Saturday 31 December 2016

Stow-on-the-Wold surprises

31 Dec - One of the most unexpected finds of 2016 must be the male Blue Rock Thrush currently residing in the Cotswolds at Stow. I joined the crowds and had reasonable views of the bird, although the dull weather did not show off the blue plumage. I think the bird is probably wild, as it is unringed, and many other eastern vagrants have made it to our shores this autumn in the exceptional run of easterly winds. The urban habitat is not out of character as the species winters in villages in southern Europe. I've seen quite a few in Spain, but nice to see one in the UK! Also present in Stow were 2 mobile Waxwings, one of which settled in a rowan tree for a few minutes and allowed good views, a real bonus. The last birds of 2016! A very good 12 months, with amazing trips to the Hebrides and the Galapagos Islands during the year, and outstanding experiences and memories. Let's see what 2017 brings.......

Thursday 29 December 2016

Exe Estuary cruise

29 Dec - Fortunately the fog lingering over the Exe estuary cleared shortly before our afternoon boat trip, so we had good, albeit fairly distant views of the usual waders as the tide rose - Bar-and Black-tailed Godwits, Sanderling, Knot, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank as well as Redshank, Curlew, Dunlin and Oystercatcher as well as a couple of hundred Avocets. Also present were 2 Slavonian Grebes (the long-staying individual with a damaged wing has acquired a friend!) and a distant fem Long-tailed Duck at Topsham, as well as smart Red-breasted Mergansers and over a hundred Pintail. An atmospheric cruise in the low winter sunlight, combined with a nice overnight stay at Otterton, made a short but worthwhile Christmas getaway.

Tuesday 27 December 2016

Shorncote

27 Dec - A fine day for a last look at Shorncote during 2016, nothing exceptional but always enjoyable and it's a spot which always feels as if something unexpected is going to turn up..... I've been thinking of the unusual species I've self-found here in the last few years and this is a list...... Bittern, Scaup, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Avocet, Short-eared Owl, Waxwing, Great Grey Shrike, Firecrest, Siberian Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit. I've also seen Garganey and Temminck's Stint here as well. Not bad for a few acres in the south Midlands!

Monday 26 December 2016

Boxing Day

26 Dec - A family walk at Crickley Hill mid morning in calm sunny weather had the bonus of a single Brambling with the Chaffinches under the beech trees, with c150 Golden Plover in flight alongside the A417 en route. Late afternoon at Blakehill, Merlin perched and in dashing flight, then Short-eared and Barn Owls, all appeared after sunset. A productive hour.

Saturday 24 December 2016

One more Eastern vagrant........

24 Dec - Another eastern vagrant fitted in.......Good views of the 1st-winter Blyth's Pipit at Blagdon, once Christmas Eve access arranged. Hardly any traffic.......feeding with Meadow Pipits on the shoreline. Larger size, sandy coloration, but relatively shorter bill and tail, and more obvious wing bars. My second in the UK. Also a Peregrine over the lake, and 2 Great White Egrets with 3 Little Egrets, and another GWE seen from the road passing CVL. Surely the last rarity of the year?!

Thursday 22 December 2016

Not-so skulking Dusky

22 Dec - An early morning trip to Coombe Hill Meadows, and surprisingly good views of the Dusky Warbler found there 2 days previously, fairly active and calling regularly in the grasses next to the canal. I managed a few decent photos as it popped up briefly. Good thing I was early, as it flew off across the canal and wasn't relocated the rest of the day. Interestingly, the bird was carrying a ring on the R leg, possibly one of this year's influx of autumn vagrants logged on the east coast ? Also a good look at a Water Rail as it ran along the edge of the canal bank, and lots of winter Thrushes moving around noisily on the morning sun. Probably the last Asian vagrant of the year!

Friday 16 December 2016

Scaup at CWP..........

16 Dec - A dry, mild day with some sunny intervals. A scan of pit 29 gave views of the female Scaup still present......distinctive rounded head shape compared with the accompanying Tufted Ducks, combined with fairly extensive white at the base of the bill. Several pairs of Goosander seen around the park, with Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests in the bushes.

Sunday 11 December 2016

A (half) mega in Glos..............

11 Dec - News of an Eastern Black Redstart on, of all places, Tewkesbury Abbey - the eastern subspecies of Black Redstart, and the first inland record for the UK, being presumably the bird seen a few days before a couple of miles away in Worcs. A very striking and smart bird, feeding actively in afternoon sun. Also, 2+ Bramblings with the Chaffinches in the beechwoods at Crickley Hill.

Thursday 8 December 2016

Dusky Thrush

8 Dec - One of the best birds of the year, a 1st winter Dusky Thrush from Siberia, was identified as wintering in the Midlands village of Beeley via a photo from a birder's back garden posted online. I was free to join the crowds after a few days, with the bird still present and settled into a routine centred on the orchard at Dukes Barn in the village. Arriving soon after dawn and the forecast rain, I had brief views of the bird in an apple tree in poor light, and it then disappeared for a while. Later in the morning it returned to the orchard and adjoining conifers, to feed, rest and preen, and it gave very good views, especially when the sun briefly appeared. A distinctive Thrush, more stocky than the accompanying Redwings, an obvious chestnut wing patch, broad white supercilium, and black-spotted white breast making it a striking eastern vagrant, presumably another result of the prolonged winds from Siberia during the autumn. Dukes Barn was amazingly welcoming, with refreshments (and facilities) all available..... a great finale to the birding year.

Monday 5 December 2016

Weekend

3-4 Dec - A drake Smew at CWP 28a, an early arrival this year after the cold weather. Shorncote late afternoon and 2 pairs of Stonechats feeding in the sun, with good numbers if Redwings and Fieldfares moving, along with Cetti's Warblers and Water Rails calling. Sun at Slimbridge and brief views of a Bittern in the reeds from Kingfisher hide, amazingly camouflaged. Snipe and Water Rail were more visible than usual, forced into the open by the freeze up. Bewick's Swans were calling and displaying in the sun on Rushy Pen, but the Tack Piece fairly quiet in the frost although a Peregrine still did a flyby. Late afternoon 4 more Bewick's Swans..... this time brief visitors to Coate Water. Sparkling wintry conditions, but not supposed to last much longer.....

Tuesday 29 November 2016

Wintry afternoon

29 Nov - A sunny late afternoon during the current cold spell, and I nipped up to Barbury Castle during my afternoon. At least 200 Golden Plover in the fields opposite Alexandra Park, and a Grey Wagtail on a roadside puddle. Good numbers of Fieldfare and Redwing around the car park area, very active in the berry bushes. No sign of any Short-eared Owls but I left before dark.

Saturday 26 November 2016

Poole Harbour

26 Nov - An early morning look at Poole Harbour before the BTO conference at the University. An atmospheric sunrise over Lytchett Fields, and better views of the Lesser Yellowlegs that is now wintering - more delicate build and thinner bill than the accompanying Redshanks, with bright yellow legs! Also present, Greenshanks, a Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint with the Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwits and Snipe. A female Marsh Harrier was perched in an oak above the reedbed in the mist, and 2 Kingfishers flashed past. I also had time for a quick look at Sandbanks, where a Great Northern Diver and a Black-necked Grebe were off the promontary together with a few Red-breasted Mergansers and Brent Geese.. A distant view of Brownsea lagoon did not reveal any Spoonbills, but several hundred Avocet were roosting in a tight flock. A first-winter Med Gull flew past, and the final addition to the early morning list was a flock of Sanderlings and Ringed Plover on Studland beach. A successful early morning foray, followed by some enthusiastic and knowledgeable speakers at the BTO regional conference. Worth the early start!

Friday 25 November 2016

Bewick's, and more Bewick's.......

25 Nov - A beautiful sunny early winter's day, good for a couple of hours at Slimbridge with the camera, and close views of some of the early Bewick's Swans of the season, some sleeping off their recently-completed long migratory flights. A Lapland Bunting had been reported earlier from the Holden, but wasn't on view..... a nice selection of waders however, Golden Plovers glowing in the sun, huge numbers of Lapwings, Blackwits, Ruff, and a Little Stint with the Dunlin. My journey home was slightly lengthened by news of 4 Bewick's also having arrived in CWP..... a rare visitor here, and viewed distantly on pit 65. 1 of the Cattle Egrets feeding in a field at Waterhay completed an enjoyable morning.

Sunday 20 November 2016

Cattle Egrets continued......

20 Nov - An afternoon drive by revealed the 2 Cattle Egrets still present near Waterhay, and this time a bit more obliging for the camera, despite the poor light. Blakehill prior to dusk gave views of a hunting Barn Owl in the dusk, and good numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares, together with 11 Roe Deer and a Brown Hare, but no SEOs.

Saturday 19 November 2016

Great Grey Shrike

19 Nov - A fine November morning, cold but fairly clear, and after drawing a blank at Russell Enclosure, I had very nice views of the (albeit quite distant) Crabtree Hill Great Grey Shrike in the Forest - seen with rodent prey, then hunting from exposed perches on the heathland, the monochrome yet elegant colour pattern somehow blending well with the autumnal colours and sky. A few record shots taken, but it never came very close. 3 Crossbills flew over, together with assorted Redpolls and Siskins.

Thursday 17 November 2016

South coast scarcities

17 Nov - A brief foray into Hampshire in blustery weather. After a short search, the Snow Bunting watched at close range by Southsea Castle, faithful to the same feeding area where it has been for the last week or so, and obliging for the camera. Nearby, 5 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks showed well but briefly along with 2 Turnstones. A rising tide meant few waders by the Ship Inn, but Curlew, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover all seen, with flyby Oystercatcher and Dunlin.

Tuesday 15 November 2016

Cattle Egrets in the CWP........

15 Nov - A quick drive by Ashton Keynes on the Waterhay road for the reported Cattle Egrets and the two birds feeding in the sheepfield by Westfield Farm. First record for the Water Park, possibly two of the five birds reported recently at Slimbridge?

Monday 14 November 2016

Weekend Owls etc......

14 Nov - one or two nice sightings at the w/e..... the SE Owls still at Liddington, and giving views in good light for a change. Also 3 Common Scoters (fem-type) at CWP on pit 74. A pair of Stonechats still along the main track at Blakehill. Enjoyable autumnal birding.

Friday 11 November 2016

November sunshine!

11 Nov - A beautiful autumn day for Armistice day. A quick look at Waterhay pre-work gave some views of a wary flock of Redwings, also a flyby Kingfisher and 4 Chiffchaffs, including a singing bird. The usual Water Rail and Cetti's calling. Otmoor in the afternoon was superb - 2 (!) Bitterns along the reed edge from the second screen, and Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier and Peregrine all seen late afternoon around the Starling roost. Stonechat and Cetti's Warbler also around. A Bearded Tit called twice in the reeds, and a nice selection of wildfowl and roosting Snipe on the island. Otmoor should be excellent this winter, especially if we get some rain and the water levels rise. Shades of the East Coast in Oxfordshire!

Thursday 10 November 2016

Liddington Owls..........

10 Nov - Late afternoon at Liddington Hill and good views of 2 Short-eared Owls that have taken up residence there........they didn't emerge in good light unfortunately, but hopefully will hang around and become more obliging. There seem to be quite good numbers nationally of SEOs this autumn, but none reported at Blakehill so far.

Monday 7 November 2016

Shorncote

7 Nov - A late afternoon walk at Shorncote for some fresh air and the usual suspects in evidence, Water Rail and Cetti's Warblers calling and a Little Egret fishing. Good views of a pair of Stonechats in the evening sun, they seem to have returned to the regular wintering area on the waste ground and scrub.

Sunday 6 November 2016

Galapagos !

27 Oct - 5 Nov - An amazing week-long cruise around the Galapagos Islands, a privilege to have the opportunity to visit this fabled location, famous for Attenborough, Darwin and many others. A strange other-worldly atmosphere in this remote archipelago, uninhabited til recently and where the wildlife is completely unafraid of man. Visitor numbers are strictly controlled, and on arrival the airport already had our permit logged as being on the expedition ship "Evolution" for a week. The journey out was staged by 2 nights and 36h in Quito, giving time for a tour of the old city, slightly breathless due to its altitude being approx 9,000'. A dramatic city perched on the edge of some precipitous Andean crags, with some impressive Spanish colonial architecture, and giving us a good initial experience of Ecuador, authenticity enhanced by our student guide. The internal flight took us to the islands themselves, very exciting to see them from the plane for the first time. Our itinerary was fairly packed, different islands being visited each day. We woke the first morning to mirror-like seas and a misty sunrise over Isabela, the largest island, and the first few of many Magnificent Frigatebirds were cruising around the ship, and even perching on the rigging. These birds are ungainly on land but amazing fliers. Quite a few bird species are endemic, Galapagos Petrel, Shearwater, Galap Penguin, the stunning Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Blue-footed Booby (wonderful name!) being among the first to be logged. We saw many Elliot's Storm-Petrels from the ship throughout the week. Brown Noddies were nesting on the lava outcrops and ledges along with BF and Nasca Boobies, and even in the caves indenting the volcanic coast. The first of many prehistoric-looking Marine Iguanas were standing sentinel along the rocks. An afternoon visit the first day produced an amazing spectacle at one of the larger Iguana colonies - dominant males displaying with head-shaking, and spitting to expel excess mineral from their salt glands (they drink sea-water). Galapagos Sea Lions were everywhere and needed to be stepped over - the pups were great favourites with all visitors. Visiting American shorebirds included Wandering Tattler, Semi-palmated Plover and Hudsonian Whimbrel. We also had our only sighting of the Galapagos Martin on the first day. The island terrain is lava of various ages and forms, and varying amounts of vegetation, being incredibly sharp and rough to walk over. A feature of the trip was cruising the rocky shoreline most days in outboard craft or Pangas - this brought us close to the wildlife and gave amazing views of, amongst others, the endemic Penguins, the flightless Cormorants, and the seabirds colonies. Isabela Island supports a few Giant Tortoises, and here we saw our first, and also our only Land Iguanas - larger and more dinosaur-like than the Marine variety. The next day was based at Baltra, an old US military base with airport and dock facilities. Despite these slightly unsalubrious surroundings, this was the only location where we saw Lava Gull, the rarest Gull in the world with a total population of 2-300 individuals. Also on the adjacent Bachas beach (of perfect turquoise sea and white sand) we saw our only American Flamingo of the trip, as well as Black-necked Stilts and Least Sandpipers. The red island of Rabida in the afternoon was very scenic and the lagoon was good for more shorebird photography, as well as lovely shots of lounging Sea Lions on the beach in the evening sunshine. The equatorial sun is fierce, with early morning and late afternoon being the only times when there is respite from the intense heat. Fortunately, humidity is low at this time of year. The boat generally moved overnight between islands to maximise daytime activities - day 4 was on the stunning island of Bartolome with its pinnacles and 400m summit, giving an amazing panoramic view and - a mobile phone signal! A chance to catch up after 4 days marooned away from technology. The last 2 days were really contrasting experiences - firstly Santa Cruz island, the main habitation and large enough for upland forest and meadows - the main stronghold of the famous Giant Tortoises, of which we saw a good number. The forest here also held quite an assortment of the famous Darwin's Finches - the keener birders obviously very interested in the different species with their different bill adaptations. Very confiding, as are all the birds on the islands. The final day was my real highlight of the trip that I'd been looking forward to all week, and it did not disappoint - Espanola with its colony of (almost the total world population of) Waved Albatrosses. Superb, an experience that I will always remember, one of my all-time birding highlights. Not only the amazing Albatrosses, enormous at close range, displaying in front of us and then plunging off the clifftop runway and instantly becoming so graceful in the air - leaving their gawky young to peer at us - but also fantastic Red-billed Tropicbirds buzzing about on their stubby wings, pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls at close range, and close up Boobies displaying at their nest scrapes. Not to mention the inquisitive Espanola Mockingbirds trying to get into our rucksacks for snacks! Overcast skies here made for good photographic conditions. A wonderful few hours. Strangest sighting of the day was a Short-eared Owl that I spotted flying around the ship. The last morning we had time for the Galapagos museum on San Cristobal (and the endemic Mockingbird) before the start of the long journey home, watching the islands disappear from view, then 2 night flights spaced by a sleep in an Atlanta hotel room. Many great memories, and even more photos.......... truly the trip of a lifetime, and a wonderful expedition ship and crew to make things as perfect as possible, all logistics running seamlessly from start to finish.

Monday 24 October 2016

Grey Phalarope......

23 Oct - very nice views at the w/e of the obliging Grey Phalarope at Farmoor, feeding unconcernedly very close to the assembled photographers, and indeed on occasions swimming towards them.....typical behaviour by an arctic species. Fairly regular in recent autumns at Farmoor, though unusually this record does not follow on from westerly gales, the wind having been predominantly easterly for several weeks.

Friday 21 October 2016

Osprey, and autumnal CWP

20-21 Oct - A fairly productive couple of days. I headed to Soudley pond in the Forest of Dean for first light on 20th, and the small gathered crowd was rewarded with a good view of the Osprey that has been present here for a couple of weeks - it flew in and spent a few minutes perched up, then had an unsuccessful dive before heading SE towards the Severn. Interestingly, it has a distinctive tail with missing feathers giving a Kite-like appearance, so could possibly be tracked on migration.
My other stop on 20th was pit 119 in the eastern CWP at Lechlade, where the reported Great White Egret was obligingly feeding just off the track and could be viewed at leisure - with a nearby Little Egret for comparison. A huge size difference!
This morning, 21st, was another beautiful autumnal morning and the highlight at Shorncote was a very obliging pair of Stonechats in the sun..... Snipe and Green Sandpiper seen, a few Redwings were around and also my first CWP Fieldfare of the autumn. Good numbers of passerines included 2 Grey Wagtails and at least 35 Reed Buntings, and the usual Cetti's Warblers and Water Rail were calling.

Monday 17 October 2016

Yellow-browed Warbler?

17 Oct - a brief walk at Waterhay pre-work, and a presumed Yellow-browed Warbler calling by the old hide, distinctive, but not seen.....not too far-fetched given the numbers in the UK this autumn..... and one in Cheltenham today! Also a few Redwings on the berries at 68c.

Saturday 15 October 2016

Spurn at its impressive best......

15 Oct - One of my most memorable birding days in the UK for a long time, prompted by the first mainland record of Siberian Accentor (following on the heels of the first for the UK as a whole, in Shetland). I left home at the fairly civilised hour of 5.30am, and arrived on site knowing the bird was present for a 3rd day - by 9.15 I was watching it feeding, down to a distance of 3m. A striking Accentor that I've seen previously in China, and a product of the prolonged easterlies of the last 2 weeks. These same winds meant the Spurn peninsula was heaving with migrants - the first bird I saw when parking was a Short-eared Owl coming in - and thousands of winter thrushes were arriving overhead, mainly Redwings, but Fieldfares and Song Thrushes also in evidence, with continental Blackbirds and a juvenile Ring Ouzel also seen. The hedges were heaving with Goldcrests, and amongst them I saw 2 Firecrests and 2 stunning Pallas's Warblers,
the latter seen well in the sun that appeared late morning, showing its stripes and yellow rump. A Dusky Warbler was uncharacteristically obliging in the canal zone reeds, and a Jack Snipe bobbed in the grass from the hide while a Woodcock flew round.
A Shorelark had been obliging for a couple of days by the Bluebell car park, and posed for the camera while creeping across the shingle. Bramblings were also around both perched and moving through, together with Tree Sparrows, Siskins and Redpolls.
Redstart and Black Redstart also obliged later at Easington. Even a last few Swallows were moving south. Late morning, both Bean and White-fronted Geese moved through S overhead. Lots of birds, and many birders, a classic east coast birding experience, exciting, and very memorable. And fantastic organisation by the Spurn staff on site, especially parking, to avoid upsetting local residents.

Thursday 13 October 2016

Slimbridge again......

13 Oct - A brief visit en route to Cheltenham, and 18 Knot on the South Lake amongst the Black-tailed Godwit flock, also a Spotted Redshank with c25 Redshanks. Very nice autumnal light again. Nice views of Teal from Martin Smith hide. Probably the last fine morning of the current spell.

Sunday 9 October 2016

Frampton/Slimbridge

9 Oct - a beautiful, sunny autumn day,too nice to stay in. First stop Frampton and after a fairly long wait I had brief views of the Yellow-browed Warbler.... calling frequently but very difficult to se....not my pic! Also groups of Redwings going over calling, and an obliging Tawny Owl watching us from a tree hole. At Slimbridge, fairly distant views of the Pectoral Sandpiper from Zeiss hide, found earlier in the day. Also excellent light for the Knot and Black-tailed Godwits on South Lake at high tide. An enjoyable afternoon.

Saturday 8 October 2016

CWP - Jack Snipe jackpot........

7-8 Oct - A look in at pit 74 on 7th revealed that the Black-necked Grebe is still present, and, famous last words, looking settled......
On 8th, Robin Griffiths had reported up to 3 Jack Snipe, and I located one on the bank near the rafts. Amazing views of it for the next hour or so.....feeding in the open, exceptional for such a cryptic and skulking species, bobbing in textbook fashion and displaying the compact shape, shorter bill and facial markings diagnostic of the species - with a Common Snipe nearby for comparison. Online photo (not mine!) from Spurn canal scrape. Black-necked Grebe again present.
My first visit to Shorncote in a while did not reveal any great surprises, but nice to see 2 Stonechats returned hopefully for the winter. Also present - Little Egret, Water Rail, Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff, with duck numbers building, including approx 40 Teal.

Monday 3 October 2016

North of the Border again

1-2 Oct - A briefer than anticipated trip due to adverse weather, with a Munro followed by coastal birding. Mount Keen, the eastern-most Munro, held several confiding Red Grouse, and the woodlands in Glen Esk both Siskin and Redpoll, as well as a flyover Red Kite. An evening stop at Montrose Basin produced the expected large numbers of Pink-footed Geese coming in to roost, impressive in both sight and sound, and very atmospheric into the setting sun, a slightly surreal scene with Knot, Redshank,and Barwits scuttling around the flocks of stately geese, while more portly Curlews moved sedately. The next morning was a beautiful calm one on the Firth of Forth, and before returning home I had a couple of hours, producing flocks of waders, in the form of the usual Barwit, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Curlew, as well as Dunlin, Turnstone and Grey Plover. The smart drake Surf Scoter was still offshore from the Esk Mouth with Velvet Scoters, as was a Slavonian Grebe and a flyby Red-throated Diver amongst the loafing Eider. Gannets and Auks were flying further offshore. Longniddry and Aberlady also gave views of seaduck including several more rafts of Velvet Scoter and Eider, and a moulting Red-necked Grebe was here, with another flying Redthroat. Thousands more Pinkfeet were on the flats at Aberlady and flew inland in honking groups, and several Grey Plovers and a Little Egret were noteworthy here. Altogether an excellent foray to the coast, with a good mix of northern birds.

Thursday 29 September 2016

Yellowlegs and Spoonbills in Dorset......

29 Sept - A brilliant morning's birding. I managed to get to Lytchett fields early, my first visit to this excellent site, with very little traffic. Light was fairly poor, but not much rain, and after a bit of searching I located the Lesser Yellowlegs on French's Pool amongst the Redshank, and 4 Greenshank. Distinctive slender bill, long yellow legs and profile as it fed at the back of the pool. Also here, 3 Knot, Curlew Sandpiper and amazing numbers of Snipe. I then spent a couple of hours at the lagoon - excellent as usual, the highlight being 37 (!) Spoonbills with bills mostly tucked in as usual, but with bursts of activity. Also fantastic views of Spotted Redshank and Greenshank, with other waders including Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Bar- and Black-tailed Godwits, not too mention Avocets. 18 species of Wader logged in total, including 4 "shanks".

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Twitcher's Gate

28 Sept - My first visit here for a while, and after a bit of a search I found the Black-necked Grebe that has been reported on and off for a while - diving actively in front of the heronry. I've seen five species of Grebe on pit 74 over the years, including Pied-billed Grebe - the only one I am missing is Slavonian. Also seen, a few passage Swallows and a Little Egret in flight. Good numbers of Wigeon are now back for the winter, with small numbers of Shoveler.

Saturday 24 September 2016

Otmoor......raptors and Purple Heron.....

24 Sept - A productive morning at a sunny Otmoor. 6 species of raptor seen including Marsh Harrier and 2 Hobbies. A cryptic flock of Snipe were resting in the reeds in front of the first screen. A short wait on the bridleway en return route was rewarded with a reasonable flight view of the immature Purple Heron over Greenaways. Well worth the trip.

Friday 23 September 2016

Non-skulking Spotted Crake !

23 Sept - Excellent views of the very showy and confiding Spotted Crake at Slimbridge. Amazing to watch this secretive species feeding in the open on a small reedy pool. A good photo op. Also Black-tailed Godwits, Redshanks, Ruff and a Green Sandpiper on South Lake.

Friday 16 September 2016

More waders...........

15-16 Sept - A stop at Farmoor on 15th was rather quiet in hot and humid weather on 15th, with 2 Ringed Plovers (confiding as usual) and a Wheatear. Much cooler and fresher on 16th for another wader morning. The juv Pectoral Sandpiper was still present at Goldcliff, although rather distant. Also here the usual impressive array of species - 3 smart Spotted Redshanks with 11 Greenshank, a nice comparison in the Common Redshank flock. 2 juv Little Stints on the mud also 3 Ruff. A stop at Pilning by the Severn bridge gave distant views of Wood and Curlew Sandpiper for a 15-wader morning - and a Greenshank still on pit 132 in CWP. A relief to have cooler and fresher conditions at last, much more seasonal.

Monday 12 September 2016

Autumn Waders.......

10/12 Sept - Some smart juvenile waders passing through at the moment, including a confiding Little Stint on the causeway at Farmoor, and the juv Baird's Sandpiper at Upton, with its distinctive long primary projection, crouching short-legged gait, smart clean breast band and medium slightly decurved bill, all very aesthetically pleasing.

Saturday 10 September 2016

Tarifa autumn raptor passage (and more.....)

8-10 Sept - No September is complete without a foray to Gibraltar and Tarifa to pay homage to the autumn raptor passage, one of nature's most spectacular European events. This year was no exception - a 48 hour visit produced hundreds of migrating raptors, with flocks of Honey Buzzards 30-40 strong spiralling on the thermals, and a supporting cast of White and Black Storks, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, a few Harriers, and several rarities - Ruppell's Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard and Black-shouldered Kite. Not forgetting the parties of Bee-eaters, and steady stream of hirundines including Red-rumped Swallows, along with Alpine, Pallid and Common Swifts and a single White-rumped. There was also a good selection of passage waders on the coast, principally at Barbate (here amongst the startingly pink Greater Flamingoes) including Greenshanks and Spotted Redshanks, Grey and Golden Plover, Whimbrel, and Bar-tailed Godwit, together with a single Little Stint amongst the Sanderlings, Dunlin and clockwork-toy like Kentish Plovers. The strait itself wasn't to be outdone - a good passage of close Cory's Shearwaters and a few Balearics, and plenty of Audouin's Gulls. La Janda flooded ricefields held huge numbers of White Storks with several hundred Glossy Ibis, also 25 Spoonbills, Black-winged Stilts, Wood Sandpiper and Ruff, also Tawny Pipit and Iberian Wagtails and 5 increasingly rare Turtle Doves on passage. Hunting Montagu's and Marsh Harriers are always a treat here and are to be expected. Altogether a busy but rewarding area, very hot though this year, but well worth it.

Tuesday 6 September 2016

CWP 132 again

6 Sept - Lots of waders at CWP 132 this eve - a smart Greenshank, 8 Ringed and 5 Little Ringed Plovers, a Golden Plover, 2 Dunlin, 7 Common and 4 Green Sandpipers. Also the usual Peregrine sitting on the bank. A very productive pit at present.

Friday 2 September 2016

Pit 132 CWP (E)

2 Sept - This drained pit is proving something of a magnet to waders, and this evening 9 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers present, also Dunlin, Green and Common Sandpipers, and a flyover Greenshank (the same bird as last w/e?). A Peregrine was sat out on the gravel banks, and caused a mass disturbance amongst the geese. This pit will be worth watching over the next few weeks.

Farmoor

2 Sept - A quick diversion to Farmoor, and the Black-necked Grebe proved very photogenic. Also, the juvenile Black Tern more of a challenge against a shifting background. No sign of the Red-necked Grebe on a short search, but a female Common Scoter sleeping amongst the Great crested Grebes. No waders on the causeway today!

Thursday 1 September 2016

Waderfest

1 Sept - A beautiful morning for the first day of autumn, and an excellent 18 species of wader seen. Firstly to Goldcliff just over the Severn bridge, and the pools thronged at high tide - 7 Curlew Sandpipers and 2 Little Stints among the Ringed Plovers and Dunlin, also 3 Greenshank and 2 Spotted Redshanks still showing traces of dark summer plumage. Oystercatcher and Turnstone were on the foreshore as the tide started to fall. Then, at Slimbridge, 5 more Curlew Sands, with Curlew, Green and Common Sandpipers, Redshank, Blackwits, Curlew and 5 Ruff also added to the tally. A very successful foray.

Sunday 28 August 2016

CWP

27-28 Aug - A catch up at CWP, at a quiet time of the year....... pit 74 yielded a few waders in the form of 2 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper. A couple of visits to pit 132 at Kempsford produced a sought-after Greenshank,
also 3 Green and 4 Common Sandpipers, and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover. Shorncote was fairly quiet, with a Common Sand,
a Dunlin and a fem Sparrowhawk being the highlights.

Friday 26 August 2016

A few coastal migrants.......

26 Aug -
Bank holiday traffic meant that we didn't have time for the planned boat to Brownsea, but an afternoon on the Dorset coast path was ample compensation. There were a few migrants about -
10+ Wheatears, fem Redstart and a Whinchat - plus an impressive display by 2 juvenile Peregrines,
much to the annoyance of the local Kestrels. Also some insect highlights - see Butterfly blog.

Sunday 21 August 2016

Farmoor

21 Aug - On a brief stop, the Little Stints had departed Farmoor,
but nice views along the causeway of an adult Sanderling moulting out of summer plumage - also 4 Dunlin including a confiding juvenile,
2 Common Sandpipers, a Raven over, and many Sand Martins together with a late Swift feeding over the choppy water on a fair westerly breeze.

Saturday 20 August 2016

Musselburgh waders

20 Aug - An impressive wader spectacle on the falling tide at the Esk mouth this evening, large numbers of Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwits and Oystercatchers flighting onto the estuary as the mud became exposed. Highlights included 2 Curlew Sandpipers and 2 summer plumaged Grey Plovers - also Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Turnstone, Redshank and 4 Black-tailed Godwits, with a nice group of 20 or so flighty Sanderling. Altogether a shorebird spectacular...... Other highlights included 9 Velvet Scoter offshore with large numbers of moulting Eider, and at least 100 Goosander/Red-breasted Mergansers. Due to the strong easterlies and showers, a steady stream of Sandwich Terns were passing, with Gannets and a few Kittiwakes offshore.

Friday 19 August 2016

Osprey!

18-19 Aug - the highlight of 2 days Munroing was an unexpected Osprey fishing over Loch Ericht, probably a late-departing juvenile. Red Grouse, Wheatear, Stonechat and many (presumed juv) Meadow Pipits also in evidence on the hills.

Friday 12 August 2016

Redstart at Blakehill

12 Aug - I had another go at the Blakehill Redstarts this morning, and the male was rather obliging, sitting out preening in the morning sun and allowing fairly close approach, and some photos. Also a family party of 5 Kestrels all hovering.

Thursday 11 August 2016

WEBS induction

11 Aug - A morning look around the part of the Water Park that myself and one other are counting monthly, as from Sept. Highlights included a Little Egret on pit 32 and a Kingfisher flying across lake 34. Otherwise fairly quiet, as would be expected in August.

Saturday 6 August 2016

Glos odds and ends.........

6 Aug - while cycling 30 miles from Cirencester to Birdlip and back through Cotswold lanes in lovely sun, a few odds and ends...... A juvenile Cuckoo in a hedge, over 30 House Martins in a feeding flock, and a calling Raven. Hardly any traffic once off the main roads.

Friday 5 August 2016

Summer........

5 Aug - Good views of 3 juvenile Montagu's Harriers at a Southern English breeding site, learning to hunt and graceful as always. Also 6 Red Kites and 3 Buzzards present. Later, a male Dartford Warbler and family of Stonechats on the edge of the New Forest.

Saturday 30 July 2016

Scottish odds and ends........

29-30 July - in the last couple of days, in showery weather around the A86 - Ptarmigan, Red Grouse, Wheatears, Red Squirrel and Mountain Hare - also, unfortunately, a squashed Pine Marten on the road.

Thursday 28 July 2016

All things Golden.......

28 July - a sunny afternoon in the Monadhliath mountains.... Golden Eagle, nice views of 1 flying over..... and 2 very silent and furtive Golden Plovers near the summit of Geal Charn at approx 900m..... I would assume an adult with a juvenile?

Wednesday 27 July 2016

Med Gull at Coate.......

26-27 July - The last 2 evenings a moulting adult Mediterranean Gull has been on the diving board at Coate Water early evening.......a very smart bird, white primaries, red bill and black cap. Thanks to Malcolm Royal for the heads up.

Saturday 23 July 2016

Quail on the Cotswolds

23 July - A cycle ride from Cirencester to Eastleach in perfect summer weather, and a stop on the Cotswolds N of Sheephouse Farm, Eastleach Martin, produced 2 calling Quail, as per previous reports - heard immediately, despite it being the heat of the day. Also a singing Corn Bunting.

Friday 22 July 2016

Monty's Harriers.......

22 July - A visit to a site en route to the S coast and nice but fairly distant views of 2 juvenile Montagu's Harriers that have fledged successfully from the nest in a crop field. The nest site itself fenced off to protect it. The adult birds not seen on this visit, so I will plan to visit again, perhaps morning or evening when less hazy. Very good news to hear of them breeding successfully. Such graceful birds, one of my favourites. Not a bad morning, following a Purple Emperor in Savernake!

Monday 18 July 2016

Martinselkonen, eastern Finland.........

14-17 July - Two evenings in the extensive forests of Finland border with Russia, and amazing awe-inspiring views watching wild Brown Bears. Males, females and cubs all seen at the feeding station, impressive indeed at close quarters..... muscular and slow-moving yet at the same time graceful and intimidating, especially when looking down the camera. The ornithological back-up cast quite impressive around the lakes and marshes - Brambling, Great Grey Shrike, Waxwing, Wood Sandpiper, Whooper Swan, Honey Buzzard, White-tailed and Golden Eagles, and Black-throated Diver. A beautiful part of the world, seemingly endless forests, quiet, welcoming people, and fascinating but unobtrusive wildlife.

Saturday 9 July 2016

Blakehill in summer........

July 9 - A morning visit to Blakehill in blustery weather, but despite that reasonable views of a male Redstart. Also seen - a flyby Hobby, a Red Kite floating around and, surprisingly, a singing Reed Bunting. Also a Red Kite over the garden today.

Thursday 7 July 2016

New Forest..........

7 July - a surprisingly successful morning in the New Forest in view of the fairly cloudy weather. A couple of hours at Acres Down produced several sightings of Goshawk, then eventually good but rather distant views of a circling pale morph Honey Buzzard.......typical flat profile with elastic wing and tail movements in the breeze. Also Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard. Other species logged here included several Woodlarks, Cuckoo, Stonechat, and flyover Crossbills, Siskins and Redpoll. A very satisfactory morning, with the added bonus of 6 Red Kites seen on the journey home, and several Silver-studded Blues on the heather at Acres Down itself.

Tuesday 5 July 2016

Nightjars at Greenham.......

5 July - An evening trip to Greenham Common with Richard Williams, a fine cool evening with little wind. In the open area on the S side we heard the first Nightjar at 2152h and had 2 flight views of a bird showing the typical gliding flight. An amazing sound, ventriloqual and almost throbbing in the still air. A Barn Owl also made a brief appearance, but no sign of any roding Woodcock.

Thursday 30 June 2016

Great Knot, not a "Great Dot" .........

June 30 - Good views of the stunning summer-plumaged Great Knot at Titchwell, with the large flock of non-breeding Knot - a larger bird, chestnut and black upperparts, black chest and shoulders and flank spots. Privileged to see this rapidly declining species so well - one of those species from the East Asian Flyway that is suffering dramatically from the reclamation of the Yellow Sea mudflats. This superb, proper photo was taken by, copyright, John Richardson.

Wednesday 22 June 2016

Mull and Outer Hebrides........

4-22 June - amazing trip, with a list including the following - all 3 Divers in summer plumage, Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Hen Harriers, Merlin, Short-eared Owls, many breeding waders with chicks including Red-necked Phalaropes and lekking Ruff, Puffins at point-blank range on Staffa, many Black Guillemots, Storm Petrels and Manx Shearwaters, numerous Cuckoos, Whinchats and Wheatears, Arctic Tern colonies and odd Little Terns, also good views of several Otters, Grey and Common Seals and Red Deer. Not to mention amazing landscapes and sunsets........

Saturday 28 May 2016

Munroing.......a few birds

27-28 May - settled weather in the Highlands, for a day near Loch Quoich, and day on Ben Lui. Birds seen included, on 27th - Wood Warblers and Tree Pipit singing in the woods near Loch Quoich - then on the hill, Snipe on territory, good views of a singing Ring Ouzel, Ptarmigan heard, then a Grasshopper singing at dusk in the Luib hotel car park! On 28th, another Ring Ouzel and more Ptarmigan were heard, Crossbills calling in the woods, and a Dipper and later Grey Wagtail on a small stream below the mountain. Common Sandpipers and Oystercatchers in several places along the rivers.

Sunday 22 May 2016

Red-footed Falcon on the patch !

22 May - I finally had the chance at lunchtime to catch up with the female Red-footed Falcon that's been around pit 68 for several days - it gave me a bit of a runaround, but after a heavy shower brought down the insect-feeding birds, including the Hobbies it is associating with, I had a close view of the bird over pit 68a, at close quarters then climbing higher to feed - a subtly different shape to Hobby, more Kestrel-like, with narrower wings and a slightly longer tail - but a similar aerial insect-eating behaviour. At close quarters the paler/ginger plumage with dark eye mask is distinctive, but surprisingly hard to see in silhouette. I've seen 2 previous Redfoots at CWP, but quite a few years ago. Also seen, Common Tern at close quarters, Sparrowhawk, several Buzzards, and singing Cuckoo and Nightingale.

Saturday 21 May 2016

Brief Farmoor.....

21 May - The rain today dropped a few waders into Farmoor causeway, and I got there in time to see 3 Sanderling moulting into summer plumage - very smart - unfortunately I missed the Turnstones, and the remaining Sanderlings flew off about half an hour after I arrived./....also close views of Swifts and hirundines, together with a few Common Terns.

Friday 20 May 2016

Salisbury Plain.....

20 May - A visit to Salisbury Plain resulted in excellent scope views of a pair of Stone Curlews, together with Lapwings. Also 3 pairs of Stonechats, a singing Whinchat, and a calling Grey Partridge.

Monday 16 May 2016

Avocet at the scrape.......

16 May - A quick stop at pit 74 gave good views of the Avocet on the scrape, also a male Ruff just developing the neck feathering. Plenty of Common Terns around but I couldn't see any definite Arctics. Cuckoo and Nightingale heard again. Also 2 Whimbrel on the scrape. My 4th Avocet record at CWP ( 2 self-found) not the great local rarity it once was, probably because of the breeding population now established at Slimbridge.

Sunday 15 May 2016

Hobbyfest.......

15 May - No less than a minimum of 17 Hobbies feeding over lakes 57/42 early afternoon, generally fairly high but also coming lower at times........also good numbers of Common Terns from the colony on pit 58, a singing Cuckoo, and a flyover Oystercatcher. A beautiful sunny, but fairly cool, day.

Saturday 14 May 2016

Barcelona........just

13 May - my 2.5 days in Catalonia became 1 day, and an early return home, due to Carles becoming ill. However, we had a productive day in breezy conditions. Early morning in the coastal woods produced obliging Golden Orioles, Hoopoe, Flyover Bee-Eaters and Iberian Green Woodpecker, with a supporting cast of Crested Tit, Hoopoe and Serin. A morning visit to the hides at Llobregat was good for photography in morning light - Black-winged Stilt and Collared Pratincole but few other waders due to the high water levels, though Ruff, Redshank, RP and LRP were present. 2 Whiskered Terns were feeding along with a good collection of Herons - Purple, Squacco and Great White, alongside the more numerous Grey Herons and Little Egrets. Great Reed Warblers sang from the reeds, and the breezy conditions resulted in some low-flying Alpine Swifts. The first of 5 (!) Hobbies for the day cruised over. Garraf plateau was very scenic, and late morning here produced Black-eared Wheatear, an obliging Subalpine Warbler, Woodchat Shrike, and both Tawny and Tree Pipits, also a singing male Ortolan Bunting. The coastal cliffs nearby held several pairs of Blue Rock Thrush, and singles of Crag Martin and Red-rumped Swallow completed the full set of hirundines for the day. Finally, a return to Llobregat gave several Little Bittern views both perched and in flight, and flyby Purple Herons. In the evening shower clouds over the city produced a large feeding flock of Swifts.......at least 6 Alpines, distinctively large and powerful amongst a larger number of Common Swifts. Around 90 species logged, before planned Pyrenees day curtailed by Carles becoming ill. Still worth the trip for the photo opportunities at Llobregat hides, always excellent.

Wednesday 11 May 2016

Raining Birds.........

10 May - Very showery today after the warm spell, and a check on pit 74 this eve on the way home revealed an adult Little Gull and 2 Black Terns had dropped in with the rain, also a Sanderling on the scrape. 2 possible Arctic Terns but not confirmed with poor views. Worth the small detour.....

Monday 9 May 2016

Otmoor pre-work

9 May - A couple of hours at Otmoor in bright, warm weather. Cuckoo and Turtle Dove heard from the car park! Warblers everywhere, especially Reed and Sedge - Grasshopper not heard though, probably better at dawn or dusk. A Marsh Harrier drifted over the reedbed, and Snipe, Redshank and Curlew all displaying. Turtle Dove seen really well perched in the oaks, and Cuckoo seen in flight, also female heard calling. Too early in the day for Hobbies but Red Kite, Buzzard and Kestrel all seen. Common Terns nesting on the rafts and breeding duck include Shoveler and Pochard. A nice pre-work jaunt.

Sunday 8 May 2016

Black Tern Spectacular........

8 May - A mobile flock of 13 Black Terns at pit 74, feeding as a tight flock and alternately resting on the scrape. Not unexpected in the warm SEly winds, but always very nice to see. Also 4 Whimbrel on the scrape, with Ringed Plovers and Dunlin. Over pit 57, 2 Hobbies, fairly distant.

Saturday 7 May 2016

Curlew Sand at CWP

7 May - an unexpected bonus thanks to Nigel Pleass, views of a Curlew Sandpiper moulting into summer plumage on the scrape, alongside Dunlin, Ringed Plover, LRPs and a Redshank. Also nice views of a singing Cuckoo, and the large Sand Martin colony on 74a.

Thursday 5 May 2016

Monday 2 May 2016

Hobby, Garganey, Whimbrel at CWP.........

May 2 - A quick check on pit 74 in the morning revealed the drake Garganey still present, 4 Dunlin on the ridge, and a Hobby did a close flyby. In the evening, Blakehill plateau in the evening held a single fairly wary Whimbrel that flew off N calling before sunset.

Sunday 1 May 2016

Blakehill Whinchats

1 May - Fairly quiet early morning, but good views of 2 male Whinchats along the fence line, smart in the morning sun.

Saturday 30 April 2016

Garganey pit 74........

30 Apr - 2 drake Garganey on the scrape mid-morning, they seem to appear on and off. Smart birds. Otherwise fairly quiet, Swifts and Sand Martins now much in evidence.

Friday 29 April 2016

Slimbridge

29 Apr - I had to go to Slimbridge this morning, so I opted to visit the hides - well worth it, with both an adult and a 1st-year Little Gull on South Lake, and a pair of superb 2 yr Mediterranean Gulls on the Rushy. Amazing close views of the breeding Avocets on the lagoons, also summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits.

Thursday 28 April 2016

Ham Wall

28 Apr -

Tuesday 26 April 2016

Sunday 24 April 2016

Monday 18 April 2016

Blakehill

18 April -

Sunday 17 April 2016

Saturday 16 April 2016

Eysey

April 16 - A quick post-work look at Eysey, and 3 LRPs seen well, also Oystercatcher in flight.

Friday 15 April 2016

Waterhay

15 April - A quick look at Waterhay this morning, and a passage of mixed hirundines included my first House Martins and Swifts of the year. Also my first singing Reed Warbler amongst the Sedge Warblers in the reedbed. Unusually 4 Jays out in the open, and good numbers of Warblers now widespread.

Thursday 14 April 2016

Nightingales and Warblers.......

14 April - 2 Nightingales singing well at pit 43 this morning, hard to see but 1 perched up briefly, though obscured. Also Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler new in. An obliging Green Woodpecker was less wary than usual. 6 Black-tailed Godwits circled pit 74 at 7.15 pm. No Ring Ouzels at Liddington late morning, reported earlier but as usual extremely elusive. Yellowhammers, Corn Buntings and Kestrels much in evidence.

Tuesday 12 April 2016

Blakehill revisited......

April 12 - Nice views of 3 Wheatears, a male and 2 females, along the central track, Skylarks very active singing and setting up territories. A Swallow over.

Sunday 10 April 2016

CWP Little Gull etc........

9 April - A good find - an adult Little Gull hawking for insects at pit 83 along with Black-headed Gulls. Very smart as usual, striking black underwing and almost complete black hood with grey primaries, and distinctive tern-like buoyant flight. More Warblers also now in, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Sedge Warbler all singing.