tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-240568212012-01-13T19:33:07.644ZEagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.comBlogger4641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-29843539207962166572012-01-13T19:27:00.004Z2012-01-13T19:33:07.652Z

Briefly had a brilliant days birding on Thursday with Bob and Geoff. Spanish Sparrow, Dark eyed Junco, plus Ferruginous Duck, Bittern, Whooper and Berwick Swans, Hawfinch, Crossbills (more than I have seen probably for ever!) Siskins, Redpolls and lots more!Thanks to Nick Bond for the Junco photo! I need to download the Crossbils!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-82934813427738428772012-01-11T16:37:00.000Z2012-01-11T16:39:20.628Z

Seen todayShag, Blacknecked Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Tufted Ducks and Scaup.No sign of the reported Water Pipits!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-32339303461068908162011-12-30T18:14:00.002Z2011-12-30T18:47:41.491Z

My Fair Isle Kep!Shetland Wildlife asked what were the highlights of 2011.I had a little think and I shared a few events.So I wondered how to sum up the year -I decided this should be about Natural History.Tanzania has to be the tip top best - totally amazing- every day was something new.I need to sort through Pat's photos and post more on here and on Facebook!I have a lovely memory with the

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-48866254309508913192011-12-28T16:30:00.007Z2011-12-28T17:15:24.513Z

Well a walk was called for this afternoon- first to Osterley where the cafe was closed- so then to Syon where of course the cafe was open- had to search for the coffee as all coffeee shops between Osterley and Syon were closed!Not so many birds about either apart from some showy and posey Robins!We caught the sun going down at Syon and the moon was well up!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-85457437987519341612011-12-27T15:44:00.002Z2011-12-27T15:49:58.131Z

Well there was a Western Sandpiper (WP and UK lifer!) and a Coue's Arctic Redpoll to be seen - and i'd had some grief off a birding mate re the Western!(you know who you are "Gibster"!)Both in Norfolk- so what to do on the day after Boxing Day- well yes a little trip was on the cards!So now i am home and both birds nicely captured - altho I did leave them there for others to see!lol!Now I am

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-45579874546686127252011-11-20T21:00:00.002Z2011-11-20T21:02:23.697Z

Spotted Sandpiper and Sharp-tailed sandpiper! plus another long trip for the Greater Yellowlegs!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-41457098295830342712011-11-16T21:33:00.003Z2011-11-17T08:27:44.623Z

I have downloaded a lot of the next photos onto my Facebook site - takes so long on here so i shall redirect to my Facebook site!I will post on here later- in case you are not on Facebook.But there will only be a few....blogger uploads so slowly it drives me to distraction!Here's a Leopard!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-3820686659907256822011-11-12T21:07:00.004Z2011-11-12T21:21:04.775Z

All photos copyright Pat Simmons

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-14018630773705182672011-11-12T17:53:00.009Z2011-11-12T18:31:50.597Z

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-71415715436970404492011-11-09T12:23:00.005Z2011-11-09T12:42:34.227Z

Thanks to Jonathan Lethbridge of Wanstead Birder for permission to reproduce his photos here.I just love the feisty Firecrest and this one is so feisty and different from most other photos!then one of the missing birds from the Scilly 4 as I like to call them!Northern Waterthrush a particular favourite.

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-83061754111673416142011-11-06T10:20:00.010Z2011-11-06T12:16:56.836Z

All photos are copyright of Pat Simmons.alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671834133532530690" />Superb StarlingHildebrant StarlingGymnogeneAugar BuzzardAfrican Fish Eagle

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-73471011354038684032011-11-03T12:04:00.004Z2011-11-03T12:35:17.606Z

Well it wouldn't let me publish the Moorhen sequence i will have another go later.The surprise meeting was with Colin (I am 82) as we were going into the Peacock Tower he and his friends were just comoing out- last time I saw Colin was on Shetland the morning he was returning to England!We had spent a very interesting week on Shetland with Shetland Wildlife and being guided by Hugh Harrop (

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-48451953877084034682011-11-03T10:44:00.004Z2011-11-03T12:03:53.576Z

Camera says "Where to -today?" I say not sure "wonder if Pat can spare a couple of hours- we havent been to Barnes for a while and we can get good coffee there and have lunch"So camera gets its way and we are off for more practise. I looked on the web before we left- Booming Bittern! and a cast of lovelies! (linnet, redpoll, grey wag, Peregrine and other raptors, Redwings and Fieldfares ......)

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-32819537093918359562011-11-01T17:43:00.005Z2011-11-01T18:34:02.070Z

Monday - I went to QE2 Reservoir in the afternoon to see a Shorelark - sans camera.(Not really expecting to go I hadn't taken everything with me! Interesting going to a new reservoir especially getting in- a bit strange in reality. Those of you who have been understand what I am getting at!Its a long walk from one end to the other and tricky spotting the quarry but what a lovely bird!I shall be

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-75275278336130240272011-10-29T17:04:00.003+01:002011-10-29T17:13:08.058+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-83420779038190886112011-10-29T16:46:00.005+01:002011-10-29T17:03:55.104+01:00

I didn't realise how difficult it is to take photos of Crows - this one wouldn't stop moving! lol!It was as if he was saying you are not going to get me - all of me and if you do it will be out of focus!haha

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-85906945555327347382011-10-29T16:42:00.002+01:002011-10-29T16:46:19.517+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-36999531011501563712011-10-29T16:26:00.004+01:002011-10-29T16:41:58.942+01:00

Experimenting with new camera

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-51429978635189370042011-10-29T16:06:00.003+01:002011-10-29T16:26:30.266+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-85318520458738772632011-10-29T15:25:00.002+01:002011-10-29T16:05:47.423+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-85409266254505977982011-10-29T12:46:00.003+01:002011-10-29T15:25:31.803+01:00

The new camera had an outing to Osterley Park in the autumnl sunshine!Lumix Panosonic FZ150.

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-91810334924279636532011-10-24T11:56:00.002+01:002011-10-24T12:03:33.399+01:00

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifIts World Polio DayPolio has almost been eradicated across the World but there are still a few countries where this is not the case.Many of Hounslow's Labour Councillors have joined with Hounslow Rotary Club in calling on residents to raise awareness of the disease.The following iis on the Council's Homepage."To mark World Polio Day (Monday 24 October),

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-91129243018924760332011-10-23T18:19:00.002+01:002011-10-26T14:14:57.119+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-48482493617777347592011-10-23T18:05:00.002+01:002011-10-26T14:14:25.778+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-57696698869283266972011-10-22T16:23:00.008+01:002011-10-23T15:22:07.126+01:00

Photos by Pat SimmonsFinally I make it back to Tanzania photos - cant believe we are at half term October- time flies as they say!Pats photographs have been saved to DVDs and now I am downloading them to my pc!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-55037192139197414382011-10-22T12:10:00.007+01:002011-10-23T14:23:21.967+01:00

As ever behind the times!Last week I went to Norfolk - I saw some very nice birds - I self found some year ticks (which is obviously better and brilliant!)- I also was in the right place at the right time to not see the Rufous-tailed Robin!I saw what probably was the RTR - but it was all black - nope thats correct - a silouette - why did I not see the bird? Well if you have read the tales of the

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-36052089417717294092011-10-22T10:28:00.004+01:002011-10-22T10:34:30.730+01:00

Another of Nick Bond's photos - that very showy and rather glam LYL!I am trying not to be too upset about the Siberian Rubythroat on Mainland Shetland.Committments mean I cant go - but would I if I could...yes its a special bird and I love Shetland! The way the winds are looks like it might be a good week ahead up there.You never know we might get one in Suffolk or Kent/Sussex or Surrey soon?

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-19296671829954744212011-10-19T23:00:00.002+01:002011-10-19T23:11:39.209+01:00

Yup finally got to the 300 year tics! It really is about planning where you go each year mainly.I havent visited Highlands this year so a lot of easy birds are not on my list yet - like my favs Golden Eagle.Crested Tit and the parrotxbill plus scot xbills! plus the grouse black and red! and Ptarm plus Capers! losing 8 is a deal!I havent twitched that much this year =I am going to do less next as

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-3709733819779476732011-10-14T22:19:00.006+01:002011-10-30T11:40:00.231Z

Thank you Nick for the above images thats Nick Bond if you dont know my famous Widerscope friend

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-71357438753824805422011-10-14T07:42:00.005+01:002011-10-30T11:44:41.904Z

Whilst I was in Scotland - mainly Shetland for two weeks - I took advantage of the early Saturday morning and finally clawed back the Sandhill Crane I had so unfortunately missed when onevisited the Orkney's in 2009. (Dont think I have really forgiven Seth for not phoning to see if I had a lift! -oh yes I think I have now he is all engaged to the lovely Sami!- but only when my wedding invite

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-87862438466506389402011-09-18T04:04:00.003+01:002011-09-20T01:19:08.151+01:00

Well some more bits and pieces.....the migrants are arriving - along with "Yank" waders and others....obviously having taken a ride across the pond along the tail end of the high winds...hopefully there might be enough of some of them that they stay overwinter and stay to breed! ;)Was very tempted to journey to the far west today! Scillies calling - but my grown up self wrested control and I

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-70862670820850059892011-09-14T21:32:00.003+01:002011-09-14T21:49:14.161+01:00

THe inherited cat who rules my life!So the Montage is in the Dining/kitchen room! Up instead of the LGS painting - and fits perfectly - so the Martial Eagle in the tree is bang opposite my eye line so I can see all the birds!The LGS painting is going to be hung in the hall were my hand made mirror is - thats going to the top of the stairs after the carpet is changed - cant bear the blue carpet

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-28403851166797991592011-09-13T22:23:00.003+01:002011-09-13T22:59:39.186+01:00

Well my birthday present arrived at my house today - here is a pic - I will publish each of these photos eventually! Remember they are copywrite of Pat Simmons.Now an interesting id task I wonder if any of you can id all of the birds?Or even some of the birds.I shall not say anything yet!Now I have a tricky problem - where to hang my Montage? Its sitting at the moment on a table in my front room

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-69541871548566015702011-09-08T15:14:00.003+01:002011-09-08T15:24:01.866+01:00

Cant wait for Saturday and Sunday - for some birding action! Best present so far?My friend who came to Tanzania with me - the photographer, Pat brought the work so far to show me yesterday.My top ten birds of the trip (her photos) plus some others she thought I would like as a photo montage....so its birds from the trip...they look cool- she is seeking out a proper mount, which appears tricky-

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-68909525019167972632011-08-28T19:14:00.002+01:002011-08-28T19:31:04.252+01:00

Well today I finally managed to download all the photographers photos from our trip to Tanzania. I had to buy some dvd's to burn the photos on a I couldn't download from the external hard drive to my hard drive. So I have all the photos - all the sunsets and there are lots as Pat spent each evening we were at Manta Resort taking pics! What a day - Bolt not doing what we expected - seems like

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-36163232640247736952011-08-21T14:42:00.003+01:002011-08-21T15:18:13.782+01:00

Well its time to think about some sea watching- I have to think where? when? and look at the weather! Apparently there may be winds from the east this next week so migrants and other birds may arrive from the Continent But I do need to spend some time staring at the sea! East coast sounds good - I wonder if Reculver might be a good idea? or Shellness? Where ever it will have to be later in the

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-91523789517774031882011-08-21T13:01:00.007+01:002011-08-21T18:30:54.289+01:00

What an interesting August! I return to see I have missed a couple of nice year ticks. White-rumped Sandpiper at Snettisham and another white bird - a WWBT at Grafham Water and then a trip across Essex to see the Sub-alpine Warbler a pretty littlebird! But finally a bird I have dipped more times than I care to recall - I even missed one in Canada in 2004 (I was looking in one direction on a

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-30887277651210055572011-08-19T16:27:00.004+01:002011-08-20T13:21:19.853+01:00

These have come out in the wrong order - the long distant Martial Eagle is the one we watched catch a Helmeted Guineafowl and then walk along with it attached to one foot before taking off and landing in a nearby tree where somekind of change of talons occured.(30/7) The close ups were of a bird in a tree towards the end of the day on the 1st of August. Both birds were in the Serengeti. Martial

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-69643612153131000402011-08-19T16:20:00.005+01:002011-08-19T16:27:19.106+01:00

These are mainly from the Serengeti - one Lioness from the Ngorongoro Crater - she is the one with the big paw!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-46460087833003462472011-08-17T15:54:00.003+01:002011-08-17T16:00:36.307+01:00

A view of Mount Mara the other high mountain nr Mt Kilimanjaro Airport - its the nearest mountain to Arusha and dominates the skyline. On the journey to Serengeti we saw Masai and their cattle in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-4230586596886170832011-08-17T09:44:00.001+01:002011-08-17T10:15:39.027+01:00

The holiday started with an upgrade(free) from World Travellers(economy) to World Travellers Plus - as you can see the ace photographer Pat looking pleased with herself! Whether they were over booked (we couldn't get our boarding card online due to the tickets we had) or because Pat has an airmiles card for BA. Very nice to travel so far in a bit of luxury!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-48018427744116566622011-08-13T17:51:00.001+01:002011-08-13T18:03:09.268+01:00

Some mammals. There is also a "Twitch" Serengeti style. Black Rhino's are in Ngorongoro Crater All other pics are from the Serengeti.

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-45878856532287560032011-08-13T14:40:00.005+01:002011-08-13T15:16:33.617+01:00

View from our plane of Mount Kilimanjaro! What an amazing country, such lovely friendly and gentle people and a fantastic adventure. Thanks to Roy Safaris(especially Nancy) and our driver/guide Richard who was full of knowledge, helped me id many birds and got the Jeep into great positions for Pat's photographs. Richard has a lovely sense of humour and an understanding of irony! Really

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-87260944222421675102011-08-13T11:33:00.004+01:002011-08-13T15:17:47.398+01:00

I missed the Second Test while I was away in Africa. A mate text me the result and the words "India were rubbish". Obviously I was happy we had gone 2-0 up - but winning by over 300 runs and that comment made me sad. The No 1 team in the world - the most talented batting team and they are rubbish. Something has gone wrong - no dis credit to our team who are playing at the top of their game- all

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-13144459409868508282011-07-24T12:30:00.004+01:002011-07-24T13:19:52.866+01:00

Well the blog is now behaving but I dont have time to catch up on the comings and goings I have missed here!We are off on the holidays.This time is does not matter whether my piccies are in focus or not as I am taking a photographer with me!LOL! Pat will be the official photographer and I will have to be the id expert( even funnier!) well I will do my best and any birds I cant id - I will at

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-27099398191118097042011-07-06T11:36:00.003+01:002011-07-06T12:06:43.101+01:00

Bill Baston's image of the superb Roller in Suffolk!now for an armchair tick!Well its happened this wild bird we saw in December 2010 has been accepted by the powers that be!I mentally had it on my UK lifer list at 395 - and during 2011 I have since seen 4 new UK lifers including two Lifers.This is where counting birds gets complicated - yes I saw the bird - will it be accepted?Atleast with all

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-64876773308737261372011-07-03T17:45:00.004+01:002011-07-06T12:03:28.339+01:00

Chris Bonds photo taken on the day I saw this bird. From the great to the tiny!Terry Laws beautiful capture of a Dainty Damelsfly on the Isle of Sheppey. I am seeking permission to use this image.June has been busy!But I was able to do some birding!The Roller was the first to make me drop the emails and work and go and see it .Suffolk not being that far away and it would be a uk lifer!Then it was

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-27610253727083132882011-06-18T16:28:00.002+01:002011-06-18T16:31:40.256+01:00

Well its been a long time since my last blog!I have some photo's to post and some adventures to report but but most important is no pic but a new bird for the UK - an adult Roller! Yes indeed!I may have some other year ticks to report soon and some maybe UK ticks or even lifers and one might be a tick for the future! (I think they are called armchair ticks when they are potential splits !)More of

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-40133618241199222182011-05-23T08:38:00.002+01:002011-05-23T08:41:05.503+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-17275315254798378202011-05-23T08:35:00.001+01:002011-05-23T08:38:24.885+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-86976941255679678032011-05-23T08:30:00.004+01:002011-05-23T08:35:25.145+01:00

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-17075222596883314012011-05-21T20:33:00.002+01:002011-05-21T20:42:07.402+01:00

A pictorial visit to Chiswick House in Chiswick Gardens.On Thursday I joined the Mayor and Mayoress plus the Deputy Mayor on a tour of Chiswick House. There were lots of other mayors from around London Boroughs there as well.(as well as a couple of local cllrs - two of whom had been Mayors!).After the welcome speeches about Colin's two charities we were given a guided tour of Chiswick House by a

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-45370741716689910482011-05-16T13:14:00.007+01:002011-05-16T13:31:22.949+01:00

Once again - especially for Tommy!These are all Pat's photo's taken on a good Canon camera and 100-400 telephoto lens!Sedge Warbler is the other bird shown!April 29th was a great day to hear and see Nightingales at PB!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-12240493344098977252011-05-15T19:54:00.002+01:002011-05-15T20:03:17.481+01:00

Long time no post!Today - Forest of Dean - Nagshead RSPB and to Symonds Yat.New birds for the yearPied Flycatchers! At least 5 males and 2 females seen and we think at least twomore heard!A pair of Wood Warblers!The male was very loud and demented! Fliting from branch to branch and it was only when we also spotted the female we understood his behaviour!We missed any Spotted Flycatchers but meet a

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-56953728849473028912011-04-24T15:56:00.002+01:002011-04-24T16:13:46.696+01:00

Well the blog has been a bit uncooperative recently and I could post a blog!So how to catch up?Tuesday was a quick trip out to North Cambs for Blue-winged Teal - most co-operative!Right there in front of the hide - and turned his head to us and then had a bit of a preen before sleeping again!We had gone to Welney first in search of the Blue throat- we appeared and someone claimed to have seen

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-65257629309186064552011-04-08T15:13:00.002+01:002011-04-08T15:18:58.824+01:00

This morning I thought a quick trip to the Wetlands might be a good idea.I am going birding in Kent tomorrow to finish at my neices on the Isle of Sheppey early evening.Well migrants are everywhere!Whitethroat, Sedge and Garden Warblers all gave themselves up to view! All tracked down by their songs and or calls!It was great to see the Reed Warblers outenjoying the sunshine and singing along with

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-59725948966683540472011-04-07T16:53:00.004+01:002011-04-07T17:02:21.239+01:00

This afternoon I went to Barnes for a short visit and was very surprised to see a lovely adult male Ring Ouzel in the St Pauls School Playing Fields nearest to the Hammersmith Bridge (A305).I was happy to hear and see up to 5 Willow Warblers at the Wetlands centre.The song is spring/summer for me!No Little Ringed Plovers but if I were a LRP I wouldn't stay around a place that is inaundated with

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-43096360759370023942011-04-06T23:16:00.002+01:002011-04-06T23:33:24.311+01:00

Meant to say today was a good butterfly day as well!Comma, Green veined White, Orange Tip - male what a stunner!Small white and Holly Blue!added to my Pecocks of the other week - 6 so far!Another flashed past me - no chance of an id - it could have been a female - I can only do males unless the female looks the same!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-53274248376296935522011-04-06T19:17:00.002+01:002011-04-06T19:47:27.505+01:00

Today I was able to get out in the sunshine !This afternoon I needed to go to Bedfont Lakes CP to renew my "Friends of" sub.This accomplished I had a really good chat with two of the staff about the birds and mammals in the park. (there is a special Nature Reserve that we friends of have access to - its open to the public on a Sunday afternoon for a ouple of hours- so its worth being a friend for

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-88322040615847434182011-04-01T17:37:00.003+01:002011-04-02T17:13:42.157+01:00

Sal came over to England to visit her sisters and do some genealogy! She also wanted to do some British Birding so Allan and I arranged to meet her at Barnes. Sal was staying in London for this part of her trip.Allan and his wife Catherine were joined by Sal's nephew and neice.Thursday 31st March.Despite the windy and rainy conditions - it got better later!Sal was able to id some of the Birds and

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-51739634407653834592011-03-27T17:16:00.005+01:002011-03-27T21:44:51.361+01:00

On Thursday evening Bob and I discussed a trip to Suffolk.It as in 1991 that Bob saw his Short-toed Treecreeper - and many more in Espana. Me well I have seen a few in Espana and none in the Uk so it was a no brainer where we would be starting on Friday.I had been tempted on Thursday when news came through but I was committed to going to Rainham (hopefully for Garganey's) and I had to be back in

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-47729750164721905772011-03-15T20:37:00.002Z2011-03-15T20:43:31.201Z

Trip to Dungeness on Friday ensured that I managed to catch a Penduline Tit and Black Redstart but missed most of the migrants that I saw appear on my pager or when I got home!I really wanted a Black throated Diver or a Pom Skua but no new sea birds for me!I had a little run down to Devon on Saturday afternoon to overnight to collect a sighting of some nice Cirl Buntings and the female Surf

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-32456204501959843142011-03-07T15:38:00.002Z2011-03-07T16:34:59.969Z

Well a saunter(not!) out to Essex today and a Green-winged Teal!Now I have a chance of catching up with the birds that Bob managed to see when he had some time to go birding when I was working!Not that he had connected with the Slaty-backed - but then if he had gone on Wednesday 16th - when he was on the Isle of Sheppey -I reckon we would have met up at the car park at Rainham! Instead he had 6

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-8552881232745050612011-03-07T07:37:00.003Z2011-03-07T07:44:22.711Z

LOL!Well I couldn't go birding on Saturday and Bob couldn't go on Sunday. Independently we managed to decide to go for the rather nice looking Ferruginous Male Duck in Suffolk.Bob picked up on a Green winged Teal on the way back.Me well I scored a Green Sandpiper!I hear there are some doubts about the "pure" GWT. I await further information- I havent spoken to Bob re this and as he is off to

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-58006921091763188112011-03-03T16:13:00.002Z2011-03-03T16:24:51.201Z

Now for something completely different!Why different they are my record shots this afternoon on a local birding expedition!After my further afield exploits it was interesting to see Waxwings back in Isleworth.There are few berries about but these birds find them!Oh yes bit behind on my blog....now what has been occuring a day when Bob and I searched for two bird species that are sadly becoming

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-17724666813615615792011-02-26T20:31:00.000Z2011-02-26T20:32:09.449Z

At last!(more later!)

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-27354201296424409792011-02-25T17:08:00.002Z2011-02-25T17:09:00.507Z

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-15197059005840146582011-02-25T16:58:00.003Z2011-02-26T14:55:01.434Z

On Tuesday as it was raining heavily in the morning, instead of exploring somewhere north of Cambridge for spring flowers we retreated to Barnes!Pat managed to catch this photo of a Long tailed tit- no idea how she managed it as it was flit,flit, flitting everywhere!We had good sightings of a Cetti's.There will be a few more photos downloaded soon!oh and two photos fron NZ - Pat visited friends

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-11487026609754670372011-02-20T20:46:00.006Z2011-02-20T20:53:22.465Z

With thanks to Andrew Lawson for permission to use photos of the Slaty-backed Gull.

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-14452202343266358522011-02-20T19:13:00.002Z2011-02-20T19:21:36.949Z

Trip today to Arne in Dorset.Target Birds- Spoonbill, Avocet and Dartford Warbler.Briefly - 8 Spoonbills found!I saw 2 Dartford Warblers including one up and singing on a bush really close!We dipped the Avocets!we then went to Swanage to a Country Park next to the sea and saw a Shag!There were other birds including great views of a Peregrine hunting at Swanage.Hundreds of Godwits - lots of Brent

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-62879230036169252972011-02-17T21:35:00.002Z2011-02-17T21:55:59.862Z

Well whilst a variety of birders were either in Oxon or at Rainham - this happy Eagle wandered west!It seems this has become my half term! Weather was suposed to be dreadful all week after Monday but has been surprisingly clement especially in the south for Wednesdy and Thursday!Well I needed a RBG x 2 - yup Ring-billed Gull and Red -breasted Goose.Bob went for a wander one day in the week a

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-91467766518792445962011-02-16T23:16:00.003Z2011-02-18T10:15:12.631Z

Phew what a week so far!Went to Dungeness to try again for the Glock.I was happy this morning as I saw not only the Glaucous but also a Slav Grebe on the sea!Nothing else new that I could id altho there were one or two divers- decided they were red throated!Nothing new on the Arc or around the reserve so went off to Hythe to see if the Purple sandpipers would be cooperative and they were!(nowt

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-61216391739346238632011-02-15T09:24:00.003Z2011-02-15T09:29:27.479Z

This is one of very many "Old Oak Trees" who have Yellow ribbons tied around them!I was waiting for Bob to return in the car - waiting at the side of the road and the tree just begged to be photographed - fortuitously the battery held out long enough for this fine specimen to be taken!A wonderful campaign to keep our trees public and not sold off for profit to this Condem govt ---get involved if

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-48322880933526812782011-02-15T07:41:00.005Z2011-02-15T07:59:33.721Z

With many thanks to Roger Wyatt who I met in the kitchen of Steve and Sharon's home in Chipping Norton yesterday afternoon.Great photos!Thanks Steve and Sharon for opening your home for us!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-52644024784699271132011-02-14T21:19:00.002Z2011-02-14T21:42:14.271Z

Brilliant birding day ....Gos at least 7 - with at least 6 views plus a dozen Ravens and 20 odd Buzzards and 5 or so Crossbills before we left New Fancy.To Cannop - my goodness what are they doing to our stream?But I finally pinned down a Treecreeper there were so many I had to score!Wellies the order of the day but its seriously muddy , squelshy - I wouldn't have walked down the stream if I had

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-37999476293742087312011-02-09T19:25:00.003Z2011-02-10T09:17:52.267Z

A couple of years ago I used to show friends a Grebe that is not easy to see.I decided that it was time that I went to Staines Reservoir today and guess what not one species of Grebe but two!Black necked Grebe for the year list- very nice!Where did the yellow globe go?

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-56044972029678970092011-02-09T19:19:00.002Z2011-02-09T19:25:40.947Z

Tuesday - I had two meetings this morning postponed/cancelled! Great but I couldn't go far...so where - no contest lets try to see the GGS!off to Thurlsley Common in Surrey ....arrive and find a few birders about...walk around none I recognise!I carry on and get to the hill where I saw Goshawk last year.....none this!What is that yellow globe in the sky?Oh yes.....its the Sun! WOW!In the sun and

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-17944954846787603322011-02-09T18:41:00.003Z2011-02-09T18:56:36.877Z

Well Monday arrived and after a bit of blogging andcatching up I was free to go out birding!Destination? Stockers Lake! Well Bury Lake for the above and then a wander around Stockers for what ever could be found!Bury Lake was first - must get those Red Crested pochards! There they were two pairs!on to Bury Lake and what have we here lovely male Smew! Always a lovely duck!Then Goosander! and yes

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-21694255472312778412011-02-07T12:47:00.002Z2011-02-07T13:12:32.671Z

We had arranged to go back to Norfolk to pick up the birds we dipped 3 weeks ago and last Sunday!Talons crossed that American Wigeon, Shorelarks were still at Cley and we also wante another trip to Stubbs Mill for the Cranes!We arrived at Cley with the pager telling us that a Glaucous Gull had been on the North Scrape first thing. We were there about 10 and no sign!So then off to the East Bank

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-73289304380358196492011-02-05T08:40:00.001Z2011-02-05T08:53:04.854Z

A record shot - from hand held camera on a scope on a hide clamp all very wobbly!LOl.

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-70784849929874400752011-02-04T18:30:00.003Z2011-02-04T21:24:31.692Z

Phew - what a day!Spents hours this morning seeking the Great White Egret that has been resident at Blashford Lakes this winter. Zip.Dip.We saw hundreds of Finches and other passerines! Including brilliant male Bramblings and Siskins(year tick!) and finding a Mealy Redpoll (year tick) and a Lesser.But the numbers of chaffinches, greenfinches, siskins, and tits - including a Marsh Titwere stunning

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-21843249770964520002011-02-03T12:47:00.001Z2011-02-03T12:51:03.500Z

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-87120915007868926792011-02-02T22:37:00.001Z2011-02-02T22:38:28.105Z

Looks like my friend Tommy has found an Iceland Gull off Fair Isle!Way to go Tommy!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-14564047206487877652011-02-02T15:20:00.004Z2011-02-02T15:29:43.107Z

Well a gentle stroll through Bushy Park this morning for a couple of hours with Bob increased my year total by 4!Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers - rather more Green around. Mandarin Ducks - 4 males noted plus one female.A roosting Tawny Owl was the best!My first Snowdrops of the year.....a chance meeting with the Royal Parks Ecologist was very interesting.He had been in a meeting earlier that

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-13767027305174017992011-02-01T09:57:00.003Z2011-02-01T10:01:09.186Z

Short eared Owl gave a great flying and hunting display over Thornham Marshes on Sunday.On Monday Dean Eades posted some photos he had taken that day of ......Short eared Owl.With Dean's permission I give you SEO!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-50425618178083275662011-01-31T08:57:00.002Z2011-01-31T09:19:02.531Z

I will return to post more - got a very busy day at the Council so may finish this tomorrow.Briefly - 25 year ticks including a lifer! (Reached 400 UK life Birdwatch listing ya!)over 90 species spotted - may have missed one or two that we did see!So the Lifer?Norther Harrier - this bird behaves more like a Marsh than a Hen seemingly not frightened of people - that does not mean an escape - until

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-83543973925668083252011-01-21T12:16:00.003Z2011-01-21T12:21:37.824Z

For Tommy!The waxwings are the local flock at Isleworth - thanks to Gavin -Nature boy wanders - Bird Ringing (awaiting permission)The Red head (Smew) is from Dungeness and thanks to Mike Gould also awaitig permission.The bittern is from Barnes WWT thanks Pat!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-11015913428677614372011-01-16T20:30:00.002Z2011-01-16T20:34:49.219Z

Even briefer - lots of wind and too much sun (ie made bird watching really tricky! Who stole all the Redshanks?Hit the 100 mark (year list)on our way home today with Bewick's Swans - nice 2 adults and 3 juvs!I hate walking on shingle - especially after yesterday!Did my Birdwatch list = 399 - with the Ross's of yesterday! wonder what will be 400?will update later in the week tomorrow its Hants and

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-78527465811271675582011-01-15T22:29:00.002Z2011-01-15T22:38:44.020Z

I will update this later - but what a great days birding I added 27 to the year list including a lifer (and I dont care if BOU accept it or not!) Ross's Goose yah! great!Raptors - Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, pair of Peregrines! Marsh Harriers (lots!) a ringtail - Hen harrier and a very cheeeky Merlin who actually buzzed us at the raptor watchpoint at Stubbs Mill(twice!) in the gathering gloom!Geese yup

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-31579632776642759602011-01-14T10:36:00.004Z2011-01-14T10:51:24.620Z

Our "resident" Waxwing flock are happily staying around the Homebase car park area. Yesterday I had meetings in City Hall(GLA) so was on a train - as we stopped at Syon Lane Station I looked at a large tree next to the station (opposite Homebase)and there they were, perched up near the top of the tree. What a great way to start your day! That was the third day i had seen them.Well the birding

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-27830240366883480892011-01-11T17:06:00.002Z2011-01-11T17:08:39.826Z

At last !This year I have been trying to see Waxwings locally, this afternoon I finally saw some 50-60 in a flock.Perched up in a tree and looking delightful! Yes! Finally!Now hopefully I might see them in first light and dare I take a camera?

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-35934250890481967872011-01-09T20:31:00.002Z2011-01-09T20:41:08.610Z

No I am not doing a year list this year - well I am going to keep one on Bubo just cos it will be interesting to see if I can actually see more than last year when I knew it would be tricky to even get to 250. But a couple of trips to Shetland helped boost the list to over that!This year its mainly about birding and enjoying birding and not really keeping a year list - least ways its not to be

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-2692503992748138132011-01-07T16:49:00.002Z2011-01-07T16:56:51.831Z

Drizzle and lashing rain - when it wasn't drizzling it was lashing!Great day to buy my new bins!They are terrific in bad light! Zeiss 7x42 T*FL.Arrived at the Centre to see dozens of Canada Geese on the playing fields opposite plus some Egyptian Geese and Thrushes - most Blackbirds but some Redwings as well.Ducks and ducks ....just the weather for them....Best bird a female Scaup!2nd dip on

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-45272703548102690602011-01-04T22:20:00.002Z2011-01-04T22:25:08.523Z

Well Shetland is now booked for end of Sept/begining of October!Think the new bins will be ordered tomorrow!My birding mate Bob will be back from Espana next week - so birding adventures will re commence - I love this time of year - a trip or two to Norfolk - several local around the home counties and Kent/Sussex as little trips! What mega might appear?

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-34537243908307726542011-01-03T15:17:00.003Z2011-01-03T15:48:42.332Z

Finally been out birding even if only for a few hours!Trip to Barnes resulted in some nice birds for the year list (not that I am doing a competitive year list this year - just will keep a list of birds that I see) I will be looking to go for UK lifers and try to do something about my Kent and Sussex Life lists!Trying to decide on two things - 1) new bins - went to Barnes really to go to In focus

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-78007556369453811972010-12-26T18:41:00.002Z2010-12-26T18:47:04.565Z

Me and blogging recently!Nice Waxwings at Barnes today!well over 250 birds for the year list - its been a busy year and the birding has had to fit around work and stuff.Yes two trips to Shetland helped! June and seabirds and then September/october migration.Hope this weather improves and I can fit in some birding before the end of the year - but whatever I am thinking of a special effort on Jan

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-55674942527630819102010-11-26T15:38:00.002Z2010-11-26T15:42:43.876Z

well its been a while - didn't post about the expedition to north of Manchester to see a Pied -billed Grebe- sorry!I went , I saw and I ticked! Still in need of waxwings tho!I have been a bit too committed to work to drop stuff and go any distance and I managed to miss those in Surrey!Well depends on the weather but might go somewhere over the w/e....I have to sort out some trips to do my Atlas

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-11331218800010351192010-11-09T08:25:00.002Z2010-11-09T08:30:56.322Z

Been really busy lately - but had time for a foray to Cornwall!Yes in pursuit of an American Bittern - a UK lifer for me having had fantastic views of one in Canada in 2004(in fact I had spotted it for the group - not that we had known it was present - so I call it a self found- lol!)Anyway I was not able to go to Cornwall when the bird first appeared - so was lucky it relocated to a better site!

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-45431836723128427382010-10-29T20:47:00.002+01:002010-10-29T20:56:44.922+01:00

I had to have one of my cats put down this afternoon. Poor sweetie at least he came to me and didn't go off somewhere to die.My friend Pat drove me to the vets who were professional but really kind.....Morse was never any trouble, he was such a sweetie.....he was a scared cat in many ways- first met him as two small eyes shining at the back of the cat box the three siblings were in! I wanted a

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24056821.post-57948308206147763572010-10-29T14:41:00.004+01:002010-11-08T13:55:49.967Z

I wish!I have just heard from my friend Tommy on Fair Isle and they still have waxwings there - even in the wind and rain!These are all Tommy's photo's -I am sure he will be happy to let me share them!Fancy looking out in your garden and there is a flock!Such exotic birds and so very lovely!Earlier this week I went to Sussex ( photography of the Autumnal season being the main aim) and watched

Eagleseagleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516605991636426040noreply@blogger.com1