Waxwings!

30 Dec - At last some (fairly) local Waxwings, a flock of 10 in Gloucester, typically, near a supermarket.

Flighty but they gave good views on a Rowan as they grabbed berries in a frenzy of activity. The local walkers were quite interested in their exotic visitors too...... Bramblings continue in very good numbers on the beech mast in Ciren Park, but shy of the camera as always.

A quick fix.........

29 Dec - A quick dip into Slimbridge as I was in Gloucester, mild and beautiful winter sunlight ....... nice views of the usual suspects, the wildfowl in full breeding plumage and displaying due to the mild temperatures. Nice views of several Snipe from Hogarth hide, and nearly a hundred Bewick’s Swans now on site. My last visit of 2018 to this amazing place.

Boxing Day leg stretch

26 Dec - A walk at Waterhay where the floods have receded a little, and the GND still present and giving close views next to the Thames Path. Also a confiding pair of Stonechats, good numbers of Redwings moving, and 5 Little Egrets on the floods by the car park. Surprisingly quiet in terms of walkers, with it being a holiday period.

'Tis the season for Divers .................

24 Dec - an inland Black-throated Diver is a rare occurrence, especially one that is confiding for the camera - so a visit to Arrow Lake was in order, on a beautiful, sunny, calm, mild Christmas Eve. The bird was doing a feeding circuit of the lake but came close at times, both backlit and in the sun......... but could travel a fair distance between dives. The distinctive white thigh-patch was obvious, alongside the scaly upperparts of a juvenile, as well as the smaller size and the more delicate head and bill (straight, as in a GND). Well worth the drive (incidentally, BTD is one of the better birds on my CWP, and Glos, list from back in a freeze-up in 1979 - thanks Dad for driving me !)

A good winter morning.......

20 Dec - An early trip to Pit 82 where a Great Northern Diver was found yesterday ......... very nice views in the early morning sunlight, it came fairly close, fishing and preening, as I sat on the water's edge. Also a Kingfisher, a pair of Stonechats, Goldeneye and a small party of the declining Pochard. Cleveland lakes held the usual Great White and Little Egrets, but the highlight was a calling Bearded Tit that I heard twice in the reedbed near the old hide - it called twice, but unfortunately I didn't see it despite waiting for a half hour. A return visit is definitely in order. Water Rail and Chiffchaffs also in the reeds here.

Slimbridge skulkers

17 Dec - A weekend visit to Slimbridge in bright/overcast weather gave good views of Snipe, Jack Snipe (briefly) and Water Rail - the latter giving amazing views from the Willow hide. The Jack Snipe concealed itself in the grass on the island in front of Martin Smith hide, but emerged to give a direct comparison with a Common Snipe behind it - just like the plate in the book! The usual duck all present and giving nice views in smart plumage, and Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin all present on the Tack Piece, along with the flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover. Not forgetting the Bewick's Swans numbering about 70 now ........ Always worth a trip to WWT in winter.

Still plenty of Bramblings around Ciren park, but they are wary and very good at perching in cover, so difficult to photograph, and amazingly hard to see when feeding on the beech mast on the woodland floor. The males are especially smart.

Cotswolds specialities.......

14 Dec - A fine, calm, sunny winter afternoon, and a very productive couple of hours in the Cotswolds - 2 brief sightings of ringtail Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Buzzard and Red Kites - plus a Barn Owl seen in very good light, well before sunset, and 2 Short-eared Owls also hunting. Excellent! Earlier, another hour spent with the Bramblings in the beeches near Daglingworth - very good views of the birds both feeding in the Beech litter (well camouflaged) and perched/ in flight through the trees. An exceptional opportunity to study this species, one of my favourites.

Winter Gloucestershire

11 Dec - An early walk at Shorncote on a fine morning, productive as usual. Great White and Little Egrets seen, Water Rails calling, Curlew over and no less than 4 Green Sandpipers in flight/calling. A female Stonechat feeding along the hedge line, 2 Grey Wagtails on the stream, 6 Cettis’s Warblers singing, 9 Siskins flying over, Goldfinches a good Shorncote record. Kingfisher in flight and no less than 9 Roe Deer in the reeds. Cirencester Park this autumn has very good numbers of Bramblings and once more a drive through the minor roads was punctuated by birds flying up from the beech mast where they are feeding. Despite their bright colors they are amazingly camouflaged when on the ground, but their white rumps are conspicuous amongst the Chaffinches when in flight.

Sawbills and Shorties

10 Dec - A fine winter day, and a look at the Lower Mill area - no less than 26 Goosander, including 16 smart males, on Pit 41 - with a further 4 birds on Pit 65. A scattering of Goldeneye, with over 40 Red-crested Pochard on their regular haunt at Pit 44. In the afternoon, I visited Blakehill as the wind had dropped and the Short-eared Owl was out hunting well before sunset, ranging on both sides of the main track and giving nice backlit views against the setting sun. Of note, there are currently good numbers of Bramblings in the beech woods on the northern side of Cirencester Park. I plan to try to photograph them while the winter light is better during the current fine spell.....

WWT

9 Dec - A sunny day though still windy, and a look at Slimbridge at the weekend. The numbers of Bewick’s Swans are building with over 50 birds now present, mostly feeding on the Tack Piece during the middle of the day. Large flocks of Lapwings and Golden Plover swirling over the floods, and good numbers of duck, both dabbling and diving, in evidence, colours glowing in the low sunlight. 3 Snipe from Martin Smith hide and a scurrying Water Rail, but no sign of the Jack Snipe today. Nothing exceptional but the sheer number of wintering birds is always impressive.

A sparkling morning

4 Dec - At last, a fine sunny morning with a touch of early frost. A magical sunrise over the Shorncote reedbeds, with a lot of early activity - Redwings and Fieldfares moving, Water Rails and Cetti’s Warblers calling, and Reed Buntings feeding on seed heads - also a couple of flocks of Bullfinches, elusive as always. No Great White or Little Egrets today, but Shoveler, Snipe and a party of Teal logged, the usual Grey Wagtail along the stream, and Buzzards enjoying the chance to stretch their wings - nothing exceptional but a beautiful winter morning. Elsewhere, a couple of groups of Bramblings with Chaffinches in the beech trees around Cirencester Park - good numbers seem to have arrived locally this year. Always a smart and exciting bird to see.

Egret central........

2 Dec - Currently there is an extraordinary gathering of Egrets at Cleveland Lakes in the CWP, I paid a visit today and I counted 4 Great White Egrets with no less than 62 Little Egrets....a constant feeding frenzy going on in the reed-fringed shallows. Grey Herons also in attendance but in the minority - a reversal of fortunes over the last decade or two, when the Egrets used to be very much the rarities. Also flight views of two Kingfishers.

WWT

1 Dec - An afternoon visit to Slimbridge after the rain, amazing views of up to 3 Water Rails from Willow Hide. Large numbers of Lapwings and Golden Plovers circling over the Tack Piece. Good to see over 40 elegant Bewick's Swans now back on site, amazing to think about the arduous migration that they have undertaken. Whitefronts feeding S of Zeiss hide, and the usual large numbers of duck present. Snipe, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit also seen. Beautiful low winter light when the sun appeared between the shower clouds.

Cotswold odds and ends

30 Nov - A cycle from Ciren to Winstone and back on the usual circular route. At least 4 Bramblings with the Chaffinches among the Beech mast, 30+ Yellowhammers, Fieldfares and Redwings in the hedges, and a Little Egret feeding in the stream at Daglingworth. Several Buzzards soaring in the fine although breezy weather, also a Sparrowhawk.

Blakehill revisited

29 Nov - A late afternoon visit and a relief to feel a bit of English rain after the heat of being away. Windy but drier and brighter after a wet night, so my thoughts that the Short-eared Owl might be active paid off, as it perched up on a post at dusk for a few minutes. Also small flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings moving at dusk, and a flyby female Sparrowhawk.

India 19-28 Nov 2018

One of my long-standing ambitions has always been to see a Tiger in the wild. These cats have always been in my consciousness, since I was a child - the combination of Jungle Book, exploration stories, zoo visits and an interest in nature. it is one of the world's ultimate creatures. Finally the opportunity was here with a short group itinerary to Pench and Kanha in central India. A flight to Mumbai and then on to Nagpur took us to central India with its culture shock of noise, colour and chaotic driving...... and to our first lodge. There aren't many Tigers and their forest habitat is huge, so sightings are by no means guaranteed. Morning and evening jeep drives took us through a mixture of forest. at times fairly dense, and more open savanna-type country, the good deer population throughout attesting to the presence of Tiger prey, and therefore the big cats themselves. Listening to the "barking" alarm calls of the deer, and also of the monkeys in the treetops, gives a clue to the predator's movements. Our 3 drives at Pench gave us a brief glimpse of a Tiger in a river bed and then in the undergrowth, but obscured and at a distance.....not very satisfactory....... We arrived at Kanha with renewed hopes as this reserve is usually quite productive for sighting, but we heard that the week before our arrival a female had had 2 of her 3 cubs killed by a male from another area, which had disrupted the Tiger behaviour. So day 3 at Kanha arrived and still no sightings - we had seen plenty of tracks in the sand but nothing more! We headed to the further reaches of our allocated sector, and a roaring in the nearby forest had us listening, every sense straining. Our guides used the twisty undulating tracks to get us as close as they could to our quarry as the sound seemed closer, and then as we came round a corner there emerging from the bamboo on the side of the track was a beautiful, sleek female Tiger - a memorable moment as she looked at us with her cold yellow eyes, then walked unhurriedly across the track right in front of us to disappear all too soon into the bamboo on the other side. The moment will remain etched on all of our memories....... We had 2 further sightings in all, of a large male Tiger in the grass, and then crossing the road, so brief views but time for a couple of photos and the experience will stay with me. Also plenty of birds at Pench and Kanha, with Ibis, Storks, Vultures, Owlets, and colourful Indian Rollers. But the best birding was on the coast of Gujarat on a 2-day extension I arranged with an fantastic local guide, Yashodhan Bhatia -there is no hunting or shooting in Gujarat, so the birds are generally fairly confiding - the highlight was superb views of a flock of several hundred Crab Plovers at the high tide wader roost, one of the world's most sought-after shorebirds - with the bonus of Terek Sandpipers and Great Knots. The Jamnagar saltpans were excellent for wintering waders, here we also logged Painted Stork, Marsh Sandpiper and Temminck's Stint, as well as great views of another of my targets, Great Thick-knee with its amazing upturned bill. All in all, a very successful trip - I count myself extremely fortunate to have seen Lion, Leopard and Tiger, all in 2018.

Slimbridge

17 Nov - A superb sunny day with lovely low light. Good views of 2 Jack Snipe from Martin Smith hide, on exactly the same island as I saw the bird a month ago. Despite the sun, no sign of the Bittern on a vigil from Zeiss hide, but nice views of waders including Golden Plover, Curlew and Lapwing as well as a group of Common Snipe and Black-tailed Godwits. The duck including Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler looked stunning in the sun. 2 Peregrines causing chaos amongst the waders.

GND revisited

16 Nov - Another visit to Pit 125, and further views of the Great Northern Diver in the murky weather, quite close at times, but poor light for photography.

The Cotswolds

15 Nov - A nice late autumn morning, beautiful colours still on the beech trees. Highlights included large numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings in the hedges, a male Stonechat, a pair of Ravens and a Grey Wagtail.

Great Northern Diver in CWP .........

13 Nov - Good views this morning of the moulting adult GND found by Ian Ralphs on 10th. When I arrived it was fairly close in, with the sun behind me, reasonable photo opportunities as it dived for Crayfish. It then moved out further from the shore. Possibly the same bird as the juv/winter individual seen on the same pit last winter? Or a storm-driven bird after last weeks weather, and coincidentally on the same lake within CWP? Hard to say, but always a good bird to see.

Dumfries

12 Nov - Before returning home, a morning session in Alan McFadyen’s woodland hide. 3 different Sparrowhawks seen on brief visits. Also 3 cooperative Red Squirrels, Jays, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches. Rather poor light though with frequent showers.

Glen Etive

11 Nov - A day of hill fog and mist lower in the glen - few birds on the Munros, quality not quantity, namely 2 Snow Buntings briefly and excellent view of a Ptarmigan perched up on a boulder in the sleet, appropriately turning white for its winter plumage.......

Vintage Musselburgh

10 Nov - I had several hours free after travelling, so with sunny, then later cloudy/bright weather and light winds, I headed to Musselburgh and the usual expansive views over the Firth of Forth, the timing good as the tide was rising. The wader flocks were being pushed off and flying round to the lagoons to feed, so good looks at the flocks passing by in the sun - Oystercatchers and Bar-tailed Godwits in good numbers, with Curlew, Grey Plover and Knot as supporting cast alongside Dunlin and Redshank. Offshore amongst the Eider, Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoter, all looking very smart in the low sun, I managed to get brief views of the White-winged Scoter which has been present on and off for a few months - obvious white tick behind the eye, with a knob on the less- yellow bill. A real rarity from North America. The icing on the cake was a small flock of Twite along the seawall, and 2 unexpected Short-eared Owls that emerged in fairly good light to hunt the rough grass, despite lots of walkers being present being a weekend. A classic early winter East coast day!

Another local Hoopoe .........

8 Nov - Having missed the Hoopoe in west Swindon in the summer, I was surprised and pleased to hear of another that has been present for a few days at Hilmarton near Calne. I had a narrow window to see it this afternoon, so fortunately it was present on my arrival, feeding by the farm driveway. Fairly distant, but good views in the open. It was flushed by a vehicle after a few minutes so a well-timed visit. My 3rd Wiltshire Hoopoe.

The Cotswolds

6 Nov - An afternoon trip to the Cotswolds, and a couple of SEOs showing on and off, unfortunately, in terms of photos, after the sun went in. Also a bonus of a couple of flybys from a ringtail Hen Harrier. Fieldfares moving in reasonable numbers, and a dozen or so Golden Plovers calling then warily on the ground.

A local walk

4 Nov - A leg stretch at Blakehill late afternoon - no Owls, but 2 male Stonechats, 80-odd Fieldfares and 18 Redwings in several flocks, 3 Snipe briefly in flight.Hopefully we will get a SEO later in the winter.......

WWT

2 Nov - The forecast of a sunny calm morning, and a visit to WWT for the early access, and wonderful early morning light on the duck on the scrapes, which were frozen round the edges. Teal and Shoveler glowing in breeding plumage, a Water Rail creeping along the reed edge on the ice, and a scattering of Snipe - together with a wheeling flock of about 80 Golden Plover over the Severnside fields, with Lapwings, Dunlin, Curlew and a Ruff also present. The first lone Bewick's Swan of the winter, Indri, was being pursued around the Rushy by the very aggressive resident Mutes, and will be glad when more of her compatriots arrive...... A quick walk at Blakehill in the evening conditions revealed no SEOs but a nice male Stonechat was very active.

And again ...........

31 Oct - A beautiful late autumn morning with a bit of frost early on, a pre-work walk - 3 flighty Great White Egrets around the area, not settling for long, also calling Water Rails, dabbling duck including Wigeon and a few Shoveler, a total of 6 Snipe, Gren Sandpiper, and the usual passerines including a Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks moving over, singing Cetti's Warblers, several Chiffchaffs and a few Fieldfare and Redwing flying over. Also a Fox and 3 Roe Deer early on in the frosty fields. Nothing exceptional, but very enjoyable.

Seasonal Shorncote

28 Oct - An afternoon visit, dusk being at 5pm due to the changing of the clocks to GMT. Cold and windy but bright. Highlights included a Great White Egret (the second of the day!), Snipe, Green Sandpiper and most unexpectedly a very late Greenshank. A flock of more than 50 Fieldfares flew west at dusk, together with a few Redwings. Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers called from the reeds as did a Kingfisher on flyby. Worth a short vigil was the emergence of a Barn Owl from the old willows just prior to dusk - it looked around from its perch then flew off silently towards the reedbed. Three Roe Deer were feeding close by but never knew I was watching them, due to the wind direction. A nice autumnal evening. At lunchtime, 3 Egret species within 30 minutes - Great White and Little Egrets from the gate at pit 74, and the 2 Cattle Egrets still faithful to Waterhay. Oh, and a flyby Grey Heron for good measure.

Baird's Sandpiper

26 Oct - A morning foray to Goldcliff, just on the "foreign" side of the Severn. Great views of a flock of Curlew in the morning sun, the waders generally quite jumpy due to the presence of a Peregrine sat on the island. After checking the lagoons, a last look produced the Baird's, short-legged and long-winged, well camouflaged as it fed on the muddy shoreline. My 3rd nearctic shorebird of the autumn. En route home, no joy with the Jack Snipe at Slimbridge but great views of Lapwings in the sparkling sunlight, together with the dabbling duck now coming into smart winter plumage.

Summer embers at Shorncote

23 Oct - A sunny warm morning at Shorncote, surely one of the last of the year? as usual several highlights - a flock of 12 Shoveler, Water Rails calling, a Snipe and a Green Sandpiper in flight and 21 Lapwings. 2 Green Woodpeckers seen several times in flight, and briefly feeding on the ground. Male and female Sparrowhawk both hunting, Meadow Pipits on the move, 3 Stonechats and my first Shorncote winter Thrushes of the season in the form of several small Fieldfare/ Redwing flocks. Little Egrets at Shorncote, Cattle Egrets at Waterhay and a Great White Egret at Eysey made it a 3-Egret day.

Scottish foray

21 Oct - A showery very windy day in Glen Spean, few birds seen on the Easains but a nice fly-by view of 2 Ptarmigan, their strikingly white wings contrasting with their grey plumage, still predominantly in summer garb. A couple of Ravens the only other sighting.

Autumnal Blakehill

20 Oct - A misty autumnal Blakehill morning, and my first Fieldfares of the season flew west calling, 11 birds in total. Also a fem Stonechat, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, a pair of Reed Buntings and a sizeable flock of Linnets.

A few waders.........

19 Oct - A look at the Dorset coast en route to a meeting. Avocets winter here in good numbers now, and a couple of fairly large flocks seen. A single immature Spoonbill also feeding distantly, 60-70 of these birds now winter in nearby Poole Harbour. 2 elegant Greenshanks also present, but I couldn't find any Spotted Redshanks. Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Curlew and Redshank also on view, and Grey Plover and Water Rail calling, along with a large female Peregrine perched up and eyeing its next meal. Beautiful autumn colours on the trees, and the sun surprisingly warm on this Indian Summer day.

Autumn!

17 Oct - One of the highlights of autumn this morning - the first 2 Redwings of the season flew over calling at first light as I headed off to work. Always exciting when the winter thrushes start to arrive. This year, I was also privileged to hear the fluty song of the Redwing during the breeding season in Scandinavia, back in May in Sweden, where they are common but secretive forest breeders.

Blakehill evening

14 Oct - A late afternoon leg stretch at Blakehill after a wet weekend, and as expected a Barn Owl was taking advantage of the drier conditions by emerging to hunt in good light before sunset. A real bonus was a male Merlin that was perched on a post on the plateau, then seen in rapid hunting flight, an elegant streamlined small falcon that is always very distinctive. 3 Stonechats were feeding along the fenceline in typical fashion.

The CWP Cattle Egret

13 Oct - The recent Clattinger bird has been relocated, and seen distantly this afternoon from the road near Waterhay. Currently 5 Heron species on the Water Park ............

Slimbridge Jack-pot

11 Oct - An early morning visit to Slimbridge and amazing reflections, especially from Robbie Garnett hide, with excellent light on the Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwings. A Peregrine sat on a post on the Dumbles, where a flock of Dunlin and Golden Plover shimmered in the light, against an approaching shower further down the estuary. Good but fairly distant views of the wader flocks from the Zeiss hide, including Ruff and a Snipe and a flock of Curlews over the estuary. The real highlight however was seen on calling in to Martin Smith hide before leaving - a Jack Snipe was feeding out on the mown area in front of the hide. Fantastic views of this normally very elusive bird over the next hour or so, its smaller size , distinctive stripes and shorter bill obvious. The bird bobbed continually, even doing this slightly when sleeping, and it was amazing to watch this bird's behaviour at close quarters, being one of the most elusive birds in the UK.

Shorncote

10 Oct - Another day of perfect weather, and a late morning visit to Shorncote was surprisingly productive. 2 Great White Egrets were flighty around the area, but gave good views ( with 2 Littles for comparison). At least 5 Cetti's Warblers calling, a singing Chiffchaff, and good views of a Green Woodpecker feeding on the ground. No less than 8 Stonechatd, a Grey Wagtail, and Goldfinches on thistles. An "Indian summer" day.

The Levels

9 Oct - A perfect autumn day, and an early start to be at Westhay for a stunning dawn, the sunlight filtering through the trees and the reedbed coming alive to the sounds of Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers, while Herons and Egrets flew over to commence feeding. After a few minutes waiting on the boardwalk a "pinging" in the reeds presaged the appearance of a pair of Bearded Tits to collect grit - the birds were fairly obliging and perched up in the early morning light. A group flew over calling a few minutes later but didn't land to continue the performance. Next stop Ham Wall, where several Great White Egrets were conspicuous. A vigil in Avalon hide produced a couple of hunting Marsh Harriers but no Bittern flights, however on my return a bit of scanning from the first platform resulted in probably my best ever views of a feeding Bittern - amazing views of the cryptic bird as it moved stealthily and slowly through the reeds, at times very hard to pick out with its camouflage - until it finally emerged and posed briefly in the open. 4 Cattle Egrets at Catcott made it a 5-Heron day, with the expected Grey Herons and Little Egrets also much in evidence. A successful day in stunning weather.

Great White Egrets

7 Oct - An early morning check at pits 119 and 119a in CWP east, near Lechlade, and the early start well worthwhile as the reported Great White Egrets, 3 birds, were feeding and preening on the pits, in the company of Little Egrets and Grey Herons. The birds flew off after an hour or so, presumably to commence their feeding for the day. There are probably about 6 GWE in the Water Park at the moment, a reflection of the steady increase in their numbers in the UK.

Pec Sand.......

30 Sep - An afternoon trip up to Newbury area and after a bit of searching by several of us at the Watermeadows, good views of the Pectoral Sandpiper feeding in the company of several Snipe. A smart bird, scaly upperparts indicating a juvenile bird, with the sharp pectoral breast band, slightly decurved bill and yellow legs. I never tire of seeing American waders, shorebirds are among my favourites anyway, amazing to think of the journey that this bird has undertaken from Arctic Canada in a few short weeks.

Cattle Egret

29 Sept - A few minutes down the road today to Clattinger Farm, and good views of the Cattle Egret that has been present for a week or so, feeding with the herd of Belted Galloways. Cattle Egrets seem to be gradually colonizing the U.K., with another sizeable influx of birds this autumn, and this is my second sighting of this species in CWP. Grey Heron and Little Egrets also seen today, but I couldn't find the Great White Egret at Eysey to make it 4 Heron species in a day. A fairly late Hobby also seen over the Spine Road near Lower Moor.

Pallid Harrier

26 Sept - Several Pallid Harriers have been seen this autumn, mostly juveniles and presumably reflecting the ewestward spread of this bird as a breedeing species. Currently 2 birds are in residence, at Welney, and nearer at Therfield. I headed to the setaside fields at the latter location where the bird has been sen for the last week or so, and it was fairly elusive today according to 1 or 2 locals that have paid it several visits - but it appeared over the fields briefly at 2pm, having flown in from the east - after dropping into the long grass for a couple of hours it was more obliging at 4.30 and quartered the fields then soared up and circled gradually gaining height - good views of the distinctive dark contrasting collar, with buff-rufous underparts. My first ever juvenile, having seen a male at Elmley quite a few years ago, and one or two overseas, but never with the opportunity to study the bird in the scope before. Well worth the trip - also Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite and Buzzard around the setaside area.

A Nearctic visitor

25 Sept - A morning trip to Lodmoor was in order to see one of my favourite North American waders, a very elegant Lesser Yellowlegs, and the bird was still presnt on a perfect but chilly autumn morning, feeding at close range on a fairly small pool, and confiding for the camera. Several family groups of Bearded Tits were flying around calling in the calm conditions, and I had a couple of brief views of birds perched up in the reeds before they dropped down to feed. Also a 1st-winter Med Gull and a nice party of Black-tailed Godwits, together with Ruff, Dunlin and Snipe.

No Spoonbills ..........

23 Sept - A family party of 5 Spoonbills spent the night at Slimbridge in the heavy rain, and seemed settled on South Lake early morning, but they departed prior to my (and others) arrival, the prospect of 5 birds at close range being too good to resist. The usual waders present including one of the Spotted Redshanks on South Lake, but the best sighting was the very confiding female Garganey, probably my closest-ever views of this species.

Grey Phalaropes galore

22 Sept - There's been a big influx of Grey Phalaropes inland due to several days of westerly storms, and as the birds are probably displaced and exhausted they tend to stay for a day or two. This morning I went up to Charlecote north of Moreton-in-Marsh where a juvenile bird was seen on the pool in the NT grounds, and as I expected it had stayed overnight, and was spinning happily at close range on the lake in the cloudy but bright morning light - I had half an hour or so to admire it (and take quite a few photos) - they are one of my favourite birds, aesthetically pleasing, nearly always confiding, and being a bird of the far north having that sense of the untamed wilderness areas where they spend the summer. Very enjoyable. En route home I received news that a Grey Phalarope had been found in the Glos section of the Water Park - the first for many years - and I managed a quick look at the bird in the by now steady rain, as it fed at the northern end of pit 57 - I later discovered after referring to the county avifaunas, that it was only the second ever CWP sighting, the first being in the Wilts section after the Great Storm in October 1987. A real local mega!

Early morning Slimbridge

19 Sept - A fairly brief stop at Slimbridge pre-opening before an admin day, fairly quiet, no Phalaropes despite the wind ....... Ruff and Avocet quite obliging in the early morning sun, a flyby from the resident Marsh Harrier, and lots of Warblers calling in the hedgerows. Water levels still low, autumn rains still needed for the wintering birds. A fairly late House Martin over the garden in the afternoon.

CWP scarcities

18 Sept - A couple of good sightings today - firstly my check at Eysey revealed the Great White Egret hunting, though surprisingly concealed at times in the sallows - and then, courtesy of Kim Milsom, 3 Sandwich Terns frequenting pit 74 on and off, and they obligingly did a flyby at 6.40pm, calling loudly, when I stopped to look for them.

Autumnal CWP

16 Sept - Despite the blustery westerlies, still a good suite of waders on pit 132 - Greenshank, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, and Dunlin. A large female Peregrine was eyeing up the wader flock but didn't go for them while I was there...... also Little Egrets and a close Red Kite.

WWT Severn Wader Festival

14-15 Sept - A fairly quiet wader festival according to reports, with the best of the bunch being the continuing presence of 3 Spotted Redshanks, one of which was obliging close to the Robbie Garnett hide on afternoon of 15th. Otherwise, some good views of cryptic Snipe, and Avocet, Redshank, Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit all present as usual, with a Greenshank from Zeiss hide over the high tide period. A Little Stint flew by calling on 14th. No nearctic waders despite the recent westerlies, but always something to see and usually at fairly close quarters to the hide. A Grey Wagtail is also being obliging at the moment, on the stream right in front of the Rushy hide.

GWE

14 Sept - The Eysey GWE seems to be fairly reliable at the moment, and as it's only a 2-minute diversion I checked for it today, and managed a record shot as it fed among the sallows as usual. Also a flyover Snipe.

A Spotted Crake........

12 Sept - An evening visit after work to a site fairly near home, to catch up with a Spotted Crake, a very scarce migrant through inland wetlands (and even rarer breeder). The bird duly appeared on the reed edge just before sunset, the orange tinge to the bill indicating an adult. Crakes have an understated subtle attraction in their intricate plumage, and their skulking behaviour always exciting birds to see. Also a Greenshank flying around calling.

Tarifa 5-8 Sept

A very successful return visit to the Straits of Gibraltar for the raptor migration, earlier in the month this time, hoping to catch the main Honey Buzzard passage. The wind was westerly, initially stronger but becoming lighter as the week progressed. Weather predominantly sunny with morning cloud, and persistent rain on the last day. Raptor passage was steady. My hunch regarding HBs paid off with an amazing early passage at Algarrobo watch point on 7th Sep - skipping breakfast and arriving shortly after sunrise, an amazing 3,500+ (three thousand, five hundred!) birds passed over heading SE towards the straits between 0830 - 1000h, at first flying very low, then gradually higher as the thermals started to develop. On arrival a constant stream of birds was visible as they left their roost in the nearby inland oak forest and headed for Africa - smart males, more barred females and dark juvs making for a masterclass in plumage. The Spanish counters remarked on it being an exceptional passage and I was very fortunate to witness this amazing spectacle, with camera to hand! Both here and at Cazalla, Booted and Short-toes Eagles, Black Kites, and both Griffon and Egyptian Vultures were passing, with smaller numbers of Marsh and Montagu's Harriers and Black Storks. There was also a passage of Swifts, mainly Pallid but with a few Alpines mixed in, along with a stream of hirundines, while the liquid calls of Bee-Eaters indicated flocks passing high and out of view to the naked eye. As always migration in action is exciting as the unexpected can always happen at any time - a juvenile Bonelli's Eagle also flew over Algarrobo on morning of 7th. Ruppell's Vulture is a speciality at Cazalla and birds were seen both 6th and 7th, as the vulture flock was attracted to a bovine carcass in the nearby valley. I also had the great honour if meeting eminent ornithologist and author Ian Newton OBE FRS at Algarrobo, as he had been in Tarifa for a migration conference. Los Lances beach is always disturbed by kitesurfers but early morning held a few waders including a juv Bar-tailed Godwit, together with the usual Kentish and Ringed Plovers, Sanderling and Dunlin. A flyby Hoopoe here was a bonus. Two short visits to La Janda revealed the ricefields to be fairly dry, but good numbers of Glossy Ibis now seem to be resident, along with White Storks. A few immature Spoonbills were also present, along with Marsh Harriers and a single juv Monty's. A flock of 4 Turtle Doves here was sadly noteworthy as this species continues to be hunted despite its continuing decline. A tourist afternoon at Vejer de la Frontera allowed a quick stop at Barbate estuary - a very good selection of waders here including Curlew Sandpiper, Greenshank and smart summer-plumaged Grey Plovers, as well as a juv Black-winged Stilt and more Kentish Plovers - and a flock of 50 or so Greater Flamingoes. All in all a very enjoyable few days, a great area for a holiday with added birding excitement on tap!

Pit 132 at Kempsford

2 Sept - A walk around pit 132 which always looks excellent for waders. A Greenshank present for a few days still on view (after some time looking) and a Peregrine sitting on the gravel bank while 3 Hobbies hawked overhead! The raptor list completed by 2 Red Kites and several Buzzards. Snipe and Yellow Wagtails in flight, surprisingly no Green or Common Sandpipers, and a Grass Snake also seen basking in the sun.

Shorncote

1 Sept - A new month and a hint of autumn in the air at Shorncote. No sign of the Great White Egret this week, a nice flock of 3 migrant Green Sandpipers, and 2 Hobbies hawking for dragonflies later in the morning, an adult and a juvenile. A flock of 36 Lapwings over, and 2 Yellow Wagtails. En route home, a Kingfisher and a party of 4 Snipe flew past Twitcher's gate at pit 74.

Slimbridge revisited

29 Aug - too nice a day to stay in all day long, so an afternoon visit to WWT turned up trumps in the form of a smart Spotted Redshank on the South Lake, helpfully with a flock of its commoner congeners for comparison, with elegant slender longer bill, longer legs and darker upper parts. The bird initially flew over calling as I arrived at the entrance ramp! Also very good views of Black- tailed Godwits, including several nice chestnut birds. Autumn wader passage building nicely.

Water Park East

28 Aug - A walk out to pit 132 at Kempsford, slightly less accessible than some, but it can be good for waders on the islands. Four Little Ringed Plovers present today, but raptors were the unexpected highlight with 2 Hobbies and a Peregrine seen, along with the expected Red Kites and Buzzards. Yesterday evening (27th) a Great White Egret at Eysey (together with Green and Common Sandpipers) but no sign today when armed with the camera!

Wet Farmoor

26 Aug - A short visit to Farmoor in the wind and rain finally added the obliging juvenile Knot to my wader list, as usual here close for the camera despite the poor light - coming as close as a metre! Also Dunlin and Conmon Sandpiper in a quick look.

Shorncote and Blakehill

25 Aug - An excellent, fine late summer early morning at Shorncote, after many attempts I finally added Great White Egret to the patch list - not 1, but 2! Initially seen in flight and then 1 briefly on the waters edge. Distinctive slow wing beats and large span in flight, the bill obvious in the sun. Also 2 active Kingfishers, and calling Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers. Blakehill was also very productive with no less than 5 Whinchats and 7 Wheatears feeding from the fence line, and the usual Redstart in the hedge. An excellent local morning!

More waders......

24 Aug - there seems to be a highlight with each visit to Slimbridge at the moment, and this morning produced superb views of a Greenshank, initially on the Rushy and then from Robbie Garnett. Also 2 very cooperative Snipe looking wonderful in the early sun. There has also been a flyover Marsh Harrier around the grounds on recent visits.

WWT

20 Aug - A stop at WWT and finally the Wood Sandpiper cooperated by being close to Robbie Garnett hide on arrival - and in the sun. The usual array of passage waders also present.

Cairngorm Sun

18 Aug - What a contrast! A day of improving weather though very windy, with sun for the stunning pinewoods of Glen Derry and the heather-clad slopes. An 8.5h Munro walk yielded a dozen or so Red Grouse, a party of 4 Ptarmigan, a flyby male Merlin and 3 distant probable Golden Eagles. A Red Squirrel dashed across the road in Braemar.....

Dreich Deeside

17 Aug - An organised walk with NTS on Beinn a'Bhuird. A distant Hen Harrier seen, successful breeders on Mar Lodge estate this year, along with Peregrines and 3 pairs of Golden Eagles. Otherwise quiet especially up in the cloud above 900m.

Otters in Argyll.........

16 Aug - Courtesy of a gift voucher on leaving work, I had another chance for a morning with Philip Price of lochvisions.co.uk, the target being the elusive Otters in the area. A bright windy day with passing showers, and initially a good variety of migrating waders seen - also flocks of Kittiwakes and Gannets, with an associated Arctic Skua. After 3 hours, we spotted an Otter feeding on a large fish on the tideline, and we crawled across the rocks and seaweed to within 30m or so for great views. Subsequently we found the mother and well-grown cub fishing further round the bay, and were spellbound as they dived and fished gradually closer and closer until we could hardly dare breathe as the female clambered onto the rocks barely 10m away and crunched unconcernedly on a fish. An amazing experience, especially when it turned and looked straight at us. Special views of a special creature.

WWT again

14 Aug - A try for the Wood Sandpiper, but no sign. The usual variety of waders on the Rushy at fairly close range, including Green Sandpiper, Redshank, Ruff and a juv LRP, as well as Blackwit, Dunlin and Snipe. Always good to see the migrant shorebirds at close quarters. High tide from the Zeiss produced a flyby Bar-tailed Godwit, a flock of 80+ Curlews and a Peregrine, with a fly through Hobby chasing hirundines.

Blakehill morning........

11 Aug - a warm sunny early morning at Blakehill, and as I hoped the Redstarts very active and feeding in the sun. 2 moulting or immature males, showing well with patience. Also a Whinchat and the first Wheatear of the autumn. A rewarding couple of hours.....

Slimbridge once again........

10 Aug - An early morning visit, the autumn waders are continuing to pass through, with excellent views of feisty juvenile Black-tailed Godwits on the Rushy, with a supporting cast of Ruff, Redshank, Green Sand and Avocet. South Lake gave close views of a Ruff and several cryptic Snipe also present.

Scotland........

8 Aug - Not a walking day, so a couple of nature reserves visited. At Loch Garten, the Ospreys have again been unsuccessful this year, but good views of Crested Tits at the feeders, also a Siskin. The Loch itself held a family of Red-throated Divers, but the big bonus was a flyby by a White-tailed Eagle over the pines. A real bonus.......... Loch of Lowes in the afternoon was well worthwhile with the 2 juvenile Ospreys currently taking their first flights and learning to fish - an excellent time to visit.

Cairngorms

7 Aug - A 12h day on Cairn Toul and Angel's peak, 2 Ptarmigan families seen including fairly small chicks. A Snow Bunting seen in flight up on the plateau.

Loch Fleet

6 Aug - An early evening visit to this Loch on the Caithness coast. A surprise was an Osprey sitting out on the mudflats at low tide - good numbers of Curlews and Oystercatchers present, with 3 noisy Greenshanks flying around and feeding. Eiders loafing in good numbers (males in eclipse at this time of the year) and at least 2 more Ospreys fishing, possibly juveniles?

"Autumn" waders

4 Aug - Autumn starts early in the birding world with wader passage ....... another early morning at Slimbridge as it's such a good reserve for shorebirds....... A juvenile Wood Sandpiper and 2 Commons had joined the flock of Green Sandpipers on the Rushy, making a full suite of the regular Sandpiper species. Wood is a very elegant species, especially the fresh-plumaged juvenile, but it never came very close for photos - the usual Avocets were joined by some feisty Black-tailed Godwits and at least 5 Snipe. The 2 moulting adult Curlew Sandpipers were still on South Lake along with a good number of Ruff. I quickly checked Martin Smith hide to see if there was a Kingfisher on the perch in front of the hide....... And there was! On a melancholy note, the local Swifts seemed to have staged a mass departure, I've not seen any since the 2nd....... Another unwelcome sign of autumn, I hope the good summer has meant a successful breeding season for them.

WWT........

28 July - Another morning look at Slimbridge, Avocets performing well as usual on the Rushy, Ruff and LRP on South Lake along with Redshanks and Blackwits. The highlight was 3 moulting adult Curlew Sandpipers from Zeiss hide. Green Sandpiper numbers beginning to build up post-breeding.

Era-Eero

22-26 Jul - I've wanted to visit Era-Eero in Finland for a long time, having heard about the hides there and the chances of seeing Brown Bear, and particularly Wolverine, one of the most elusive carnivores. I spent 3 nights in the hides, deep in the Finnish forest, with Antero Topp of Finnature. The forest is very impressive, with superb trees and luxuriant forest floor, berry plants and dead wood adding to the habitat along with innumerable lakes and boggy areas - a wildlife paradise. The hides overlook both a valley and a lake, and a clearing in a separate part of the forest. The night is spent in the hide, equipped with bed and toilet - it is never darker than twilight at this time of year. The lake hide gave us views of our first Wolverine, which appeared suddenly in front of the hide - a powerful animal with a loping gait, with reddish-brown and buff coat, badger-like in some ways but also Marten-like in its predilection for tree climbing. The forest hide, overlooking a clearing, allowed very good photographic opportunities. A very exciting way to see and this elusive predator. Also good views of a Brown Bear by the lake, momentarily surprising in its bulk as it emerged from the vegetation by the lake. A quiet time of year bird-wise, Spotted Crake and Hobby probably being the pick of the bunch. I love Scandinavia at any time of year, the extreme hot and dry conditions this summer have made the forest very vulnerable to fire, let's hope that they survive intact to mark their passage of the seasons, from deep snow and ice in the winter darkness to the prolonged sunlight and frenetic activity of the short summer breeding season.

Blakehill

21 July - An early morning visit to Blakehill before the heat..... good views of a Hobby being mobbed by Corvids as it hunted, also 6+ Buzzards looking for prey around the cut Meadow. Brief views of 2-3 Redstarts but no photos. Good numbers of Butterflies especially Gatekeepers, as well as Meadow Browns.

WWT again.......

20 July - Early morning at Slimbridge for the members only opening at 0815. Good low light on the Rushy for the Avocets, but they were not coming so close as on my last visit, so not so obliging for photos of the chicks. A nice male Ruff on the South Lake together with several Blackwits. I was away by 1030 when the crowds started to arrive......

Midsummer Otmoor

A (fairly) early morning visit to Otmoor and certainly the summer birding doldrums, but well worthwhile - I spent a while enjoying watching the Turtles Doves near the feeders, all the more special as each year I wonder whether this rapidly declining species will return to purr for another summer, so characteristic of warm summer days. A couple of hours at the screen gave a reasonable flight view of a Bittern, and repeated looks at the Marsh Harrier family, at least 3 juveniles seen, also the female carrying sticks to ? Nest again, or at least make repairs. Other sightings included a flyby Kingfisher, flyover Snipe and Great Crested Grebe carrying a youngster on its back. Also lots of Dragonfly activity in the continuing heatwave.

Midsummer Slimbridge

14 Jul - A morning look at Slimbridge before the heat and the crowds. Good views of Avocets with young, already sporting their upturned bills. A couple of migrant Green Sandpipers also seen, together with Little Ringed Plovers and Bkack-tailed Godwits on South Lake, where there was also a juvenile Med Gull.

Ravensroost

13 Jul - Primarily a butterfly trip but a squeaky call from one of the trees led to amazing views of 2 just-fledged Tawny Owls..... a real bonus with their quizzical expressions and fluffy plumage...... wildlife is just amazing! Also Marsh Tit, Jay, Nuthatch and a total of 4 Red Kites.

Raptors in the heathaze

10 Jul - A morning visit to Acres Down, slightly cooler and a northerly breeze..... at least 15 Common Buzzards seen, together with Goshawk and Sparrowhawk. Also a brief view of a Honey Buzzard low over the canopy, flat profile and flexible tail/ silhouette. Also seen - Woodlark, Crossbill, Siskin and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Nightjars in a heatwave......

9 Jul - The dry hot summer goes on, and a late evening visit to a parched Greenham Common with Richard Williams and Trevor Pinchen. At least 2 Nightjars churring from 9.45pm, as usual an almost mesmerising sound on a still evening, the vibrations almost palpable when the bird is fairly close. A brief silhouette view of the bird at one stage. A wonderful sound to hear once again, quintessential summer.

Atlantic Seabirds

2-6 July - A couple of days off Portugal with Windbirds (off Madeira) and excellent views of some special seabirds - many Cory's and Bulwer's Shearwaters, giving close views, but the real special bird in this area is the Desertas/Zino's Petrel complex (Pterodroma). We had a few close sightings, all fairly brief, but always with the characteristic looping rapid flight and the arrow like profile. Telling these 2 rare species apart requires assessment of the bill size/profile, as well as size, wing shape and flight "jizz". Photography of seabirds is always a challenge but we got reasonable shots of most individuals, and with the expertise of Bob Flood we are assessing sightings as to either Desertas (sev hundred pairs) or Zino's (less than 100) pairs, both sought after and charismatic species. An excellent trip.

Little Owls......

29 June - An afternoon photographing Little Owls and some good views, adults apparently with 2 Owlets close to fledging. Surprisingly active given the heat. Also Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers present.

Pembrokeshire and West Wales 20-26 June

Amazing weather throughout the week on our annual motorhome trip. Superb views along the coastal paths on the St. Davids peninsula, with the dramatic coast path, views across to Ramsey Island and south to Skomer, together with stunning sunsets over the Atlantic, each one different, with even the mountain tops of Southern Ireland being visible a good 50 miles away. Bird wise, Ramsey Island gave good views of Chough with 3 pairs at least seen in typical tumbling flight in the wind, and uttering their characteristic calls. The landing boat on Skomer was cancelled due to strong northerlies but our cruise around the islands was brilliant - amazing close ups of the birds on the water, especially the Puffins! The coastal path north at Cardigan Bay produced Peregrine and another pair of Choughs, and plenty of Red Kites over the wooded hills, as well as the more usual Wheatears, Stonechats and Meadow Pipits. An enjoyable few days, but a bit too hot!

Dorset

13 June - A spur-of-the-moment trip to Dorset as another fine calm day. A quick stop at Martin Down gave good views of a bonus Turtle Dove. A walk at Coombe Heath at Arne was fairly quiet being the middle of the day, but a Dartford Warbler sang briefly and another was furtively carrying food to the nest. Meadow Pipits and Linnets were in evidence, and a Cuckoo singing. Silver-studded Blue butterflies on the wing in good numbers. The main objective was the coastal Tern colonies at Poole Harbour, and I had good views of the noisy cacophany as the adults brought food in to their young, both Sandwich and Common Terns. Waders are thin on the ground this time of year, as they are mostly breeding in northern climes, but a few Black-tailed Godwits were feeding, as well as a solitary Avocet and Redshank, plus the usual resident Oystercatchers. A stop at the Winterbourne Downs reserve on the way home was well worthwhile as a pair of Stone Curlews with 3 chicks was viewable distantly from the screen, amazing birds as always with their large eyes and cryptic but beautiful plumage.

WWT summer

9 June - A morning visit, the first for a few weeks, and the highlight was very close views of the non-breeding Black-tailed Godwit flock on South Lake, including some birds in smart summer plumage. Avocet pairs active on the lagoons and aggressively defending their nests, and a smart pair of full adult summer Med Gulls also on South Lake, with a second-summer bird on the Rushy, still sporting a few black primary tips.

Odds and Ends, North of the Border........

5-6 June - A short Munro trip, and a few birds logged - a Golden Eagle soaring briefly, to the north of the Dalmally peaks, and Wheatears and Meadow Pipits widespread here, also a Sand Martin colony on the hillside above Loch Awe. Meall Dearg at Aonach Eagach held a singing Ring Ouzel and a couple of Stonechats. Grey Wagtails logged at both areas, and a Spotted Flycatcher calling by Loch Leven. Quite a quiet time of the year, the breeding season in full swing.

Pit 74

4 June - A quick check on pit 74 from the gate gave a brief view of the long-staying Marsh Harrier, hunting over the scrape and being mobbed by a couple of Common Terns. Little Egrets flying into the colony, and a Red Kite over the Spine Road.

Local raptors

3 June - nearby silaging meant that a Red Kite and 3-4 Buzzards were circling overhead on and off during the afternoon.

On 2nd, a Green Woodpecker yaffled and perched on a fence post near the house and a dash for the camera allowed for a couple of photos before it flew off. Swallows, House Martins and Swifts all over the garden on another fine evening.

Upland Sweden 23-30 May 2018

A fantastic trip with Naturetrek, Daniel Green and Tim Melling. Blue skies the whole week, with little wind, led to unseasonably high temperatures and a recent rapid snowmelt. The fine weather meant a very successful trip from the ornithological point of view - many highlights - 7 Owls including a family of Hawk Owls and an incubating Great Grey Owl, also a Tengmalm's Owl peeping from a treehole and an obliging Pygmy Owl - 2 confiding parties of Siberian Jays - and displaying waders on the tundra in southern Lapland, always a highlight for British birders who normally see these birds in subdued mode, on passage or in winter. Long-tailed Skuas were also patrolling the tundra having recently arrived. Raptors included a Golden Eagle Rough-legged Buzzard on the nest, and newly-arrived Honey Buzzards, and passerines included many singing Bramblings, and Lapland Buntings in summer plumage - as well as Pied Flycatchers everywhere taking advantage of the abundant insect life. Not forgetting singing Bluethroats and lekking Great Snipe in the mountains! All set against a beautiful forested landscape, a mixture of conifers and freshly-leafed birches, and the wonderful long evening twilight at these northern latitudes (we reached as far as 62,30' north). A brilliant week.

Black Terns.......

21 May - A bit of a Black Tern influx in the south today - and I found 6 on pit 74. A classic late spring drift migrant and always exciting to see them drop in, feeding as a group low over the pit. Also Hobby feeding, and Cuckoo and Nightingale in song. Also Hobby feeding over Lower Moor, with Whitethroat and Garden Warbler among the songsters.

Diving Ospreys !

17 May - An evening visit to Horn Mill Trout Farm at Rutland, where a photo hide is sited specifically for close views of diving Ospreys. It's an adrenaline fuel led session - waiting for the dive, which may be a long time coming, and we were fortunate to get 4 dives from 2 different Ospreys, and in fairly good light. The technique is to focus on the bird when it enters the water, as it is semi-submerged for a second or so and then flaps off with a fish, spray flying as the bird lifts off. I got some satisfactory results which is a relief...... en route, I had an hour to spare at Egleton reserve and saw Peregrine (mobbed by 1 of 3 Hobbies) and an Osprey, along with migrant Ringed Plovers, Turnstones and Dunlin, as well as breeding Lapwings and Terns.

Black-necked Grebe at Farmoor

16 May - A quick visit to Farmoor despite the cloudy weather, and the summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebe was close in to the west bank of F2 and gave obliging photo opportunities. Hirundines, Swifts and Common Terns feeding close over the reservoir in the adverse weather but no waders on the causeway. A quick check at Eysey flood revealed that the water is drying up, but still 6 Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin and 2 Little Ringed Plovers present.

Scotland 11-15 May 2018

A first Munroing visit of the season with a day at Scottish Photography hides as a bonus. Fine weather for the hides near Dumfries and a packed day - Kingfishers including the diving pool, Cuckoo (this bird has returned from Africa for the 5th successive year) and a female Adder - then daylight Badgers in the evening. Many photos to sort! I linked up with Matt and Jen for the first Munros of the season (they have both completed but kindly agreed to accompany me on my ongoing quest as they love the mountains). First day was Beinn Mhanach above Bridge of Orchy - clouding over and wet late afternoon - very good views of a Ptarmigan which must have had a mate on a nest nearby. Then to Kintail - The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine followed by Beinn Fhada - fantastic weather, peace and quiet, expansive views, and wildlife including singing Cuckoos, Wheatears, and on the Beinn Fhada plateau displaying Golden Plovers and Dunlin. On the last day my solo ascent of Sgurr a Mhaoraich was enlivened by a close encounter with a subadult Golden Eagle on the summit ridge, and 2 singing Ring Ouzels on the nearby boulders. Altogether a memorable weekend of stunning views. Last but not least, the Speyside Wildlife mammal watching hide has floodlights that illuminate after dark, and from 10pm four Badgers fed unconcernedly at close quarters with a brief visit from a Pine Marten being the icing on the cake.

Cleveland Lakes - Bittern !

8 May - An early morning visit to Cleveland Lakes and the Reed hide, just before the fine weather broke, and a calm blue sky morning. My objective was to hear the Bittern that is apparently booming in the reedbed. Nightingales, Cuckoos and a multitude of Warblers sang as I walked to the hide, arriving there about 7am. I heard the Bittern booming, and then at 7.55 it flew into the reeds on the small island near the hide and stretched its neck briefly in the reeds - no further sign or sound by 8.45, a real bonus to see as well as hear it, and I managed a slightly blurred record pic as it landed. Nearby, Eysey flood held 5 Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin (1 LRP here yesterday evening).

Coln Valley cycle

7 May - A bank holiday cycle to Sherborne via the Coln valley and Northleach. 52 species logged including 5 Warbler so heard singing, including Whitethroat and Garden Warbler. 2 singing Corn Buntings S of Eastington, Grey and Yellow Wagtails, 10 Buzzards and 6 Red Kites. Swallows, Swifts and House Martins all seen. A stunning day in the Cotswolds with the trees all bursting into leaf and flowers in profusion, especially carpets of Bluebells under the Beech trees.

Eysey

6 May - A quick stop at Eysey, and 4 Ruff present on the floods. It's worth a check more or less daily this time of year, for the wader passage ...........

Otmoor spring morning .........

5 May - A morning visit to Otmoor on this forecast record hot / sunny bank holiday......... the reserve very busy with visitors. It really is a very impressive reserve - a Marsh Harrier food pass seen between the breeding pair over the reedbed, a Bittern heard booming briefly, up to 10 Hobbies feeding on insects over the marsh, together with the backdrop of a Warbler chorus including Grasshopper warbler. A sad indictment of the times is that the rarest bird I saw was the returning Turtle Dove, purring in the same tree as last year ...... good news it has escaped the Maltese guns again. Red Kites cruising over the waders and causing disturbance with Lapwings calling and mobbing them, and a backdrop of Redshank and Curlew. Also a smart Grass Snake in one of the ditches near the car park.

Blakehill

4 May - A productive mid-morning visit to Blakehill in cloudy but warm conditions. 2 Curlews were feeding in the long grass fairly close to the central track, but took flight at a distance.

3 Whinchats (including a bright male) and 4 Wheatears (including a long-legged, large Greenland bird) were feeding along the fence line.

Best of all, a migrant Whimbrel was feeding in the field near the seat, and allowed a fairly close approach - more compact and shorter-billed than the Curlews, with an obvious eye stripe, and a good comparison between the 2 species. A distant Cuckoo heard twice, calling from the direction of Braydon forest.

Hobbies ..........

3 May - A warmer sunny day and good weather conditions for newly-arrived Hobbies top be feeding, and indeed at least 12 birds were feeding on insects high above the Lower Mill complex. I thought I counted 14 birds on one scan. Also Hobbies over pit 41 (1) 44 (2) and 42 (1) but I'm not sure how much duplication in the counts. Superb to see them back again and hawking in the blue sky, such a charismatic species, with their characteristic elegant shape and characteristic feeding swoops. Also a Garden Warbler singing and visible in the scrub, along with a Lesser Whitethroat. Green Woodpeckers also vocal and presumably nesting in the lakeside trees.

May morning at CWP

1 May - After the dull cold last few days, a beautiful sunny morning and the CWP bursting with birdsong - Cuckoo calling constantly, and Warblers everywhere with Whitethroats present in large numbers, Garden Warblers have also now arrived. The highlights however were a showy Cetti's Warbler and 2 unbelievably obliging Nightingales singing out in the open. A fantastic morning at the height of the Dawn chorus season. The icing on the cake was a Greenshank on the floods at Eysey and a flyover Hobby there, my first of the year.

Unseasonably cold......

30 Apr - Last day of April but very cold northerly wind. A Whimbrel flew over pit 74 mid-morning, and a Nightingale in full song, but unseen, from Twitchers Gate. Eysey rather quiet, a single Ringed Plover with the LRPs and Lapwings. Hirundines still feeding low over the Lakes.

Eysey waders

29 Apr - 2 Whimbrels at Eysey this morning in the cloud and cold NE wind, also Greenshank, RP, LRP and Dunlin. Very cold.....

Great Skuas at Farmoor......

28 Apr - I called in at Farmoor to see if any waders had dropped onto the causeway in the drizzle. 7 Common Sandpipers and 3 Dunlin were on the causeway but the most memorable sight was a mass of hirundines and Swifts feeding low over the reservoir and causeway, and buzzing by at arms length. Bedraggled Yellow Wagtails were perched alongside hirundines on the parapet. The biggest surprise was 2 Bonxies sitting on the water on F1, grounded by the rain - they flew off after I left, at about 2.15pm. Also an Arctic Tern on F1, with a Common for comparison. Bad weather for birds, but good for birders.....

Is it Spring??

27 Apr - Cool breezy and wet. A check at CWP revealed large flocks of hirundines feeding low over the water. Waders at Eysey included 13 Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin, together with LRP and Oystercatcher, also a flock of 7 Yellow Wagtails brightening the gloom. 2 Arctic Terns flew over pit 16, and a flock of 14 Black-tailed Godwits still on pit 74. A wet, cold forecast the next few days......

Spring morning in the Forest.......

26 Apr - a cool but sunny and (initially at least) fairly calm morning in the Forest of Dean, where the leaves are just emerging. An area of deciduous woodland held 3-4 singing Wood Warblers, and I had good views of a couple of these birds with their attractive green upper parts and yellow throat. Best of all is the shivering song which seems to epitomise the western oak woods. Open heath at Crabtree held several singing Tree Pipits. Moving on to Speech House, the tall spruces produced a singing Firecrest which showed well. An hour at Nagshead Lower Hide added a pair of Pied Flycatchers and a male Redstart. All in all a very successful morning, with all the specialities of the Forest seen.

White-wingers

25 Apr - An extraordinary gathering of white-winged Gulls currently in fields at Wootton Bassett, 2 Glaucous and an immature Iceland Gull present this morning, all with a small flock of mixed large Gulls. The Glaucous very large birds with heavy heads and bills, and striking white primaries, whereas the immature Iceland has a much more gentle facial expression / head and smaller bill. Presumably these northern gulls are all on spring passage...... Windy, cool and showery this morning, so a brief stop at Greenham Common only produced flight views of Woodlark, and no sound of Dartford Warbler - have these been decimated by the freeze up of late winter ?

Swifts!

24 Apr - Cool, showery and breezy - as might be expected, a flock of c50 hirundines over pit 74 trying to find insect food, joined this afternoon by my first Swifts of the year - 5+ birds, scything through the air on swept-back wings. Always good to see them return.

Unexpected Ibis ........

23 Apr - A morning visit to Slimbridge mainly to see the Avocets that are now nesting, but when I called in to the Martin Smith hide on the off-chance, the Glossy Ibis was visible in the reeds just a few feet away, and feeding in the morning sun just a few feet from the hide, posing for the camera at times ....... together with a Little Egret nearby, a nice pair. Avocets are on site in good numbers, and feeding and interacting with some nests visible, but generally fairly distant from the hides. Also some summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits but the light not good to admire their chestnut colours. A pair of Med Gulls have this year built a nest on South Lake, and the adults were looking smart with their jet-black hoods and red bills. As usual, an enjoyable visit and I was later leaving than I intended ! En route home, a quick check at Eysey and now four Greenshanks present, along with 3 Ringed Plovers, LRP and sum plum Dunlin.

Otmoor spring .........

21 Apr - Perfect weather for a spring visit to Otmoor with a red sunrise over a slightly misty landscape. A Warbler chorus including Grasshopper Warbler, and at least 3 Cuckoos calling including a very active bird. Waders included displaying Redshank and Lapwing and drumming Snipe, also a bonus passage Whimbrel. A pair of Marsh Harriers, a booming Bittern, and a flyover Crane completed the line up. Spring at its best. En route, the flood at Eysey held 6 early morning Black-tailed Godwits and a couple of Greenshank, as well as the usual LRPs and Oystercatchers.

On hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring.........

20 Apr - That special moment when you hear the first distant Cuckoo proclaiming his arrival from the forests of tropical Africa for his brief visit to the UK, and for us the quintessential harbinger of Spring. So good every year to get that magical moment despite the ever-increasing noise and steady development that threatens their remaining habitat. This year the call echoes across pit 74 from the wood opposite to the gate, Cleveland Lakes is always a good area for them with many Warbler nests to parasitise.

Nightingales

19 Apr - Nightingales have returned to undisclosed locations at CWP west, and I had excellent views this morning of 2-3 birds singing and chasing as they set up their territories. They are always easy to see for a week or so, then become their usual elusive selves. Also a plethora of Warblers present on a beautiful spring morning.

Osprey at Dawn !

18 Apr - Having missed the Osprey the previous day, I woke up early and figured the bird would still be present after a cloudy wet evening. Indeed ......5 mins after my arrival at the Broadwater at 6.20, the bird flew low over the valley and hovered briefly, before nmoving off west. Poor light but I got a couple of record shots. I waited til late morning but surprisingly, the bird did not reappear to catch a fish and it wasn't seen again..... so the early start was well worth it. A good spot for raptors with Red Kite, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and a distant Peregrine all being seen, as well as a Raven. An evening leg-stretch at Shorncote added Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Warbler for the year, but no sign of the Otter with 3 cubs that had been sighted in the morning. Fantastic evening light on the reedbeds as the sun dropped into the western sky. A Nightingale heard singing nearby at dusk.

Farmoor

16 Apr - Spring is one of the best times to visit Farmoor, and although a breezy day, this afternoon was worthwhile. An adult Little Gull was still present, together with 3 Common Terns, also up to 4 Yellow Wagtails and 3 Swallows. Later at Sherborne Swallows and House Martins were feeding over the Broadwater (but I missed the Osprey).

Warblers slowly arriving......

15 Apr - back to cool damp weather, but 6 species of Warbler singing at Twitchers gate this morning - Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, Cetti's Warbler and Blackcap, with the new additions being Sedge Warbler and Common Whitethroat.

Ring Ouzel at Blakehill

14 Apr - A personal first for Blakehill, a male Ring Ouzel feeding around the mounds - wary but gave reasonable views after a while. Also 7 Wheatears present, my first of the spring. A beautiful spring day. Several Willow Warblers in sing along the roadside hedges in CWP.

Spring on hold ...........

2 Apr - A dreich Easter Monday, but 25 Sand Martins over pit 74 from the gate at midday. Also a Cetti's Warbler bravely singing in the chill. The R Thames massively flooded across the surrounding fields.

Easter deluge

31 Mar - Very high water levels everywhere after the prolonged Good Friday rain. 2 LRPs, 2 Oystercatchers and 2 Shelduck at Eysey, also 30+ Fieldfares over. At Shorncote, the new path is flooded to a depth of 6-9"" in places - fairly quiet here, and the rarest sighting was 3 Goosander (2m,1f)on pit 87, but at least 5 singing Cetti's Warblers and a singing Chiffchaff, also a pair of displaying Green Woodpeckers (plus the usual Little Egret and calling Water Rail). Later 3 Redshank in flight from the scrape at pit 74. No hirundines - not that they would last long in these temperatures !

Damp Slimbridge

30 Mar - The start of a forecast damp and cold Easter. A short visit to Slimbridge before the predicted rain arrived in force at midday. Fairly quiet in terms of scarcities, but some photo opportunities on regular and breeding species particularly Avocets, which are prospecting for nesting scrapes and pairing up. The Black-tailed Godwits are coming into rusty breeding plumage now but need the sunshine to really bring out their splendour. A singing Chiffchaff, but no hirundines braving the chilly weather.

Eysey etc

26 Mar - the workings at Eysey are looking quite promising for passage at the moment, the last day or 2 I've seen 4 LRPs, 3 Oystercatchers, a Redshank and a Dunlin, as well as displaying Lapwings. Plus the bonus of a fly-through male Merlin presumably moving north on migration. Also from the W/E, very good views indeed of Short-eared Owls in the Cotswolds, both perched and hunting, in good sunlight - with loads of visitors present, probably 25 cars plus - and the Great Grey Shrike still present as a bonus. Short-eared Owls mobbing Red Kite was a memorable sight........

Local .........

24 Mar - Very conveniently, Nigel Pleass found a 2nd-winter Iceland Gull at Lydiard Park lake just as I was leaving work, so 20 mins later I was watching it - unfortunately a few mins later, this very good bird for Wilts flew off, before many other people arrived. Very white including the primaries, medium-sized with the gentle dove-like expression typical of Iceland Gull. Probably the bird that has been roosting at CWP. A stop at pit 74 on the way home produced the flock of 11 Black-tailed Godwits in flight (these have been present for a couple of days now) together with 2 pairs of Goldeneye. No Sand martins yet. Finally, the usual Shorncote Barn Owl was out well before dusk and giving good views perched and in flight, despite the milder weather. I suspect prey is in shorter supply this time of year?

Otmoor

23 Mar - A sanity evening walk at Otmoor after being stuck inside on a course all day, down the road ......... waders calling including Curlew, Redshank and flyover Snipe, and Lapwings back for breeding. A Barn Owl was hunting in daylight and 2 Marsh Harriers quartered the reedbeds. I heard a sound I never thought I would hear in Oxfordshire - a booming Bittern. A special moment. A Brown Hare also gave good close views, grazing the grass on the edge of the lagoons. Reed Buntings singing, and in a month's time the wetland should be bursting with Warbler song. 6 Red Kites logged in the Oxford area during my return journey.

LRPs

22 Mar - My first 3 LRPs of the spring at Eysey this morning, always one of my favourite spring arrivals. Despite the unseasonably cold weather, actively flying around and calling. The habitat here looks good for them this year. Pit 132 at Kempsford is unfortunately now flooded so will not hold the birds, or any passage waders, this summer - but this morning there was a single Ruff with the 30-odd Lapwings present.

Barnie

20 Mar - An early evening visit to Shorncote, and after the recent cold weather and snow the Barn Owl was sunning itself in a sheltered tree hollow, then emerged to hunt about 4.45pm. and almost immediately caught what appeared to be a rat which it took back to the old tree to eat. Lovely evening sunlight on its plumage during its brief flyround. The usual Little Egrets, Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers also at Shorncote, now thawed after the recent freeze-up, but with high water levels persisting. Not long now til the spring visitors arrive !

Hampshire

16 Mar - A morning trip to a couple of regular spots with photography in mind. Firstly Southsea castle, and at least 10 of this year's wintering flock of 16+ Purple Sandpipers present - difficult to spot as usual , even at close quarters, as they fed unobtrusively amongst the rocks and seaweed. Very well camouflaged in their grey/brown plumage, and endearing birds with their high arctic tameness. Then on to Hayling Oyster beds, and the usual early spring gathering of pre-breeding summer-plumaged Mediterranean Gulls - at least 50 birds displaying and flying at close quarters, in stunning breeding plumage, jet-black masks and blood-red bills with white primaries, one of the most stunning Gulls. A few commoner waders also present on the rising tide. A satisfying morning.

Cotswolds

13 Mar - A sunny afternoon after a cloudy, breezy, damp spell, and very good views of Short-eared Owls hunting in the Cotswolds from 4pm onwards, active in the sunshine and fairly close at times. Also the Great Grey Shrike still present in its usual bushes.......

Flooded Shorncote

10 Mar - A morning visit to Shorncote on a damp morning - Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers calling - good to know that they survived the cold snap. Otherwise fairly quiet - I missed a flyover Great White Egret. 25 Shoveler and 40 Teal present, also singing Reed Buntings - spring is round the corner. Earlier, no Short-eared Owls seen on a brief stop at Blakehill, after the wet night - good views of Roe Deer, and quite a few winter thrushes moving.

The Forest etc ..........

8 Mar - The forecast was for a dry morning then rain later, so I decided on 1 more visit to Parkend for one of my favourite birds, the Hawfinch. Amazingly, on arrival , I was the only one parked up apart from 2 mountain bikers in bright clothing ...... despite this, Hawfinches were much in evidence around the yew trees, both dropping to the ground and in flight, and on 4 occasions 1 or 2 Hawfinches dropped to the ground, very close - amazing to see them fixing me with a beady eye while hopping on the ground and warily feeding on sunflower seeds - unfortunately they fly at the slightest disturbance, but superb views (approx 10 birds in the area) especially of the amazing silvery bill and the chestnut plumage. Also Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch and Coal Tit around. I dropped into Ashleworth Ham then Slimbridge on the way home. At Ashleworth, I located the distinctive drake Green-winged Teal among the large dabbling duck flock on the fairly extensive floods. A bonus was a drake Garganey at Saul flashes, Frampton, thanks to Mike King aka Gloster Birder. Slimbridge itself was fairly quiet, but 7 Avocets were on the pools and the Water Rail in the open from Willow hide. Strangely subdued on the Rushy without the recently-departed Bewick's Swans........ overall a good morning.

WWT

4 Mar - An amazing change in the weather, sun and melting snow and ice. Very good views of the (hungry) Water Rails from willow hide, emerging regularly from the reeds to feed in the open. Also very confiding Teal here. Otherwise, the pools largely frozen - Bewick's Swans on the Tack Piece and on the River Severn - they may well migrate soon if the wind stays in the southwest. Also a mass of waders including Lapwing, Golden Plover and Dunlin around the melting pools on the Dumbles plus probing Snipe, 2 Brent Geese among the feral Barnacles and a perched Peregrine. Nice to see green grass again.

Owls in the Snow part 2........

3 Mar - Some thaw of lying snow and the temperature above freezing .... but the Shorncote Barn Owls were both out hunting before 5pm so must be hungry. Good views especially in silent hunting flight low over the field and reedbed. Also 1 Cetti's Warbler at least must have survived the freeze and was calling, and 2 Little Egrets in flight.

Owls in the Snow

2 Mar - A late afternoon visit to a wintry Blakehill, transformed by the "Beast from the East" into a white landscape of drifting snow. As I expected, after the persistent snow of the previous 24h there were 2 active Short-eared Owls hunting both the plateau and the surrounding fields, and one bird perched on the main fence for a while and fixed me with an irritated stare for daring to intrude on its hunting forays as it sought food in the wintry wilderness. As I left about 5pm snowing was once again being blown horizontally in the wind.

Smew-hunt

1 Mar - After a few days of easterly winds, I had a look around CWP for Smew late morning - however, just the solitary redhead still present. An influx of Goosander in the cold weather, with a total of 31 birds seen, including 13 birds on pit 28. Several passerines struggling to find food in the freeze-up including a Goldcrest at Lower Mill, and Chiffchaffs and Grey Wagtails at Shorncote. Lets hope spring arrives soon.

Shrikes and Owls ........

26 Feb - On two short visits over the weekend, nice views of a wintering Great Grey Shrike in the Cotswolds, and, on the second time of asking, brief views of several Short-eared Owls hunting in reasonable light over the setaside. Always an exciting bird to see, especially in late afternoon sun as they float on slow wingbeats. Also flyover Red Kite and Sparrowhawk.

Slimbridge

24 Feb - A quick stop at Slimbridge, where the Water Rails continue to show very well from Willow hide especially in the cold weather. The Bewick's Swans are starting to display, but will probably stay put while the current cold weather and easterly winds continue. Also the usual impressive mass of waders on the floods and Tack Piece, regularly flushed or spooked by raptors. The views of the wildfowl in full breeding plumage are also exceptional at present.

Arctic wanderer..........

22 Feb - One of the most charismatic and sought after Arctic birds was sighted in Dorset yesterday ........ an adult Ross's Gull, a diminutive, elegant Gull that breeds in remote high Arctic regions, winters along the pack ice, and is only a rare wanderer further south. I joined the expectant watchers on the south coast, having seen a flyby 2nd-year Glaucous Gull but missed the star bird on its first brief appearance - then after a wait of a couple of hours it dropped in again at Lodmoor to bathe and preen on the pools alongside its larger cousins. It's not very often that Mediterranean Gulls are outshone for me, as it's one of my favourite birds, but the Ross's was dwarfed by the other species as it swam, preened on the mud and gave several flight views - a striking white gull with a wedge-shaped tail, white primaries and a slight pink wash on the underparts, and a striking dove-like face with tiny bill. Excellent views of this elusive Arctic wanderer. Even the Spoonbill present wasn't given much attention in the excitement.

Slimbridge....... first time for a while!

12 Feb - A couple of hours at Slimbridge at the w/e - the Bewick's Swans will be leaving soon and are starting to display to each other. Wildfowl in general are in smart breeding plumage at present. Water Rails showing very well at the Willow hide, seemingly not aware that the field guides describe them as skulking! Avocets back on South Lake plus large numbers of waders on the Tack Piece floods ......... the usual impressive winter spectacle.........

Blashford afternoon

9 Feb - An afternoon trip to Blashford HWT near Fordingbridge - firstly the woodland hide, where after a wait the Bramblings showed up to feed - 5 bird, including 3 smart males. They are fairly confiding here, but as with Bramblings generally are reluctant to sit out in the open. Still much better views than in the average stubble field! Also Siskin, Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker present along with some very showy Long-tailed Tits. Then across to Tern hide overlooking the gull roost on Ibsley Water, and within 5 minutes of my arriving in the (very busy) hide the juvenile Thayer's Gull was picked out - a large gull, very pale primaries, rounded head profile, medium tail. A high arctic Canadian species, currently considered a subspecies of Iceland Gull, but this may change. Also present - Caspian (2nd yr) Yellow-legged and Med Gulls. A successful afternoon !

Snowy Owls!

3 Feb - I've just returned from a fantastic week in Quebec with a photography group, the primary object being the large influx of Snowy Owls this winter. Due to an excellent breeding season, there are a large number of 1st-year Snowies wintering in the northern USA and Canada - this species is generally fairly approachable as it breeds in the high Arctic and is unused to human company. It is a particularly charismatic species with its large size, white plumage and cat-like hypnotic gaze, as well as its aura of inaccessibility and being a very sought-after species due to its rarity. Unfortunately the world population is thought to be declining. The Quebec weather was typical of this time of year - a mixture of blue skies and sparkling snow interspersed with snow fall. The temperatures ranged from + 6 on the warmest day to - 17 on the coldest night with an additional windchill taking it to -27. Layers definitely required and I made the mistake of taking my gloves off for a few minutes and the seriously numb fingers took several hours to recover. The Owls themselves were photogenic in a variety of locations - snowy fields and trees, also telegraph poles and hay bales - anything that made a good vantage point. Fortunately one of the Owls has learnt to come to a supply of dead mice so afforded particularly good photo opportunities. Bald Eagles were also, around particularly the frozen shores of Lake Ontario and a conifer plantation here held a superb little roosting Saw-Whet Owl - very hard to find in the dense branches but nevertheless found by our amazing guide Chris Dodds. Woodland birds are thin on the ground in the winter in northern Canada due to the severity of the weather, but we saw some species around feeders both in Montreal and on the lakeshore. Colourful American Robins were particularly conspicuous in a roving flock, wary as Thrushes always are, Chickadees and Nuthatches were also very active and rather fearless. All in all an amazing experience, the Canadians take severe winter weather in their stride and life functions as normal. And they are very friendly. And the currency features the Queen's head !

Droitwich

19 Jan - A winter visit to the hides, a crisp winter day but unfortunately the Green Woodpecker did not cooperate - the Kingfisher did however and perched obligingly in the low sunlight. Also a large mixed flock of Fieldfares and Redwings feeding in the fields.

Forest of Dean

18 Jan - A morning visit to FoD in sunny but breezy conditions. First stop the Hawfinch spot at Parkend - I managed to persuade several birders standing around to get back into their cars, with the result that the Hawfinches cautiously came down onto the ground to feed, at 1 point a male was within 3 metres of the car! They are very nervous, landing in the Yews for a wary look around before they descend to the floor - and a passing walker or lorry immediately spooks then up into the trees and they take a while to return. Some reasonable photographic opportunities though. I also had a walk at Crabtree and was rewarded with good but fairly distant views of the Great Grey Shrike - also Stonechats in evidence, and flyover Crossbills, Redpolls and Siskins. Altogether a successful morning. Winter and early spring is one of the best times for the Forest, before the leaf cover makes birds much harder to find.

Local bits and pieces

14 Jan - A couple of Brambling at Marshfield, and 2 Hawfinch at Corsham Court. Then the Ring-necked Duck showing quite well at Keynes Park at CWP, so a good couple of hours.....

Lakes

11-13 Jan - A brief winter foray to the Lakes courtesy of a fast train ride with Virgin - much more restful than battling the M6 in a car. Limited daylight at this time of the year, but we were fairly fortunate with the weather, with dry slightly misty conditions, and even a bit of elusive sunshine making for a dramatic red sunset on the first evening. Birding was limited, but I kept my eyes open as we walked, and saw a couple of Dippers at close quarters, both near to stone bridges which presumably provide good nesting sites. One bird was singing which seemed optimistic for spring......... Lake Windermere held wintering Goosander and Goldeneye, I also logged a single flyover Whooper Swan and a flock of Pinkfeet, both heading south, possibly to Martin Mere WWT in Lancs ? It would be good to be able to revisit later in the year with more daylight and with summer visitors present.

WWT

8 Jan - The highlight of a couple of New Year visits to Slimbridge have been the elegant wintering Swans, the less-elegant Whitefronts, and a good selection of waders - including wheeling Golden Plovers, Little Stint and Spotted Redshank - but especially the outstanding views of Snipe from Hogarth hide, and the bobbing (but almost invisible) Jack Snipe outside Zeiss hide. Always an impressive place in the winter months.

Local Great White Egret ..........

7 Jan - Driving past North Meadow, I thought that the Egret feeding looked fairly large ..... so I stopped and checked, and it was a Great White! Good views, yellow bill, very long sinuous neck. My first self-found at CWP.

Poole harbour

6 Jan - A bright but cold day with NE wind for the boat trip from Poole Quay including Brownsea. The harbour was busy with a good selection of wintering birds - mainly Red-breasted Mergansers and Great Crested Grebes, but including 3 Great Northern Divers and 8 dapper Black-necked Grebes, Common and Velvet Scoter and Goldeneye. 20 or so Spoonbills were hunkered down in the wind near Arne, where several Sika Deer were grazing. A lone Sandwich Tern probably wished it had joined its compatriots in migrating to West Africa! Unfortunately the lagoon on Brownsea was much fuller than usual as the pump was broken, so photo opportunities very limited .......... but Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover were all roosting in numbers, as was a dense pack of Avocets, along with the 2 specialities, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank. A bonus was nice views of a Kingfisher perched along the boardwalk, and a Red Squirrel building a drey nearer the main buildings. An enjoyable but bracing trip, the finale being the usual very active flock of Sanderlings on the beach by the chain ferry at Studland. An hour in the morning, pre-trip, gave me views of a male Bearded Tit, a male Marsh Harrier and an adult Med Gull at Radipole. So a busy but successful day.

Glos runaround

5 Jan - An early Jan runaround on a slightly showery day - reasonable views of the Great Northern Diver still resident at pit 125 in eastern CWP - then Plock Court at Gloucester where I had much better views of the Penduline Tit, feeding on Bullrush heads, a tiny bird like a miniature Red-backed Shrike. Seen on arrival so no waiting required. Then a productive couple of hours at Slimbridge - both Spotted Redshank and Little Stint present on the Rushy (with Bewick's of course) alongside Redshank and good numbers of Ruff - with impressively large numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwing on the Tack Piece, alongside Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew. Excellent views of Snipe from Hogarth hide at the top end of South Lake. Finally, 3 Short-eared Owls in the Cotswolds emerged in reasonable light, with a Barn Owl later on. A good, fairly local day!

New Year 2018

Jan 1 - I managed to get out for part of the day to get my 2018 list off to a start, although the best bird of the day was on our regular walk in Cirencester Park - the 2 Hawfinches I saw in October surfaced again, this time they landed in view and I saw them perched at reasonable distance - alas, without the camera. Marsh Tit, Grey Wagtail and Jay also seen in the park. A quick look round CWP gave a lot of expected ticks for 2018 - Shorncote was productive as usual, highlights being 9 Little Egrets on the floods, 4 Water Rails and 3 Cetti's Warblers calling, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch and Meadow Pipit. Also a Fox carrying prey in broad daylight! Surprisingly, all the Shovelers present last week had vanished, probably as there is a lot more floodwater around at the moment. An Avocet at Eysey would be an excellent bird, but may be an escape from Bristol Zoo - I am awaiting a response from them as to the red ring on the birds right leg. Finally, late afternoon a few miles north in the Cotswolds produced 2 Red Kites, and views of Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl, but not til it was almost dark. 79 species logged in total.