tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40131362970792788312024-03-12T22:57:52.913-07:00CWP BirdingA birding diary from the Cotswold Water Park in Glos/Wilts, and further afield....JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.comBlogger1676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-5941850105257676452021-03-28T08:45:00.000-07:002021-03-28T08:45:29.312-07:00Glossy Ibis and LRP9 Mar - A late evening visit to Twitcher's Gate as a Glossy Ibis had been discovered roosting on the scrape amongst the throngs of dabbling duck. My second record in CWP following the flock of a dozen or so that paid a brief visit several years ago and in fact flew over my garden! The first new rarity of the latest lockdown.
On 7th, my earliest ever Little Ringed Plover, a passage bird arrived on the flood at Eysey.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-38183749580739171742021-03-28T08:35:00.002-07:002021-03-28T08:35:29.153-07:00Barn Owl.........I made several evening visits in the first half of March to Shorncote, principally seeking views of one of the local Barn Owls. Late winter seems to be the best season to see these charismatic birds in daylight, and a bird has been appearing regularly up to an hour before sunset - on a couple of occasions giving excellent views in late afternoon/ evening sunlight. With patience, the Owl could be watched from the footpath, the setting sun being behind you, so giving excellent light. Twice I saw the bird catch a vole and carry into nearby trees to eat it, flying close to me on occasion. Always a special and exciting bird to watch in silent floating flight, and amazing when it looks straight at me. Reasonable photographic opportunities although a bit of a lottery as to exactly where it would appear.
Also of note, a Peregrine has recently been perching on a local church tower, though surprisingly well camouflaged against the weathered and lichen-covered stone. Remains of prey were found during a recent inspection of the chancel roof at the church. I first saw it on 4 Mar, and again a week or two later.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-77448589955443675992021-03-28T08:22:00.001-07:002021-03-28T08:22:13.372-07:00February continued........The second half of February continued in the same vein, lockdown meaning that birding was basically restricted to CWP area. From , mild weather returned and brought and end to the several weeks of freezing conditions and taste of proper, old-fashioned winter. CWP highlights included regular wintering Great White Egrets and Marsh Harriers, especially in Clevaland Lakes area. Red Kites also seen regularly, and several flyby Sparrowhawks noted. Early signs of spring being around the corner were drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers and singing Mistle Thrushes. Blakehill can be rather bleak in dull and/or windy weather, but the wintering pair of Stonechats could be relied on around the rough field area. Duck at Eysey and Clevaland Lakes included Pintail and Shoveler, and the stream at Shorncote was fairly reliable for Grey Wagtail. Up to 30 Snipe were roosting on the islands at Eysey. Throughout, Fieldfare and Redwing were seen in varying numbers but were very nomadic, having exhausted the local berry crop weeks before.
Brambling numbers in Cirencester Park diminished steadily through February, and I last saw them on 23 Feb when 10-15 remained, the males by this time resplendent in developing summer plumage, black caps and napes and broad orange shoulders. Southwest winds and mild temperatures presumably encouraged the birds to start their spring movement NE.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-86574767421477543112021-03-04T02:42:00.000-08:002021-03-04T02:42:09.012-08:00February freeze-upThe first half of February was notable for some very cold weather, a mini Beast from the East, here in the west we avoided significant snowfall but had persistent frost. The ornothological highlight was a very terrotorial Fieldfare that took up residence on the lawn and guarded the apple pieces that I put out - they are very striking birds close-up, a mix of chestnut and grey. The bird allowed close photos through the double-glazed glass from 9-13th. Long-tailed Tits also visited the feeders daily during the wintry weather, up to 8 birds being typically hyperactive.
A Ruff was seen on the Thames floods near Kempsford on 1st, with the Goldies and Lapwings, and Water Rails were skidding on the ice in the open at Shorncote. A frozen, sunny sunrise here on 10th produced 2 hunting Barn Owls at dawn, and the Marsh Harrier early morning, maybe from its roost? A Smew search during the cold snap was sadly unsuccessful, but Goosander were seen in small numbers in both east and west CWP.
Throughout, the Bramblings continued to both entertain, and occasionally frustrate at the Park. I became very familiar with their quiet nasal call notes as I tried to pick them out amongst the larger number of other finches.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-88105291492940515872021-03-04T02:30:00.002-08:002021-03-04T02:30:19.292-08:00January blues (and other colours)The pattern of the month was of regular local birding. The Bramblings in Ciren Park were regular, in varying numbers, and also regularly elusive...... they like to perch up from time to time on rare sunny days, when the males looked stunning, but always very wary. Shorncote was quite flooded, and from mid-month cold weather led to icing up of the ditches and shallow flooded areas, which pushed birds such as Water Rail and Snipe into the open. On the 9th I flushed the amazing total of 86 Snipe from the wet fields, in groups of up to 20. Golden Plover were regular with the large Lapwing flocks around the Thames floods. 3 Dunlin were at Kempsford on 17th, and 2 Green Sandpipers flew over Shorncote on 18th. Several cold evenings at Blakehill produced a couple of distant Barn Owl sightings, and a flyover Peregrine there on 19th. A drake Mandarin provided a splash of exotic colour in the Abbey Grounds, Cirencester, on 23rd.
A sunny afternoon at Cleveland Lakes on 25th gave nice views of Peregrine perched and in flight, and a couple of cruising Marsh Harriers, with calling Cetti's Warblers and Water Rails as backup.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-47450934377668004782021-03-04T02:15:00.000-08:002021-03-04T02:15:14.210-08:00Cirencester Park4 Jan - Hearing news of a finch flock on a wild bird/ game crop in Ciren Park, I headed for the area and was greeted by a cloud of birds flying around and feeding in the crop and on the adjacent track, in between perching up in the adjacent beech trees and smaller bushes. A mix of species - good numbers of Linnets and Goldfinches,smaller numbers of Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers, and, most exciting, Chaffinches mixed in with good numbers of Bramblings, I estimated 40-50 in total, including some fairly smart males. The flock as a whole was fairly wary and flighty, with the Bramblings as usual having the habit of hiding within the vegetation rather than perching in the open. Still, they afforded some good albeit fairly distant views, one of my favourite birds, I think the combination of orange/brown patterning, smart but understated (the males especially being stunning when going into breeding plumage), combined with their relative scarcity and nomadic occurrence, and the added romance of being a northern/Scandinavian breeder. The first of what would become a series of visits in search of both views and photographic opportunities........JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-74941739053143254482021-03-04T02:01:00.001-08:002021-03-04T02:01:11.470-08:00Neartic visitor revisited3 Jan - A visit to Pit 127 in the Water Park secured more views of the first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck, looking smarter as the winter progresses, dusky flanks and 2 obvious white lines on the bill. Kingfisher also seen on the River Churn in Cirencester, for the first time in a while.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-86652484446288918672021-03-04T01:53:00.002-08:002021-03-04T01:53:35.870-08:00Wiltshire continued.......2 Jan - Another New Year foray in bright breezy conditions. The party of 4 Whooper Swans still by the Thames floods near Kempsford, with a nice party of at least 80 Golden Plover, with huge numbers of Lapwing and also several Snipe. In the afternoon, with a travel lockdown looming, I made a repeat visit to the Plain and was rewarded with views of a couple of hunting Short-eared Owls in reasonable light, and also a bonus male Merlin that flew in and perched briefly before departing low, barely bigger than a Mistle Thrush but with blue/grey plumage. Corn Bunting is reliable here, and a small party came in to roost.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-32606593362119578202021-03-04T01:45:00.001-08:002021-03-04T01:45:12.539-08:00New Year’s Day staying localA New Year's day bird list under unusual circumstances, with travel restrictions for covid, and staying within CWP. Despite this, a good winter's day with highlights being Great White Egret, 2 Marsh Harriers, Red Kite, a party of Goosander, good numbers of Pintail, Golden Plover, calling Water Rail, Stonechat, and a lone Brambling with a finch flock. A total of 71 species seen in cool, bright weather.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-88299887562491932092021-02-25T02:21:00.005-08:002021-02-25T02:21:50.477-08:00New Year’s Eve on the PlainAn afternoon visit to Salisbury Plain in good weather, in the hope of raptors and Owls. Lots of scanning in SPTA East resulted in my final year tick of 2020 - a distant Hen Harrier qurtering the ranges. Mid-afternoon saw the emergence of 2 Short-eared Owls, always exciting to see especially in a poor winter for them. at times fairly close views as they quartered the rough ground, in graceful yet buoyant flight. A special way to end the birding year.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-89750172246862699392021-02-25T02:15:00.003-08:002021-02-25T02:15:31.830-08:00Holiday CWPA couple of visits to CWP between Christmas and New Year - quite extensive flooding now present. Great White Egrets, calling Water Rails, Snipe and Kingfisher in flight, Grey Wagtail and good numbers of winter Thrushes. Marsh Harrier, especially at Cleveland Lakes, is now almost expected, along with wintering Stonechats and Chiffchaffs. Four Goosander seen on Pit 28.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-27936436830802010522021-02-25T02:10:00.004-08:002021-02-25T02:10:53.961-08:00Christmas Day Rarity!25 Dec - A brief foray for fresh air to CWP before lunch, and finally I located the first-winter drake Ring-necked Duck on Pit 127 - nice views. Dusky flanks, striking white lines on the bill, and the purple sheen of the neck "ring" visible in the sunlight.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-52250190760242770692021-02-25T02:07:00.003-08:002021-02-25T02:07:49.508-08:00Christmas Eve Present........24 Dec - After navigating some road closures due to flooding, I arrived at Sarsgrove where a setaside area has attracted a mixed Finch flock including quite good numbers of Bramblings. Typically, these birds perch within bushes and scrub rather than on the edge, but with a bit of waiting I had some reasonable views of at least 15 birds. Also close views of a Marsh Tit. I decided on a final detour to Slimbridge before lockdown, as it might well be closed for several months sadly. Bewick's Swans seen feeding on the Tack Piece and nice flight views in evening sunlight, surprisingly a wintering Greenshank also feeding with the wintering waders. 9 Cattle Egrets in a field alongside the entrance road.
The previous evening, the Barn Owl at Blakehill was out hunting a few minutes before sunset.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-66427317636755813922021-02-25T01:59:00.003-08:002021-02-25T01:59:48.846-08:00Ockley Common19 Dec - A family Christmas lunch in Surrey gave the opportunity for a morning visit to Ockley (Thursley) Common where an assortment of Buntings is currently wintering. Wet underfoot and a Woodcock flushed by another walker.
Three species of Bunting seen - the best views being of the two target species, firstly Little, perched calling and feeding on the ground - then amazing views of Rustic Bunting in morning sunlight, streaked flanks and crest prominent. reasonable photographic opportunities for both species. incredible that these two rarities should both be at the same inland location. How many other rare Buntings get missed? A successful morning, Dartford Warbler also glimpsed but no time to look for the Great Grey Shrike. Sad to see the fire damage from last spring's extensive blaze.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-55787045015112574192021-02-25T01:48:00.004-08:002021-02-25T01:50:59.581-08:00Whoopers13 Dec - A walk along the partially flooded Thames Path east of Hannington Wick towards Castle Eaton, and the 4 Whooper Swans still present with the herd of Mute Swans. also good numbers of Lawings.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-13657046001141714242021-02-25T01:46:00.004-08:002021-02-25T01:46:58.198-08:00Hampshire coast12 Dec - An appointment in Southampton gave the opportunity for a visit to the Hampshire coast. An early arrival at Southsea and the sun was out and the high tide turning, and excellent views of 10 Purple Sandpipers, initially roosting then starting to feed on the rocks - one of my favourite waders, subtle grey plumage and orange bill, usually quite confiding, and a high Arctic breeder that adds to its cachet. An unseasonal Sandwich Tern flyby was a surprise. The waters and mudflats around Hayling Island was productive as always - Red-breasted Mergansers in the channel together with a distant Black-necked Grebe, and a selection of waders including Grey Plovers feeding with their typical deliberate action. A brief look at Farlington from the A27 layby confirmed that the wintering Avocet flock had returned.
JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-73307891359861540222021-02-25T01:38:00.004-08:002021-02-25T01:38:57.772-08:00Slimbridge10 Dec - With lockdown looming, a visit to Slimbridge now that the Bewick's Swans have started to arrive, with at least 30 now in site. always special birds to see with their evocative calls and display, this rare species is declining and sadly is still shot on its migration. Also seen, Water Rails at the Willow hide, and waders on the Tack Piece including Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit. White-fronted Geese also now back on their traditional wintering grounds.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-79305428973267205792021-02-24T08:29:00.000-08:002021-02-24T08:29:15.335-08:00Steart5 Dec - Morning rain gave way to brighter conditions and showers. After some waiting, I had good views of the Eastern Yellow Wagtail that had been found here a couple of weeks previously. this race tschutschensis has been split from Yellow Wagtail. It certainly has a distinctive call, reminiscent of Citrine. After being elusive, it perched along the fenceline and then fed at close quarters. A British tick for me. Also seen, a female Merlin unsuccessfully pursuing a Meadow Pipit. Male Marsh Harrier seen distantly, and a good selection of the commoner waders. Apex Park in Burnham en route home gave amazing views of the Tundra Bean Goose that has taken up residence there with the waterfowl that come to food from the public. Definitely my closest ever views of this species!The day rounded off with a Barn Owl at dusk at Blakehill.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-73633889224879411492021-02-24T08:21:00.000-08:002021-02-24T08:21:05.696-08:00Slavonian Grebe in CWP3 Dec - only my second ever Slavonian Grebe in CWP, this species is rarer inland than its congener the Black-necked Grebe. Found the previous day on Pit 125, I had two views of the bird at the eastern end but could bot find it later in the day. Coincidentally, in the afternoon no less than 3 Ring-necked Ducks were found on the same Pit! (a pair, and a first-winter drake).JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-44351331379922527252021-02-24T08:15:00.002-08:002021-02-24T08:15:48.208-08:00Gloucestershire KingfishersNovember 2020 - This autumn has been a good one for Kingfisher sightings. There has been a reliable female along the River Churn in Cirencester, along the edge of the Park, which has been fairly confiding but has never become tame. Pittville Park in Cheltenham is also becoming well-known locally for up to 3 birds, especially around the bridge at the eastern end. In addition, reguar flybys at various locations in CWP, possibly including juvenile birds moving to new areas after the breeding season.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-31704794331719053822021-02-24T08:10:00.000-08:002021-02-24T08:10:19.620-08:00Staying local........November 2020 - Another lockdown loomed as covid cases increased. My birding was local as the early winter came on. Good numbers of dabbling duck had built up at CWP, particularly at Pit 74, with Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal and Pintail all present. Lapwing numbers building up, Water Rails very obvious at Shorncote, Redwings and Fieldfares feasting on the berry crop in the hedgerows, and other birds such as flyby Sparrowhawk (16th, Shorncote and a pair 21st, Blakehill) and Kingfishers. Stonechats back in winter residence at Blakehill but sadly no Short-eared Owls seen so far. Great White Egrets are now almost as expected a sighting as Little Egrets. parties of Snipe seen on the wet fields at Shorncote on 22nd and 25th. Grey Wagtails also back and regular along the stream at Shorncote in the winter. On 28th Nov, 78 Golden Plovers in the regular field, along the minor road to Driffield.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-58609366986071570862021-02-24T07:58:00.001-08:002021-02-24T07:58:44.961-08:00Otmoor in November12 Nov - A sunny November day, a good selection of birds at an early winter Otmoor with flooding beginning to accumulate. Big numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwings performing shimmering aerobatics in the sunlight. Also a pair of Marsh Harriers over the reedbed, at least 10 Red Kites, several Water Rails squealing, and 35 Snipe roosting on an island fairly near the bridleway.The GND still present at Farmoor.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-23749361548540373292021-02-21T02:34:00.002-08:002021-02-21T02:34:41.269-08:00Snow Bunting(s).........Snow Buntings are confiding passerines from the high north, being scarce breeders on the highest Scottish Peaks, otherwise scarce passage migrants, and winter visitors to principally the east coast. A very tame bird had arrived at New Passage on the Severn, and gave very close views on the 8th Nov, being joined by a second bird for my return visit in better light on 13th. A great photographic opportunity.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-52312713060229455972021-02-21T02:26:00.003-08:002021-02-21T02:26:19.203-08:00Fairly local Foray7 Nov - A slightly speculative visit to Pittville Lake in Cheltenham was well rewarded with excellent views of at least one Kingfisher. The birds here are currently fairly obliging although mobile. Moving on to Farmoor, the newly-arrived Great Northern Diver was feeding and loafing on F2.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013136297079278831.post-11158936950018008852021-02-21T02:20:00.002-08:002021-02-21T02:20:57.391-08:00Local AutumnSeveral visits locally during the last week of October gave typical autumnal birding fare. Passage birds at Blakehill included Skylarks and Meadow Pipits and arriving autumnal Thrushes, in the form of flighty Fieldfares and Redwings, with Stonechats taking up residence for the winter. At Shorncote, numbers of dabbling ducks slowly increasing, and Water Rails arriving, more heard than seen. Stonechats passing through Shorncote as well with 6 seen on 28th, and Grey Wagtails feeding along the stream. Goldcrests also moving through. Marsh Harriers regular at Twitcher's Gate with a female on 30th, hopefully at least one will overwinter.JHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09359558879467670560noreply@blogger.com0