Weather: bright, sunny & warm. From 11am.
I've been meaning to visit Hampstead Cemetery, a promising-looking & nearby area of urban greenery, for some time, to see what potential it has as a local patch. After this pleasant Sunday morning stroll, & depending on the time I have, I will definitely try to visit it more often.
General park & woodland species were recorded in the sunshine: Woodpigeon, Starling, Blackbird, Great Tit, Song Thrush (a couple heard singing), Blackcap (singing then one visibe next to the chiffchaff), Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Chiffchaff (one seen preening in the undergrowth then later another heard singing), Green Woodpecker (flew to a tree where it stayed looking intently at something, but not feeding, before it flew off into deeper scrub), Jay, Crow, Blue Tit.
A promising start, especially the green woody area of "deeper scrub", hopefully I will be able to start my own 'patch birding' here, which is something I'm missing at the moment.
14 species.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Saturday, 18 April 2009
RSPB Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire, 17/04/2009
Weather: grey though getting out as the day wore on.
On my way back to London I wanted to visit a fenland reserve, in particular the one that now has breeding corncrake. Unfortunately I picked the wrong one - not the first time I'd ended up in the wrong location this Easter! In fact I should have visited Nene Washes for the corncrake & not the nearby Ouse Washes, however both report tree sparrow & yellow wagtail which would be great to see, particularly tree sparrow which I last saw in when I lived in Germany nearly 15 years ago.
Outside Manea at some farm buildings.
From 10:45am.
Corn Bunting - 12 on overhead lines, one singing heartily: great to hear.
Mute Swan - 20 or so in a field, noticeable for their number.
From 11:10am.
Arriving at the reserve, a nice little visitors' centre & a hive of farming & birding activity.
From the carpark alone: Blue Tit, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Song Thrush briefly through the hedgerow, Mistle Thrush, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Great Tit.
At the visitors' centre a few feeders were placed around the picnic area & quite a few species were active: Great-Spotted Woodpecker at first overhead but later I spotted one on the feeder. Then amongst the house sparrows a few smaller Tree Sparrow with distinctive deep chestnut-heads. Although they visited the feeders they were definitely more comfortable in the surrounding bushes. It was great to reacquaint myself with this species & I was amused that they made up for their slightly smaller size by being so noisy, emitting an angry-sounding buzzing churr. Also present were Stock Dove (~3) & unusually a lone Long-Tailed Tit.
On the way to the hides: Swallow, Mallard,Wren, Starling, Cormorant, Reed Bunting, Crow.
Welches Dam Hide.
Mute Swan, Black-Headed Gull, Shelduck, Lapwing, Marsh Harrier - a lone female sitting on a post in the field, Herring Gull (juvenile), Greylag Goose, Meadow Pipit, Grey Heron, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, Corn Bunting heard singing from a distant oasis of trees in the agriculutral fields.
Common Wash Hide:
Whooper Swan - a lone, slightly bedraggled looking individual which I assume will now stay the summer, Oystercatcher, Redshank (~3), Coot, Gadwall, Shoveler.
Rickwood Hide: additional Pied Wagtail (2).
Kingfisher Hide, is in the opposite direction to the other hides I visited & it proved to be the most productive: Greenfinch, Moorhen, Wigeon a few in the further fields; a Sparrowhawk flew in low & fast with something in its talons, & landed on the ground under a thick bush. Here it rested until a mute swan took an interest whereupon it beat a hasty retreat!
In the dyke in front of the hide, Great-Crested Grebe (1); Little Egret (pair) roaming the distant washes; several Black-Tailed Godwit resting together in one of the distant wash pools; Green Woodpecker flew right to left in front of the hide & then yaffled; Common Sandpiper picked out bobbing & feeding on a muddy bank next to a protective-looking mute swan; finally Magpie also flew in front of the hide.
Despite not looking too promising & being the 'wrong one' an excellent number of species seen, the highlight undoubtedly the tree sparrows.
50 species.
On my way back to London I wanted to visit a fenland reserve, in particular the one that now has breeding corncrake. Unfortunately I picked the wrong one - not the first time I'd ended up in the wrong location this Easter! In fact I should have visited Nene Washes for the corncrake & not the nearby Ouse Washes, however both report tree sparrow & yellow wagtail which would be great to see, particularly tree sparrow which I last saw in when I lived in Germany nearly 15 years ago.
Outside Manea at some farm buildings.
From 10:45am.
Corn Bunting - 12 on overhead lines, one singing heartily: great to hear.
Mute Swan - 20 or so in a field, noticeable for their number.
From 11:10am.
Arriving at the reserve, a nice little visitors' centre & a hive of farming & birding activity.
From the carpark alone: Blue Tit, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Song Thrush briefly through the hedgerow, Mistle Thrush, Collared Dove, Kestrel, Great Tit.
At the visitors' centre a few feeders were placed around the picnic area & quite a few species were active: Great-Spotted Woodpecker at first overhead but later I spotted one on the feeder. Then amongst the house sparrows a few smaller Tree Sparrow with distinctive deep chestnut-heads. Although they visited the feeders they were definitely more comfortable in the surrounding bushes. It was great to reacquaint myself with this species & I was amused that they made up for their slightly smaller size by being so noisy, emitting an angry-sounding buzzing churr. Also present were Stock Dove (~3) & unusually a lone Long-Tailed Tit.
On the way to the hides: Swallow, Mallard,Wren, Starling, Cormorant, Reed Bunting, Crow.
Welches Dam Hide.
Mute Swan, Black-Headed Gull, Shelduck, Lapwing, Marsh Harrier - a lone female sitting on a post in the field, Herring Gull (juvenile), Greylag Goose, Meadow Pipit, Grey Heron, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, Corn Bunting heard singing from a distant oasis of trees in the agriculutral fields.
Common Wash Hide:
Whooper Swan - a lone, slightly bedraggled looking individual which I assume will now stay the summer, Oystercatcher, Redshank (~3), Coot, Gadwall, Shoveler.
Rickwood Hide: additional Pied Wagtail (2).
Kingfisher Hide, is in the opposite direction to the other hides I visited & it proved to be the most productive: Greenfinch, Moorhen, Wigeon a few in the further fields; a Sparrowhawk flew in low & fast with something in its talons, & landed on the ground under a thick bush. Here it rested until a mute swan took an interest whereupon it beat a hasty retreat!
In the dyke in front of the hide, Great-Crested Grebe (1); Little Egret (pair) roaming the distant washes; several Black-Tailed Godwit resting together in one of the distant wash pools; Green Woodpecker flew right to left in front of the hide & then yaffled; Common Sandpiper picked out bobbing & feeding on a muddy bank next to a protective-looking mute swan; finally Magpie also flew in front of the hide.
Despite not looking too promising & being the 'wrong one' an excellent number of species seen, the highlight undoubtedly the tree sparrows.
50 species.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Roydon Common, Norfolk, 15/04/2009
Weather: windy, bit bleak. From 5:20pm.
Thought I'd check the common to see if the owner of my last visit's unidentified song had returned but to no avail: it was very quiet.
Just the usual: Kestrel, Green Woodpecker (one yaffle but not seen), Long-Tailed Tit, Dunnock, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Linnet, Willow Warbler, Crow.
Thought I'd check the common to see if the owner of my last visit's unidentified song had returned but to no avail: it was very quiet.
Just the usual: Kestrel, Green Woodpecker (one yaffle but not seen), Long-Tailed Tit, Dunnock, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Linnet, Willow Warbler, Crow.
Snettisham Coastal Park, Norfolk, 15/04/2009
Weather: sunnier. From 2:55pm.
Back to Snettisham, this time to the proper location! Plenty of people around so I knew that I was in the right location & the sun even came out.
In the mixed scrub & reed beds: Blackbird, Meadow Pipit, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Black-Headed Gull, Grey Heron, Little Grebe & Coot on the small pool in the centre; Willow Warbler, Kestrel,
Goldfinch, Mallard, Swallow streaming over, Linnet; trying to find my way from the pond I almost trod on a sunbathing Grass Snake which hastily slithered away!
On the other side of the sea defence wall: Shelduck & large flocks of Pink-Footed Goose, in the hundreds, some of which streamed out to the Wash over RSPB Snettisham.
Heading back to the car-park after a long walk round finally I heard the sound I had come for: the distinctive 'reeling' of Grasshopper Warbler. Predictably the individual making the wonderful noise was impossible to see, however I crept closer & after 20 minutes crouched in the scrub I was rewarded with a 2 second glimpse as it scuttled from one thick bramble to another: still wonderful sighting especially considering my last view of one of these warblers was 22 years ago!
Finally in the large bramble bushes adjacent to the carpark, another distinctive song, this time the equally elusive Lesser Whitethroat. Again after standing around for a good 20 minutes this time I was rewarded with two fleeting views, one from the top of a bramble, however the song was a pleasure to hear, more so because it's not one that I'm not overly familiar with.
18 species.
Back to Snettisham, this time to the proper location! Plenty of people around so I knew that I was in the right location & the sun even came out.
In the mixed scrub & reed beds: Blackbird, Meadow Pipit, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Black-Headed Gull, Grey Heron, Little Grebe & Coot on the small pool in the centre; Willow Warbler, Kestrel,
Goldfinch, Mallard, Swallow streaming over, Linnet; trying to find my way from the pond I almost trod on a sunbathing Grass Snake which hastily slithered away!
On the other side of the sea defence wall: Shelduck & large flocks of Pink-Footed Goose, in the hundreds, some of which streamed out to the Wash over RSPB Snettisham.
Heading back to the car-park after a long walk round finally I heard the sound I had come for: the distinctive 'reeling' of Grasshopper Warbler. Predictably the individual making the wonderful noise was impossible to see, however I crept closer & after 20 minutes crouched in the scrub I was rewarded with a 2 second glimpse as it scuttled from one thick bramble to another: still wonderful sighting especially considering my last view of one of these warblers was 22 years ago!
Finally in the large bramble bushes adjacent to the carpark, another distinctive song, this time the equally elusive Lesser Whitethroat. Again after standing around for a good 20 minutes this time I was rewarded with two fleeting views, one from the top of a bramble, however the song was a pleasure to hear, more so because it's not one that I'm not overly familiar with.
18 species.
Holme Dunes NWT, Norfolk, 15/04/2009
Weather: windier. From 11:40am.
There seemed no better time than mid-Spring migration to visit Holme Dunes, I also figured that I could walk partway to Thornham harbour & it was closer to the dunes than I realised. However it was a disappointing outing as there was next to nothing about, apart from the following more usual species: Moorhen, Pheasant, Black-Headed Gull, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Shoveler, Canada Goose, Dunnock, Magpie, Greenfinch, Swallow, Curlew, Shelduck, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Coot, Little Egret, Crow, Avocet, Pochard, Skylark, Linnet.
On the fields at Thornham harbour: Pied Wagtail (1), Redshank (1), Golden Plover (2) apparently still present with dark bellies, I say apparently because after initially picking them up I moved further along the bank & couldn't pick them up again. There were also a decent group of Brent Goose on the salt marshes.
26 species
Choseley Barns.
Weather: brighter, windier. From 1:30pm.
Up to the Choseley barns as a ring ouzel had been reported the day before & there were plenty of other birders looking for it, however none of us saw it despite quite a thorough search. However Yellowhammer, Marsh Harrier, Red-Legged Partridge, Skylark, Dunnock & Chaffinch were seen. I was also informed of the correct location of Snettisham Coastal Park by one of the ouzel-searchers so I resolved to return to Snettisham!
6 species.
There seemed no better time than mid-Spring migration to visit Holme Dunes, I also figured that I could walk partway to Thornham harbour & it was closer to the dunes than I realised. However it was a disappointing outing as there was next to nothing about, apart from the following more usual species: Moorhen, Pheasant, Black-Headed Gull, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Shoveler, Canada Goose, Dunnock, Magpie, Greenfinch, Swallow, Curlew, Shelduck, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Coot, Little Egret, Crow, Avocet, Pochard, Skylark, Linnet.
On the fields at Thornham harbour: Pied Wagtail (1), Redshank (1), Golden Plover (2) apparently still present with dark bellies, I say apparently because after initially picking them up I moved further along the bank & couldn't pick them up again. There were also a decent group of Brent Goose on the salt marshes.
26 species
Choseley Barns.
Weather: brighter, windier. From 1:30pm.
Up to the Choseley barns as a ring ouzel had been reported the day before & there were plenty of other birders looking for it, however none of us saw it despite quite a thorough search. However Yellowhammer, Marsh Harrier, Red-Legged Partridge, Skylark, Dunnock & Chaffinch were seen. I was also informed of the correct location of Snettisham Coastal Park by one of the ouzel-searchers so I resolved to return to Snettisham!
6 species.
Gore Point, Holme, Norfolk, 15/04/2009
Weather: same as before. From 10:45am.
Nice view of a Stoat as it scampered along the approach road looking for a gap amongst the vegetation to disappear into which it duly did.
As usual on the golf course, good numbers of Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Linnet & Swallow.
On the shore Oystercatcher, Redshank, Black-Tailed Godwit (1), Ringed Plover (quite a few), Grey Plover (~3), Turnstone (up to a dozen). A Fulmar also sailed picturesquely over the waves.
I could also hear a loud hubbub of Sandwich Terns but it took me a while to pick them out against the slate-grey sky but once I had I was impressed with their numbers; they were in big flocks of 50+. Also a Cormorant on the water & a few Common Gull amongst the terns.
Finally Goldfinch on returning to the car.
15 species.
Nice view of a Stoat as it scampered along the approach road looking for a gap amongst the vegetation to disappear into which it duly did.
As usual on the golf course, good numbers of Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Linnet & Swallow.
On the shore Oystercatcher, Redshank, Black-Tailed Godwit (1), Ringed Plover (quite a few), Grey Plover (~3), Turnstone (up to a dozen). A Fulmar also sailed picturesquely over the waves.
I could also hear a loud hubbub of Sandwich Terns but it took me a while to pick them out against the slate-grey sky but once I had I was impressed with their numbers; they were in big flocks of 50+. Also a Cormorant on the water & a few Common Gull amongst the terns.
Finally Goldfinch on returning to the car.
15 species.
Ken Hill Wood, Snettisham, Norfolk, 15/04/2009
Weather: Grey, cold easterly wind, sun trying to come out.
From 8:30am. A quick drive round Wolferton triangle, no golden pheasant, just a couple of Red-Legged Partridge in a field by the road.
From 8:40am. Up into the woods on the hill (Ken Hill) hoping it would yield some migrants but where I actually wanted to be was at Snettisham Coastal Park; I thought this wood was part of it but found out later that it wasn't!
Anyway it was a decent mixed wood but nothing other than the usual woodland species seen plus plenty of birds on the farm land next to the wood over which the hill gave good views: Jay, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff from the carpark; a lone Marsh Tit also quickly flitted by; Wren, Woodpigeon, Red-Legged Partridge, Black-Headed Gull, Curlew, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Pheasant, Lapwing, Shelduck, Kestrel, Brown Hare, Crow, Starling, all on the fields or wood's edge; Chaffinch, Blackbird, Muntjac; Sparrowhawk cruising over the fields into some trees; Long-Tailed Tit & Dunnock back at the carpark.
24 species.
From 8:30am. A quick drive round Wolferton triangle, no golden pheasant, just a couple of Red-Legged Partridge in a field by the road.
From 8:40am. Up into the woods on the hill (Ken Hill) hoping it would yield some migrants but where I actually wanted to be was at Snettisham Coastal Park; I thought this wood was part of it but found out later that it wasn't!
Anyway it was a decent mixed wood but nothing other than the usual woodland species seen plus plenty of birds on the farm land next to the wood over which the hill gave good views: Jay, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff from the carpark; a lone Marsh Tit also quickly flitted by; Wren, Woodpigeon, Red-Legged Partridge, Black-Headed Gull, Curlew, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Pheasant, Lapwing, Shelduck, Kestrel, Brown Hare, Crow, Starling, all on the fields or wood's edge; Chaffinch, Blackbird, Muntjac; Sparrowhawk cruising over the fields into some trees; Long-Tailed Tit & Dunnock back at the carpark.
24 species.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, 14/04/2009
Weather: warm but cloudy, usual stiff breeze. From 3pm.
A trip out with the nephews, a pal of theirs & my sister-in-law. Many of the usual species but Titchwell is always great to visit.
In the carpark: Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, House Sparrow.
On the way to the beach either side of the path: Black-Headed Gull, Curlew, Redshank, Mute Swan, Coot, Marsh Harrier, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Greylag Goose, Avocet, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher.
From the Parrinder Hide, additionally: Black-Tailed Godwit, Mallard, Brent Goose flock on the salt marshes; Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Wigeon, Moorhen, Ruff, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Pochard, Tufted Duck.
Nothing on the except the dunes for he boys to jump around in, but on the way back a great view of a Spotted Redshank coming into its breeding plumage.
Finally back at the visitors' centre an additional Greenfinch, a nice, infrequently seen Siskin & very frequently seen Robin in the carpark.
37 species.
After dinner I dropped by RSPB Snettisham's carpark at dusk in the hope of a barn owl on the surrounding fields. Initially though I was surprised by a flock of Pink-Footed Goose doing their usual dusk movement out onto the Wash, obviously much less in number but still impressive enough. After that I headed to the first sea wall & looked for owls but instead of a barn owl I was again surprised to hear a Tawny Owl hooting from nearby trees. My final surprise was at the number of bats that were skimming the side of the scrape & over the wall. I watched for sometime & noticed Pipistrelle as well as at least 20 of a larger species which I assumed to be Daubenton's.
A trip out with the nephews, a pal of theirs & my sister-in-law. Many of the usual species but Titchwell is always great to visit.
In the carpark: Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, House Sparrow.
On the way to the beach either side of the path: Black-Headed Gull, Curlew, Redshank, Mute Swan, Coot, Marsh Harrier, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Greylag Goose, Avocet, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher.
From the Parrinder Hide, additionally: Black-Tailed Godwit, Mallard, Brent Goose flock on the salt marshes; Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Wigeon, Moorhen, Ruff, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Pochard, Tufted Duck.
Nothing on the except the dunes for he boys to jump around in, but on the way back a great view of a Spotted Redshank coming into its breeding plumage.
Finally back at the visitors' centre an additional Greenfinch, a nice, infrequently seen Siskin & very frequently seen Robin in the carpark.
37 species.
After dinner I dropped by RSPB Snettisham's carpark at dusk in the hope of a barn owl on the surrounding fields. Initially though I was surprised by a flock of Pink-Footed Goose doing their usual dusk movement out onto the Wash, obviously much less in number but still impressive enough. After that I headed to the first sea wall & looked for owls but instead of a barn owl I was again surprised to hear a Tawny Owl hooting from nearby trees. My final surprise was at the number of bats that were skimming the side of the scrape & over the wall. I watched for sometime & noticed Pipistrelle as well as at least 20 of a larger species which I assumed to be Daubenton's.
Monday, 13 April 2009
Fisher Fleet to the Point, King's Lynn, Norfolk, 13/04/2009
Weather: sunnier, warmer than earlier. From 2:30pm.
Out to King's Lynn docks with mum & down to the Point.
Usual species: Woodpigeon, Black-Headed Gull, Mallard, Redshank, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Magpie, Sparrowhawk across the Ouse; quite a few Willow Warbler singing from the low trees; Goldfinch, Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Mute Swan.
Across the tributary on the mud banks of the Ouse: Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Brent Goose (~30), Oystercatcher.
On the boardwalk over the salt marshes a sun-bathing Common Lizard allowed great close-up views; amongst the hedgerows of the few houses: House Sparrow, Pheasant, Collared Dove,
Finally, the main reason we visited was to see if we could find Peregrine couple that had been recently reported in the local press - quite the celebrity pair! Initially we couldn't see anything but once on the road & able to view the main grain silo from another angle I spotted a lone bird perched on an edge. After pulling into the Farm Foods carpark I was able to setup the scope & get some good views of the female before it flew off spooking the large flocks of pigeons, i.e., the pantry.
27 species.
Out to King's Lynn docks with mum & down to the Point.
Usual species: Woodpigeon, Black-Headed Gull, Mallard, Redshank, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Magpie, Sparrowhawk across the Ouse; quite a few Willow Warbler singing from the low trees; Goldfinch, Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Mute Swan.
Across the tributary on the mud banks of the Ouse: Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Brent Goose (~30), Oystercatcher.
On the boardwalk over the salt marshes a sun-bathing Common Lizard allowed great close-up views; amongst the hedgerows of the few houses: House Sparrow, Pheasant, Collared Dove,
Finally, the main reason we visited was to see if we could find Peregrine couple that had been recently reported in the local press - quite the celebrity pair! Initially we couldn't see anything but once on the road & able to view the main grain silo from another angle I spotted a lone bird perched on an edge. After pulling into the Farm Foods carpark I was able to setup the scope & get some good views of the female before it flew off spooking the large flocks of pigeons, i.e., the pantry.
27 species.
RSPB Lakenheath, Suffolk, 13/04/2009
Weather as before, sun trying to break through. From 9:30am.
Final port of call in the Brecks; this reserve seems to fast maturing into something special, though unfortunately the shrike had departed a week earlier.
From the carpark to the visitors' centre & along the main path to the top of the reserve: Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Sedge Warbler, Mallard, Rook, Blackcap; Great Spotted Woodpecker - first drumming then a bit further along a couple active together in the treetops; Blackbird, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Great-Crested Grebe, Wren, Crow.
Over the reedbeds the Marsh Harrier were in good form, with some sky-tumbling & also very vocal with a mewing sound I haven't heard before.
Further along the distinctive booming of a Bittern was heard, a first for me at Lakenheath but I didn't look for it in the thick reedbeds as I didn't fancy my chances against its camouflage; overflying Shelduck & Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck (7 - 4 male) on a small reedbed pool before taking wing.
In the reedbeds at the end of the reserve I heard 'pinging' Bearded Tit & as I waited I caught a few seconds view of a couple of squabbling bright orange males - the typical view. Later from the viewpoint another male appeared at the top of a reed & stayed there for a good 30 seconds or so giving me an excellent view in the sunlight, & probably my best view of the species to date.
After the reedbeds I walked up onto the washland wall; on the water or in the vegetation & reeds on either side: Mute Swan (pair), Reed Bunting, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Magpie, Redshank (pair), Little Egret (pair), Willow Warbler (heard), Green Woodpecker (heard), Canada Goose, Great Tit (2), Pheasant.
Towards the end of the wall, nearer the main washland 'lake': Egyptian Goose (pair), then a pipit flew over with a much stronger call note than 'mipit', a likely Water Pipit but it flew off into the distant (another good indication); Black-Headed Gull, Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Moorhen, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Swallow, Lapwing.
38 species.
Final port of call in the Brecks; this reserve seems to fast maturing into something special, though unfortunately the shrike had departed a week earlier.
From the carpark to the visitors' centre & along the main path to the top of the reserve: Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Sedge Warbler, Mallard, Rook, Blackcap; Great Spotted Woodpecker - first drumming then a bit further along a couple active together in the treetops; Blackbird, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Great-Crested Grebe, Wren, Crow.
Over the reedbeds the Marsh Harrier were in good form, with some sky-tumbling & also very vocal with a mewing sound I haven't heard before.
Further along the distinctive booming of a Bittern was heard, a first for me at Lakenheath but I didn't look for it in the thick reedbeds as I didn't fancy my chances against its camouflage; overflying Shelduck & Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck (7 - 4 male) on a small reedbed pool before taking wing.
In the reedbeds at the end of the reserve I heard 'pinging' Bearded Tit & as I waited I caught a few seconds view of a couple of squabbling bright orange males - the typical view. Later from the viewpoint another male appeared at the top of a reed & stayed there for a good 30 seconds or so giving me an excellent view in the sunlight, & probably my best view of the species to date.
After the reedbeds I walked up onto the washland wall; on the water or in the vegetation & reeds on either side: Mute Swan (pair), Reed Bunting, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Magpie, Redshank (pair), Little Egret (pair), Willow Warbler (heard), Green Woodpecker (heard), Canada Goose, Great Tit (2), Pheasant.
Towards the end of the wall, nearer the main washland 'lake': Egyptian Goose (pair), then a pipit flew over with a much stronger call note than 'mipit', a likely Water Pipit but it flew off into the distant (another good indication); Black-Headed Gull, Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Moorhen, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Swallow, Lapwing.
38 species.
Weeting Heath, Norfolk, 13/04/2009
Weather as before. From 9am.
After the forest I called in to see if the stone curlews had arrived; the carpark was a hive of activity: Goldfinch, Chaffinch & Crow; Skylark on the other side of the road; Woodpigeon, Rook, Pheasant, Lapwing, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Great Tit all along the path to the hides or on the heath itself. Again from the field opposite the main reserve I could hear Song Thrush & Curlew, but no stone curlew yet.
11 species.
After the forest I called in to see if the stone curlews had arrived; the carpark was a hive of activity: Goldfinch, Chaffinch & Crow; Skylark on the other side of the road; Woodpigeon, Rook, Pheasant, Lapwing, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Great Tit all along the path to the hides or on the heath itself. Again from the field opposite the main reserve I could hear Song Thrush & Curlew, but no stone curlew yet.
11 species.
Mayday Farm, Thetford Forest, Norfolk, 13/04/2009
Weather: overcast, fairly bright, misty. From 7:10am.
After a drive up to Norfolk, after returning from Wales, I decided on an early start for a location which is recommended for goshawk though I feared I was a touch too late in the year to be in with a chance of seeing them display.
However a good selection of general & woodland birds: Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Blackcap, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren.
As I approached the first forest clearing I heard a distinctive song overhead & looked up to see a Woodlark which landed on a tree stump & continued to sing for some time. The view wasn't the best through a somewhat misty morning but a good life tick nonetheless.
I continued along to a small pond at a path crossroads & waited for a while to see what would show up: Woodpigeon, Pheasant, Siskin on a pine-top, Crow; Roe Deer (1) & Fallow Deer (3), crossed the paths at different ends.
As I waited a cacophany of dog howling & barking reached such a level that I figured there must be some nearby kennels, & that any wildlife in the vicinity would be scared off completely or lying low for some time, so I decided to cut my losses & head off as well. As I walked back the kennels revealed themselves to be a dog-walking servie - a lady struggled with about 6 dogs on leads & it was these that were trying to raise the dead with their howling!
As I left though, in a stand of pines: Chaffinch, Goldcrest, & Treecreeper; & Robin & Blackbird as I drove away.
19 species, 1 new.
After a drive up to Norfolk, after returning from Wales, I decided on an early start for a location which is recommended for goshawk though I feared I was a touch too late in the year to be in with a chance of seeing them display.
However a good selection of general & woodland birds: Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Blackcap, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren.
As I approached the first forest clearing I heard a distinctive song overhead & looked up to see a Woodlark which landed on a tree stump & continued to sing for some time. The view wasn't the best through a somewhat misty morning but a good life tick nonetheless.
I continued along to a small pond at a path crossroads & waited for a while to see what would show up: Woodpigeon, Pheasant, Siskin on a pine-top, Crow; Roe Deer (1) & Fallow Deer (3), crossed the paths at different ends.
As I waited a cacophany of dog howling & barking reached such a level that I figured there must be some nearby kennels, & that any wildlife in the vicinity would be scared off completely or lying low for some time, so I decided to cut my losses & head off as well. As I walked back the kennels revealed themselves to be a dog-walking servie - a lady struggled with about 6 dogs on leads & it was these that were trying to raise the dead with their howling!
As I left though, in a stand of pines: Chaffinch, Goldcrest, & Treecreeper; & Robin & Blackbird as I drove away.
19 species, 1 new.
Blackthorn Farm Campsite, 12/04/2009
From the cold tent, awake & listening to the dawn chorus. From 5:30am.
Herring Gull, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Crow, Robin, Pheasant, Mallard; Wigeon: sounded like it but probably wasn't!; Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Raven, Wren, Magpie, Linnet, Chiffchaff, Chough, Greylag Goose.
Herring Gull, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Crow, Robin, Pheasant, Mallard; Wigeon: sounded like it but probably wasn't!; Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Raven, Wren, Magpie, Linnet, Chiffchaff, Chough, Greylag Goose.
Holy Island, Anglesey, 11/04/2009
Weather: bright, sunny, warmer.
After South Stack, to make the most of the last day, Rob & I went for a drive around the island & stopped off at a few places that looked promising.
Near Bodior: lightly wooded/flood meadow.
From 4:15pm.
Several singing Willow Warbler all along the path, eventually allowing close-up views; Swallow constantly passing overhead; Grey Heron, Chaffinch, House Martin, Wren, Robin, Chiffchaff (heard from the taller trees nearby); Pheasant, Mallard (pair over), Goldfinch.
Penrhos Country Park: from the carpark/approach road, looking out over Llyn Dinam.
From 5:20pm.
Herring Gull, Mallard, Shelduck, Black-Headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Sand Martin.
Holyhead Fish Harbour.
From 5:30pm.
An Oystercatcher on the grass bank at the entrance to the harbour seemed to lame, it was also certainly reluctant to fly as the car got quite close.
A Cormorant was on a buoy in the harbour as was a smaller, darker cormorant: another Shag but again quite distant.
Luckily enough (again) another Black Guillemot was also next to the buoy & as before it was busily fishing which is where it stayed as we moved on past the Herring Gull colony on the harbour's rocks.
Headland South of South Stack.
From 6pm.
Another stretch of RSPB managed heath headland: Meadow Pipit, Stonechat & Wheatear - about half a dozen & fairly mobile.
"Blackthorn Farm" Headland.
From 6:30pm.
Back to the headland we visited on the first night: Meadow Pipit, Chough (pair); Raven (pair) again in their cliff territory though less aggressive this time; Herring Gull & Lesser Black-Backed Gull; a lone Cormorant & a lone Guillemot also flying out at sea.
As the sun set we watched the chough pair feeding in a nearby field allowing fantastic & prolonged views: a great way to end the weekend trip.
After South Stack, to make the most of the last day, Rob & I went for a drive around the island & stopped off at a few places that looked promising.
Near Bodior: lightly wooded/flood meadow.
From 4:15pm.
Several singing Willow Warbler all along the path, eventually allowing close-up views; Swallow constantly passing overhead; Grey Heron, Chaffinch, House Martin, Wren, Robin, Chiffchaff (heard from the taller trees nearby); Pheasant, Mallard (pair over), Goldfinch.
Penrhos Country Park: from the carpark/approach road, looking out over Llyn Dinam.
From 5:20pm.
Herring Gull, Mallard, Shelduck, Black-Headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Sand Martin.
Holyhead Fish Harbour.
From 5:30pm.
An Oystercatcher on the grass bank at the entrance to the harbour seemed to lame, it was also certainly reluctant to fly as the car got quite close.
A Cormorant was on a buoy in the harbour as was a smaller, darker cormorant: another Shag but again quite distant.
Luckily enough (again) another Black Guillemot was also next to the buoy & as before it was busily fishing which is where it stayed as we moved on past the Herring Gull colony on the harbour's rocks.
Headland South of South Stack.
From 6pm.
Another stretch of RSPB managed heath headland: Meadow Pipit, Stonechat & Wheatear - about half a dozen & fairly mobile.
"Blackthorn Farm" Headland.
From 6:30pm.
Back to the headland we visited on the first night: Meadow Pipit, Chough (pair); Raven (pair) again in their cliff territory though less aggressive this time; Herring Gull & Lesser Black-Backed Gull; a lone Cormorant & a lone Guillemot also flying out at sea.
As the sun set we watched the chough pair feeding in a nearby field allowing fantastic & prolonged views: a great way to end the weekend trip.
RSPB South Stack, Anglesey, 11/04/2009
Weather: bright, sunny & windy. From 11am.
Before going to South Stack from the campsite a Merlin flew over being hotly pursued by a few Sand Martin. Unfortunately though, by the time I'd grabbed my binoculars all of them had gone out of view. Rob agreed that its swept-back wings, size & profile excluded kestrel.
Up to the reserve after yesterday's preview for a full walk around in lovely sunshine, lots of people & very friendly RSPB staff to let us know what to look out for.
From the carpark to the visitors' centre: Linnet, Skylark, Raven (pair), Herring Gull, Buzzard (pair) being mobbed by the ravens; Stonechat, Meadow Pipit; Chough overhead quite often, also very vocal; lots of Swallow also overhead; Wren in nearby bushes.
After the visitors' centre we spent some time looking at the seabirds on the cliffs: Guillemot & a few nesting Fulmar; Razorbill in lesser numbers than guillemots; Rock Pipit (pair) battling it out on the cliff edges; Puffin (~6) picked out on the water after being briefed in the vistors centre - fortunately a fellow birder had picked out a few in with the guillemots so we were quickly able to scope & get good views.
Further along near the lighthouse I picked out Gannet (4) crusing south on the sea; Lesser Black-backed Gull were also on the lighthouse's rocks; I also had brief views of a couple of small black cormorants flying in low from the sea into deep gulleys in the cliffs: Shag, the first in many a year but a pity the views weren't for longer.
Continuing past the lighthouse up into the heathland of Holyhead Mountain a sheltered lake harboured a Mallard & more meadow pipits but little else.
Heading back down the mountain to the visitors' centre on the cliff edge a flock of Sand Martin (8) flew swiftly past.
At the visitors' centre we picked out a couple of Kittiwake on the water as well as more puffins, though they were often disturbed on the water by fishing & sight-seeing boats.
Continuing round the headland south of the visitors' centre: Jackdaw (pair), Crow, Oystercatcher (~4) on the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs; Rock Dove (pair) flew swiftly out over the cliffs back towards the centre.
Back in the carpark: Blackbird & Pied Wagtail (2).
27 species.
Before going to South Stack from the campsite a Merlin flew over being hotly pursued by a few Sand Martin. Unfortunately though, by the time I'd grabbed my binoculars all of them had gone out of view. Rob agreed that its swept-back wings, size & profile excluded kestrel.
Up to the reserve after yesterday's preview for a full walk around in lovely sunshine, lots of people & very friendly RSPB staff to let us know what to look out for.
From the carpark to the visitors' centre: Linnet, Skylark, Raven (pair), Herring Gull, Buzzard (pair) being mobbed by the ravens; Stonechat, Meadow Pipit; Chough overhead quite often, also very vocal; lots of Swallow also overhead; Wren in nearby bushes.
After the visitors' centre we spent some time looking at the seabirds on the cliffs: Guillemot & a few nesting Fulmar; Razorbill in lesser numbers than guillemots; Rock Pipit (pair) battling it out on the cliff edges; Puffin (~6) picked out on the water after being briefed in the vistors centre - fortunately a fellow birder had picked out a few in with the guillemots so we were quickly able to scope & get good views.
Further along near the lighthouse I picked out Gannet (4) crusing south on the sea; Lesser Black-backed Gull were also on the lighthouse's rocks; I also had brief views of a couple of small black cormorants flying in low from the sea into deep gulleys in the cliffs: Shag, the first in many a year but a pity the views weren't for longer.
Continuing past the lighthouse up into the heathland of Holyhead Mountain a sheltered lake harboured a Mallard & more meadow pipits but little else.
Heading back down the mountain to the visitors' centre on the cliff edge a flock of Sand Martin (8) flew swiftly past.
At the visitors' centre we picked out a couple of Kittiwake on the water as well as more puffins, though they were often disturbed on the water by fishing & sight-seeing boats.
Continuing round the headland south of the visitors' centre: Jackdaw (pair), Crow, Oystercatcher (~4) on the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs; Rock Dove (pair) flew swiftly out over the cliffs back towards the centre.
Back in the carpark: Blackbird & Pied Wagtail (2).
27 species.
Blackthorn Farm Headland, Anglesey, 10/04/2009
Weather still bright & cold. From 6pm.
After checking in at the Blackthorn Farm campsite & constructing the tent there was still plenty of daylight left to explore, so we walked down the road, along a lane & onto some RSPB managed heath headland.
On the way: Magpie, Linnet (~12), Meadow Pipit (>20), Crow (pair), Buzzard (pair) being mobbed by Raven (pair); always a great bird to see, this pair were later seen skirmishing with numerous Herring Gull (dozens) on the cliffs apparently staking out a territory for a presumed breeding effort.
Further along: Grey Heron (over) & then the heather came alive with Wheatear (~12), males & females. Maybe this constituted a fall & all were busily foraging & were fairly obliging allowing some excellent views of their beautiful plumage in the vivid sunset.
After moving away from the wheatear & whilst watching the ravens, a lively cawing drew my attention to what I assumed was a jackdaw but as soon as I paid attention I realised it was a fantastic Chough (again, part of a pair), the second of the Anglesey target species! Just like the raven this pair were prominent in the area though not as aggressive & more concerned with the inland fields than the cliffs. On the way back we were able to watch them foraging, almost wader-like with their long red bill in the grass, in one of the fields until the light faded.
Also around the headland or just out at sea: Cormorant (1), Lesser Black-backed Gull (1), Greater Black-backed Gull (2), Lapwing (1). Finally, heading back a Hooded Crow (1) perched obligingly on a wire.
After checking in at the Blackthorn Farm campsite & constructing the tent there was still plenty of daylight left to explore, so we walked down the road, along a lane & onto some RSPB managed heath headland.
On the way: Magpie, Linnet (~12), Meadow Pipit (>20), Crow (pair), Buzzard (pair) being mobbed by Raven (pair); always a great bird to see, this pair were later seen skirmishing with numerous Herring Gull (dozens) on the cliffs apparently staking out a territory for a presumed breeding effort.
Further along: Grey Heron (over) & then the heather came alive with Wheatear (~12), males & females. Maybe this constituted a fall & all were busily foraging & were fairly obliging allowing some excellent views of their beautiful plumage in the vivid sunset.
After moving away from the wheatear & whilst watching the ravens, a lively cawing drew my attention to what I assumed was a jackdaw but as soon as I paid attention I realised it was a fantastic Chough (again, part of a pair), the second of the Anglesey target species! Just like the raven this pair were prominent in the area though not as aggressive & more concerned with the inland fields than the cliffs. On the way back we were able to watch them foraging, almost wader-like with their long red bill in the grass, in one of the fields until the light faded.
Also around the headland or just out at sea: Cormorant (1), Lesser Black-backed Gull (1), Greater Black-backed Gull (2), Lapwing (1). Finally, heading back a Hooded Crow (1) perched obligingly on a wire.
Holyhead & RSPB South Stack, Anglesey, 10/04/2009
Weather: bright, cold.
Easter has come round again & I've been lucky enough to have some holiday time to do the same as last year: as much birding as I can get in! In order to get up & running & to see a couple of species that are a speciality of the region, & which would be life ticks for me, I organised a trip to South Stack in Anglesey, Wales with Rob. The weather was fantastic for the two & a half days that we camped, yes camped, although the sunny days meant cold nights in the tent unfortunately.
After a less than ideal start getting out of London when all trains were suspended out of Euston due to an unfortunate 'fatality' on the line, I arrived in Manchester 3 hours later than expected to meet Rob but we were soon speeding our way to Anglesey.
On arrival & thanks to the bird forum website we immediately hit one hotspot, Holyhead Fish Harbour. From 4pm-ish. On our arrival were abundant Herring Gull (>12), & as we watched a ferry from Ireland steam into the new dock it flushed out the target Black Guillemot (1)! Easy to identify in its unmistakeable plumage, it contentedly fished in the open water before moving into the fish harbour for a quick fish before again moving out onto the sea. Before we moved on we also picked up Cormorant (1), Oystercatcher (2) & a flock of Redshank (12) flew in then out of the dock.
After the immediate success in preparation for a full day the next day we visited the carpark at RSPB South Stack from 5pm. Here we picked up Jackdaw, a lone Hooded Crow, more Herring Gull, several Linnet & Meadow Pipit, & a lone Wheatear flashed its distinctive white rump as it dove over a hedge - my first in many a year.
After that, birding appetite suitably whetted, it was on to the campsite.
Easter has come round again & I've been lucky enough to have some holiday time to do the same as last year: as much birding as I can get in! In order to get up & running & to see a couple of species that are a speciality of the region, & which would be life ticks for me, I organised a trip to South Stack in Anglesey, Wales with Rob. The weather was fantastic for the two & a half days that we camped, yes camped, although the sunny days meant cold nights in the tent unfortunately.
After a less than ideal start getting out of London when all trains were suspended out of Euston due to an unfortunate 'fatality' on the line, I arrived in Manchester 3 hours later than expected to meet Rob but we were soon speeding our way to Anglesey.
On arrival & thanks to the bird forum website we immediately hit one hotspot, Holyhead Fish Harbour. From 4pm-ish. On our arrival were abundant Herring Gull (>12), & as we watched a ferry from Ireland steam into the new dock it flushed out the target Black Guillemot (1)! Easy to identify in its unmistakeable plumage, it contentedly fished in the open water before moving into the fish harbour for a quick fish before again moving out onto the sea. Before we moved on we also picked up Cormorant (1), Oystercatcher (2) & a flock of Redshank (12) flew in then out of the dock.
After the immediate success in preparation for a full day the next day we visited the carpark at RSPB South Stack from 5pm. Here we picked up Jackdaw, a lone Hooded Crow, more Herring Gull, several Linnet & Meadow Pipit, & a lone Wheatear flashed its distinctive white rump as it dove over a hedge - my first in many a year.
After that, birding appetite suitably whetted, it was on to the campsite.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Bow Creek & East India Dock, London, 05/04/2009
Weather: cloudy but bright. From 2:30pm.
An afternoon to test the camera & pick-up any early migrants; both locations a short walk from Canning Town tube station.
Bow Creek: a small restored area along the river with mixed scrub & reed areas.
Dunnock (singing enthusiastically), Magpie, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Mute Swan, Coot (one seen later with a chick), Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Crow, Cormorant (over), Goldfinch, Great Tit, Herring Gull, Shelduck, Blue Tit.
14 species.
East India Dock.
Tame Tufted Duck, up to 20; Teal, several still around; Moorhen, Robin, Blackbird, Oystercatcher (on the far riverbank under the O2), Grey Heron (over), Woodpigeon,
Greenfinch.
12 species.
An afternoon to test the camera & pick-up any early migrants; both locations a short walk from Canning Town tube station.
Bow Creek: a small restored area along the river with mixed scrub & reed areas.
Dunnock (singing enthusiastically), Magpie, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Mute Swan, Coot (one seen later with a chick), Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Crow, Cormorant (over), Goldfinch, Great Tit, Herring Gull, Shelduck, Blue Tit.
14 species.
East India Dock.
Tame Tufted Duck, up to 20; Teal, several still around; Moorhen, Robin, Blackbird, Oystercatcher (on the far riverbank under the O2), Grey Heron (over), Woodpigeon,
Greenfinch.
12 species.
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