Thursday 30 October 2008

Green Heron in Kent


30 Oct - I drove down to Kent on the news that the first-winter Green Heron was still present on the old military canal at West Hythe - I had excellent views as it fed from branches and vegetation at 30yds range - catching several fish without difficulty. Rather a small heron with large yellowish feet to clamber around on. My second in the UK out of 6 British and Irish records. Also a late Reed Warbler seen, primaries too long for a Blyth's Reed....
Then a 4hr journey home due to the usual chaos on M25/M3 etc.

Sunday 19 October 2008

Shorelark at Upton Warren


19 October - an afternoon visit to the flashes at Upton Warren, and the Shorelark was feeding unobtrusively on one of the gravel islands in front of the main hide. It was surprisingly difficult to see at times, but was a brightly marked individual. The first one I have seen in the UK away from Norfolk, and my first for over 10 years!

Tuesday 7 October 2008

Black-necked Grebe....


7 Oct - this fantastic photo of the Frampton Black-necked Grebe was taken by Graham Cox, and posted on Mike King's Gloster Birder website.

Friday 3 October 2008

Black-necked Grebe at Frampton


3 Oct - after a 45 minute search, I located the Black-necked Grebe at Frampton sailing lake, swimming and preening actively - a dumpy bird going in to winter plumage, with dusky cheeks and neck sides and an upturned bill (photo, copyright Martin McGill). Also seen, 2 Little Egrets and a Grey Wagtail by the car park. Glos 2008 year list now 182.
Spending a couple of days at home this week produced a Little Egret flying over the river at the bottom of the fields on the morning of the 3rd, and 2 Ravens making a low flypast, calling and agitating the resident Carrion Crows, on the 4th.

Thursday 2 October 2008

Pectoral Sandpiper at Slimbridge



2 October - Scanning the Dumbles over high tide produced very distant views of the Pectoral Sandpiper (photo, copyright Martin McGill) with Dunlin, Ringed Plover and a Ruff. Also 29 Golden and 10 Grey Plovers. Few other migrants apart from Meadow Pipits through.