Widdybank Fell, County Durham, 03/04/2010

2 - 7:30pm. Weather: cloudy, some sunshine, a few showers, one heavy & long.

After a snooze to recover from our early morning outing, Rob & I headed off to a location where Rob had seen ouzels before, another target bird for the trip. We parked up & headed off towards Cow Green Reservoir & then joined the Pennine Way, along Falcon Clints to Widdybank Farm & then Sayer Hill, before a long slog up the road back to the carpark. A much longer walk than I do normally but thoroughly enjoyable, even after nearly getting a leg sucked off in a hidden bog & after getting caught in a downpour when the heavens opened up, & with some great upland birds too.

Widdybank Fell.
Golden Plover - a few couples about, presumably preparing to breed, later on several over calling.
Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Curlew - all seen amongst the upland tussocks.
Red Grouse - a few with heads poking out from the heather & calling distinctively.
Black-Headed Gull - over the reservoir.
Ring Ouzel - 3, after a quick stop for lunch besides the river which flows from the reservoir, Rob & I clambered down to the Pennine Way. As we did so we looked down into the valley where we were headed & I caught a good look at a distinctive black bird with a white collar perched bodly on a rock. It wasn't there for long but it was close & distinctive: a male ring ouzel. As we descended we saw the individual again as well as a couple more including a good view of a female which clucked disapproval at our presence for a few minutes until it disappeared & we headed off, well satisfied.
Dipper - as we continued along the path next to the river a distinctive dumpy bird in the river was unmistakeable. An unexpected treat, a bird I hadn't seen in a while.

Widdybank Farm.
Pheasant, Redshank.
Snipe - 2, roding constantly over a nice secluded area of upland bog, a great sound & nice to see the birds after only hearing them in the dark in the morning.
Common Gull, Starling, Fieldfare, Skylark, Woodpigeon.
Black Grouse - distinctive lekking calls heard but we couldn't locate them on the hills.
Song Thrush - 2.
Greylag Goose, Oystercatcher.

20 species, 1 new species.

Langdon Beck, County Durham, 03/04/2010

5:30 - 7:30am. Weather: misty dawn, heavy sleet & snow showers.

One of the main reasons to visit Langdon Beck is that it's one of the best places in the country to view lekking black grouse, so Rob & I got up & out before dawn in the hope of experiencing one of the wonderful sights (& sounds) of spring. The weather was disappointing but the birds were not.

Oystercatcher - a couple standing on the gravel in a layby of the main road.
Snipe - what sounded like several birds roding constantly in the pre-dawn gloom; quite an unearthly sound but though very close we didn't see any birds doing it.
Curlew, Lapwing.

Black Grouse - just like the snipe the sound of the lek was heard long before we were finally able to pick out some birds from the expanse of the moor visible from the road. There were at least half a dozen males involved in the lek & though the morning was gloomy we had some good prolonged sightings & some fantastic leeking behaviour.

Meadow Pipit, Skylark - also heard.

Holwick Scar
1pm. Weather: heavy rain shower.

Wheatear - one male, three females; first of the spring & a splash vibrancy in the gloom.

Glenshee - Strathardle - Loch Lowes, Scotland, 20/10/1992

Variable [weather].

To Glenshee: Rook, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Red Deer.
At Glenshee where there was much snow on the ground and the weather was very unpredictable.
Walking up a hill at Glenshee gave large numbers of Red Grouse and a single Snow Hare.
At Glenshee cafe red grouse were still easily seen.
When leaving Glenshee valley a grouse-like bird turned out to be a Red-Legged Partridge. Perhaps a bird blown off-course and very high up as it did not seem at home because it ran around the road reluctant to enter the snow, until it took fright.

To Strathardle: Kestrel near to two Mistle Thrush and later on a flock of Fieldfare were seen. No birds seen at Strathardle 'moor'.

At Loch of the Lowes:
Blue Tit - in trees.
Tufted Duck - most numerous.
Gooseander - two or three pairs.
Goldeneye - dull plumaged females/eclipse?
Mallard - half dozen pair.
Coot - half dozen solitary birds.
Pochard - two or three pairs in middle of loch.

A large congregation of gulls in various plumage also was in the centre of the loch but was too far away to distinguish individual species using binoculars (no telescope taken). Large numbers of small, dark-coloured, very vocal geese continued to fly into the middle of the loch, most likely Pink-Footed Goose.

On journey home a strange-looking bird standing in an arable field when viewed through binoculars turned out to be a Peregrine. Largish bird with dark plumage and moustaches, yellow legs and hunched standing appearance allowed identification. It flew off quickly and distinctive flight of rapid wing beats with a quick glide was characteristic.

18 species no new species.

Leuchars - Strathardle - Glen Lyon - Killiekrankie, Scotland, 12/09/1992

Leuchars - Dundee - Blairgowrie - Strathardle - Pitlochry - Ballinluig - Aberfeldy - Lawers - Ben Lawers - Glen Lyon - Aberfeldy - Pitlochry.

Bright / cloudy / mild / rainy / windy.

Strathardle Journey.
Birds during journey: Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw (crows mainly in fields of sheep). Swallow, House Martin, and one Hooded Crow (also mainly in fields).
Over Strathardle moor and an easily identifiable female Hen Harrier apparently involved in some dispute with a Kestrel.
Further on over the moor the distinctive grey plumaged and white-rumped male Hen Harrier was seen quartering the moor/heath and flew nearly right over the car.

Between Strathardle and Pitlochry Buzzard was also seen.

Ben Lawers - Glen Lyon.
Ben Lawers appeared pretty bleak with only the occasional Meadow Pipit, Carrion Crow and Mistle Thrush.
The wooded valley of Glen Lyon was much richer in bird-life including: Kestrel, Buzzard (more numerous than kestrel), Rook, Jackdaw (in fields) Swallow, House Martin. A group of crows circling above low hills near to the road indicated that a bird of prey may have been nearby. By the time the car had stopped the bird of prey had showed itself as a pair of Golden Eagles. Easily identifiable through dark colour, huge size and easily seen 'fingered' primaries. The birds soared and 'dive bombed' each other until they flew over the hills towards the Rannoch area after about five minutes of watching them.
At the same time on the same hill-side a small group of Red Deer was also spotted with the only one young male, the rest female and young, and opposite a Grey Heron. Further down the glen on a tree amongst a flock of Carrion Crow were about three or four Hooded Crow.

Killiecrankie RSPB Reserve.
Walking up the path into the lightly forested hillside a Buzzard was immediately obvious and vocal. Other equally vocal Buzzards were also seen all over the reserve.
In the trees on the hillside: Chaffinch, Siskin, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit.
On the way back to the car: Pheasant.

1st Day: 18 species, no new species.

Grey Mare's Tail - Galashiels, Scotland, 14/04/1990

Cold, heavy, showers.

Carrion Crow, Rook, Black-Headed Gull, Lapwing, Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck were all birds seen in locality whilst driving to the Mare's Tail.

Birds seen at the Tail and on return journey were: Meadow Pipit, Jackdaw, Pied Wagtail, Wheatear, Kestrel, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Pheasant, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Song Thrush, Starling, Greenfinch.

20 species including 0 new species.

Fossil Valley - Scroof, Scottish Borders, 07/08/1989

Overcast, wet.

During journey: House Martin, Swallow, Carrion Crow and Pied Wagtail (on lochside).
A quick glimpse at a bird flying away upstream identified Grey Wagtail.
Returning from valley and a scan of nearby hills revealed a Kestrel.
At roadside a bird attacking crows could only be a Peregrine Falcon which then perched on a rock up on hillside and allowed views through telescope before flying off.
Whilst watching falcon a brownish bird flew down into valley and white rump identified female Wheatear.

On journey to Scroof: Chaffinch, Black-Headed Gull, Starling, Woodpigeon, Grey Heron and Pheasant. Search for grouse only produced two Lesser Black-Backed Gulls on small pond at bottom of Scroof.

During journey back to Galashiels produced Jackdaw, Rook and Collared Dove.

18 species.

Kleine Schiedegg to Wengen, Switzerland, 05/11/1988

Bright, dusky, cold.

Previously seen Nutcrackers seen again, this time cawing. A flock of Fieldfare also seen flying about on lower slopes. Alpine Chough soaring on higher slopes.
Flock of finches flew around the coniferous trees and bushes and after prolonged viewing Greenfinch, Redpoll and Siskin were identified. These were also probably the previously unidentified birds seen above Murren.
Carrion Crow seen on upper slopes. Another flock of finches produced a number of Goldfinch feeding on grass.
In the coniferous forests near to Wengen feeding tits produced a positively identified Crested Tit. Entering Wengen, almost dark, a long billed wader quickly flew overhead. Although no features were seen was most likely a Woodcock.

10 species seen including 0 new species.

Lauterbrunnen - Grutschalp - Murren, Switzerland, 04/11/1988

Quieter side of valley and surprisingly a Redwing seen at Grutschalp railway station, Chaffinch also seen.
Alpine Chough's in large flocks flying around higher slopes.
Coniferous forests alive with feeding tits and finches although none identified till later.
Whilst resting a Treecreeper appeared and climbed up a nearby tree. Also a Nutcracker fewl overhead. Now tits could be identified revealing Crested Tit and Coal Tit.
Still resting a peculiar musical call was heard. Heard again, a large black bird undulated through trees uttering fluty call. Through trees it seemed to be a Black Woodpecker. Stalked towards it and gained cloer views which proved the bird to be a Black Woodpecker, a new bird.
Two fighting Ravens raced into view throating their distinctive calls.
Whilst resting, tree-tops revealed a Greenfinch feeding amongst the pines with other unidentified finches.
Walking through a shaded part of the slopes a peculiar 'whooshing' and gobbling call attracted us to the slope above. Obviously a game bird and after climbing up the slope to hope to get a glimpse of the elusive bird a dull female bird shot from the foliage. Impossible to tell which species in the brief moments it was seen. After extensive reference to books it was probably a Black Grouse rather than a Capercaillie because of song, which is quite distinctive.
A flock of thrushes flew past and as well as Redwings a few Fieldfares were also identified. More feeding tits in coniferous trees this time a Goldcrest also seen.
Near to Murren at Allmendhubel a greenish bird was seen in tree and after getting closer a red bird also came into view. Unmistakeable bill identified them as Crossbills.
Carrion Crows were also seen on lower slopes.

15 species seen including 1 new species.

Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt, Switzerland, 03/11/1988

Sunny and bright, quite cool.

A rather disappointing trip to see the Matterhorn. Landscape 'changed' through quarrying and spoil dumping.
Dipper, Mallard and Grey Heron seen during journey.
In Zermatt region a large and very distant bird seen soaring. A bird of prey but was hard to tell if it was a Buzzard or Golden Eagle, left undecided.
Chaffinch, Alpine Chough, House Sparrow and Collared Dove seen around Zermatt.
Sparrow and Chaffinch added in desperation!

8 species (including unidentifed bird), 0 new species.

Lauterbrunnen to Grimsel Pass, Switzerland, 02/11/1988

Overcast, freezing cold.

Whilst waiting in car, largish bird of prey flapped over valley. Blunt wings, long tail and flight could only mean Goshawk.
Driving past Brienzersee lake a distant Mute Swan could be seen.
Up into the Grimsel Pass road a Buzzard and wedge-tailed, long winged Raven were identified.
On shape near road a winter coloured Chamoix picked its way across. More seen later on top of Pass along with a number of Ravens.
Alpine Chough's also seen in flocks over mountain peaks.
On lake at top of Pass two birds flew about, and, moving to get closer revealed two Cormorants, wintering inland, lacked white cheek patches so were probably juveniles.
A few Carrion Crows and Jays were seen on returning.
Disapointingly no Golden Eagles although terrain was ideal.

8 species seen including 0 new species.

Lauterbrunnen to Wilderswil River Walk, Switzerland, 01/11/1988

Clear sky but shady and cold.

A confusing black capped Willow or Marsh Tit seen on a bush. Seemed to have glossy cap and after reference Marsh Tit is more likely to frequent the area.
Great Tit also seen flitting along path.
Tubby white-breasted bird on rock identified Dipper, and more were seen on rocks and flying along river.
Wren buzzing in bushes near arable land.
Grey Heron flew over Lauterbrunnental valley.
Whilst resting, Nuthatch climbed down a nearby tree.
Chaffinch and Carrion Crow were also seen.

9 species including 0 new species.

Kleine Schiedegg to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, 31/10/1988

Bright and sunny but very cold.

Flocks of Alpine Choughs over Kleine Schiedegg and at Jungfraujoch where they were very tame, waiting for hand-outs!
Dark bird with strangely undulating flight led to an easy identification of a Nutcracker, a new species to me. 4 were seen at one time perched on cable car cables. Also birds were seen flying about Kleine Schiedegg which enabled close views revealing brown plumage flecked with white and a white triangle at base of tail, also stout beak.
Whilst waiting for Jungfraujoch train two birds floated into view, identified as Buzzards although rather pale.
At Jungfraujoch on ice field a flash of white against dark was enough to identify a Snow Finch, also a new bird. Only confusable with snow buntings which do not frequent the Alps.

4 species including 2 new species.

Megget Reservoir to Manor Water, Borders, Scotland, 04/04/1988

Hot and sunny.

Lapwing, Mistle Thrush, Chaffinch, Tree Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Curlew, Carrion Crow.

8 species, 0 new species.