Pelagic

11 Aug - I decided to go on the Isles of Scilly pelagic boat trip that I'd pencilled in, as it's been a very good seabird season in the SW especially with all the unsettled weather. So a drive and a crossing on the Scillonian set me up for an evening trip out with Joe Pender and a return home the next day (after b and b for 1 night). The weather was cloudy with a SW breeze, good conditions, and the crossing from Penzance was eventful with very large numbers of Manx Shearwaters - also 5 Cory's and a Sooty Shearwater, with a few Storm Petrels also seen. The trip on the Sapphire was very bouncy on a sea with a considerable swell, but almost immediately we came upon a mixed flock of Shearwaters including both Great and Cory's - unfortunately photography was a challenge with the poor light, a bit of drizzle, and the swell affecting balance on the boat - but good views were had especially of the majestic Cory's gliding around, and of the slightly more delicate Greats "shearing" in the wind. We also put out some fish oil to attract Storm Petrels, and as well as the fluttering Stormies we saw 2 Wilson's Petrels - distinctive with their larger and squarer size, stronger secondary bars and projecting feet. The trip is also excellent for views of Gannets and Fulmars, and these accompanied us back to harbour as the evening closed in. Terrible traffic on the Saturday trying to get back from Cornwall - 6 hours! but worth it.........

Wood Sandpipers

10 Aug - 3 juveniles of this very elegant species have been at Slimbridge WWT for the last few days, probably stalled on their southbound migration by the wet weather. They've been feeding with Green and Common Sandpipers for a fieldguide-type comparison - compared with these two species the Woods are very slim and elegant, longer-legged, and are always sought after as a regular but fairly scarce passage migrant. The Wood Sands were fairly cooperative for the camera from the Robbie Garnett hide, and as usual South Lake was giving good views of Black-tailed Godwits (and also Ruff) though the bright light can be a problem here for photography.

South of the county

6 Aug - A stop en route home, and as well as a couple of family groups of Whinchats I was scanning around when a raptor flying low in the valley caught my attention - a male Montagu's Harrier! It flew through and continued south, a real bonus. I even managed a record shot.......

WWT again

29 July - Another look at WWT to try to photograph the Greenshank - alas it remained fairly distant but I obtained a few record shots - one of my favourite waders. Also further good views of Black-tailed Godwits on Rushy Pen. The Swifts were screaming around the village noisily this evening in the rain - they will be leaving us soon for their incedible flight to Africa where they stay airborne for months on end.

Pectoral Sandpiper at WWT.......

27 July - A Pec Sand at Slimbridge found last night by @Robertabirder. and still present today - good but distant views from Zeiss hide. Also Greenshank, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, a colourful summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwit flock, Little Stint and Dunlin, with Green Sandpipers from Robbie Garnett hide and on the Rushy. Wader numbers should increase as the autumn passage gets under way and the juvenile birds start to move. Few passerines seen in very windy conditions.

Northumberland 14-21 July 2017

A week in Northumberland by motor caravan...... generally v good weather, lots of wildlife, cycling and relaxation. The highlights were many - the beautiful wild coast, dunes islands and castles, pennines, Scottish border, and uncrowded roads. superb views especially around Lindisfarne/Holy Island, Seahouses, Crater and Alnmouth, the Farnes, and Amble / Coquet Island. Plentiful coastal wildlife..... thousands of pairs of Puffins finishing their breeding season on the Farnes affording close views with beakfuls of fish, with a supporting cast of Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Arctic and Sandwich terns and Grey Seals - and of course the rare Roseate Terns at their only regular breeding site in England, Coquet Island, over 100 pairs this year and great views from the boat trip. This stretch of coast in my opinion is the UK version of the Galapagos and is an outstanding wildlife experience, giving wonderful photographic opportunities. And it does not disappoint. Historically it is also fascinating, with the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed having changed hands between England and Scotland multiple times over the centuries, accounting for the impressive city walls. A very enjoyable few days, with fresh air and wildlife in abundance.

Scotland....... Black Isle and Cairngorms

A couple of days in Scotland. On the first day, the incessant rain of the previous 24h had let up, leaving cloud and some initial drizzle. A had a day booked in a hide on the Black Isle, and had been looking forward to this for a while. I settled in for the day, the view being a forest edge with logs suitably positioned in the clearing. The main attraction was mammalian, not avian ( despite Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Tawny Owl) and a Red Squirrel soon made an appearance and continued to entertain through the day. The suspense continued, until finally at around 6pm an inquisitive face and pointed ears appeared out of the heather - a Pine Marten! I could hardly believe it, but I watched it climb and eat some food for 10-15 mins until it disappeared again, ever alert to any noise from my hide. A privilege to see such a shy, elusive and rare mammal at close quarters. And a very good photo opportunity, despite the poor light. The next day started with a window of fine weather and I parked up early in Glen Feshie on the eastern end of the Cairngorms. Superb conditions, and a good path throughout led up onto Carn Ban Mhor, then onto the plateau area, expansive views from the Cairngorm massif round to Ben Alder. A family of Ptarmigan gave close views, along with several displaying Dunlin, no Dotterel though. Also a calling Ring Ouzel. Beautiful Caledonian pines in the Glen gave a rewarding walk back up to glen - these are conserved by fencing out the deer. I drove home for 2 reasons - firstly, there was no flight ...... and secondly, ornithological highlights. First of all the North Pennines - breeding waders, especially Curlew calling and perched beside the road.......along with Snipe and Lapwings. Secondly a superb 1st summer Sabine's Gull at Nosterfield - exceptional views of is normally pelagic Gull - especially the striking flight profile. Worth the stop. Then, finally, the celebrity Bee-Eaters that are nesting in a quarry in S Notts - along with the attendant crowd. Not forgetting Black Grouse back in the Pennines, Co Durham. A busy couple of days........