & explore a couple of sites in the city.
First up was Abney Park Cemetery which I got to after riding the Piccadilly underground line up to Manor House, I then jumped on the 141 bus for a few stops then walked along the south-side of Clissold Park into Stoke Newington. On the walk: Crow, Great Tit, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Starling.
After thinking I'd missed the cemetery, just as I pulled out the map there it was in front of me; once I entered it I found a wonderfully overgrown & ramshackle place just off Stoke Newington high street. There were understandably a few people about, it was Saturday afternoon, but apart from the 3 non-threatening bums enjoying some beers, it was a calm & peaceful place, even more so when I'd grown accustomed to the regular 'plane noise.
I had come mainly in the hope of seeing the reported firecrests. Initially though more common or garden Magpie, Blackbird, Dunnock, & Woodpigeon were seen & a couple of Blue Tit passed close by through the trees, the first of several I saw. Throughout my initial sightings I could hear loud calls of Great Spotted Woodpecker, even some drumming, & as I continued around three soon flew into view chasing each other & drumming enthusiastically - presumably a family party. As I took in the excitable 'peckers my attention was caught by a small bird picking through the trees above the path. I quickly focused, but it was a Goldcrest not its scarcer cousin. I carried on for Wren & Robin flitting amongst the headstones, then Long-Tailed Tit, a few Chaffinch, a couple of Great Tit, a Crow, & a lone Jay above the Isaac Watts statue. I then turned off the main path to a quieter side path & again saw a goldcrest flitting about, but then as I lingered another small bird edged through the foliage, this time noticeably & surprisingly brighter, with a distinctive & stand-out eyestripe: a Firecrest, the new species I had hoped to see. It passed directly over my head down another tree & across the path into the thick ivy behind the Watts statue, & it seemed to be joined by another though I didn't ID the second one - a brief encounter with a charismatic & enigmatic species. After that I wandered for a few minutes longer towards where the firecrests had gone but after no further sightings I decided to move on.
Next, I arrived at East India at 2:30pm after riding the underground to Bank followed by the DLR. The East India Dock Basin reserve is part of the Lee Valley & is a small park & reservoir next to the Thames & I found it to be a little a gem of a place.
After getting off the DLR & heading for the river I immediately noticed a good size group on the shore underneath the Millenium Dome from which I picked out 12 Grey Heron, 11 Cormorant, 6 Great Black-Backed Gull, 6 Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Black-Headed Gull & Herring Gull plus a few Carrion Crow. There might have been a couple of waders but without the 'scope at the distance I was, it was impossible to pick them out.
A few yards along & I entered the reserve & immediately spotted foraging Blackbird, Greenfinch, Long-Tailed Tit, Goldfinch. Then at the far side of the park was the enclosed run-off/reservoir from the river which exposed a good stretch of mud before a reedbed. On the mud were fantastic numbers of really close Teal all squeaking enthusiastically as they dabbled; on the open water were Tufted Duck, Mallard, Moorhen & Coot. After observing the mini-estuary for as long as the cold allowed I made my way back round the park for Woodpigeon, Blue Tit & Dunnock & by the time I had walked to the other side of the basin a couple of Little Grebe had popped up. Then just as I was about to leave a small brown bird lurking at the reeds' edge caught my attention, an unexpected Water Rail, with a curiously grey bill. Luckily I hadn't disturbed it, so it crept out of the reeds & entered the water where it began to wash itself, eventually revealing its red bill that had been covered by the dull mud from a day's foraging. It moved back to the reeds' edge to preen before it inevitably skulked back into the reedbed after about 5 minutes. I then made my way back towards the train but not before spotting a couple of Pied Wagtail on the riverside railings.
Finally as the light was fading I arrived at Island Gardens & headed to the river for a reported wintering ring-billed gull at the end of Glenaffric Avenue but the tide was in so there was no mud. However in the nearby water, far from the bank, was a rather tubby-looking gull with a ring on its bill amongst the black-headed gulls, but without it being closer for a better look, before a boat caused it to take wing, it'll have to remain a common gull.
32 species, 1 new.
For a blog with 'urban' in the title I haven't actually done much urban birding, I mostly head out of the city. However after reading of various excellent sightings at londonbirders wiki & group, I decided to leave the car & explore a couple of sites in the city.
First up was Abney Park Cemetery which I got to after riding the Piccadilly underground line up to Manor House, I then jumped on the 141 bus for a few stops then walked along the south-side of Clissold Park into Stoke Newington. On the walk: Crow, Great Tit, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Starling.
After thinking I'd missed the cemetery, just as I pulled out the map there it was in front of me; once I entered it I found a wonderfully overgrown & ramshackle place just off Stoke Newington high street. There were understandably a few people about, it was Saturday afternoon, but apart from the 3 non-threatening bums enjoying some beers, it was a calm & peaceful place, even more so when I'd grown accustomed to the regular 'plane noise.
I had come mainly in the hope of seeing the reported firecrests. Initially though more common or garden Magpie, Blackbird, Dunnock, & Woodpigeon were seen & a couple of Blue Tit passed close by through the trees, the first of several I saw. Throughout my initial sightings I could hear loud calls of Great Spotted Woodpecker, even some drumming, & as I continued around three soon flew into view chasing each other & drumming enthusiastically - presumably a family party. As I took in the excitable 'peckers my attention was caught by a small bird picking through the trees above the path. I quickly focused, but it was a Goldcrest not its scarcer cousin. I carried on for Wren & Robin flitting amongst the headstones, then Long-Tailed Tit, a few Chaffinch, a couple of Great Tit, a Crow, & a lone Jay above the Isaac Watts statue. I then turned off the main path to a quieter side path & again saw a goldcrest flitting about, but then as I lingered another small bird edged through the foliage, this time noticeably & surprisingly brighter, with a distinctive & stand-out eyestripe: a Firecrest, the new species I had hoped to see. It passed directly over my head down another tree & across the path into the thick ivy behind the Watts statue, & it seemed to be joined by another though I didn't ID the second one - a brief encounter with a charismatic & enigmatic species. After that I wandered for a few minutes longer towards where the firecrests had gone but after no further sightings I decided to move on.
Next, I arrived at East India at 2:30pm after riding the underground to Bank followed by the DLR. The East India Dock Basin reserve is part of the Lee Valley & is a small park & reservoir next to the Thames & I found it to be a little a gem of a place.
After getting off the DLR & heading for the river I immediately noticed a good size group on the shore underneath the Millenium Dome from which I picked out 12 Grey Heron, 11 Cormorant, 6 Great Black-Backed Gull, 6 Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Black-Headed Gull & Herring Gull plus a few Carrion Crow. There might have been a couple of waders but without the 'scope at the distance I was, it was impossible to pick them out.
A few yards along & I entered the reserve & immediately spotted foraging Blackbird, Greenfinch, Long-Tailed Tit, Goldfinch. Then at the far side of the park was the enclosed run-off/reservoir from the river which exposed a good stretch of mud before a reedbed. On the mud were fantastic numbers of really close Teal all squeaking enthusiastically as they dabbled; on the open water were Tufted Duck, Mallard, Moorhen & Coot. After observing the mini-estuary for as long as the cold allowed I made my way back round the park for Woodpigeon, Blue Tit & Dunnock & by the time I had walked to the other side of the basin a couple of Little Grebe had popped up. Then just as I was about to leave a small brown bird lurking at the reeds' edge caught my attention, an unexpected Water Rail, with a curiously grey bill. Luckily I hadn't disturbed it, so it crept out of the reeds & entered the water where it began to wash itself, eventually revealing its red bill that had been covered by the dull mud from a day's foraging. It moved back to the reeds' edge to preen before it inevitably skulked back into the reedbed after about 5 minutes. I then made my way back towards the train but not before spotting a couple of Pied Wagtail on the riverside railings.
Finally as the light was fading I arrived at Island Gardens & headed to the river for a reported wintering ring-billed gull at the end of Glenaffric Avenue but the tide was in so there was no mud. However in the nearby water, far from the bank, was a rather tubby-looking gull with a ring on its bill amongst the black-headed gulls, but without it being closer for a better look, before a boat caused it to take wing, it'll have to remain a common gull.
32 species, 1 new.
NWT Holme Reserve, Norfolk, 01/12/2008
From Thornham over to Holme for some sea-watching, after reading NOA reports. From about 1pm; similar weather though with a strengthening breeze.
On the approach road: Magpie, Chaffinch; Canada Goose & Wigeon on the marshes adjacent to the road; Robin & Wren in the bushes around the car-park.
Lots of birds on the shore: Great Black-Backed Gull, Common Gull, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Herring Gull, Turnstone, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover & Redshank. There didn't seem to be too much happening out to sea but maybe that was my poor vantage point however I did see a few Eider.
Heading back to the hides on the other side of the reserve, a quiet view: a hunting Marsh Harrier (maybe the one visible from Thornham, it was hunting in the same place), Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Coot.
Leaving the reserve, up the road in the car: Blackbird, Long-Tailed Tit & to make the visit worthwhile, a group of about 8 Fieldfare flew onto the bushes & then off again along the sea defences.
Holme just never seems to do it for me, this time it was deathly quiet, even the visitors' centre was closed - I always seem to time my visits there at just the wrong time!
24 species.
On the approach road: Magpie, Chaffinch; Canada Goose & Wigeon on the marshes adjacent to the road; Robin & Wren in the bushes around the car-park.
Lots of birds on the shore: Great Black-Backed Gull, Common Gull, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Herring Gull, Turnstone, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover & Redshank. There didn't seem to be too much happening out to sea but maybe that was my poor vantage point however I did see a few Eider.
Heading back to the hides on the other side of the reserve, a quiet view: a hunting Marsh Harrier (maybe the one visible from Thornham, it was hunting in the same place), Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Coot.
Leaving the reserve, up the road in the car: Blackbird, Long-Tailed Tit & to make the visit worthwhile, a group of about 8 Fieldfare flew onto the bushes & then off again along the sea defences.
Holme just never seems to do it for me, this time it was deathly quiet, even the visitors' centre was closed - I always seem to time my visits there at just the wrong time!
24 species.
Thornham Harbour, Norfolk, 01/12/2008
Weather: bright & sunny, cold breeze. From 11:15am.
A return trip to the fields & small estuary of Thornham to see what winter visitors have arrived; the fields are actually part of the Holme reserve & it's possible to walk from the harbour to the Holme visitors' centre, though it's easier to drive to both locations separately!
On the mud around the estuary & visible across the marshes towards the shoreline: Redshank, Curlew, Shelduck, Little Egret; flying onto the bushes, 3 Reed Bunting.
Good numbers of birds on the fields: many Golden Plover, mingled with Lapwing, a lone Snipe, a couple of Brent Goose, a few Skylark quietly feeding & occasionally disturbed into flight, overflying Starling, a couple of Pheasant lurking on the field's edge, a couple of Mallard, a Marsh Harrier in the distance along the fence-line on the Holme reserve, finally a Great Black-Backed Gull on the shoreline.
15 species.
A return trip to the fields & small estuary of Thornham to see what winter visitors have arrived; the fields are actually part of the Holme reserve & it's possible to walk from the harbour to the Holme visitors' centre, though it's easier to drive to both locations separately!
On the mud around the estuary & visible across the marshes towards the shoreline: Redshank, Curlew, Shelduck, Little Egret; flying onto the bushes, 3 Reed Bunting.
Good numbers of birds on the fields: many Golden Plover, mingled with Lapwing, a lone Snipe, a couple of Brent Goose, a few Skylark quietly feeding & occasionally disturbed into flight, overflying Starling, a couple of Pheasant lurking on the field's edge, a couple of Mallard, a Marsh Harrier in the distance along the fence-line on the Holme reserve, finally a Great Black-Backed Gull on the shoreline.
15 species.
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