3 to 4:30pm. Weather: cold, grey, windy.
From Cantley I headed back down the road to Buckenham where I hoped to walk to the hide & back for the roost in the remaining light. Unfortunately I'd overestimated the time left & as the light faded I walked just to the riverbank.
Barn Owl - I was alerted to an 'owl' almost as soon as I started walking the path, & was treated to a nice close-up view as it rapidly quartered the field & crossed the path before flying back & away behind the copse.
Snipe - put up by the barn owl, it flew quickly away.
Greylag Goose - several scattered about the marshes feeding, but also large skeins in the distance beyond the hide. There may have been some white-fronts in the skeins but I couldn't pick out any lightness about the bill in the poor light.
Canada Goose - a large flock feeding in the middle of the marshes.
Mute Swan - a few also feeding on the marshes.
Taiga Bean Goose - I almost immediately noticed another group of geese, that I was now fairly familiar with. I enjoyed more views of another approx. 20 as they fed on the marshes, marginally closer than the ones I'd seen on Cantely Marshes.
Wigeon - very large flocks, whistling & many feeding close to the path, unpeturbed by the people who were about.
Marsh Harrier - one female.
Linnet - 6 at first but then over 20 flying back & forth above the scrub adjacent to the path. When I returned from the riverbank I heard a cacophony of their gentle chirping from what appeared to be a significant roost.
Kestrel - whizzed through.
Mallard, Woodpigeon, Fieldfare, Pheasant (heard).
Jackdaw & Rook - by now it was dark & I could see distant flocks beginning to gather, as 'advertised'. I left the reserve, evidently the copse of trees on the reserve is not the roost, & headed up the hill from the train station as the flocks grew & grew into a swirling mass above the trees over Buckenham village. The amazing sight has been described far better than I can manage here but it was hugely impressive as flights of corvids swept in overhead from various parts of the countryside to join the roiling mass above the trees. The sound of their calling was such that individual calls soon became indistiguishable & the cumulative affect was of a sound like water bubbling over gravel. The awesome sight & sound continued above the treeline for 10 minutes or so before the flock eventually began to settle. Soon there were none left in the air but the calling carried on for minutes more before that also began to diminish. An incredible sight & one that several other people had ventured out to see, & one I'd like to see again someday.
After the north Norfolk coast this is my favourite area of the county, well worth the drive, a gem of a spot with special wildlife.
16 species.
Tuesday 29 December 2009
Cantley Marshes, Norfolk, 29/12/2009
1:30 to 2:30pm. Weather: cold, grey, light breeze (NE).
Ever since first visiting the Yare Valley in Easter 2008 I had wanted to return especially after reading Crow Country which describes the amazing corvid winter roost. A speciality of the area also gave me reason to return & armed with Lee Evans's Ultimate Site Guide I found my way to the Cantley Sugar Factory & walked out past The Reedcutter pub along the river to look across the marshes, still in the shadow of the factory.
Black-Headed Gull, Lapwing, Starling, Mute Swan.
Fieldfare - a lone bird low down in the hedgerow.
Mallard & Wigeon - on the river.
Taiga Bean Goose - the bird I had come to see, they were fairly easy to pick out feeding peacefully on the marsh. There 12 to 20 & were identified from large size but obviously dark head & lower-parts, also a few individuals obligingly flapped their wings revealing a dark upper surface, diagnostic from greylag. I enjoyed watching them for several minutes, they oblivious to me before moving off for some lunch.
Great Spotted Woodpecker - flew from the marshes into a nearby copse.
Buzzard - flapped over.
Pied Wagtail (over)
Marsh Harrier - quartered near the bean geese.
Woodpigeon, Wren.
14 species, 1 new species.
Ever since first visiting the Yare Valley in Easter 2008 I had wanted to return especially after reading Crow Country which describes the amazing corvid winter roost. A speciality of the area also gave me reason to return & armed with Lee Evans's Ultimate Site Guide I found my way to the Cantley Sugar Factory & walked out past The Reedcutter pub along the river to look across the marshes, still in the shadow of the factory.
Black-Headed Gull, Lapwing, Starling, Mute Swan.
Fieldfare - a lone bird low down in the hedgerow.
Mallard & Wigeon - on the river.
Taiga Bean Goose - the bird I had come to see, they were fairly easy to pick out feeding peacefully on the marsh. There 12 to 20 & were identified from large size but obviously dark head & lower-parts, also a few individuals obligingly flapped their wings revealing a dark upper surface, diagnostic from greylag. I enjoyed watching them for several minutes, they oblivious to me before moving off for some lunch.
Great Spotted Woodpecker - flew from the marshes into a nearby copse.
Buzzard - flapped over.
Pied Wagtail (over)
Marsh Harrier - quartered near the bean geese.
Woodpigeon, Wren.
14 species, 1 new species.
NWT Roydon Common, Norfolk, 28/12/2009
3:20 to 4:30pm. Weather: cold, bright, fading sunshine to dusk.
I ventured out into the plummeting temperatures for something I should probably have done ages ago - observe the raptor roost. Always an enhanting place to visit, no less in the gathering gloom of a freezing winter's night.
Magpie, Crow.
Rook & Jackdaw - making up a sizeable & noisy roost.
Mallard - 4 circled around but did not settle.
Pheasant (heard), Curlew (heard).
Hen Harrier - out of nowhere a male appeared far off, quartering the heath. An amazing bird even at distance it was joined by another male & they both settled quite quickly on the ground where they looked ready to roost. Unfortunately for them a couple of Roe Deer moved right through their chosen spot which unsettled them briefly, though they quickly found another spot & I lost them in the gloom.
Red-Legged Partridge - after I sighted the first harrier, something spooked a couple of partridge which flew off loudly.
I ventured out into the plummeting temperatures for something I should probably have done ages ago - observe the raptor roost. Always an enhanting place to visit, no less in the gathering gloom of a freezing winter's night.
Magpie, Crow.
Rook & Jackdaw - making up a sizeable & noisy roost.
Mallard - 4 circled around but did not settle.
Pheasant (heard), Curlew (heard).
Hen Harrier - out of nowhere a male appeared far off, quartering the heath. An amazing bird even at distance it was joined by another male & they both settled quite quickly on the ground where they looked ready to roost. Unfortunately for them a couple of Roe Deer moved right through their chosen spot which unsettled them briefly, though they quickly found another spot & I lost them in the gloom.
Red-Legged Partridge - after I sighted the first harrier, something spooked a couple of partridge which flew off loudly.
RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, 27/12/2009
12:45 to 3:30pm. Weather: cold, grey, some blue sky.
Outing with mum & the boys, in wintry conditions which meant we didn't linger on the beach. The boys were still able to pick up a couple of starfish, unbelievable numbers of which had been washed up on the shore, & these along with wrecked shellfish attracted large numbers of gulls. We stopped in the new Island Hide on the way back for lunch but it was fairly quiet, however a good tally was still had overall.
Carpark:
Woodpigeon, Robin, Starling
Picnic Area:
Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Wren.
Muntjac - confidently & unhurriedly crossed the path in front of us.
Dunnock, Moorhen, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Long-Tailed Tit, Blackbird.
Freshwater Marshes:
Kestrel, Reed Bunting, Mallard, Coot, Little Egret.
Brent Goose, Wigeon, Redshank, Shoveler, Avocet, Teal.
Pintail - 3 males, 2 females.
Herring Gull - thousands were seen towards Thornham, in large flocks clouding the horizon.
Shelduck, Black-Headed Gull.
Tidal Marshes:
Black-Tailed Godwit, Cormorant.
Water Rail - proving quite a good spot for them, with one skulking about the low undergrowth on the beach side of the old dividing embankment.
Little Grebe - 7 counted, again tucked in against the embankment.
Crow, Lapwing, Great Black-Backed Gull.
Goldeneye - a lone male; later many were spotted on the sea.
Beach:
Pied Wagtail - 2 flushed as soon as I set foot on the sand.
Turnstone, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Curlew - all on the tide line.
Common Scoter - good sized rafts fairly close in shore due to it being high tide.
Great-Crested Grebe - 3 also at sea.
Adjacent to Tidal Marsh:
Marsh Harrier - female or juvenile quartering the marsh.
Island Hide:
Common Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Gadwall - additional to the wildfowl seen on the way up.
Entrance/Exit:
Pink-Footed Goose - above fields next to Titchwell Village.
Magpie, Greylag Goose - a small flock flew in & settled on the fields next to the reserve entrance/exit.
52 species.
Outing with mum & the boys, in wintry conditions which meant we didn't linger on the beach. The boys were still able to pick up a couple of starfish, unbelievable numbers of which had been washed up on the shore, & these along with wrecked shellfish attracted large numbers of gulls. We stopped in the new Island Hide on the way back for lunch but it was fairly quiet, however a good tally was still had overall.
Carpark:
Woodpigeon, Robin, Starling
Picnic Area:
Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Wren.
Muntjac - confidently & unhurriedly crossed the path in front of us.
Dunnock, Moorhen, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Long-Tailed Tit, Blackbird.
Freshwater Marshes:
Kestrel, Reed Bunting, Mallard, Coot, Little Egret.
Brent Goose, Wigeon, Redshank, Shoveler, Avocet, Teal.
Pintail - 3 males, 2 females.
Herring Gull - thousands were seen towards Thornham, in large flocks clouding the horizon.
Shelduck, Black-Headed Gull.
Tidal Marshes:
Black-Tailed Godwit, Cormorant.
Water Rail - proving quite a good spot for them, with one skulking about the low undergrowth on the beach side of the old dividing embankment.
Little Grebe - 7 counted, again tucked in against the embankment.
Crow, Lapwing, Great Black-Backed Gull.
Goldeneye - a lone male; later many were spotted on the sea.
Beach:
Pied Wagtail - 2 flushed as soon as I set foot on the sand.
Turnstone, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Curlew - all on the tide line.
Common Scoter - good sized rafts fairly close in shore due to it being high tide.
Great-Crested Grebe - 3 also at sea.
Adjacent to Tidal Marsh:
Marsh Harrier - female or juvenile quartering the marsh.
Island Hide:
Common Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Gadwall - additional to the wildfowl seen on the way up.
Entrance/Exit:
Pink-Footed Goose - above fields next to Titchwell Village.
Magpie, Greylag Goose - a small flock flew in & settled on the fields next to the reserve entrance/exit.
52 species.
Sunday 20 December 2009
Dersingham Bog Bypass, Norfolk, 20/12/2009
4:30pm. Weather: cold, snowing.
Woodcock - 2 flying along the road.
Woodcock - 2 flying along the road.
Sunday 13 December 2009
WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, London, 13/12/2009
1:30pm. Weather: dull, breezy, cold.
A free weekend allowed me to take Kim to the LWC for the first time. Closer than Rainham but not with the same variety of species, nonetheless a good day out.
Entrance Area:
Great Spotted Woodpecker - heard from the trees adjacent to the carpark.
Magpie, Crow, Starling, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Tufted Duck.
Goldfinch, Blackbird, Ring-Necked Parakeet.
Wildside:
Egyptian Goose - a pair over & away from the reserve.
Greenfinch, Wren (heard), Cormorant (over).
Hide:
Grey Heron, Teal, Little Grebe, Great-Crested Grebe.
Black-Headed Gull, Gadwall, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Shoveler, Common Gull.
Wildside:
Green Woodpecker, Robin, Blue Tit, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Mute Swan.
Towards Peacock Tower:
Bittern - along the path we passed a couple of obliging birders who pointed out its whereabouts & when we arrived at the viewing place another birder helped us point in the right direction. Although only a few reedstems from the water's edge the amazingly cryptic plumage still meant that it was perfectly well-concealed, just a suggestion of density with the naked eye & difficult to see even with a 'scope, though I could pick out the detailed plumage & was impressed with its almost russet & dark upper head & neck. It then skulked back & forth before the cold persuaded us to move on.
Water Rail - also heard from the reedbeds nearby.
Peacock Tower:
Wigeon - feeding on a grassy bank.
Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Herring Gull (1st winter).
36 species.
A free weekend allowed me to take Kim to the LWC for the first time. Closer than Rainham but not with the same variety of species, nonetheless a good day out.
Entrance Area:
Great Spotted Woodpecker - heard from the trees adjacent to the carpark.
Magpie, Crow, Starling, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Tufted Duck.
Goldfinch, Blackbird, Ring-Necked Parakeet.
Wildside:
Egyptian Goose - a pair over & away from the reserve.
Greenfinch, Wren (heard), Cormorant (over).
Hide:
Grey Heron, Teal, Little Grebe, Great-Crested Grebe.
Black-Headed Gull, Gadwall, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Shoveler, Common Gull.
Wildside:
Green Woodpecker, Robin, Blue Tit, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Mute Swan.
Towards Peacock Tower:
Bittern - along the path we passed a couple of obliging birders who pointed out its whereabouts & when we arrived at the viewing place another birder helped us point in the right direction. Although only a few reedstems from the water's edge the amazingly cryptic plumage still meant that it was perfectly well-concealed, just a suggestion of density with the naked eye & difficult to see even with a 'scope, though I could pick out the detailed plumage & was impressed with its almost russet & dark upper head & neck. It then skulked back & forth before the cold persuaded us to move on.
Water Rail - also heard from the reedbeds nearby.
Peacock Tower:
Wigeon - feeding on a grassy bank.
Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Herring Gull (1st winter).
36 species.
Saturday 28 November 2009
Hampstead Cemetery, West Hampstead, London, 28/11/2009
1:15pm. Weather: bright & sunny, cold, easterly breeze.
Fortune Green Entrance:
Chaffinch, Crow, Goldfinch.
Woodpigeon - later, at least 18 counted in a large pine tree on the south-side.
Redwing - over 20 all over the south-side of the cemetery, chucking & pseeping.
Blackbird, Black-Headed Gull.
South-side:
Jay - flitting ahead, flashing white-rump.
Greenfinch, Robin, Magpie, Blue Tit.
Song Thrush - briefly singing.
Pitches:
Starling - gulls.
Brambles:
House Sparrow - 3 males in brambles, after hearing them calling.
Wren - heard from brambles near to sparrows.
Great-Spotted Woodpecker - heard back at south-side.
Exit:
Great Tit,
Goldcrest - heard from centre pine but foliage was too thick to find it.
15 species.
Fortune Green Entrance:
Chaffinch, Crow, Goldfinch.
Woodpigeon - later, at least 18 counted in a large pine tree on the south-side.
Redwing - over 20 all over the south-side of the cemetery, chucking & pseeping.
Blackbird, Black-Headed Gull.
South-side:
Jay - flitting ahead, flashing white-rump.
Greenfinch, Robin, Magpie, Blue Tit.
Song Thrush - briefly singing.
Pitches:
Starling - gulls.
Brambles:
House Sparrow - 3 males in brambles, after hearing them calling.
Wren - heard from brambles near to sparrows.
Great-Spotted Woodpecker - heard back at south-side.
Exit:
Great Tit,
Goldcrest - heard from centre pine but foliage was too thick to find it.
15 species.
Sunday 15 November 2009
Hampstead Cemetery, West Hampstead, London, 15/11/2009
11:30am. Weather: bright & sunny, cool, still.
Patch visit during which I found an alternate & more secluded path which yielded more species than usual.
South-side:
Woodpigeon, Magpie, Great Tit, Robin, Blue Tit, Crow, Blackbird, Goldfinch (over).
Redwing - several more than previous visits, noisily foraging amongst the foliage.
Blackcap - as I watched the redwings, a surprise grey bird came into view also foraging. A female, over-wintering & the first time I have encountered one doing so.
Song Thrush - flicked away quickly through the understorey then heard singing.
Goldcrest - heard singing in the pines then seen with a Long-Tailed Tit feeding party.
Coal Tit, Jay, Greenfinch (heard).
Great-Spotted Woodpecker - amongst the trees tapping here & there.
North-side:
Wren (heard),
Playing Fields:
Black-Headed Gull, Common Gull, Starling.
Rememberance Garden:
Herring Gull (over).
Fortune Green Gate:
Greenfinch - 4 over.
22 species.
Patch visit during which I found an alternate & more secluded path which yielded more species than usual.
South-side:
Woodpigeon, Magpie, Great Tit, Robin, Blue Tit, Crow, Blackbird, Goldfinch (over).
Redwing - several more than previous visits, noisily foraging amongst the foliage.
Blackcap - as I watched the redwings, a surprise grey bird came into view also foraging. A female, over-wintering & the first time I have encountered one doing so.
Song Thrush - flicked away quickly through the understorey then heard singing.
Goldcrest - heard singing in the pines then seen with a Long-Tailed Tit feeding party.
Coal Tit, Jay, Greenfinch (heard).
Great-Spotted Woodpecker - amongst the trees tapping here & there.
North-side:
Wren (heard),
Playing Fields:
Black-Headed Gull, Common Gull, Starling.
Rememberance Garden:
Herring Gull (over).
Fortune Green Gate:
Greenfinch - 4 over.
22 species.
Saturday 7 November 2009
Hampstead Cemetery, West Hampstead, London, 07/11/2009
11am. Weather: bright & sunny, cool.
Nice morning walk with Kim.
South-side:
Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Jay, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Magpie.
Redwing - a few winter visitors flitting amongst the larger trees, pines & shrubs.
Green Woodpecker - close by & into a larger tree near the centre building.
Centre:
Long-Tailed Tit, Blue Tit.
Crow - high up, to the east, harrassing a Sparrowhawk, site tick.
North-side:
House Sparrow, Wren, Greenfinch - all around the large brambles.
Robin.
16 species.
Nice morning walk with Kim.
South-side:
Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Jay, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Magpie.
Redwing - a few winter visitors flitting amongst the larger trees, pines & shrubs.
Green Woodpecker - close by & into a larger tree near the centre building.
Centre:
Long-Tailed Tit, Blue Tit.
Crow - high up, to the east, harrassing a Sparrowhawk, site tick.
North-side:
House Sparrow, Wren, Greenfinch - all around the large brambles.
Robin.
16 species.
Sunday 25 October 2009
Hampstead Cemetery, West Hampstead, London, 25/10/2009
3:45pm. Weather: grey, cold, stiff breeze/wind.
Magpie, Great Tit, Jay, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch, Long-Tailed Tit, Robin, Crow.
8 species.
Magpie, Great Tit, Jay, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch, Long-Tailed Tit, Robin, Crow.
8 species.
Tuesday 20 October 2009
RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, 20/10/2009
12:30pm. Weather: grey, cold with brisk, colder wind.
In Norfolk for compassionate reasons & a nice walk to the beach with Kim & a visit to the hide on the way back. The first feeling of winter in the air so it was especially fresh!
Carpark:
Robin - very close amongst the cars, prospecting for picnic crumbs.
Chaffinch, Woodpigeon.
Visitors' Centre:
Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Blackbird.
Freshwater Marshes:
Mute Swan, Coot, Marsh Harrier, Curlew, Snipe.
Meadow Pipit, Black-Headed Gull, Starling.
Brent Goose - 4 over, the first of many.
Shelduck, Pied Wagtail, Ringed Plover.
Tidal Marshes:
Redshank & Sanderling - both quite distant, & an unusual place for the sanderling.
Linnet, Shoveler.
Little Grebe - at least 5 tucked in against the separating wall of the tidal marsh.
Pheasant, Black-Tailed Godwit, Little Egret, Skylark.
Beach:
An excellent selection of waders on the tide line amongst the shellfish beds.
Oystercatcher, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Knot, Dunlin.
Herring Gull, Common Gull & Crow - along the beach.
Eider, Great-Crested Grebe, Great Black-Backed Gull & Cormorant - over or in the sea.
Snow Bunting - heading back up the beach we joined a group of people avidly watching the sand where they pointed out a lively group of the buntings.
Island Hide:
Teal, Wigeon, Pintail.
Bewick's Swan - four flew in spectacularly as we watched the other wildfowl, a great & unexpected site tick.
Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Grey Heron, Gadwall.
Carpark:
Goldfinch.
Afterwards at Chosely Drying Barns:
Pink-Footed Goose & Collared Dove.
51 species.
In Norfolk for compassionate reasons & a nice walk to the beach with Kim & a visit to the hide on the way back. The first feeling of winter in the air so it was especially fresh!
Carpark:
Robin - very close amongst the cars, prospecting for picnic crumbs.
Chaffinch, Woodpigeon.
Visitors' Centre:
Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Blackbird.
Freshwater Marshes:
Mute Swan, Coot, Marsh Harrier, Curlew, Snipe.
Meadow Pipit, Black-Headed Gull, Starling.
Brent Goose - 4 over, the first of many.
Shelduck, Pied Wagtail, Ringed Plover.
Tidal Marshes:
Redshank & Sanderling - both quite distant, & an unusual place for the sanderling.
Linnet, Shoveler.
Little Grebe - at least 5 tucked in against the separating wall of the tidal marsh.
Pheasant, Black-Tailed Godwit, Little Egret, Skylark.
Beach:
An excellent selection of waders on the tide line amongst the shellfish beds.
Oystercatcher, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Knot, Dunlin.
Herring Gull, Common Gull & Crow - along the beach.
Eider, Great-Crested Grebe, Great Black-Backed Gull & Cormorant - over or in the sea.
Snow Bunting - heading back up the beach we joined a group of people avidly watching the sand where they pointed out a lively group of the buntings.
Island Hide:
Teal, Wigeon, Pintail.
Bewick's Swan - four flew in spectacularly as we watched the other wildfowl, a great & unexpected site tick.
Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Grey Heron, Gadwall.
Carpark:
Goldfinch.
Afterwards at Chosely Drying Barns:
Pink-Footed Goose & Collared Dove.
51 species.
Saturday 17 October 2009
Staines Moor, Surrey, 17/10/2009
8:30am. Weather: cold, grey autumn day, slight breeze.
I decided to attend my first twitch after reading reports of a nearby brown shrike. Although they are one of my favourite avian families I have only seen one species, a great grey at Lakenheath. Reports throughout the week indicated that it would be around over the weekend so I got up early to beat the traffic & joined already sizeable crowds twitching the individual which showed well throughout the morning, when visible, from the south bank of the river that runs through the moor.
King George VI Reservoir:
Cormorant, Kestrel, Wigeon.
Grey Wagtail - over, towards the reservoir, but not a conclusive sighting.
Moor:
Brown Shrike - was easy to find as a throng of friendly birders & twitchers were happy to point it out, so within 5 minutes of my arrival I had excellent views of it as it obligingly perched on one of its favoured bushes where it stayed for 5-10 minutes. It then disappeared for about half an hour before re-appearing further along on another bush, again showing well. A fascinating & beautiful little vagrant, which ended up being the UK's longest staying invidual of this species.
Reed Bunting, Red-Necked Parakeet, Crow, Chaffinch, Black-Headed Gull, Magpie.
Green Woodpecker - undulated through the mid-distance.
Walk back:
Robin, Great Tit, Long-Tailed Tit.
Wren - buzzing from the still thick undergrowth.
16 species, 1 new.
I decided to attend my first twitch after reading reports of a nearby brown shrike. Although they are one of my favourite avian families I have only seen one species, a great grey at Lakenheath. Reports throughout the week indicated that it would be around over the weekend so I got up early to beat the traffic & joined already sizeable crowds twitching the individual which showed well throughout the morning, when visible, from the south bank of the river that runs through the moor.
King George VI Reservoir:
Cormorant, Kestrel, Wigeon.
Grey Wagtail - over, towards the reservoir, but not a conclusive sighting.
Moor:
Brown Shrike - was easy to find as a throng of friendly birders & twitchers were happy to point it out, so within 5 minutes of my arrival I had excellent views of it as it obligingly perched on one of its favoured bushes where it stayed for 5-10 minutes. It then disappeared for about half an hour before re-appearing further along on another bush, again showing well. A fascinating & beautiful little vagrant, which ended up being the UK's longest staying invidual of this species.
Reed Bunting, Red-Necked Parakeet, Crow, Chaffinch, Black-Headed Gull, Magpie.
Green Woodpecker - undulated through the mid-distance.
Walk back:
Robin, Great Tit, Long-Tailed Tit.
Wren - buzzing from the still thick undergrowth.
16 species, 1 new.
Saturday 10 October 2009
WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, London, 10/10/2009
1pm. Weather: bright, warm, some cloud; still.
Lured by reports of spotted crake I made my first visit to the LWC & I also met Sian there. It's nearer to home than I realised, still, driving through Shepherd's Bush & Hammersmith to get there means it's no easy trip out. A worthwhile one nonetheless & with the high WWT entrance fees I decided to join up so I'll be visiting again!
Carpark & Entrance:
Ring-Necked Parakeet, Robin, Blackbird, Coot, Moorhen.
Wildside:
Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Shoveler, Kestrel.
Water Rail - squealing from the reeds but not seen.
Goldcrest - heard singing from pines next to the path then seen flitting amongst the foliage.
Next hide:
Snipe, Wigeon, Starling - over.
Peacock Tower:
Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, Robin, Jackdaw.
Unfortunately no spotted crake, yesterday was the last day it was recorded, but a nice introduction to the centre, although like the entrance fee, the cafeteria is also expensive!
23 species.
Lured by reports of spotted crake I made my first visit to the LWC & I also met Sian there. It's nearer to home than I realised, still, driving through Shepherd's Bush & Hammersmith to get there means it's no easy trip out. A worthwhile one nonetheless & with the high WWT entrance fees I decided to join up so I'll be visiting again!
Carpark & Entrance:
Ring-Necked Parakeet, Robin, Blackbird, Coot, Moorhen.
Wildside:
Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Shoveler, Kestrel.
Water Rail - squealing from the reeds but not seen.
Goldcrest - heard singing from pines next to the path then seen flitting amongst the foliage.
Next hide:
Snipe, Wigeon, Starling - over.
Peacock Tower:
Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, Robin, Jackdaw.
Unfortunately no spotted crake, yesterday was the last day it was recorded, but a nice introduction to the centre, although like the entrance fee, the cafeteria is also expensive!
23 species.
Sunday 4 October 2009
RSPB Otmoor, Oxfordshire, 04/10/2009
1:15pm. Weather: cloudy but bright, cool & breezy.
A wedding in the area meant I could sneak a first visit to this RSPB reserve, & as a bonus Bicester outlets are nearby allowing compromise on the day's activities.
Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit (x2).
Robin - first of a few in the copious low shrubs.
Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Crow.
Cetti's Warbler - heard.
Red Kite - drifted overhead.
Mute Swan, Grey Heron - three on the wing, squabbling noisily.
First Screen:
A small but busy pool with ducks & a few waders at close quarters.
Mallard, Black-Tailed Godwit, Teal, Black-Headed Gull, Snipe, Reed Bunting, Shoveler, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Wren.
Second Screen:
A larger pool but with less on it.
Water Rail - heard squealing from the reedbeds.
Coot, Gadwall.
Green Sandpiper - inconspicously standing on the mud with its head under its wing.
Moorhen, Kestrel.
28 species.
A wedding in the area meant I could sneak a first visit to this RSPB reserve, & as a bonus Bicester outlets are nearby allowing compromise on the day's activities.
Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit (x2).
Robin - first of a few in the copious low shrubs.
Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Crow.
Cetti's Warbler - heard.
Red Kite - drifted overhead.
Mute Swan, Grey Heron - three on the wing, squabbling noisily.
First Screen:
A small but busy pool with ducks & a few waders at close quarters.
Mallard, Black-Tailed Godwit, Teal, Black-Headed Gull, Snipe, Reed Bunting, Shoveler, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Wren.
Second Screen:
A larger pool but with less on it.
Water Rail - heard squealing from the reedbeds.
Coot, Gadwall.
Green Sandpiper - inconspicously standing on the mud with its head under its wing.
Moorhen, Kestrel.
28 species.
Sunday 27 September 2009
Hampstead Cemetery, West Hampstead, London, 27/09/2009
4:30pm. Weather: bright & sunny but cool, still.
A later afternoon visit to the patch. Usual garden & park species on offer but a relaxing diversion.
Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Magpie, Blackbird, Robin.
Herring Gull - over.
Greenfinch - heard.
Crow, Chaffinch, Jay, Ring-Necked Parakeet.
13 species.
A later afternoon visit to the patch. Usual garden & park species on offer but a relaxing diversion.
Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Magpie, Blackbird, Robin.
Herring Gull - over.
Greenfinch - heard.
Crow, Chaffinch, Jay, Ring-Necked Parakeet.
13 species.
Saturday 19 September 2009
Slocum's River, Dartmouth, MA, USA, 19/09/2009
8am. Weather: bright, sunny, warming up from a chill morning.
The last day of a fantastic holiday & my first organised walk with a local conservation group, the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) in the hope of seeing some of the migrants coming through the area. There was a good crowd for the walk on a chilly morning & we all set off with a couple of experts at the lead, both called Mike. One Mike was able to mimic a screech owl to amazing affect as it attracted scolding birds from nearby, allowing some fantastic views.
Carpark:
Starling - on overhead wires.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - another couple of tiny, buzzing birds seen for a second or two before buzzing away. Later another couple (or the same ones?) were duelling over a field passed by the path. It will be nice to eventually get my binoculars on some!
Chipping Sparrow - in pines near to carpark, easily pointed out by our guides.
Meadow:
Northern Mockingbird - a couple flying around, perching on fenceposts & treetops.
Song Sparrow, Tree Swallow.
Savannah Sparrow - streaky chest & notched tail, seen in sunlight to confirm my identification earlier in the week from Smith Neck Road.
Great Blue Heron, American Goldfinch.
Woodland:
White-Breasted Nuthatch - one of the first of the large group attracted by the screech owl calling from Mike. It approached very close above our heads before moving away.
Black-Capped Chickadee & Tufted Titmouse - also in the attracted group above our heads.
Eastern Towhee - attracted to the lower level shrub, but it remained fairly discreet throughout. It was identified first by its voice & then its impressive plumage which seemed almost out of place in the gloomy understorey.
Carolina Wren (heard), Downy Woodpecker, Bluejay.
Black-Throated Green Warbler - the main point of the screech owl impression was to lure any late summer migrants & we were rewarded when the first warbler was picked up. Another with bright plumage it flitted about the canopy, more wary than the more common birds but still close enough for a good sighting, my first warbler.
Black & White Warbler - another fantastic warbler within the group of mixed woodland birds, like the black-throated this elegant individual was not as prominent but was no less striking for it & it didn't hang around long either.
Glade:
Eastern Peewee - a few fly-catching from posts & branches in the woodland clearing.
Common Yellowthroat - by the waterside, skulking in the undergrowth. I caught a brief glimpse of its distinctive plumage, well camouflaged in the foliage.
Leaving:
Cooper's Hawk - a hawk rattled past, glimpsed through the trees, but it was enough for one of the Mikes to call out as a Cooper's, my first confirmed sighting, but I hope to see one for longer than a few seconds as it rushes by.
Cedar Waxwing - heard by another member of the group.
Turkey Vulture - drifted over nearby fields.
A great walk, very educational & helpful for my American birding skills especially for the troublesome sparrow species. I was also delighted to see my first couple of new world warblers & hope to see many more.
23 species, 6 new species!
The last day of a fantastic holiday & my first organised walk with a local conservation group, the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) in the hope of seeing some of the migrants coming through the area. There was a good crowd for the walk on a chilly morning & we all set off with a couple of experts at the lead, both called Mike. One Mike was able to mimic a screech owl to amazing affect as it attracted scolding birds from nearby, allowing some fantastic views.
Carpark:
Starling - on overhead wires.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - another couple of tiny, buzzing birds seen for a second or two before buzzing away. Later another couple (or the same ones?) were duelling over a field passed by the path. It will be nice to eventually get my binoculars on some!
Chipping Sparrow - in pines near to carpark, easily pointed out by our guides.
Meadow:
Northern Mockingbird - a couple flying around, perching on fenceposts & treetops.
Song Sparrow, Tree Swallow.
Savannah Sparrow - streaky chest & notched tail, seen in sunlight to confirm my identification earlier in the week from Smith Neck Road.
Great Blue Heron, American Goldfinch.
Woodland:
White-Breasted Nuthatch - one of the first of the large group attracted by the screech owl calling from Mike. It approached very close above our heads before moving away.
Black-Capped Chickadee & Tufted Titmouse - also in the attracted group above our heads.
Eastern Towhee - attracted to the lower level shrub, but it remained fairly discreet throughout. It was identified first by its voice & then its impressive plumage which seemed almost out of place in the gloomy understorey.
Carolina Wren (heard), Downy Woodpecker, Bluejay.
Black-Throated Green Warbler - the main point of the screech owl impression was to lure any late summer migrants & we were rewarded when the first warbler was picked up. Another with bright plumage it flitted about the canopy, more wary than the more common birds but still close enough for a good sighting, my first warbler.
Black & White Warbler - another fantastic warbler within the group of mixed woodland birds, like the black-throated this elegant individual was not as prominent but was no less striking for it & it didn't hang around long either.
Glade:
Eastern Peewee - a few fly-catching from posts & branches in the woodland clearing.
Common Yellowthroat - by the waterside, skulking in the undergrowth. I caught a brief glimpse of its distinctive plumage, well camouflaged in the foliage.
Leaving:
Cooper's Hawk - a hawk rattled past, glimpsed through the trees, but it was enough for one of the Mikes to call out as a Cooper's, my first confirmed sighting, but I hope to see one for longer than a few seconds as it rushes by.
Cedar Waxwing - heard by another member of the group.
Turkey Vulture - drifted over nearby fields.
A great walk, very educational & helpful for my American birding skills especially for the troublesome sparrow species. I was also delighted to see my first couple of new world warblers & hope to see many more.
23 species, 6 new species!
Friday 18 September 2009
Lloyd Centre, Dartmouth, MA, USA, 18/09/2009
5:10pm. Weather: bright, sunny, cool.
The next port of call after Allen's Pond with Dinha. This time to the actual centre & not the state beach. This place has osprey nesting platforms though the fish hawks were long past breeding it had a nice selection of waterside & woodland habitat.
Feeders:
Mourning Dove, American Goldfinch.
Waterside:
Great Egret, Black-Capped Chickadee.
Belted Kingfisher - zipped along the watercourse & behind the dense trees of an inlet, unmistakable especially after seeing one a few days before.
5 species.
The next port of call after Allen's Pond with Dinha. This time to the actual centre & not the state beach. This place has osprey nesting platforms though the fish hawks were long past breeding it had a nice selection of waterside & woodland habitat.
Feeders:
Mourning Dove, American Goldfinch.
Waterside:
Great Egret, Black-Capped Chickadee.
Belted Kingfisher - zipped along the watercourse & behind the dense trees of an inlet, unmistakable especially after seeing one a few days before.
5 species.
Mass Audubon Allen's Pond, Westport, MA, USA, 18/09/2009
3:40pm. Weather: bright, sunny, cool, stiff breeze.
An afternoon visit to a local reserve with Dinha. A brisk walk on a windy beach though not too many species about a nice place with potential.
Beach:
Eider, Double-Crested Cormorant.
Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover - flying along the waves in a small group & one or two plovers on the tide line.
Inland:
Northern Harrier - ringtail, quatering above the marshy vegetation inland between the beach & the pond.
Pond:
Great Back-Backed Gull, Herring Gull.
Great Egret - on the distant far shore within the estuary.
Mute Swan, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, American Crow.
12 species.
An afternoon visit to a local reserve with Dinha. A brisk walk on a windy beach though not too many species about a nice place with potential.
Beach:
Eider, Double-Crested Cormorant.
Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover - flying along the waves in a small group & one or two plovers on the tide line.
Inland:
Northern Harrier - ringtail, quatering above the marshy vegetation inland between the beach & the pond.
Pond:
Great Back-Backed Gull, Herring Gull.
Great Egret - on the distant far shore within the estuary.
Mute Swan, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, American Crow.
12 species.
Smith Neck Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA, 18/09/2009
9am. Weather: bright, sunny, cool.
Carolina Wren - I was woken by a loud 'pedalo, pedalo' birdsong I hadn't heard before, but quickly saw that it was coming from a wren perched atop a small tree in the garden. After that it was easy to identify from its distinctive voice. I believe this was the unidentified bird that I saw & heard on 27/10/2008 during an early morning walk.
Carolina Wren - I was woken by a loud 'pedalo, pedalo' birdsong I hadn't heard before, but quickly saw that it was coming from a wren perched atop a small tree in the garden. After that it was easy to identify from its distinctive voice. I believe this was the unidentified bird that I saw & heard on 27/10/2008 during an early morning walk.
Tuesday 15 September 2009
Mass. Audubon Wellfleet Bay, Cape Cod, MA, USA, 15/09/2009
3pm-ish. Weather: bright, sunny, warm.
On the way back from P'town & a visit to this reserve was too good an opportunity to miss so we pulled in & I had an hour to get round. I walked through the woods down to the beach & then back, picking up several different species & a desire to go back to thoroughly explore the place.
Feeders:
Cardinal, Common Grackle, American Goldfinch.
Chipmunk.
Woodland:
Black-Capped Chickadee, American Crow.
Tree Martin - large numbers congregating over the marshes & passing through.
Shore:
Whimbrel - a lone bird on a nearby creek, a nice close view of a normally elusive migrant in the UK.
Double-Crested Cormorant, Herring Gull, Great Blue Heron - on the shoreside salt marshes.
Marshes:
Grey Catbird - on my way down to the shore I detected a skulking bird in the low foliage but I couldn't pick it out. On the way back I had more luck because there seemed to be a couple & eventually I got a view of a beautiful subtle grey bird, which I looked up afterwards & identified.
Black-Crowned Night Heron - heading back close to the visitors' centre I passed a couple of people stationary on the path who informed me of these birds standing still on low trees within a few metres of the path. There were 3 juveniles with big eyes & they were completely oblivious to the nearby people, an easy life tick!
Downy Woodpecker - in the trees, as expected.
Centre (another set of feeders):
Red-Winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow.
15 species, 2 new species.
On the way back from P'town & a visit to this reserve was too good an opportunity to miss so we pulled in & I had an hour to get round. I walked through the woods down to the beach & then back, picking up several different species & a desire to go back to thoroughly explore the place.
Feeders:
Cardinal, Common Grackle, American Goldfinch.
Chipmunk.
Woodland:
Black-Capped Chickadee, American Crow.
Tree Martin - large numbers congregating over the marshes & passing through.
Shore:
Whimbrel - a lone bird on a nearby creek, a nice close view of a normally elusive migrant in the UK.
Double-Crested Cormorant, Herring Gull, Great Blue Heron - on the shoreside salt marshes.
Marshes:
Grey Catbird - on my way down to the shore I detected a skulking bird in the low foliage but I couldn't pick it out. On the way back I had more luck because there seemed to be a couple & eventually I got a view of a beautiful subtle grey bird, which I looked up afterwards & identified.
Black-Crowned Night Heron - heading back close to the visitors' centre I passed a couple of people stationary on the path who informed me of these birds standing still on low trees within a few metres of the path. There were 3 juveniles with big eyes & they were completely oblivious to the nearby people, an easy life tick!
Downy Woodpecker - in the trees, as expected.
Centre (another set of feeders):
Red-Winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow.
15 species, 2 new species.
Monday 14 September 2009
Provincetown Whale Watching, MA, USA, 14/09/2009
4:30pm. Weather: bright, sunny, warm.
After a drive up the Cape, via a stop-off for lunch at Nauset Light Beach, Kim & I checked into the hotel & were soon out for a walk in P'town. Whale watching was one big thing I wanted to do so we investigated on the dock & found that the last trip of the day was due to disembark. We decided to get on board after popping back to the hotel to don some warmed clothes & to pick up optical equipment. Then we were off on what proved to be a fantastic voyage, an undoubted highlight of the holiday.
Dockside:
Falcon sp. - not sure what it was, smaller than a peregrine but was too quickly through for identification.
Common Grackle, Eider, Herring Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull, Ring-Billed Gull, Laughing Gull, Double-Crested Cormorant.
Pelagic:
Common Tern - large numbers diving into the water off-shore of Race Point beach.
Great Shearwater - the first obvious shearwater, first a few individuals then larger groups. Fairly easy to identify from its size & markings - my first shearwater.
Sooty Shearwater - also easy to identify, completely dark. In good numbers but not as numerous as the great shearwaters, though it mixed freely with them.
Red-Necked Phalarope - I spotted a raft of waders & immediately knew they were phalaropes, quickly identified as red-necked. The boat approached quite close before they took flight, but then settled quickly on the waves again. Another fantastic life tick.
Humpback Whale - I was a little skeptical about whether we'd see any whales & if we did how close we'd get but I was proved completely wrong because we saw whales almost as soon as we hit open water, though we were actually still close to the shore. Then the boat was also able to get within a few metres as the magnificent creatures gracefull crested the waves as they swam & then showed the rapt audience on the boat their flukes as they dove beneath the waves. We were even lucky enough to accompany a mother & her calf for a few minutes. An amazing experience.
Minke Whale - pointed out by out guide, I saw it's crescent dorsal fin as it swam rapidly away.
Harbour Seal - heading back as the sun set over a swarm of dogfish, a couple of heads poked above the waves.
11 species, 3 new.
After a drive up the Cape, via a stop-off for lunch at Nauset Light Beach, Kim & I checked into the hotel & were soon out for a walk in P'town. Whale watching was one big thing I wanted to do so we investigated on the dock & found that the last trip of the day was due to disembark. We decided to get on board after popping back to the hotel to don some warmed clothes & to pick up optical equipment. Then we were off on what proved to be a fantastic voyage, an undoubted highlight of the holiday.
Dockside:
Falcon sp. - not sure what it was, smaller than a peregrine but was too quickly through for identification.
Common Grackle, Eider, Herring Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull, Ring-Billed Gull, Laughing Gull, Double-Crested Cormorant.
Pelagic:
Common Tern - large numbers diving into the water off-shore of Race Point beach.
Great Shearwater - the first obvious shearwater, first a few individuals then larger groups. Fairly easy to identify from its size & markings - my first shearwater.
Sooty Shearwater - also easy to identify, completely dark. In good numbers but not as numerous as the great shearwaters, though it mixed freely with them.
Red-Necked Phalarope - I spotted a raft of waders & immediately knew they were phalaropes, quickly identified as red-necked. The boat approached quite close before they took flight, but then settled quickly on the waves again. Another fantastic life tick.
Humpback Whale - I was a little skeptical about whether we'd see any whales & if we did how close we'd get but I was proved completely wrong because we saw whales almost as soon as we hit open water, though we were actually still close to the shore. Then the boat was also able to get within a few metres as the magnificent creatures gracefull crested the waves as they swam & then showed the rapt audience on the boat their flukes as they dove beneath the waves. We were even lucky enough to accompany a mother & her calf for a few minutes. An amazing experience.
Minke Whale - pointed out by out guide, I saw it's crescent dorsal fin as it swam rapidly away.
Harbour Seal - heading back as the sun set over a swarm of dogfish, a couple of heads poked above the waves.
11 species, 3 new.
Sunday 13 September 2009
Knowles Reserve Saltmarsh, Dartmouth, MA, USA, 13/09/2009
11:30am. Weather: bright, sunny, warm.
Another drive past.
Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Starling.
Another drive past.
Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Starling.
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Round Hill Beach, MA, USA, 09/09/2009
2:30pm. Weather: sunny, bright & warm, some breeze.
A lovely afternoon on the beach, including a dip in the sea!
Ring-Billed Gull, Herring Gull, Laughing Gull (3) - all amazingly close, the closest ring-billed within a yard or two, as we ate our lunch, they particularly liked our fried scallops. The laughing gulls tended to hang at the back of the crowd.
Semipalmated Plover - on the shoreline.
Semipalmated Sandpiper - also on the shoreline with the plovers; larger than those seen at Lloyd State Beach, with less extensive buff chest but not as pale as sanderling. Identified using the Sibley guide I'd taken with me, though I'd like to see more in the way of 'peeps' to be completely confident.
Mallard - 2 juveniles close in on the water.
Tree Swallow - moving through southwards.
Double-Crested Cormorant, Mourning Dove, Great Black-Backed Gull, Osprey.
11 species, 1 new.
A lovely afternoon on the beach, including a dip in the sea!
Ring-Billed Gull, Herring Gull, Laughing Gull (3) - all amazingly close, the closest ring-billed within a yard or two, as we ate our lunch, they particularly liked our fried scallops. The laughing gulls tended to hang at the back of the crowd.
Semipalmated Plover - on the shoreline.
Semipalmated Sandpiper - also on the shoreline with the plovers; larger than those seen at Lloyd State Beach, with less extensive buff chest but not as pale as sanderling. Identified using the Sibley guide I'd taken with me, though I'd like to see more in the way of 'peeps' to be completely confident.
Mallard - 2 juveniles close in on the water.
Tree Swallow - moving through southwards.
Double-Crested Cormorant, Mourning Dove, Great Black-Backed Gull, Osprey.
11 species, 1 new.
Knowles Reserve Saltmarsh, Dartmouth, MA, USA, 09/09/2009
12pm. Weather: bright & sunny, warm.
Heading to town I asked Kim to pull over for a quick scan of the marsh.
Ring-Billed Gull - beachside.
Belted Kingfisher - perched on a prominent branch on the marsh, a large kingfisher soon identified from its striking appearance & size. It flew strongly to a couple of perching spots where it remained until I left.
Great Blue Heron, Great Egret - also on the marshes.
Mourning Dove - on the overhead wires.
'Peep' - flew quickly through, out to the shore, to quick to identify.
Turkey Vulture, Osprey - both over.
Heading to town I asked Kim to pull over for a quick scan of the marsh.
Ring-Billed Gull - beachside.
Belted Kingfisher - perched on a prominent branch on the marsh, a large kingfisher soon identified from its striking appearance & size. It flew strongly to a couple of perching spots where it remained until I left.
Great Blue Heron, Great Egret - also on the marshes.
Mourning Dove - on the overhead wires.
'Peep' - flew quickly through, out to the shore, to quick to identify.
Turkey Vulture, Osprey - both over.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Martha's Vineyard, MA, USA, 08/09/2009
Arrived 11:30am, until nightfall.
Weather: warm but some cloud, hazy sunshine.
All day visit to the famous island for some sight-seeing which also meant a few species were spotted throughout the day.
Padanaram to Wood's Hole:
Great White Egret, Mourning Dove.
Wood's Hole Ferry Crossing:
Osprey - sitting on a nesting platform on the quay, unbothered by the ferry pulling out.
Herring Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull.
Vineyard Haven:
Red-Tailed Hawk, House Sparrow - as we had lunch in the quayside pagoda.
North Tisbury:
American Goldfinch - feeding in a garden, surprisingly the first time I'd seen one.
Starling.
The Lagoon:
Double-Crested Cormorant & American Crow - on an area of water next to the town whilst we waited for the tour bus.
Northern Mockingbird - a couple flying about squabbling which allowed a good view, showing their striking grey & white plumage, so I subsequently had no problem identifying another new species.
Green Heron - a juvenile flew to the top of tall tree next to the lagoon where it perched for a while trying to blend in which it was fairly successful at. The relative close-up & time it stayed allowed me to have a good look which allowed me to retrospectively identify the one I'd seen at Padanaram a few days earlier, especially when it flew off back to the waterside.
Oak Bluffs:
Osprey - 3 soaring & calling over the town.
Aquinnah:
Seal, Eider - on the sea off the cliffs.
Black Scoter - also in the sea, a black bird with a bright yellow 'knob'; although a distant view a easy one to identify.
Skunk - unbelievably confident (there are no predators on the island) it strolled through the picnic area across the little main street & into another picnic area, where it threatened to raise its tail to a curious dog before the dog was lifted up by its owner who ran away along with everyone else, me included! The skunk then nonchalantly carried on its way into the undergrowth.
Canada Goose.
Edgartown:
Double-Crested Cormorant - approx 100 around the bay.
18 species, 3 new.
Weather: warm but some cloud, hazy sunshine.
All day visit to the famous island for some sight-seeing which also meant a few species were spotted throughout the day.
Padanaram to Wood's Hole:
Great White Egret, Mourning Dove.
Wood's Hole Ferry Crossing:
Osprey - sitting on a nesting platform on the quay, unbothered by the ferry pulling out.
Herring Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull.
Vineyard Haven:
Red-Tailed Hawk, House Sparrow - as we had lunch in the quayside pagoda.
North Tisbury:
American Goldfinch - feeding in a garden, surprisingly the first time I'd seen one.
Starling.
The Lagoon:
Double-Crested Cormorant & American Crow - on an area of water next to the town whilst we waited for the tour bus.
Northern Mockingbird - a couple flying about squabbling which allowed a good view, showing their striking grey & white plumage, so I subsequently had no problem identifying another new species.
Green Heron - a juvenile flew to the top of tall tree next to the lagoon where it perched for a while trying to blend in which it was fairly successful at. The relative close-up & time it stayed allowed me to have a good look which allowed me to retrospectively identify the one I'd seen at Padanaram a few days earlier, especially when it flew off back to the waterside.
Oak Bluffs:
Osprey - 3 soaring & calling over the town.
Aquinnah:
Seal, Eider - on the sea off the cliffs.
Black Scoter - also in the sea, a black bird with a bright yellow 'knob'; although a distant view a easy one to identify.
Skunk - unbelievably confident (there are no predators on the island) it strolled through the picnic area across the little main street & into another picnic area, where it threatened to raise its tail to a curious dog before the dog was lifted up by its owner who ran away along with everyone else, me included! The skunk then nonchalantly carried on its way into the undergrowth.
Canada Goose.
Edgartown:
Double-Crested Cormorant - approx 100 around the bay.
18 species, 3 new.
Gooseberry Island, Westport, MA, USA, 07-Sep-2009
1:30pm. Weather: sunny & warm; shirtsleeves.
Another nearby venue that holds good species especially during migration season. The weather was lovely & the sea was blue & clear, & looked very tempting, almost too nice to continue birding, however we walked the lengthy path to the end of the 'island', looped round & came back.
Another nearby venue that holds good species especially during migration season. The weather was lovely & the sea was blue & clear, & looked very tempting, almost too nice to continue birding, however we walked the lengthy path to the end of the 'island', looped round & came back.
Double-Crested Cormorant - many on the rocky shoreline.
Tree Swallow - as previously there were many of these on migration, constantly passing overhead. It may have been that a couple of bank swallows were also in some of the small flocks I observed but it was very difficult to pick one out because they were so fast moving.
CEDAR WAXWING - a couple birds alighted on a tall shrub along the path & with the sun behind them I had to get quite close before I could make the ID. I later confirmed it from photos I took, an unexpected life-tick because I associate waxwings (the bohemian species) birds with winter in Europe!
Northern Harrier - a lone ring-tail was quartering over the southern tip of the island & was visible throughout our walk in that section. One of my favourites & fortunately apparently much easier to see in the US than is its persecuted UK counterpart.
Osprey - overhead with a sizeable fish in its claws.
Barn Swallow - I endeavoured to concentrate on any swallows that continued to flow over the island & was rewarded with a different species amongst the majority of tree swallows, one that is familar from the UK.
Herring Gull, Ring-Billed Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD - as we neared the carpark I noticed what looked like an oversize insect buzzing around, but quickly realised that it was a hummingbird. Too large & fast for an insect but too small to be any other bird. Unfortunately it was soon good & I didn't get a clear look but unmistakably a hummingbird, my first, & ruby-throated is the only species around in the area at this time of year.
10 species, 2 new.
Later on Smith Neck Road: Peregrine - flew up the road towards Apponagansett.
Monday 7 September 2009
Demarest Lloyd State Beach, MA, USA, 07/09/2009
12:00pm. Weather: sunny, bright & warm.
The Lloyd Centre & Park are nearby sanctuararies that I'd been hoping to check out for a while so I went to the State Beach with Kim's father. However we assumed, wrongly, that it was the same place as the Lloyd Centre but we had a nice walk with some good species.
Carpark:
Double-crested Cormorant - flying about the beach.
Eastern Wood Pewee - I spotted it in a small tree across the carpark, fairly drab but it characteristically darted back & forth in search of insects before flitting away.
Beach:
Semipalmated Plover - we were tipped off by other walkers that these confiding birds were on the beach just off the path so we diverted to take a look & were rewarded with some close views as at least half a dozen scuttled about the surf.
Eider - on the inshore waters.
Loop Walk:
Osprey - overhead as we walked the path approaching the pond.
Tree Swallow - all over the park on what seemed to be a steady migration, another new species to me.
George's Pond:
Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron & more cormorant, plus my first mosquito of the day.
Beach:
Herring Gull, Ring-Billed Gull.
Saltmarsh:
Snowy Egret - elegantly feeding in the muddy run-off from a small area of saltmarsh at the northeast of the park.
Least Sandpiper - a couple of waders were also picked up feeding around the egret but it took a while for me to be happy with the identification of my first 'peep'. These were smaller than the semipalmated plovers I'd seen earlier, plus photos I took showed a lack of semipalmated toes, & slightly lighter legs than black (though still dark, not yellow, presumably from the mud), plus a slightly down-curved bill & generally more streaking on the breast.
Kildeer - within yards of the sandpipers & a much easier bird to identify!
Leaving the park:
Starling, Mourning Dove.
16 species, 3 new.
The Lloyd Centre & Park are nearby sanctuararies that I'd been hoping to check out for a while so I went to the State Beach with Kim's father. However we assumed, wrongly, that it was the same place as the Lloyd Centre but we had a nice walk with some good species.
Carpark:
Double-crested Cormorant - flying about the beach.
Eastern Wood Pewee - I spotted it in a small tree across the carpark, fairly drab but it characteristically darted back & forth in search of insects before flitting away.
Beach:
Semipalmated Plover - we were tipped off by other walkers that these confiding birds were on the beach just off the path so we diverted to take a look & were rewarded with some close views as at least half a dozen scuttled about the surf.
Eider - on the inshore waters.
Loop Walk:
Osprey - overhead as we walked the path approaching the pond.
Tree Swallow - all over the park on what seemed to be a steady migration, another new species to me.
George's Pond:
Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron & more cormorant, plus my first mosquito of the day.
Beach:
Herring Gull, Ring-Billed Gull.
Saltmarsh:
Snowy Egret - elegantly feeding in the muddy run-off from a small area of saltmarsh at the northeast of the park.
Least Sandpiper - a couple of waders were also picked up feeding around the egret but it took a while for me to be happy with the identification of my first 'peep'. These were smaller than the semipalmated plovers I'd seen earlier, plus photos I took showed a lack of semipalmated toes, & slightly lighter legs than black (though still dark, not yellow, presumably from the mud), plus a slightly down-curved bill & generally more streaking on the breast.
Kildeer - within yards of the sandpipers & a much easier bird to identify!
Leaving the park:
Starling, Mourning Dove.
16 species, 3 new.
Sunday 6 September 2009
Apponagansett Bay & Smith Neck Road, South Dartmouth, MA, USA, 06/09/2009
5:45pm. Weather: bright & sunny, cool; dusky.
The start of a two week holiday/vacation in New England where I hope to see some late summer migrants in the locations I'm set to visit. A nice walk to Apponagansett helped with the jetlag & as always there were a few nice species about.
Quayside:
American Herring Gull, Mallard, Great Black-Backed Gull, Ring-Billed Gull.
Knowles Reserve Saltmarsh:
Mourning Dove - perched on overhead wires at the edge of the marsh.
Green Heron - seen from afar it rose above the vegetation & quickly disappeared into it, but it had a distinctive small heron look & wing-shape so that I was later able to narrow down the species, which was also a life-tick.
Apponagansett Beach:
Osprey - at fist I thought it was a gull but soon realised it was one of those late summer migrants I was hoping to see. It soared across the bay & then flew low over the water apparently dragging its feet in the water, before it later perched atop a boat's mast for a while. It was the first of many I saw on the holiday.
Path to Smith Neck Road:
Black-Capped Chickadee, Bluejay - as usual amongst the trees.
Savannah Sparrow - a small feeding party was picked up in some of the lower vegetation that ran alongside the path as it adjoined a horse's field. They were quite lively & afforded some decent views in the fading light especially as a couple perched on some cables overhead. However it took me a while to nail the ID from photos I had taken which showed a streaked breast & forked tail, rather bunting-like, but another life-tick at the start of the trip.
Smith Neck Road:
Northern Cardinal, American Robin - amongst the gardens along the road.
12 species, 2 new.
The start of a two week holiday/vacation in New England where I hope to see some late summer migrants in the locations I'm set to visit. A nice walk to Apponagansett helped with the jetlag & as always there were a few nice species about.
Quayside:
American Herring Gull, Mallard, Great Black-Backed Gull, Ring-Billed Gull.
Knowles Reserve Saltmarsh:
Mourning Dove - perched on overhead wires at the edge of the marsh.
Green Heron - seen from afar it rose above the vegetation & quickly disappeared into it, but it had a distinctive small heron look & wing-shape so that I was later able to narrow down the species, which was also a life-tick.
Apponagansett Beach:
Osprey - at fist I thought it was a gull but soon realised it was one of those late summer migrants I was hoping to see. It soared across the bay & then flew low over the water apparently dragging its feet in the water, before it later perched atop a boat's mast for a while. It was the first of many I saw on the holiday.
Path to Smith Neck Road:
Black-Capped Chickadee, Bluejay - as usual amongst the trees.
Savannah Sparrow - a small feeding party was picked up in some of the lower vegetation that ran alongside the path as it adjoined a horse's field. They were quite lively & afforded some decent views in the fading light especially as a couple perched on some cables overhead. However it took me a while to nail the ID from photos I had taken which showed a streaked breast & forked tail, rather bunting-like, but another life-tick at the start of the trip.
Smith Neck Road:
Northern Cardinal, American Robin - amongst the gardens along the road.
12 species, 2 new.
Sunday 30 August 2009
NWT Cley Marshes, Norfolk, 30/08/2009
4:45pm. Weather: Warm, some sunshine, mostly cloudy.
Another quick visit after a coastal drive up to Cromer, whilst Kim waited, unfortunately the teashop was closed! The pits were also very quiet.
Walking to the hides:
Egyptian Goose, Woodpigeon, Starling, Black-Headed Gull.
From the hides:
Mallard, Coot, Mute Swan, Shoveler, Teal, Black-Tailed Godwit.
Shelduck, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Dunlin, Lapwing, Pied Wagtail.
On the way back:
Kestrel, Moorhen, Jackdaw.
19 species.
Another quick visit after a coastal drive up to Cromer, whilst Kim waited, unfortunately the teashop was closed! The pits were also very quiet.
Walking to the hides:
Egyptian Goose, Woodpigeon, Starling, Black-Headed Gull.
From the hides:
Mallard, Coot, Mute Swan, Shoveler, Teal, Black-Tailed Godwit.
Shelduck, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Dunlin, Lapwing, Pied Wagtail.
On the way back:
Kestrel, Moorhen, Jackdaw.
19 species.
Saturday 29 August 2009
RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, 29/08/2009
3:34pm. Weather: bright, sunny & cool.
A beach day with the nephews & a quiet day on the reserve, although the horse flies were busy taking chunks out of me on the walk back!
Freshwater Marshes:
Coot, Shoveler, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Black-Headed Gull.
Ringed Plover - a sizeable juvenile creche of t least 20.
Dunlin, Teal, Shelduck, Mallard.
Tidal Marshes & Dunes:
Black-Tailed Godwit, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Starling.
Visitors' Centre & Carpark:
Blackbird, Greenfinch, Robin, Woodpigeon.
20 species.
A beach day with the nephews & a quiet day on the reserve, although the horse flies were busy taking chunks out of me on the walk back!
Freshwater Marshes:
Coot, Shoveler, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Black-Headed Gull.
Ringed Plover - a sizeable juvenile creche of t least 20.
Dunlin, Teal, Shelduck, Mallard.
Tidal Marshes & Dunes:
Black-Tailed Godwit, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Starling.
Visitors' Centre & Carpark:
Blackbird, Greenfinch, Robin, Woodpigeon.
20 species.
Sunday 9 August 2009
RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, 09/08/2009
2pm. Weather: sunny & warm, some gathering clouds & a breeze.
After the watchpoints I headed to Titchwell where some good species had been reported & where I hoped to have an hour or two on the beach in the sunshine with Kim & mum.
Carpark:
Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Woodpigeon.
Freshwater Marshes:
Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Coot, Cormorant, Little Grebe.
New Island Hide:
Black-Headed Gull, Teal, Shelduck, Lapwing, Ruff, Avocet, Golden Plover.
Little Ringed Plover - one on the mud in the fringes of the reedbed to the right of the hide.
Ringed Plover, Shoveler, Black-Tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher.
Dunlin - several amongst a decent gathering of mixed waders. There had been reports of curlew sandpipers but none could be picked out from the dunlin in various stages of plumage.
Moorhen, Pied Wagtail.
Wood Sandpiper - a juvenile active on the mud near to the little ringed plover, allowing good views of its diffuse plumage.
Common Sandpiper - also on the mud, often next to the wood 'piper.
Bearded Tit - a juvenile alighted on a reed near to the hide allowing the chance of a brief close-up.
Redshank, Curlew, Mallard.
Towards the Tidal/Brackish Marshes:
Starling, Little Egret, Great Black-Backed Gull.
Beach/Sea:
Eider, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Turnstone.
Marshes:
Grey Heron, Snipe, Linnet.
Carpark:
Robin.
39 species, none new.
After the watchpoints I headed to Titchwell where some good species had been reported & where I hoped to have an hour or two on the beach in the sunshine with Kim & mum.
Carpark:
Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Woodpigeon.
Freshwater Marshes:
Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Coot, Cormorant, Little Grebe.
New Island Hide:
Black-Headed Gull, Teal, Shelduck, Lapwing, Ruff, Avocet, Golden Plover.
Little Ringed Plover - one on the mud in the fringes of the reedbed to the right of the hide.
Ringed Plover, Shoveler, Black-Tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher.
Dunlin - several amongst a decent gathering of mixed waders. There had been reports of curlew sandpipers but none could be picked out from the dunlin in various stages of plumage.
Moorhen, Pied Wagtail.
Wood Sandpiper - a juvenile active on the mud near to the little ringed plover, allowing good views of its diffuse plumage.
Common Sandpiper - also on the mud, often next to the wood 'piper.
Bearded Tit - a juvenile alighted on a reed near to the hide allowing the chance of a brief close-up.
Redshank, Curlew, Mallard.
Towards the Tidal/Brackish Marshes:
Starling, Little Egret, Great Black-Backed Gull.
Beach/Sea:
Eider, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Turnstone.
Marshes:
Grey Heron, Snipe, Linnet.
Carpark:
Robin.
39 species, none new.
Swanton Novers Watchpoint, Norfolk, 09/08/2009
12:35pm. Weather: warm, bright & sunny.
Another watchpoint for a suitable wooded area but another no-show from the honey buzzards.
Linnet, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon.
Feeder:
Great Tit, Blue Tit.
Another watchpoint for a suitable wooded area but another no-show from the honey buzzards.
Linnet, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon.
Feeder:
Great Tit, Blue Tit.
Great Ryburgh Watchpoint, Norfolk, 09/08/2009
11:15am. Weather: warm, bright, hazy.
My first visit to a couple of watchpoints in an attempt to see their speciality, honey buzzards. They had been reported in previous weeks but I wondered if I was too late, nevertheless I wanted to find out where they were for the next summer if I was unsuccessful. I found the carpark easily enough but it wasn't obvious where the watchpoint was because it involved walking over some ploughed land, but once I did & followed the path up I had a nice view over the valley. However the only birds I saw where general, farm & woodland birds.
Chaffinch, Herring Gull, Kestrel.
Buzzard - flew along the tree-line calling, conveniently identifying it.
Red-Legged Partridge, Skylark, Yellowhammer.
Brown Hare, Woodpigeon, Linnet.
My first visit to a couple of watchpoints in an attempt to see their speciality, honey buzzards. They had been reported in previous weeks but I wondered if I was too late, nevertheless I wanted to find out where they were for the next summer if I was unsuccessful. I found the carpark easily enough but it wasn't obvious where the watchpoint was because it involved walking over some ploughed land, but once I did & followed the path up I had a nice view over the valley. However the only birds I saw where general, farm & woodland birds.
Chaffinch, Herring Gull, Kestrel.
Buzzard - flew along the tree-line calling, conveniently identifying it.
Red-Legged Partridge, Skylark, Yellowhammer.
Brown Hare, Woodpigeon, Linnet.
Saturday 8 August 2009
Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk, 08/08/2009
12:30pm. Weather: sunny, warm & glorious.
A day on the beach with the family, under the cliffs & with a walk out to the low-tide line & the exposed shellfish beds.
Fulmar - the residents, & always a pleasure to see.
Notable Migrants:
Swift, Swallow, House Martin.
Black-Headed Gull, Common Gull, Oystercatcher.
A day on the beach with the family, under the cliffs & with a walk out to the low-tide line & the exposed shellfish beds.
Fulmar - the residents, & always a pleasure to see.
Notable Migrants:
Swift, Swallow, House Martin.
Black-Headed Gull, Common Gull, Oystercatcher.
Sunday 2 August 2009
Southend-on-Sea, Essex, 02/08/2009
All day visit. Weather: Cloudy, long sunny spells.
A day besides the nearest seaside to London with Kim. We started at Leigh-on-Sea but made our way into Southend & it's pier & fish & chips.
Beach:
Black-Headed Gull, Cormorant, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Herring Gull.
Pier:
Great Black-Backed Gull,
Turnstone - 20-30 birds were perched one of the launching ramps on the pier, still in late breeding breeding plumage & emitting numerous calls.
Town & Beach:
Collared Dove, Starling, Swallow, Oystercatcher.
A day besides the nearest seaside to London with Kim. We started at Leigh-on-Sea but made our way into Southend & it's pier & fish & chips.
Beach:
Black-Headed Gull, Cormorant, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Herring Gull.
Pier:
Great Black-Backed Gull,
Turnstone - 20-30 birds were perched one of the launching ramps on the pier, still in late breeding breeding plumage & emitting numerous calls.
Town & Beach:
Collared Dove, Starling, Swallow, Oystercatcher.
Saturday 25 July 2009
NWT Cley Marshes, Norfolk, 25/07/2009
4pm. Bright & sunny, warm & still.
After a non-birding drive up the coast with Kim & mum I was able to negotiate a flying visit to Cley in hope of seeing the spoonbills, so whilst they enjoyed the delights of the visitors' centre I hot-footed it to the hides & back in about an hour! I also came hoped to see a reported pectoral sandpiper but was informed dryly that it was a "dunlin".
Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Greylag Goose.
Spoonbill - excellent views of 10 individuals very close to the hide, my first spoonbills in the UK in many years.
Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall, Black Tailed Godwit, Avocet, Ruff, Coot.
Black-Headed Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Teal, Dunlin.
Spotted Redshank - an individual feeding in front of the hide, affording good views.
Green Sandpiper - an active couple towards to the back of one of the pits.
Wigeon, Shelduck, Cormorant.
Bearded Tit - heard pinging on the way back.
21 species.
Later enjoying dinner at Cookies' Crab Shack, Salthouse at 8pm, we had good views of a Barn Owl over the marshes.
Finally at King's Lynn hospital at 9:30pm a Woodcock flew along the road.
23 species.
After a non-birding drive up the coast with Kim & mum I was able to negotiate a flying visit to Cley in hope of seeing the spoonbills, so whilst they enjoyed the delights of the visitors' centre I hot-footed it to the hides & back in about an hour! I also came hoped to see a reported pectoral sandpiper but was informed dryly that it was a "dunlin".
Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Greylag Goose.
Spoonbill - excellent views of 10 individuals very close to the hide, my first spoonbills in the UK in many years.
Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall, Black Tailed Godwit, Avocet, Ruff, Coot.
Black-Headed Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Teal, Dunlin.
Spotted Redshank - an individual feeding in front of the hide, affording good views.
Green Sandpiper - an active couple towards to the back of one of the pits.
Wigeon, Shelduck, Cormorant.
Bearded Tit - heard pinging on the way back.
21 species.
 |
| NWT Cley, Norfolk, 25/07/2009 |
Later enjoying dinner at Cookies' Crab Shack, Salthouse at 8pm, we had good views of a Barn Owl over the marshes.
Finally at King's Lynn hospital at 9:30pm a Woodcock flew along the road.
23 species.
Sunday 12 July 2009
RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, 12/07/2009
1:30pm. Weather: Bright, sunny, some clouds & windy.
After an excellent May, during which I was out every weekend, work & personal commitments meant I couldn't get out at during June, but a visit to Titchwell with the nephews & Kim got me out & about again.
Carpark:
Robin, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon.
Freshwater Marshes:
Coot, Shoveler, Mallard, Marsh Harrier (2 juveniles), Ruff, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Black-Headed Gull, Avocet, Linnet, Swallow, Little Egret, Canada Goose.
Tidal/Brackish Marshes:
Skylark, Meadow Pipit (heard), Little Tern, Common Tern, Swift, Black-Tailed Godwit.
Beach/Sea:
Eider, Dunlin, Knot Bar-Tailed Godwit, Great Black-Backed Gull, Cormorant, Shelduck, Moorhen.
Marshes:
Reed Bunting, Bearded Tit, Starling, Reed Warbler, Kestrel.
Visitors' Centre/Picnic Area & Carpark:
Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Greenfinch Chiffchaff (heard).
42 species.
After an excellent May, during which I was out every weekend, work & personal commitments meant I couldn't get out at during June, but a visit to Titchwell with the nephews & Kim got me out & about again.
Carpark:
Robin, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon.
Freshwater Marshes:
Coot, Shoveler, Mallard, Marsh Harrier (2 juveniles), Ruff, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Black-Headed Gull, Avocet, Linnet, Swallow, Little Egret, Canada Goose.
Tidal/Brackish Marshes:
Skylark, Meadow Pipit (heard), Little Tern, Common Tern, Swift, Black-Tailed Godwit.
Beach/Sea:
Eider, Dunlin, Knot Bar-Tailed Godwit, Great Black-Backed Gull, Cormorant, Shelduck, Moorhen.
Marshes:
Reed Bunting, Bearded Tit, Starling, Reed Warbler, Kestrel.
Visitors' Centre/Picnic Area & Carpark:
Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Greenfinch Chiffchaff (heard).
42 species.
Sunday 31 May 2009
70 Acres Lake, Lee Valley Park, Essex, 31/05/2009
Weather: cool dawn; clear sunny sky. From 4:45am.
Another very early start, following Lakenheath, to try for a better connection with an elusive bird. Again I was not first on sight & again the effort was worth it, with great volume from the birds at this time of day.
From the carpark & heading up the path looking out over the first water:
Great Tit, Mute Swan, Mallard, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Tufted Duck, Chaffinch, Crow, Canada Goose, Blackbird;
Cuckoo, heard first, as ever then overhead;
Song Thrush, heard from more distant trees;
Common Tern, seen across the lake where a nesting colony is resident;
Garden Warbler, popped out from a bush next to the path;
Green Woodpecker, Sedge Warbler, Great-Crested Grebe, Reed Warbler, Moorhen;
Cetti's Warbler, heard as usual from low-down, dense vegetation;
Wren, Jay, Blackcap, Chiffchaff;
Nightingale, many in good voice & one or two flitting about.
The elusive Savi's Warbler was in good voice as it was last time I visited & there were a few birders looking for it. As usual the it remained out of sight tempting confusion with the more numerous & less shy Reed Bunting & reed warbler, however at one point I did see a brief flight of larger, somewhat dumpier looking bird which may, or may not, have been the Savi's. After a while I moved on to prevent getting any colder than I already was.
On various waterways & amongst the varied & dense vegetation:
Pochard, Dunnock, Cormorant, Coot, Grey Heron, Starling, Whitethroat;
Muntjac, skulking along the path;
Long-Tailed Tit, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Black-Headed Gull, Great-Spotted Woodpecker;
Willow Warbler, on lower vegetation;
Lapwing, 2 over adjoining agricultural fields;
Collared Dove, Pheasant (female) & Jackdaw back at the carpark.
A great way to end 'magic' May.
43 species.
Another very early start, following Lakenheath, to try for a better connection with an elusive bird. Again I was not first on sight & again the effort was worth it, with great volume from the birds at this time of day.
From the carpark & heading up the path looking out over the first water:
Great Tit, Mute Swan, Mallard, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Tufted Duck, Chaffinch, Crow, Canada Goose, Blackbird;
Cuckoo, heard first, as ever then overhead;
Song Thrush, heard from more distant trees;
Common Tern, seen across the lake where a nesting colony is resident;
Garden Warbler, popped out from a bush next to the path;
Green Woodpecker, Sedge Warbler, Great-Crested Grebe, Reed Warbler, Moorhen;
Cetti's Warbler, heard as usual from low-down, dense vegetation;
Wren, Jay, Blackcap, Chiffchaff;
Nightingale, many in good voice & one or two flitting about.
The elusive Savi's Warbler was in good voice as it was last time I visited & there were a few birders looking for it. As usual the it remained out of sight tempting confusion with the more numerous & less shy Reed Bunting & reed warbler, however at one point I did see a brief flight of larger, somewhat dumpier looking bird which may, or may not, have been the Savi's. After a while I moved on to prevent getting any colder than I already was.
On various waterways & amongst the varied & dense vegetation:
Pochard, Dunnock, Cormorant, Coot, Grey Heron, Starling, Whitethroat;
Muntjac, skulking along the path;
Long-Tailed Tit, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Black-Headed Gull, Great-Spotted Woodpecker;
Willow Warbler, on lower vegetation;
Lapwing, 2 over adjoining agricultural fields;
Collared Dove, Pheasant (female) & Jackdaw back at the carpark.
A great way to end 'magic' May.
43 species.
Saturday 30 May 2009
Weeting Heath NWT, Norfolk, 23/05/2009
Weather: sunny & warm. From 9:09am.
After the early start I had time to pop in to Weeting in the hope of seeing one or two of the specialities it offers during the summer.
From the carpark to the East Hide (left when facing the visitor's centre): Mistle Thrush singing before flying off over the road & very vocal Goldfinch.
A few steps further along I encountered a warden who immediately showed me the whereabouts, including prospective nestbox, of one of the specialities I hoped to see for a UK tick: Spotted Flycatcher. I had some good, close views of a couple before they became more elusive. Soon another group of birders arrived intent on seeing them & the increased pairs of eyes found them again further into the woods.
Eventually from the hide: Great Tit, Rook, Crow, Jackdaw, Lapwing, Chaffinch.
I didn't unfortunately have time to visit the other hide so missed the stone curlews on this occasion.
9 species.
After the early start I had time to pop in to Weeting in the hope of seeing one or two of the specialities it offers during the summer.
From the carpark to the East Hide (left when facing the visitor's centre): Mistle Thrush singing before flying off over the road & very vocal Goldfinch.
A few steps further along I encountered a warden who immediately showed me the whereabouts, including prospective nestbox, of one of the specialities I hoped to see for a UK tick: Spotted Flycatcher. I had some good, close views of a couple before they became more elusive. Soon another group of birders arrived intent on seeing them & the increased pairs of eyes found them again further into the woods.
Eventually from the hide: Great Tit, Rook, Crow, Jackdaw, Lapwing, Chaffinch.
I didn't unfortunately have time to visit the other hide so missed the stone curlews on this occasion.
9 species.
RSPB Lakenheath, Suffolk, 23/05/2009
Weather: dawn - clear, still, sunny, increasingly bright & warm as the sun rose. From 4:45am.
A crack of dawn start to experience the magic of Spring's dawn chorus. I also wanted to be at Lakenheath to see if the orioles were easier to see at dawn. Even though this was exceptionally early for me, I was not the first person on site, but I could see the attraction of such a early start as the volume was definitely much louder than usual & totally worth the effort.
Almost immediately from the carpark a Roe Deer scampered into the undergrowth.
Heading down along the path parallel to the train-line, in the scrub & adjacent woods (before plantations):
Jay & a booming Bittern from distant reedbeds as well as a calling Cuckoo;
Rook, Wren, Sedge Warbler, Pheasant, Whitethroat;
Skylark heard from farm fields beyond the railway;
Reed Bunting, Blackbird;
Blackcap heard from within the woods;
Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Reed Warbler.
From the first viewpoint:
Great Crested Grebe, Crow, Magpie.
On reaching the first poplar plantation I decided to hang around & hope I could get a decent view of the elusive orioles:
Roe Deer, barking at first then it bounded through the undergrowth after it spotted me;
Green Woodpecker, heard from somewhere else on the reserve.
Golden Oriole, calling its lovely flutey call initially, but then I caught a few glimpses of swift shapes flying amongst the poplar galleries, then, after I sat down to get a more comfortable long-term view two, possibly a pair, alighted at the top of a nearby poplar giving me my best views of a wonderful bird, though they departed into the thick plantation canopy within a minute!
After the satisfying sighting I headed further up the reserve:
Muntjac crossing the path;
Grey Heron over;
Water Rail heard squealing from the reedbeds;
Cuckoo passed over my head towards the first poplar plantation;
Kestrel, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great-Spotted Woodpecker, Lapwing (x2).
At the second plantation I had another look for the calling orioles, along with many other birders. After more shadowy shapes I identified a Mistle Thrush, which I thought might have been an oriole as it flitted about, but then I noticed 'it' was a couple tending a nest amongst the bows. The orioles were not any more forthcoming so I continued on.
Shelduck (2 over) & Stock Dove on the way to the far viewpoint.
From the far viewpoint:
Bittern, one flying down low over the reeds then two flying together over the reedbeds involved in some sort of dispute & visible for a good few minutes;
Barn Owl, great views of one daylight hunting;
Marsh Harrier, a male & female;
Cormorant, over;
Coot pair with a chick.
I headed back down the path, past increasing numbers of birders looking, presumably for the orioles which were still calling. I got a good view of a female Bearded Tit legs akimbo perched on two reed stems, then a Chaffinch in the trees.
Finally on the washland:
Mute Swan, Gadwall, Moorhen;
Garganey, a fine male feeding in the open on the washland which I watched for several minutes before I had to depart.
41 species, none new.
A crack of dawn start to experience the magic of Spring's dawn chorus. I also wanted to be at Lakenheath to see if the orioles were easier to see at dawn. Even though this was exceptionally early for me, I was not the first person on site, but I could see the attraction of such a early start as the volume was definitely much louder than usual & totally worth the effort.
Almost immediately from the carpark a Roe Deer scampered into the undergrowth.
Heading down along the path parallel to the train-line, in the scrub & adjacent woods (before plantations):
Jay & a booming Bittern from distant reedbeds as well as a calling Cuckoo;
Rook, Wren, Sedge Warbler, Pheasant, Whitethroat;
Skylark heard from farm fields beyond the railway;
Reed Bunting, Blackbird;
Blackcap heard from within the woods;
Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Reed Warbler.
From the first viewpoint:
Great Crested Grebe, Crow, Magpie.
On reaching the first poplar plantation I decided to hang around & hope I could get a decent view of the elusive orioles:
Roe Deer, barking at first then it bounded through the undergrowth after it spotted me;
Green Woodpecker, heard from somewhere else on the reserve.
Golden Oriole, calling its lovely flutey call initially, but then I caught a few glimpses of swift shapes flying amongst the poplar galleries, then, after I sat down to get a more comfortable long-term view two, possibly a pair, alighted at the top of a nearby poplar giving me my best views of a wonderful bird, though they departed into the thick plantation canopy within a minute!
After the satisfying sighting I headed further up the reserve:
Muntjac crossing the path;
Grey Heron over;
Water Rail heard squealing from the reedbeds;
Cuckoo passed over my head towards the first poplar plantation;
Kestrel, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Great-Spotted Woodpecker, Lapwing (x2).
At the second plantation I had another look for the calling orioles, along with many other birders. After more shadowy shapes I identified a Mistle Thrush, which I thought might have been an oriole as it flitted about, but then I noticed 'it' was a couple tending a nest amongst the bows. The orioles were not any more forthcoming so I continued on.
Shelduck (2 over) & Stock Dove on the way to the far viewpoint.
From the far viewpoint:
Bittern, one flying down low over the reeds then two flying together over the reedbeds involved in some sort of dispute & visible for a good few minutes;
Barn Owl, great views of one daylight hunting;
Marsh Harrier, a male & female;
Cormorant, over;
Coot pair with a chick.
I headed back down the path, past increasing numbers of birders looking, presumably for the orioles which were still calling. I got a good view of a female Bearded Tit legs akimbo perched on two reed stems, then a Chaffinch in the trees.
Finally on the washland:
Mute Swan, Gadwall, Moorhen;
Garganey, a fine male feeding in the open on the washland which I watched for several minutes before I had to depart.
41 species, none new.
RSPB Nene Washes, Cambridgshire, 16/05/2009
Weather: blustery but bright, cool to dusk. Fro 6:40pm.
I wanted to check-out this venue in the evening after reading about recent corncrake reintroduction attempts. Although I had no information regarding 2009 I also figured it was also a chance to visit another RSPB reserve. Once Kim & I found the un-signposted reserve, the washlands it features were impressive & I had an enjoyable walk along the dyke wall (out of sight of the washes) as the light dimmed. Occasionally I would pop up onto the wall to view across the washes but I also looked into the mixed scrub area surrounding a small lake opposite.
Along the wall & its adjacent dyke & lake-scrub area: Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Jackdaw, Magpie, Swift (in good numbers over the hedgerow next to the lake), Swallow, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Marsh Harrier (hunting the washes), Pheasant, Crow, Mute Swan, Stock Dove, Reed Bunting, Greylag Goose, Green Woodpecker (undulating into the lake-scrub).
At the farthest extent of the wall I walked I stood atop the wall at a style & peered into the wind to see a couple of duelling or courting Hobby, before turning back.
On the way back I switched from one side of the wall to the other as sights & sounds caught my interest. From the washes side: Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Coot, Sedge Warbler, Grey Heron. From the lake-scrub side: Chaffinch, Great Tit, House Martin, Mistle Thrush, Robin (heard), Blackbird,
Whitethroat (heard), Roe Deer (2), Chiffchaff (h), Canada Goose, Lesser Whitethroat (heard).
I then crossed to the other side of the carpark & continued along the wall for a few hundred metres: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Brown Hare, Starling, Black-Headed Gull, Rook (at a distant rookery).
No corncrakes & no breeding godwits either which are another speciality but a nice location so I'll try again.
33 species.
I wanted to check-out this venue in the evening after reading about recent corncrake reintroduction attempts. Although I had no information regarding 2009 I also figured it was also a chance to visit another RSPB reserve. Once Kim & I found the un-signposted reserve, the washlands it features were impressive & I had an enjoyable walk along the dyke wall (out of sight of the washes) as the light dimmed. Occasionally I would pop up onto the wall to view across the washes but I also looked into the mixed scrub area surrounding a small lake opposite.
Along the wall & its adjacent dyke & lake-scrub area: Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Jackdaw, Magpie, Swift (in good numbers over the hedgerow next to the lake), Swallow, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Marsh Harrier (hunting the washes), Pheasant, Crow, Mute Swan, Stock Dove, Reed Bunting, Greylag Goose, Green Woodpecker (undulating into the lake-scrub).
At the farthest extent of the wall I walked I stood atop the wall at a style & peered into the wind to see a couple of duelling or courting Hobby, before turning back.
On the way back I switched from one side of the wall to the other as sights & sounds caught my interest. From the washes side: Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Coot, Sedge Warbler, Grey Heron. From the lake-scrub side: Chaffinch, Great Tit, House Martin, Mistle Thrush, Robin (heard), Blackbird,
Whitethroat (heard), Roe Deer (2), Chiffchaff (h), Canada Goose, Lesser Whitethroat (heard).
I then crossed to the other side of the carpark & continued along the wall for a few hundred metres: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Brown Hare, Starling, Black-Headed Gull, Rook (at a distant rookery).
No corncrakes & no breeding godwits either which are another speciality but a nice location so I'll try again.
33 species.
RSPB Lakenheath, Suffolk, 16/05/2009
Weather: cloudy, some sun, windy. From 9:50am.
First early summer visit, with Kim, to attempt to see the resident orioles.
Along the path that runs parallel to the railway, via the visitors' centre. Most species in good voice as per the time of year: Dunnock, Wren, Coot, Whitethroat (eventually spotted amongst the low vegetation), Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Swift (many over the reedbeds), Greylag Goose, Reed Warbler (only heard from the dense reeds), Rook (in their rookery trees), Cuckoo calling persistently though I didn't sight it.
On various patches of water amongst the reedbeds: Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Mallard, House Martin (a few amongst the swifts & swallows), Tufted Duck, Bittern (booming repeatedly), Swallow (6-8 also over the reedbeds with the other hirundines).
Reaching the first of the poplar plantations we were soon amongst many other birders straining our ears & eyes for the orioles & it wasn't too long before we could hear their distinctive song though they remained elusive. Eventually we carried on to the next poplar plantation where more orioles were in good voice but again we drew a blank seeing them amongst the dense poplar trees, especially because the wind was increasing & the large poplars dense leaf cover shifting about so much made the task much harder.
At the 'top end' of the reserve we stopped at the shelter & benches: Common Tern (foraging back & forward over the reedbeds), Marsh Harrier, Hobby (1 male & another species I was hoping to see at Lakenheath for the first time), Gadwall (2), Stock Dove, Herring Gull (over).
On the way back & past the first poplar plantation, the orioles could be heard better. We lingered hoping for a sighting & I scanned the canopy a few times looking along the galleries between the trunks. Suddenly with a huge slice of luck a Golden Oriole flashed through the field of vision of my binoculars for an exhilarating but brief & unmistakeable view of a golden streak with black trim. After that I had no luck finding another for the other people around & felt almost guilty that I'd seen one & no-one else had.
Eventually carrying on out of the reserve, amongst the reeds, or over them or in the adjoining woodlands: Moorhen,
Kestrel, Blackcap (singing from the trees), Crow, Lapwing, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon.
29 species, 1 new.
First early summer visit, with Kim, to attempt to see the resident orioles.
Along the path that runs parallel to the railway, via the visitors' centre. Most species in good voice as per the time of year: Dunnock, Wren, Coot, Whitethroat (eventually spotted amongst the low vegetation), Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Swift (many over the reedbeds), Greylag Goose, Reed Warbler (only heard from the dense reeds), Rook (in their rookery trees), Cuckoo calling persistently though I didn't sight it.
On various patches of water amongst the reedbeds: Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Mallard, House Martin (a few amongst the swifts & swallows), Tufted Duck, Bittern (booming repeatedly), Swallow (6-8 also over the reedbeds with the other hirundines).
Reaching the first of the poplar plantations we were soon amongst many other birders straining our ears & eyes for the orioles & it wasn't too long before we could hear their distinctive song though they remained elusive. Eventually we carried on to the next poplar plantation where more orioles were in good voice but again we drew a blank seeing them amongst the dense poplar trees, especially because the wind was increasing & the large poplars dense leaf cover shifting about so much made the task much harder.
At the 'top end' of the reserve we stopped at the shelter & benches: Common Tern (foraging back & forward over the reedbeds), Marsh Harrier, Hobby (1 male & another species I was hoping to see at Lakenheath for the first time), Gadwall (2), Stock Dove, Herring Gull (over).
On the way back & past the first poplar plantation, the orioles could be heard better. We lingered hoping for a sighting & I scanned the canopy a few times looking along the galleries between the trunks. Suddenly with a huge slice of luck a Golden Oriole flashed through the field of vision of my binoculars for an exhilarating but brief & unmistakeable view of a golden streak with black trim. After that I had no luck finding another for the other people around & felt almost guilty that I'd seen one & no-one else had.
Eventually carrying on out of the reserve, amongst the reeds, or over them or in the adjoining woodlands: Moorhen,
Kestrel, Blackcap (singing from the trees), Crow, Lapwing, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon.
29 species, 1 new.
Regent's Park, London, 14/05/2009
Weather: overcast but bright, sultry. From 5:45pm.
A visit after work to check out reports of a garganey being posted on the London Birders website. Plenty of bird activity in the park but much of it feral or pinioned so the main challenge was what to consider as tickable. I settled on species that had unpionied wings & which were not obviously exotics, a rough rule of thumb to be sure!
I entered from the Baker Street side entrance & walked north along the west side of the Boating Lake: Coot, Starling, Tufted Duck; lots of Pochard which seemed a bit out of place; Grey Heron from the heronry on the lake's islands; Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Magpie, Crow, Woodpigeon, Moorhen.
Off the north-west corner of the Boating Lake another small pond had a couple of Egyptian Goose & several pairs of Red-Crested Pochard, obviously the latter are from feral stock but nonetheless able to fly they are breeding quite merrily in the park. At this end I could also hear Song Thrush, & got a view down the boating lake for Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull &
Cormorant which were all congregating on the stumps in the water.
Amongst the vegetation at the end of the lake: Wren, Robin, Chaffinch. At this point of the lake there is an exotic wildfowl collection which includes many native birds, in particular I saw a pair of Garganey & assumed they were the ones reported. However I soon realised that they were part of the collection & their wings were pinioned. Also where they were paddling had been cut-off from the main body of water of the lake so unfortunately they were captives!
I quickly moved on after that & spotted a Common Tern hawking over the water & after hearing it eventually saw a Little Grebe. I contined round the east side of the lake for Blackbird amongst the trees & in with the tame geese was a slightly nervous-looking male Ruddy Duck which I ticked because it looked out of place with the other confident bread-grabbing wildfowl & because if it was pinioned it wouldn't have been able to get over to this side of the water.
Continuing along for Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-Tailed Tit & Ring-Necked Parakeet.
Next to the water was a lone Shelduck though it was suspiciously near to another widfowl collection so this one was probably captive & not just passing through on the way to the nearest estuary. However a species that definitely wasn't moving through was Mandarin which has a naturalised population in the UK so I felt safe ticking it here. I saw a lone male initially & then a pair.
Finally, saving the best til last, I reached the stumps in the water that the gulls & cormorants so enjoy & after a quick scan was surprised by a resplendent male Yellow-Legged Gull which I later found out had also been in the area for a few days.
33 species, but a few of dodgy tick status!
A visit after work to check out reports of a garganey being posted on the London Birders website. Plenty of bird activity in the park but much of it feral or pinioned so the main challenge was what to consider as tickable. I settled on species that had unpionied wings & which were not obviously exotics, a rough rule of thumb to be sure!
I entered from the Baker Street side entrance & walked north along the west side of the Boating Lake: Coot, Starling, Tufted Duck; lots of Pochard which seemed a bit out of place; Grey Heron from the heronry on the lake's islands; Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Magpie, Crow, Woodpigeon, Moorhen.
Off the north-west corner of the Boating Lake another small pond had a couple of Egyptian Goose & several pairs of Red-Crested Pochard, obviously the latter are from feral stock but nonetheless able to fly they are breeding quite merrily in the park. At this end I could also hear Song Thrush, & got a view down the boating lake for Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull &
Cormorant which were all congregating on the stumps in the water.
Amongst the vegetation at the end of the lake: Wren, Robin, Chaffinch. At this point of the lake there is an exotic wildfowl collection which includes many native birds, in particular I saw a pair of Garganey & assumed they were the ones reported. However I soon realised that they were part of the collection & their wings were pinioned. Also where they were paddling had been cut-off from the main body of water of the lake so unfortunately they were captives!
I quickly moved on after that & spotted a Common Tern hawking over the water & after hearing it eventually saw a Little Grebe. I contined round the east side of the lake for Blackbird amongst the trees & in with the tame geese was a slightly nervous-looking male Ruddy Duck which I ticked because it looked out of place with the other confident bread-grabbing wildfowl & because if it was pinioned it wouldn't have been able to get over to this side of the water.
Continuing along for Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-Tailed Tit & Ring-Necked Parakeet.
Next to the water was a lone Shelduck though it was suspiciously near to another widfowl collection so this one was probably captive & not just passing through on the way to the nearest estuary. However a species that definitely wasn't moving through was Mandarin which has a naturalised population in the UK so I felt safe ticking it here. I saw a lone male initially & then a pair.
Finally, saving the best til last, I reached the stumps in the water that the gulls & cormorants so enjoy & after a quick scan was surprised by a resplendent male Yellow-Legged Gull which I later found out had also been in the area for a few days.
33 species, but a few of dodgy tick status!
Hampstead Cemetery, London, 10/05/2009
Weather: bright, sunny, warm, slight breeze. From 3:35pm.
A mid-afternoon visit to the nascent 'patch' for the usual garden & park birds one would expect, though this time I did a full sweep of the whole cemetery:
Robin, Wren, Greenfinch, Magpie, Blackbird, Dunnock (1), Blackcap, Blue Tit (1), Swift (1), Song Thrush (heard), Chiffchaff (heard), Crow (1), Chaffinch (1), Coal Tit (2), Woodpigeon (2), Great Tit (2), Starling (2 over), Lesser Black-Backed Gull (over) & a site tick!
16 species.
A mid-afternoon visit to the nascent 'patch' for the usual garden & park birds one would expect, though this time I did a full sweep of the whole cemetery:
Robin, Wren, Greenfinch, Magpie, Blackbird, Dunnock (1), Blackcap, Blue Tit (1), Swift (1), Song Thrush (heard), Chiffchaff (heard), Crow (1), Chaffinch (1), Coal Tit (2), Woodpigeon (2), Great Tit (2), Starling (2 over), Lesser Black-Backed Gull (over) & a site tick!
16 species.
70 Acres Lake, Lee Valley Park, Essex, 09/05/2009
Weather: clear, sunny, going to a cool dusk. From 8pm.
One of the sightings sites I check regularly had been reporting a savi's warbler at a location not too far from London, so after some umming & ahhing, & a day cooped up in the office, I decided to head up there to see if could locate this elusive species for a great life tick.
The lakes & canals in the area make up a wonderful natural oasis just off the M25 & there were plenty of the usual wildfowl sharing the waters with the anglers: Greylag Goose, Mallard,
Coot, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, Moorhen.
Also in the wonderfully lush woods were Chaffinch, & the first songs of Garden Warbler that I had heard in many a year. I lingered at a of couple points along the path hoping one would show & finally I was rewarded with my best ever view as one sang from within a dense tree but luckily for me from a clearing in the branches through which I could view it which I did for several minutes. The last time I saw one in the UK was on my very first birding day-out in 1984!
I had no such luck with a singing Nightingale though as it was too distant to even attempt trying to see it from its well concealed singing spot. Easier to pick up were Crow, Wren & Canada Goose.
After I had retraced my steps from going completely the wrong way, it wasn't long before I reached the spot where several other birders were watching for the savi's & from there picked out Common Tern across the water as well as Gadwall. I moved a few metres past the others for a different vantage point (where I saw the garden warbler mentioned earlier) & as dusk descended I was delighted to pick up my first Hobby of the year which was soon joined by others, hawking close-by over the reeds for insects.
It wasn't long after that I heard the distinctive 'gropper'-like reeling of the savi's so I quickly went back & joined the other birders & staked out the reedbeds from where it was singing. A couple of times it sounded very close but remained elusive. However I suddenly saw flash of brown bird diving from one reed to another & down into the beds from where the reeling had come from. Not exactly a 'show' by any stretch but circumstantially I felt fairly certain it was my first Savi's Warbler, a life tick & my first twitch, sort of? I continued to listen & search in vain until the light died & I had to head off.
On the way back to the car I heard a Cuckoo, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin & Blackbird; a Song Thrush flashed across the path low into bushes. In the gloom I then saw something moving on the path in front of me but I had to use my binoculars to enhance my night vision in order to pick out a Fox which quickly melted into the undergrowth. As I got to the spot where the fox had been I heard a Reed Warbler singing from a well-hidden spot low down in a bush, my first of the year, & finally a Grey Heron & Swift overhead (as they always are).
20 species, 1 new species.
One of the sightings sites I check regularly had been reporting a savi's warbler at a location not too far from London, so after some umming & ahhing, & a day cooped up in the office, I decided to head up there to see if could locate this elusive species for a great life tick.
The lakes & canals in the area make up a wonderful natural oasis just off the M25 & there were plenty of the usual wildfowl sharing the waters with the anglers: Greylag Goose, Mallard,
Coot, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, Moorhen.
Also in the wonderfully lush woods were Chaffinch, & the first songs of Garden Warbler that I had heard in many a year. I lingered at a of couple points along the path hoping one would show & finally I was rewarded with my best ever view as one sang from within a dense tree but luckily for me from a clearing in the branches through which I could view it which I did for several minutes. The last time I saw one in the UK was on my very first birding day-out in 1984!
I had no such luck with a singing Nightingale though as it was too distant to even attempt trying to see it from its well concealed singing spot. Easier to pick up were Crow, Wren & Canada Goose.
After I had retraced my steps from going completely the wrong way, it wasn't long before I reached the spot where several other birders were watching for the savi's & from there picked out Common Tern across the water as well as Gadwall. I moved a few metres past the others for a different vantage point (where I saw the garden warbler mentioned earlier) & as dusk descended I was delighted to pick up my first Hobby of the year which was soon joined by others, hawking close-by over the reeds for insects.
It wasn't long after that I heard the distinctive 'gropper'-like reeling of the savi's so I quickly went back & joined the other birders & staked out the reedbeds from where it was singing. A couple of times it sounded very close but remained elusive. However I suddenly saw flash of brown bird diving from one reed to another & down into the beds from where the reeling had come from. Not exactly a 'show' by any stretch but circumstantially I felt fairly certain it was my first Savi's Warbler, a life tick & my first twitch, sort of? I continued to listen & search in vain until the light died & I had to head off.
On the way back to the car I heard a Cuckoo, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin & Blackbird; a Song Thrush flashed across the path low into bushes. In the gloom I then saw something moving on the path in front of me but I had to use my binoculars to enhance my night vision in order to pick out a Fox which quickly melted into the undergrowth. As I got to the spot where the fox had been I heard a Reed Warbler singing from a well-hidden spot low down in a bush, my first of the year, & finally a Grey Heron & Swift overhead (as they always are).
20 species, 1 new species.
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