Well armed with local info from Tim Allwood (see links for Tims website)
Bob and I came to East Norfolk with our visitors knowledge and pagers at the ready!(yt = year tic)
We had this day planned ages ago - target birds Taiga Bean Geese and Cranes.
Then it was whatever might be around.
After a terrific days raptor watching on Sheppey on Saturday, we were not focused on raptors for once!
On route we saw 3 different Tawny Owls (yt) (M25 nr M1 turn off) and two up the M11.
We were at Wayland Wood before 9.00 (breakfast at the Walkers Cafe in Thetford
Forest)-
we heard Lesser SW, Nuthatch,Treecreeper,Bullfinch and Golden Pheasant at least two in quite different parts of the Wood. On one occasion we heard the call (strangled pheasant described Bob!) and saw something fly across but it was in a hollow so we just got the flurry or flash. Most frustrating not to see the bird when we clearly heard them!
Well no showing birds (it was quite gloomy and vvvcold) until the calling Marsh Tits (yt) were finally seen and then they got showy!
Usual tit flocks, Gioldcrests and other woodland suspects.
But I must admit we left there feeling down! 5 only heards! All required for the year list!
On to Cantley Marshes.A long search across the marshes from the bridleway nr the village....we scored Mistle Thrush (yt!) finally Bob spotted a Bean Goose. There they were Taiga Bean geese to go with our Kent Tundra's! Good top be able to really compare the two having only recently seen the Tundra.
I had spotted that a Ross Goose had been reported with Pink feet nr Acle so a change of plan....divert across...arrived to see another birder parked in layby what a dreadful road.(fast cars no supersonic!)no time to enquire so on to
next lay by we scanned and scanned the geese.....Chinese Water Deer (Lifer for me!) and a very nice young birder arrived (from the other layby) all three of us scanned and scanned/ not helped by text from Pete(Duxon) and Deboo who had seen a Ross (after or before seeing the WCS!) -We discovered we were all heading out to see the Grey Phalarope and decided to leave...
I am wondering now whether the very nice young man may have been Kit Day?Up from Suffolk and his Mother driving him ?
We then drove to Waxham and parked as instructed- good spot Tim.
We were all the time stopping to see if there were any Cranes in any of the recent places...dip!
After an exhilarating walk along the tops of the Dunes (don't fancy taking a buggy there Postcard!) looking out again for Cranes we eventually saw birders around a puddle!
No wonder you got good photo's John! Grey Phal (yt)
We didn't go as close - 3 Camera's were really close to the bird - we looked through the scope what a lovely bird!
Walked back with another birder and we were all on route for Stubbs Mill (if we couldn't see a Crane in a field!) Drove through Se Appalling (thought of you Tim!)and to the Visitor Centre.As I came out the loo, I heard Cranes!
At this point we both said oh no! Would we really dip seeing these?By now we had decided to be on a Bird Race so we could at least count the heard only!!
At the lookout there were lots(people) but we had been warned by the presence of a Coach in the car park!
All we wanted was to see a Crane!
Marsh Harriers, Ringtails, Merlins and a Sprawk - still early (no wind there-great) when a Chinese Water Deer was spotted and CRANES!
6 Cranes(yt) flew from right to left across us (not to roost) beautiful!
Happy we walked back saw two Chinese Water Deer in the area.
Time for the Barnacle Goose....or back to Acle?
It was getting late and we decided to go to seek the Ross. (Lifer for me even if I couldn't count it on BOU!) On route Bob spotted Egyptian Geese (wild) (yt) made a change from our local ones altho' they are self sustaining they all came from Kew !
This was now 6 (yt) same as on Saturday so we began to feel better!
it wasn't the lack of birds we hadn't seen that was frustrating just hearing them and not seeing them! If we hadn't heard them I think we could have lived with that!
We past some birders on that road, stopped and I ran back to see what they were looking for...in case it was our Ross. No the Dark breasted Owl....on we went..
back to our lay bye but that supersonic road had gone ballistic - drivers in our boot....needs a 40 mph speed limit! So we ended up in the Parking lay bye (the other lay byes were actually gate entrances!)
But it was better now as the Pink feet had moved across a field and were nearer...it didn't help we still couldn't spot the little Ross!
But we saw a Chinese Water Deer...then another and another...until we had seen 12!
Plus a fox eyeing up a Goose dinner but deciding there were too many!
A few Pink feet began flying off can we wait until they fly and perhaps have a last chance? Too dark so we left and guess what? Yes they decided to fly....
fabulous sight but we were on that mega fast road so had to be content with descriptions from the passenger seat - me!
Thousands of Geese in the sky is one of the sights of Norfolk!
We decided that it had been a thoroughly worth while day.
I ended up with a Lifer that I didn't expect all be it a mammal!
http://www.worlddeer.org/chinesewaterdeer.html
Forgot...saw Muntjacs somwhere?
Again thanks Tim for the local info.
142 - 2008 Year List
__________________
Eagles Rule!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Raptor day
Trip to Isle of Sheppey
Little Owl at Elmley in the tree from the toilet block.
on to Capel fleet
Rough-legged Buzzard flew from a hay bale onto carrion...think it was a Hare.
Merlin over the car
Hen Harrier (Ring tail) at least 2 females.
then on to search for the Hooded Crow and any Geese!
(Marsh Harriers male and females everywhere)
no sign of Grey legged Partridge
Long search for the Hooded Crow! Triumph!
Still no Geese apart from Canada (1) dont get many here and Greylags.
Having searched about........
on way down from the top of the hill as I drove down the Harty Ferry Inn Rd Bob and I saw at the same time GEESE!
stopped in the layby and there they were White Fronted Geese all 37 of them! Flying into their roost at Elmley.
6 new year ticks....then to the Raptor Mound to search for a Peregrine for Bob...saw the RL Buzzard again, a Buzzard and Harriers Marsh and Hen...
then a Barn Owl hunting lovely sight
Start the day with an Owl and end with another! Very Happy
Weather dry and some sun but the wind!! Still it was Sheppey!
I love Raptor watching!(and I include wols with this!)
136 Year List 2008
Just discovered that I hadn't added Mandarin seen 2/1/08 at Osterley Park
If Seth can count Mandarin seen in Bushey Park well !
I was going to wait until the Forest of Dean Trip.
Eagles Rule!
Little Owl at Elmley in the tree from the toilet block.
on to Capel fleet
Rough-legged Buzzard flew from a hay bale onto carrion...think it was a Hare.
Merlin over the car
Hen Harrier (Ring tail) at least 2 females.
then on to search for the Hooded Crow and any Geese!
(Marsh Harriers male and females everywhere)
no sign of Grey legged Partridge
Long search for the Hooded Crow! Triumph!
Still no Geese apart from Canada (1) dont get many here and Greylags.
Having searched about........
on way down from the top of the hill as I drove down the Harty Ferry Inn Rd Bob and I saw at the same time GEESE!
stopped in the layby and there they were White Fronted Geese all 37 of them! Flying into their roost at Elmley.
6 new year ticks....then to the Raptor Mound to search for a Peregrine for Bob...saw the RL Buzzard again, a Buzzard and Harriers Marsh and Hen...
then a Barn Owl hunting lovely sight
Start the day with an Owl and end with another! Very Happy
Weather dry and some sun but the wind!! Still it was Sheppey!
I love Raptor watching!(and I include wols with this!)
136 Year List 2008
Just discovered that I hadn't added Mandarin seen 2/1/08 at Osterley Park
If Seth can count Mandarin seen in Bushey Park well !
I was going to wait until the Forest of Dean Trip.
Eagles Rule!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Chiswick House and Gardens
http://www.chgt.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1
Yesterday it was a lovely afternoon and I dragged myself away from working at home and went for a walk.
I often pop into Chiswick Gardens (I think I call it Chiswick Park!) but usually its with Zeta dog!
Today I walked around at my leisure and looked at the birds and squirrels.
Squirrels- dont think I have ever seen so many in one place!
All busy eating of course! I stood about 10 feet between two trees each with a Squirrel on the tree trunk watching me. Just like an equilateral triangle.
I stood still and after saying something stupid to a squirrel watched.They both came down their tree and found nuts or whatever and ate them in front of me- obviously keeping an eye on me but as I didn't move they seemed happy enough to carry on eating.
Then a dog barked and they pricked up their ears and carried on eating.
I did leave them alone after that!
Plenty of Garden and woodland birds about. Noisy RN Parakeets, a charm of Goldfinches chattering about the days news, BH Gulls so close and I found 3 1st winter birds....improving my gull id! Magpies rattling, Woodpigeons balancing on twigs so tiny as they look likely to break! Robin and Blackbirds singing......Finches lots of Finches in the area....Greenfinches looking dapper, Chaffinches looking pink!
Usual ducks...Mallards and hybrids and Canada's and lots of feral pigs.
Best was the quiet...even tho the odd dog barked and the odd kid chattered.
Quiet in between the planes and birdsong!
Dunnocks and Blackcap male back in my garden again today and an Old Dog Fox visited my garden at 11 as I was making a coffee.He soon went.
Today first Chaffinch in my garden for the year....
Yesterday it was a lovely afternoon and I dragged myself away from working at home and went for a walk.
I often pop into Chiswick Gardens (I think I call it Chiswick Park!) but usually its with Zeta dog!
Today I walked around at my leisure and looked at the birds and squirrels.
Squirrels- dont think I have ever seen so many in one place!
All busy eating of course! I stood about 10 feet between two trees each with a Squirrel on the tree trunk watching me. Just like an equilateral triangle.
I stood still and after saying something stupid to a squirrel watched.They both came down their tree and found nuts or whatever and ate them in front of me- obviously keeping an eye on me but as I didn't move they seemed happy enough to carry on eating.
Then a dog barked and they pricked up their ears and carried on eating.
I did leave them alone after that!
Plenty of Garden and woodland birds about. Noisy RN Parakeets, a charm of Goldfinches chattering about the days news, BH Gulls so close and I found 3 1st winter birds....improving my gull id! Magpies rattling, Woodpigeons balancing on twigs so tiny as they look likely to break! Robin and Blackbirds singing......Finches lots of Finches in the area....Greenfinches looking dapper, Chaffinches looking pink!
Usual ducks...Mallards and hybrids and Canada's and lots of feral pigs.
Best was the quiet...even tho the odd dog barked and the odd kid chattered.
Quiet in between the planes and birdsong!
Dunnocks and Blackcap male back in my garden again today and an Old Dog Fox visited my garden at 11 as I was making a coffee.He soon went.
Today first Chaffinch in my garden for the year....
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Secrets of bird flight revealed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7205086.stm
In 2003, Professor Dial and his colleagues published a paper that revealed birds utilise their wings when running up steep inclines.
Wings may have evolved to help birds move over obstacles
He explained: "This was an important find - birds exhibit a behaviour we really didn't appreciate before.
"Birds don't just use their wings when they fly or just their legs to run on the flat; in fact, they recruit both wings and legs for them to scale steep inclines, whether it be a boulder, a tree or a cliff."
Read on there is more!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A lovely gesture
As a follow up to the Tales of the White-crowned Sparrow.
As a memory and a thank you to the people who found the bird and have been kind enough to park their car elsewhere in the village rather than use their drive!
An artist has suggested she gives her pastel painting to them! Jo Dale thank you from us birders who could only give money!
Oh and the collection is now over £3000.
I have her permission to reproduce her painting here with the photos she based it on.
One is Steve Gantlets.
A lovely gesture and I think the people will treasure her painting!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Bubo listing
I am now keeping my lists on Bubo.
www.bubo.org/listing
I have only added the UK year list for 2008 so far but I shall keep my lists there!
Its a great site as you cant duplicate a bird species!
www.bubo.org/listing
I have only added the UK year list for 2008 so far but I shall keep my lists there!
Its a great site as you cant duplicate a bird species!
Monday, January 21, 2008
A sussex day
Well really a Hants and Sussex day as we planned to go to Gosport to see our friend the overwintering Ring-billed Gull. Its such a trek out to Gosport!
Still we were pleased to find that we parked and didn't even have to get out the car as "Gossie" was right in front of us a bit windswept but all in order!
We looked and bins as well (not needed really but you felt well we better had and with a little walk around he took off and flew towards the sea bit! Glad we arrived when we did or we would have taken ages to find him!
To Hayling Island where there were REd breasted Mergs...and plenty of waders but it was blowing a hooly straight at us and the waves were really high so we left!
On to West Wittering where as we arrived in cp and set up scopes the Brent geese were not too far away. We started to work through the flock and Bob got the RBGoose in his scope I looked yes there was the bird who before Christmas was a lifer for me...now a year tick! With that the whole flock took off and flew away by the time we had returned from the loos the flock was along way away...again luck was with us!
Then it was the search for the Cattle Egret. The instructions on the pager turned out to be incorrect so Bob trusted to his own local knowledge and after an extra circuit around the venue we were looking at 2 miserable looking Cattle Egrets...nice bird...
miserable as they were all hunched up in the wind...did I mention the wind?
So to Selsey Bill for some sea watching....a short while later having been blown nearly off our feet and little to see apart from RB Mergs...we went to the other ens of Selsey and I saw a Med Gull (not a year tick - but a nice bird...)we retired out of the wind into a local cafe for all day breakfast for under a fiver! the tea was extra a bit...brilliant service from the school aged girls we even left a tip!
Church Norton to find yes eventually for me a Slav Grebe...bob spotted 3 different ones before I got onto one...but the Great Northern Diver was nice to see.In fact its more sheltered at Church Norton so not as windy.
To West Dean....too windy for the birds but a Mother Roe Deer with last years foal was a lovely reason for being there. What a fantastic potential for Birding here...
we heard a Marsh Tit....2nd heard only MT....no Willow Tits or Yellowhammers...or anything else except Robin and Blackbird....
Crows and or Corvids and Buzzards...in the sky then a trip to the farmyard and lots of bits finches....no Brambling they must all be at Banstaed!
Of over country to Burton Mill Ponds..realise when we got there I had been before!
and a Bittern watch....Kingfisher dazzling..(oh besides the wind it was so dark at WD but now it was a better light)....Siskins in flock and then a huge finch flock flew over...
As we arrived a Mute Swan flew over our heads...very low not just hear those wings but felt the water drops from his body...big bird!
Waited for ages for the Bittern to show for his roost...there was a huge crowd of Sussex mainly birders....they drifted off as it later...but at 5.00 the Bittern flew out of the reeds and over the reeds before snuggling down to sleep in the reeds.!
Bob was a much happier bunny as he is rapidly catching me up....he has seen Red Kite and as I haven't been to the Chilterns yet....but I still have 6 he hasn't seen.
130 Year List
Next w/e a couple of good trips out...to Sheppey and East Norfolk should improve the list!
Did I tell you about the wind? Where was my woolly hat? at home in the wrong bag!
Fighting my hair instead of it being contained in the hat was my excuse for how long it took to see the Slav Grebe!
Still we were pleased to find that we parked and didn't even have to get out the car as "Gossie" was right in front of us a bit windswept but all in order!
We looked and bins as well (not needed really but you felt well we better had and with a little walk around he took off and flew towards the sea bit! Glad we arrived when we did or we would have taken ages to find him!
To Hayling Island where there were REd breasted Mergs...and plenty of waders but it was blowing a hooly straight at us and the waves were really high so we left!
On to West Wittering where as we arrived in cp and set up scopes the Brent geese were not too far away. We started to work through the flock and Bob got the RBGoose in his scope I looked yes there was the bird who before Christmas was a lifer for me...now a year tick! With that the whole flock took off and flew away by the time we had returned from the loos the flock was along way away...again luck was with us!
Then it was the search for the Cattle Egret. The instructions on the pager turned out to be incorrect so Bob trusted to his own local knowledge and after an extra circuit around the venue we were looking at 2 miserable looking Cattle Egrets...nice bird...
miserable as they were all hunched up in the wind...did I mention the wind?
So to Selsey Bill for some sea watching....a short while later having been blown nearly off our feet and little to see apart from RB Mergs...we went to the other ens of Selsey and I saw a Med Gull (not a year tick - but a nice bird...)we retired out of the wind into a local cafe for all day breakfast for under a fiver! the tea was extra a bit...brilliant service from the school aged girls we even left a tip!
Church Norton to find yes eventually for me a Slav Grebe...bob spotted 3 different ones before I got onto one...but the Great Northern Diver was nice to see.In fact its more sheltered at Church Norton so not as windy.
To West Dean....too windy for the birds but a Mother Roe Deer with last years foal was a lovely reason for being there. What a fantastic potential for Birding here...
we heard a Marsh Tit....2nd heard only MT....no Willow Tits or Yellowhammers...or anything else except Robin and Blackbird....
Crows and or Corvids and Buzzards...in the sky then a trip to the farmyard and lots of bits finches....no Brambling they must all be at Banstaed!
Of over country to Burton Mill Ponds..realise when we got there I had been before!
and a Bittern watch....Kingfisher dazzling..(oh besides the wind it was so dark at WD but now it was a better light)....Siskins in flock and then a huge finch flock flew over...
As we arrived a Mute Swan flew over our heads...very low not just hear those wings but felt the water drops from his body...big bird!
Waited for ages for the Bittern to show for his roost...there was a huge crowd of Sussex mainly birders....they drifted off as it later...but at 5.00 the Bittern flew out of the reeds and over the reeds before snuggling down to sleep in the reeds.!
Bob was a much happier bunny as he is rapidly catching me up....he has seen Red Kite and as I haven't been to the Chilterns yet....but I still have 6 he hasn't seen.
130 Year List
Next w/e a couple of good trips out...to Sheppey and East Norfolk should improve the list!
Did I tell you about the wind? Where was my woolly hat? at home in the wrong bag!
Fighting my hair instead of it being contained in the hat was my excuse for how long it took to see the Slav Grebe!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
An Eagle
Not sure if the link will work if not I will try again tomorrow.
Being an Eagle fan I couldn't resist this
White-tailed Eagle
Being an Eagle fan I couldn't resist this
White-tailed Eagle
Photo wins Birdguides Best Photo of the Year.
Well as I know the author (as it were) thought I'd post up this report from the
Telegraph (just to show I am unbiased!LOL)
Click on the Title.
Pete works in Cley Spy - near Cley (yes that place) and a very good shop it is too complete with dog who has his own sofa!
Pete is very helpful as you will see when you decide to look at Bins, scopes and anything else there. There is also a gallery of Pictures and Photos....and no I dont have shares in the ....now there's an idea!
Also you can see the other winning photos...there is a lovely cute arhhh factor in a Golden Plover chick and a lovely Darford Warbler.
Barn Owel , Buzzard I do like the Little Egret landing on the Knot...in fact they are all great...must have taken forever to decide the best...except that it does have it all...humour, surprise, a fleeting moment and a bird that is often really difficult to see let alone photograph!
Also on the page is a story about a Palm tree in Madagascar (would love to go there)
which when it ...no you read it its fascinating!
Telegraph (just to show I am unbiased!LOL)
Click on the Title.
Pete works in Cley Spy - near Cley (yes that place) and a very good shop it is too complete with dog who has his own sofa!
Pete is very helpful as you will see when you decide to look at Bins, scopes and anything else there. There is also a gallery of Pictures and Photos....and no I dont have shares in the ....now there's an idea!
Also you can see the other winning photos...there is a lovely cute arhhh factor in a Golden Plover chick and a lovely Darford Warbler.
Barn Owel , Buzzard I do like the Little Egret landing on the Knot...in fact they are all great...must have taken forever to decide the best...except that it does have it all...humour, surprise, a fleeting moment and a bird that is often really difficult to see let alone photograph!
Also on the page is a story about a Palm tree in Madagascar (would love to go there)
which when it ...no you read it its fascinating!
Monday, January 14, 2008
West Norfolk and other birding places.
A trip to West Norfolk to seek Richard's Pipit at Terrington Marsh and a Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
A stop to see Swans near Welney, Wonderful Whoopers and Bewicks and the accompanying Mute Swans. Special thoughts about their great migrations.
Incidental large flocks of passerines in the fields where the farmers leave scrapes from the Sugar Beet to stop the birds eating his other crops!
Large skies.
Finding Skylarks,Water Pipits and Twite at the same place as the Richard's. Whilst that pipit is not rare it is scarce and I didn't see one last year! Spying Knot from the seawall.Common and Grey Seals were hauled up on the sand bars.
To Roydon for eventually good views of the Great Grey Shrike, even if distant.
Hunstanton for the Fulmars
and then to
Titchwell (civilization for WC's, Coffee and cake and the Shop!)
No new birds added.
Water Rails calling and my birding companion gripped back Snipe.
No Geese felt betrayed!
Realising(again) how far everywhere is from everywhere in Norfolk. Its not neat and tidy like Kent for birding in several places!
But a wonderful sunny day if a really cold day but at least not as windy as Titchwell was earlier in the week after the WCS!
UK Year list 123
A stop to see Swans near Welney, Wonderful Whoopers and Bewicks and the accompanying Mute Swans. Special thoughts about their great migrations.
Incidental large flocks of passerines in the fields where the farmers leave scrapes from the Sugar Beet to stop the birds eating his other crops!
Large skies.
Finding Skylarks,Water Pipits and Twite at the same place as the Richard's. Whilst that pipit is not rare it is scarce and I didn't see one last year! Spying Knot from the seawall.Common and Grey Seals were hauled up on the sand bars.
To Roydon for eventually good views of the Great Grey Shrike, even if distant.
Hunstanton for the Fulmars
and then to
Titchwell (civilization for WC's, Coffee and cake and the Shop!)
No new birds added.
Water Rails calling and my birding companion gripped back Snipe.
No Geese felt betrayed!
Realising(again) how far everywhere is from everywhere in Norfolk. Its not neat and tidy like Kent for birding in several places!
But a wonderful sunny day if a really cold day but at least not as windy as Titchwell was earlier in the week after the WCS!
UK Year list 123
Friday, January 11, 2008
On the Beeb!
If you click on the title you can see the bird has hit more headlines.
Do not open the actual clip but the whole thing and then go to 22 mins and watch the item!
The extract comes out badly visually!
Well this will now have to wait as I must go to bed as we are off to Norfolk -
the west side tomorrow!
Year list 112 or 113 RSPB list reads 112 the BOU speadsheet (it adds up each tick for you reads 113.
I cant work out which bird is missing so I will go through my list tomorrow and then check with Bob what we have seen on two days birding!
I do know my UK life list is 337 - not too bad since I have been birding seriously again since 2004 and keeping a year list since 2005.
Wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Got a few target birds but mainly its whatever we turn up!
Do not open the actual clip but the whole thing and then go to 22 mins and watch the item!
The extract comes out badly visually!
Well this will now have to wait as I must go to bed as we are off to Norfolk -
the west side tomorrow!
Year list 112 or 113 RSPB list reads 112 the BOU speadsheet (it adds up each tick for you reads 113.
I cant work out which bird is missing so I will go through my list tomorrow and then check with Bob what we have seen on two days birding!
I do know my UK life list is 337 - not too bad since I have been birding seriously again since 2004 and keeping a year list since 2005.
Wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Got a few target birds but mainly its whatever we turn up!
A twitch you might have read about!
Steve Gantlett from with thanks.
If you read the Guardian, Independent or Mail(eek!) you may have already heard about a Rare bird that arrived in Norfolk last week.It was put out on the pagers on Sunday afternoon as Bob and I were birding in Kent.
There was no way we could go from where we were and get there in the light.Bob knew I had commitments at the beginning of the week and he had to go back to work soon!
We also knew we had arranged before Christmas that we would go to the North Norfolk Coast on Saturday anyway. So we didn't say much.
All through Monday I watched the pager(Rare Bird Alert)and looked at the pc - Birdguides and a bird forum where I knew people who had gone to see the White-crowned Sparrow posted and got twitchy yes thats what happens! A lifer for my UK list within travelling distance and lots of other lovely places to visit if we are lucky and its not three hours of waiting for a sighting.(As it can be at some twitches!If you click on the title you will read the blog of a Norfolk birder I know who went along with most of the Norfolk birders on Sunday!
I didn't mind not going on Monday as I guessed it would be bedlam with many many birders going that day.(In case it left or worse got eaten)
Bob rang "Well are we......?" "Yes" No need for more words!
Of course we than talked about the bird, a Lifer for Bob - which is difficult as he has been seriously birding for over 27 years!UK life list circa 420 - where mine was at 336.
The day dawned and Georgie my adopted cat (who cant use the cat flap!) decided to not come in when I needed to go! Eventually after putting notes through my neighbours door I see her sitting on the pavement outside my neighbours no chance she was coming in! So said cat left outside and I was off.
Picked up Bob and we left his house about 6.20 (20 mins late!) to the M4,M25 and M11
surprisingly not too bad butcouldn't race around as far too heavy traffic.Still by 8.30 we were at Lynford Arboretum seeeking Hawfinches and finding Coal Tits and other garden birds then yaffle and Green Woody appears followed by GSWoody no Lessers tho!
Pager goes off the Sparrow has been seen. Well no Hawfinches but several birders looking. One chap left shortly before us and was at the twitch considerably before us- he must have tanked it altho I had to stop at a garage for the loo- so much easier being a chap that can disappear into the trees!
On to Cley.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Sunday birding visit to Kent and briefly Sussex
Well one always tries to do too much. Well I do!
Trip to Dungeness and Rye Harbour was planned. Then added to as Birds appeared on the pager overnight!
Well on route we could see the Bewick Swans with Tundra Bean Geese, look at wellard marsh for Corn Buntings, Tree Sparrows and Yellowhammers. The Dunge for a variety of species and the Long Pit for Red-necked Grebe oh and Scotney for LTDucks and then Theres sea watching and Denge Marsh....as well as Rye for the Shorelark!
Thats planning well the best laid plans and all that!
We did see the Bewick's Swans not 23 but 43 and only 3 youngsters along with 11 Tundra Bean Geese and lots of Mute Swans.As we had been driving along I was on the look out for Rook and once I had seen one I couldn't stop seeing them!
A Jay was seen and dipped by me!Tricky when you are driving to see everything!
Red legs spotted. So we had a stop and Yes there they were.Across the road- lots of Curlews in a field with Golden Plovers and Lapwings.
To the Marsh Welland and eventually after hearing them we finally saw 1 Tree sparrow in a tree had seen a possible before. Corn Buntings yes lots but no Yellowhammers.
a BoP kept putting stuff up - couldn't see what but clouds of Lapwings, Golden Plovers and assorted others.
To Dungeness much later than anticipated but good information from the young man who was working there. Shag from the centre and Goosanders plus Smew male and Redheads.
Plenty of Ducks about.
off to a couple of hides...Christmas Dell for possible Red headed Pochard....not to be seen at all despite a lot of looking and searching and grilling the entire pit from every conceivable angle! No Bittern! It had been seen that day.
Picked up some nice bits - like the Cetti whose song exploded out of a bush as it did as well!
Up to 3 Marsh Harriers spotted hunting including a female plus about 8 Kestrels seen in the locale.
Off to see Red necked Grebe on the pit helpful birder explained where he had seen it earlier.....arrived and yes a grebe who dived in the scope and a lovely redneck in winter gear!
to the patch....Kittiwakes and Gulls unfortunately all small and not a med amidst them...would have like to interrogate the larger gulls but they were away away!
Lurking Caspian? Auks galore flying past Guillemots and Razorbills were id-ed no Little auks seen.Then Gannets...
to Scotney to see if we could find a redthroated diver...nope another dip but lovely pair of Long tailed Ducks! and a Barnacle flock with bluemorph Snow Goose and Emperor Goose...think they are feral but plastic! shame still havent seen a real Snow Goose yet!But then
I spot a white bird floating...its a ghostly white Barney! Barn Owl hunting and that was splendid spent a while watching!
More Ducks including Shelduck (mentioned by name are year ticks for me!)
Then it rained and the light was going....and then it brightened so off down Denge Marsh but through the Firing area no red flags so safe....
to the beach almost all the way by car....and search for a Scoter float!
Finally spotted by sheer chance then to get near...rush along a beach hahaha shingle not the easiest to walk on! Finally my zoom lens into its own as Common Scoter and finally flying Velvets.
Back to car and still light but as we whizzed towards Greatstone we realised the light was really dim and the sea was miles out so only Oystercatcher and Godwits could we be sure of.
I think i added 28 to the 59 I had sen already.
So 87 2008 Year List.
No trip to Rye and some dips but hey there are other days!
I love the beginning of a new year list!
Trip to Dungeness and Rye Harbour was planned. Then added to as Birds appeared on the pager overnight!
Well on route we could see the Bewick Swans with Tundra Bean Geese, look at wellard marsh for Corn Buntings, Tree Sparrows and Yellowhammers. The Dunge for a variety of species and the Long Pit for Red-necked Grebe oh and Scotney for LTDucks and then Theres sea watching and Denge Marsh....as well as Rye for the Shorelark!
Thats planning well the best laid plans and all that!
We did see the Bewick's Swans not 23 but 43 and only 3 youngsters along with 11 Tundra Bean Geese and lots of Mute Swans.As we had been driving along I was on the look out for Rook and once I had seen one I couldn't stop seeing them!
A Jay was seen and dipped by me!Tricky when you are driving to see everything!
Red legs spotted. So we had a stop and Yes there they were.Across the road- lots of Curlews in a field with Golden Plovers and Lapwings.
To the Marsh Welland and eventually after hearing them we finally saw 1 Tree sparrow in a tree had seen a possible before. Corn Buntings yes lots but no Yellowhammers.
a BoP kept putting stuff up - couldn't see what but clouds of Lapwings, Golden Plovers and assorted others.
To Dungeness much later than anticipated but good information from the young man who was working there. Shag from the centre and Goosanders plus Smew male and Redheads.
Plenty of Ducks about.
off to a couple of hides...Christmas Dell for possible Red headed Pochard....not to be seen at all despite a lot of looking and searching and grilling the entire pit from every conceivable angle! No Bittern! It had been seen that day.
Picked up some nice bits - like the Cetti whose song exploded out of a bush as it did as well!
Up to 3 Marsh Harriers spotted hunting including a female plus about 8 Kestrels seen in the locale.
Off to see Red necked Grebe on the pit helpful birder explained where he had seen it earlier.....arrived and yes a grebe who dived in the scope and a lovely redneck in winter gear!
to the patch....Kittiwakes and Gulls unfortunately all small and not a med amidst them...would have like to interrogate the larger gulls but they were away away!
Lurking Caspian? Auks galore flying past Guillemots and Razorbills were id-ed no Little auks seen.Then Gannets...
to Scotney to see if we could find a redthroated diver...nope another dip but lovely pair of Long tailed Ducks! and a Barnacle flock with bluemorph Snow Goose and Emperor Goose...think they are feral but plastic! shame still havent seen a real Snow Goose yet!But then
I spot a white bird floating...its a ghostly white Barney! Barn Owl hunting and that was splendid spent a while watching!
More Ducks including Shelduck (mentioned by name are year ticks for me!)
Then it rained and the light was going....and then it brightened so off down Denge Marsh but through the Firing area no red flags so safe....
to the beach almost all the way by car....and search for a Scoter float!
Finally spotted by sheer chance then to get near...rush along a beach hahaha shingle not the easiest to walk on! Finally my zoom lens into its own as Common Scoter and finally flying Velvets.
Back to car and still light but as we whizzed towards Greatstone we realised the light was really dim and the sea was miles out so only Oystercatcher and Godwits could we be sure of.
I think i added 28 to the 59 I had sen already.
So 87 2008 Year List.
No trip to Rye and some dips but hey there are other days!
I love the beginning of a new year list!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Snow - well some snowdrops!
No not the flowers yet- they should be seen in the garden soon.
Went to Kent yesterday to see my niece,her other half and my great niece! Whose lovely- unbiased Aunties view!
Not a nice day weather to travel in altho the return journey was a breeze-M25 at its best.
When I arrived mt coat was covered in tiny snowflakes (or drops!)
Lovely meal and lovely to see them again. I should visit more often.
Andy is a dab hand in the kitchen too.
Today has been a strange day in that I meant to go out and bird somewhere but I didn't venture forth. I watched part of a video on Southern African birds,
I need to get id ing them!I watched Shaun the Sheep, well a couple of the tales!
I fiddled around on the internet mainly cos I couldn't get blogger to work.
Looked at the Test and One Day Cricket Squad.
Thought they would give Ambrose a go along with Mustard after Priors gaff ridden display in India. Clever of Strauss to be in New Zealand acclimatising!Interesting to see if Treadwell does well.
Hmmmm Birding outings this w/e probably Sussex on Saturday and Kent on Sunday. Quite like to get my Year list over the ton by the end of the w/e.
Thinking about my friend who died recently, its the funny things you remember especially the fun we had!His funeral is not until the 16th, I must have a chat with his partner.
Went to Kent yesterday to see my niece,her other half and my great niece! Whose lovely- unbiased Aunties view!
Not a nice day weather to travel in altho the return journey was a breeze-M25 at its best.
When I arrived mt coat was covered in tiny snowflakes (or drops!)
Lovely meal and lovely to see them again. I should visit more often.
Andy is a dab hand in the kitchen too.
Today has been a strange day in that I meant to go out and bird somewhere but I didn't venture forth. I watched part of a video on Southern African birds,
I need to get id ing them!I watched Shaun the Sheep, well a couple of the tales!
I fiddled around on the internet mainly cos I couldn't get blogger to work.
Looked at the Test and One Day Cricket Squad.
Thought they would give Ambrose a go along with Mustard after Priors gaff ridden display in India. Clever of Strauss to be in New Zealand acclimatising!Interesting to see if Treadwell does well.
Hmmmm Birding outings this w/e probably Sussex on Saturday and Kent on Sunday. Quite like to get my Year list over the ton by the end of the w/e.
Thinking about my friend who died recently, its the funny things you remember especially the fun we had!His funeral is not until the 16th, I must have a chat with his partner.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Photography
Well I am trying to improve my photography.
Went on a Birds of Prey day course in November as my birthday present from a friend and she came too. We enjoyed it so much that I have booked us on a Big Cats Day in April.
Christmas and birthday present for my friend.
I have an e-mail today from the tutor and he mentions a wide angle lens...and that is what I have been thinking about for ages.
Landscapes...whole body action shots of Big Cats....practise for Southern Africa.
So I shall be getting a Canon lens soon.Got to check out which one.
Lens is in the air or should that be lens are in the air?
Went on a Birds of Prey day course in November as my birthday present from a friend and she came too. We enjoyed it so much that I have booked us on a Big Cats Day in April.
Christmas and birthday present for my friend.
I have an e-mail today from the tutor and he mentions a wide angle lens...and that is what I have been thinking about for ages.
Landscapes...whole body action shots of Big Cats....practise for Southern Africa.
So I shall be getting a Canon lens soon.Got to check out which one.
Lens is in the air or should that be lens are in the air?
January 1st 2008
Happy New Year!
I was actually saying this to total strangers yesterday as I walked around Bedfont Lakes Country Park. I began my Year List in the garden at home, 1st bird Mr Blackbird, and another 8 species, spotted a Goldfinch in my friends road, on the Great West Road were Crows and Feral pigeons and a pair of Collared Doves as I arrived in the car park at BLCP.
Since part of BLCP is a tetrad(Bird Atlas)I will explain this on another day.
I was not going to actually count birds today just species.Each new species looked at with new eyes as you excitedly spy a different species.
(The list will be on my other site)
By the time I had reached the Black something (?)Hide I had added another 16 birds
here I met Fred (never meet before) who was looking intently at the reeds opposite.
"I think I have the Bittern" was his greeting!Great - Bitterns have been here each winter for the past 3 years I have been doing a Yearlist and I have never managed to spot one here!Fred hadn't brought his scope so mine was very useful.The bird was about a foot in the reeds so cleverly disguised you sometimes wonder if you really see one or not! Well we looked and still it was just a part of the body...was it..yes...then I looked at a different angle and there was a neck or was there? Another man arrived, Jack looked where I was and he saw a neck too. We couldn't see both bits together! But when we left the Bittern had melted away...the reeds if they had been reeds were not there any more so we had had the Bittern!Redwing and Fieldfares added but no Song or Mistle Thrush today.
These two older men were members of the Bedfont Lakes CP nature reserve (a private area only open on Sunday afternoons usually for a couple of hours to the public and to members anytime. This was to my benefit as we went in through the locked gates!
This was to see if we could see the Bittern better. Fred has actually seen the Bittern on the track we walked on!Well no more show but the pig like screaming of a heard only Water Rail.
Woodpeckers! Yaffle and Great Spot were soon added to the list. Jack spotted a Goldcrest and we all saw it! I spotted LTTits, a small flock was eventually seen.Both the guys were on 40+ as they left from the Centre car park and I had 43 a liitle later leaving from the other car Park on the other side of the Park..Obviously some different birds.
I left BedfontLakes CP to go to Staines Reservoir (where I had originally been going this morning first but it was so overcast I thought I'd wait til later. There was little on the Res in comparison to lately. But BN grebe and Scaup found fairly quickly with a hunting Kestrel overhead (mine not the ducks or grebes!)and the lovely Goldeneye and one lonely floating GBB Gull.
Canada Goose spotted on route to Barnes (WWT).(48)
Spotting with rain now as well but it cleared up until after I left the centre.
Arriving at the Peacock Tower I saw Teal and was reminded about the Garganey I dipped on Boxing Day!There were a lot of people crowding round a scope or two and what have they got then? I heard Jack Snipe...couldn't resist
"Excuse me did you say you see a JS?"
"Look here" said a friendly fella and in his scope were Common and Jack Snipe!
Well I soon got settled in near to these observant chaps.Whilst I was looking at the Ducks and Pintail(52)...one chap was actually showing more people the Snipe and a Water Rail...where...not anywhere near me!
It was getting darker outside,well and in as the hides are not lit apart from the stairwell up went everything as a Peregrine flew over.
Grey Heron (too many here! wish they would eat the fish only as they keep eating the other birds too.
Water Pipit and Stonechat were spotted by another chap.Water Pipit creeping about like a mouse and Stonechat sitting up.(56)
By now the hide had emptied and there wre only a few of us left.
I kept hearing Water Rail called eventually I asked the guy next to me where he was looking and as he described where he said lost it!
Would I actually see one today?
And then as I looked down in a corner of the grazing marsh the helpful fella was describing that actual spot and there was the grey head of a most welcome Water Rail.
(A Jack Snipe had been hiding behind a bright clump of leaves ( and difficult it was to see him)and bobbiong up and down occasionally but the Water Rail eventually walked right up to the JS who took off as quickly as earlier the WR had run away from a Moorhen! So in the scope were two tricky birds to see Water Rail and Jack Snipe. What a perfect end to a wonderful days birding. The weather was not good but at least the rain held off until I was in my car.
58 species seen for the 2008 Year List.
I was actually saying this to total strangers yesterday as I walked around Bedfont Lakes Country Park. I began my Year List in the garden at home, 1st bird Mr Blackbird, and another 8 species, spotted a Goldfinch in my friends road, on the Great West Road were Crows and Feral pigeons and a pair of Collared Doves as I arrived in the car park at BLCP.
Since part of BLCP is a tetrad(Bird Atlas)I will explain this on another day.
I was not going to actually count birds today just species.Each new species looked at with new eyes as you excitedly spy a different species.
(The list will be on my other site)
By the time I had reached the Black something (?)Hide I had added another 16 birds
here I met Fred (never meet before) who was looking intently at the reeds opposite.
"I think I have the Bittern" was his greeting!Great - Bitterns have been here each winter for the past 3 years I have been doing a Yearlist and I have never managed to spot one here!Fred hadn't brought his scope so mine was very useful.The bird was about a foot in the reeds so cleverly disguised you sometimes wonder if you really see one or not! Well we looked and still it was just a part of the body...was it..yes...then I looked at a different angle and there was a neck or was there? Another man arrived, Jack looked where I was and he saw a neck too. We couldn't see both bits together! But when we left the Bittern had melted away...the reeds if they had been reeds were not there any more so we had had the Bittern!Redwing and Fieldfares added but no Song or Mistle Thrush today.
These two older men were members of the Bedfont Lakes CP nature reserve (a private area only open on Sunday afternoons usually for a couple of hours to the public and to members anytime. This was to my benefit as we went in through the locked gates!
This was to see if we could see the Bittern better. Fred has actually seen the Bittern on the track we walked on!Well no more show but the pig like screaming of a heard only Water Rail.
Woodpeckers! Yaffle and Great Spot were soon added to the list. Jack spotted a Goldcrest and we all saw it! I spotted LTTits, a small flock was eventually seen.Both the guys were on 40+ as they left from the Centre car park and I had 43 a liitle later leaving from the other car Park on the other side of the Park..Obviously some different birds.
I left BedfontLakes CP to go to Staines Reservoir (where I had originally been going this morning first but it was so overcast I thought I'd wait til later. There was little on the Res in comparison to lately. But BN grebe and Scaup found fairly quickly with a hunting Kestrel overhead (mine not the ducks or grebes!)and the lovely Goldeneye and one lonely floating GBB Gull.
Canada Goose spotted on route to Barnes (WWT).(48)
Spotting with rain now as well but it cleared up until after I left the centre.
Arriving at the Peacock Tower I saw Teal and was reminded about the Garganey I dipped on Boxing Day!There were a lot of people crowding round a scope or two and what have they got then? I heard Jack Snipe...couldn't resist
"Excuse me did you say you see a JS?"
"Look here" said a friendly fella and in his scope were Common and Jack Snipe!
Well I soon got settled in near to these observant chaps.Whilst I was looking at the Ducks and Pintail(52)...one chap was actually showing more people the Snipe and a Water Rail...where...not anywhere near me!
It was getting darker outside,well and in as the hides are not lit apart from the stairwell up went everything as a Peregrine flew over.
Grey Heron (too many here! wish they would eat the fish only as they keep eating the other birds too.
Water Pipit and Stonechat were spotted by another chap.Water Pipit creeping about like a mouse and Stonechat sitting up.(56)
By now the hide had emptied and there wre only a few of us left.
I kept hearing Water Rail called eventually I asked the guy next to me where he was looking and as he described where he said lost it!
Would I actually see one today?
And then as I looked down in a corner of the grazing marsh the helpful fella was describing that actual spot and there was the grey head of a most welcome Water Rail.
(A Jack Snipe had been hiding behind a bright clump of leaves ( and difficult it was to see him)and bobbiong up and down occasionally but the Water Rail eventually walked right up to the JS who took off as quickly as earlier the WR had run away from a Moorhen! So in the scope were two tricky birds to see Water Rail and Jack Snipe. What a perfect end to a wonderful days birding. The weather was not good but at least the rain held off until I was in my car.
58 species seen for the 2008 Year List.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Now I have to promise to myself
I will blog more frequently ...I'm sure its just a matter to routine.
So I shall try for 2008 ( and its not a New Years Resolution as that always fails!) to blog daily.
So I expect it will be mainly birding or wildlife but with other things in as well.
Yesterday I went to one of my local patches and saw a Great White Egret.Staines Moor.
This was especially pleasing as I can grip off my birding friend Bob who is in Espana for a while...he deserves being gripped off for being there! Bob kept missing the Mockbeggar bird( in Hampshire)....and one turns up on our doorstep.
Life is funny like that isn't it?
So I shall try for 2008 ( and its not a New Years Resolution as that always fails!) to blog daily.
So I expect it will be mainly birding or wildlife but with other things in as well.
Yesterday I went to one of my local patches and saw a Great White Egret.Staines Moor.
This was especially pleasing as I can grip off my birding friend Bob who is in Espana for a while...he deserves being gripped off for being there! Bob kept missing the Mockbeggar bird( in Hampshire)....and one turns up on our doorstep.
Life is funny like that isn't it?
Monday, November 12, 2007
Remembrance Sunday
Meant to post this yesterday and couldn't access my blog.
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.
Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori.
8 October 1917 – March, 1918
1 DULCE ET DECORUM EST – the first words of a Latin saying (taken from an ode by Horace). The words were widely understood and often quoted at the start of the First World War. They mean “It is sweet and right.” The full saying ends the poem: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori – it is sweet and right to die for your country. In other words, it is a wonderful and great honour to fight and die for your country
Wilfred Owen
It may be well known but read it again..slowly amd let the full force surround you.
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.
Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori.
8 October 1917 – March, 1918
1 DULCE ET DECORUM EST – the first words of a Latin saying (taken from an ode by Horace). The words were widely understood and often quoted at the start of the First World War. They mean “It is sweet and right.” The full saying ends the poem: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori – it is sweet and right to die for your country. In other words, it is a wonderful and great honour to fight and die for your country
Wilfred Owen
It may be well known but read it again..slowly amd let the full force surround you.
Friday, November 09, 2007
I dont believe it!
Please click on the title
I was lost for words. That says it all to those who know me.
Humanity what? I hate fireworks unless its a properly organised event. I would ban them from ordinary backgarden and ordinary people.
Because a friend of mine lost some fingers and a thumb when we were 5...and since then the abuse of the Fireworks the fact that animals wild and tame suffer...I could go on...I'm usually quite libertine in my attitudes but fireworks? Grrrrrllllll.Real spoil sport on this.
I was lost for words. That says it all to those who know me.
Humanity what? I hate fireworks unless its a properly organised event. I would ban them from ordinary backgarden and ordinary people.
Because a friend of mine lost some fingers and a thumb when we were 5...and since then the abuse of the Fireworks the fact that animals wild and tame suffer...I could go on...I'm usually quite libertine in my attitudes but fireworks? Grrrrrllllll.Real spoil sport on this.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Very angry
Rare birds found dead on Queen's Estate.
Two Hen Harriers were found dead on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, the police are investigating.
The Gamekeepers are allegedly suspects as they have been found guilty of setting illegal traps in the past...
Hen Harriers are lovely birds and whilst there are more nesting pairs than the BBC had reported nearer 500 they are still at risk.
Irony about this is that there is hunting allowed on the Sandringham estate...which we know the Royals indulge in.
What will come of this I'm not cartain but I do hope they get more than a slapped wrist!
Two Hen Harriers were found dead on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, the police are investigating.
The Gamekeepers are allegedly suspects as they have been found guilty of setting illegal traps in the past...
Hen Harriers are lovely birds and whilst there are more nesting pairs than the BBC had reported nearer 500 they are still at risk.
Irony about this is that there is hunting allowed on the Sandringham estate...which we know the Royals indulge in.
What will come of this I'm not cartain but I do hope they get more than a slapped wrist!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
October birding
Here is a photo of an adult with thanks to the photograher who I havent been able to trace- so copy and paste- as I havent permission to show it!
http://www.birdlife.org/images/raw/b_single_sociable_lapwing_koshkin_maxim.jpg
I have been out and about seeing rare and common birds. I have written these up on The Bigg Bird Forum under Corinna's pages 2007 in the Birding Outings section.
http://forum.biggonline.co.uk/index.php
I have also decided on my birding holidays abroad for next year.
In early May I'm off to Poland with Ken Shaw (Oliva Rama Tours)and we might get to Belarus for a day- talons crossed.(10 days)- hopefully some lifers there.
In June I'm going to the Picos de Europa (8 days)with a birding friend Bob and Jules Sykes (oliva Rama Tours)1 possible lifer but its the scenery, butterflies, orchids and seeing birds I've seen before but with no pressure(for me!!)I love Espana.
Later in the year - November will find me in South Africa combining a safari with first class birding!(17 days)
An advert now for a top class birder, guide and all round top man Jules Sykes.
http://www.olivaramatours.com/Oliva%20Rama%20Holiday/ORH%20Home.htm
He also has a sound sense of humour (for a Yorkshire lad!).
Ken Shaw is a top birder and has a wealth of birding tales of rarities found. He also has a good sense of humour.
oh today saw another Red Admiral...must be the weather!Garden tick for October
and a Hawker in Osterley Park.
http://www.birdlife.org/images/raw/b_single_sociable_lapwing_koshkin_maxim.jpg
I have been out and about seeing rare and common birds. I have written these up on The Bigg Bird Forum under Corinna's pages 2007 in the Birding Outings section.
http://forum.biggonline.co.uk/index.php
I have also decided on my birding holidays abroad for next year.
In early May I'm off to Poland with Ken Shaw (Oliva Rama Tours)and we might get to Belarus for a day- talons crossed.(10 days)- hopefully some lifers there.
In June I'm going to the Picos de Europa (8 days)with a birding friend Bob and Jules Sykes (oliva Rama Tours)1 possible lifer but its the scenery, butterflies, orchids and seeing birds I've seen before but with no pressure(for me!!)I love Espana.
Later in the year - November will find me in South Africa combining a safari with first class birding!(17 days)
An advert now for a top class birder, guide and all round top man Jules Sykes.
http://www.olivaramatours.com/Oliva%20Rama%20Holiday/ORH%20Home.htm
He also has a sound sense of humour (for a Yorkshire lad!).
Ken Shaw is a top birder and has a wealth of birding tales of rarities found. He also has a good sense of humour.
oh today saw another Red Admiral...must be the weather!Garden tick for October
and a Hawker in Osterley Park.
Good news about a pretty Lapwing
Well its been ages since I last blogged due to some technical reasons!
Hopefully those are all over now.
Sociable Plover or Lapwing Vanellus gregarius which is a rare bird well a mega.
Its got to be a really pretty lapwing IMHO and I'm thrilled to hear that they are no longer as rare as everybody thought.
story click on title
I saw one from the seawall at Rainham Marshes before the Reserve opened, in Dec 2005,
it was a 1st winter so not as beautiful as the adults it was very however very special to me.
Hopefully those are all over now.
Sociable Plover or Lapwing Vanellus gregarius which is a rare bird well a mega.
Its got to be a really pretty lapwing IMHO and I'm thrilled to hear that they are no longer as rare as everybody thought.
story click on title
I saw one from the seawall at Rainham Marshes before the Reserve opened, in Dec 2005,
it was a 1st winter so not as beautiful as the adults it was very however very special to me.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Just a couple if pics from my visit to Richmond Park on Friday afternoon. The morning I spent at Staines Res , Stanwell Moor and Staines moor (top bird - Little Egret)
went for light lunch in the park and was entertained by the Jackdaws. Then on route to Henry's Mound (from there you can look through the trees over a view towards St Pauls Cathedral (10 miles away!!)a Robin flew down and posed for a pic!!
The view is the opposite way.
In the gardens later in a very quite part I heard a flock of Goldcrest's cant remember seeing any there before so that was nice!
Finally England win an IOD series!
Yes you see I stopped talking about it and we finally wom 4-3.
On a day I couldn't watch either!!
Went to s Christening and party afterwards!!
Anyway finally KP actually batted well and was given man of the match altho some people think James Anderton bowled well enough to win it!
So the Twenty Twenty Team have flown off to SA for the World Cup.Some debate about the name but to be honest I dont really care. It will be interesting to see games between the top teams and see if the top test teams turn out to be the best at 20/20.
On a day I couldn't watch either!!
Went to s Christening and party afterwards!!
Anyway finally KP actually batted well and was given man of the match altho some people think James Anderton bowled well enough to win it!
So the Twenty Twenty Team have flown off to SA for the World Cup.Some debate about the name but to be honest I dont really care. It will be interesting to see games between the top teams and see if the top test teams turn out to be the best at 20/20.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Good news!! Divers.
The very beautiful Red necked Diver is breeding well in Scotland and the experts are not exactly sure why!
The Black necked Diver which is rarer in the UK is also on the increase!
Good news day!
Click on title for the article.
Having seen both divers (along with the Slav Grebe - a stunner in full breeding gear!) in Scotland in the summer with chicks, I am really glad to hear this news!
Still in search of the elusive Kingfisher(s) at Barnes! Maybe see one sat week with some friends.
Went to a local patch this morning. On way to another after a pit stop at home to pick up post and feed the reluctant to get up at 6am cat, Cagney!! The others all appear as if by magic whatever time I get up- must have CCTV on me!!
Out for an Italian meal tonight with friends for a celebration.
The Black necked Diver which is rarer in the UK is also on the increase!
Good news day!
Click on title for the article.
Having seen both divers (along with the Slav Grebe - a stunner in full breeding gear!) in Scotland in the summer with chicks, I am really glad to hear this news!
Still in search of the elusive Kingfisher(s) at Barnes! Maybe see one sat week with some friends.
Went to a local patch this morning. On way to another after a pit stop at home to pick up post and feed the reluctant to get up at 6am cat, Cagney!! The others all appear as if by magic whatever time I get up- must have CCTV on me!!
Out for an Italian meal tonight with friends for a celebration.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Went to Barnes
saw Hobby chasing Sand Martins...what a sight.
(Red backed shrike at Rainham...seen earlier this year in Espana.)
Lots of wetland wildlife...
no Kingfishers again!! They are there.... perhaps they will show on Tuesday!!
(Red backed shrike at Rainham...seen earlier this year in Espana.)
Lots of wetland wildlife...
no Kingfishers again!! They are there.... perhaps they will show on Tuesday!!
last time I speak before....
Knew I ought not post!!
its now 3-2 in the series due to rain mainly!! Maybe we would have made it maybe not but its time for KP to have a decent bat .
Failed each time as far as his ability goes!!
The oval on Wednesday.....awaits IU am saying nothing!!
its now 3-2 in the series due to rain mainly!! Maybe we would have made it maybe not but its time for KP to have a decent bat .
Failed each time as far as his ability goes!!
The oval on Wednesday.....awaits IU am saying nothing!!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Man of the match Stuart Broad
Well I am very happy about the narrow squeak victory! 3-1 (but the Indian team may make a comeback as their batting is usually good...)
Sunday and its Headingly.....we will see.
I was very excited by Broad the first time I saw him bowling in 20/20 last year. He was going to be an opening batsman like his dad- Chris Broad...but grew and grew so was developed as a fast bowler...he can bat!
I do think we have to be a bit careful not to bowl him out by taking him to Sri Lanka but to go on an A tour and then maybe to New Zealand next year. He will enjoy bowling in NZ.
Good to see Bopara batting well augers well for the future.
Sunday and its Headingly.....we will see.
I was very excited by Broad the first time I saw him bowling in 20/20 last year. He was going to be an opening batsman like his dad- Chris Broad...but grew and grew so was developed as a fast bowler...he can bat!
I do think we have to be a bit careful not to bowl him out by taking him to Sri Lanka but to go on an A tour and then maybe to New Zealand next year. He will enjoy bowling in NZ.
Good to see Bopara batting well augers well for the future.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Golden Eagle poisoned
I was going to write up my encounter with a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Oare Marshes in Kent on Friday. I may come back to this but yesterday I heard about a Golden Eagle female who had been found poisoned. story from BBC click on the title above. I am gutted as always when something like this happens to a beautiful bird.
This bird was one half of the only breeding pair in the Borders, where was she found? On a grouse moor. The date on Sunday? Twelth of August. For the uninitiated this is the start of the Grouse Shooting season.
I wonder if there is any connection?
This bird was one half of the only breeding pair in the Borders, where was she found? On a grouse moor. The date on Sunday? Twelth of August. For the uninitiated this is the start of the Grouse Shooting season.
I wonder if there is any connection?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Arundel
Spent a lot of time at Barnes WWT over the season this year very interesting watching the trials and tribulations of the birds locally!!
Went to Arudel WWT for a first visit with my friend Pat who has just aquired a new macro lens for her camera.
Day out to Sussex, opportunity for her to practise with her new lens anda nice sunny day!!
Arudel is a pleasant rather attractive town with an imposing and impressive castle...have to visit another day. Passed a beautiful church St Giles on route after Pulborough...I expect Pete has been there!! The countryside looked really at its best - there had to be a reason for all that rain..the green were very green!!
WWT provided good coffee on arrival although we didn't eat there as we were too late for the hot food on our return from exploring the" estate".
We first went on the safari boat which despite the weeds and wind was really pleasant and the 3 children in the boat with us were very well behaved!!We saw a young Water vole feeding and an adult swim across the channel in front of us which was really good...Pat may have captured the young vole but she will have to look later today to see.
Plenty of young about- Little Grebes, Tufty,Mallard, Coot and Moorhens mainly.
Dragons and the others about...Emperor Dragonflies and some wide bodied something...I have to look them out but they were huge and impressive!! No pics of them as they were busy hunting.
Peacocks and some small blue butterflies (looked like Holly Blue ) but will await the photos to really id them. and some large purple butterflies which we wondered might be females...as yet unidentified!!
Said I was just beginning this butterfly lark!!
There are quite a few collection wildfowl here.....
and amidst the Blue Ducks (from NZ and I diud see them in the wild!!) was a juvenile Grey Wagtail looking very dapper!!
A Juvenile Robin all spotty (in a nice way not that teenage acne stuff)a with just a hint of red on his breast was busy in and out of a tree and on the path just outside of a pen containing some foreign Geese with their 5
very attractive juveniles!! Know the name just cant quite remember it!!)
Plenty of our garden birds there too. nice to see our breeding birds taking advantage of the collection araeas!!
Reed and Sedge Warblers about and confiding Dunnocks!!
Mute and Trumpeter Swans along with Black Swans all seem to get along.
The collection birds appeared to be very successfully breeding especially the Hawiian Geese
http://www.esasuccess.org/reports/profile_pages/HawaiianGoose.html
A lovely wander about alas no Kingfishers!!
We then went into Arudel walking past the moat surrounding the Castle into the main street complete with local butcher and lovely shops - antique shops which we resisted as we were looking for somewhere for a late lunch - it being after 3!!
The Red Lion Pub with delightful young man serving both food and drinks is to be recommended.
Local meat obviously supplied from the local butchers- my Steak was delicious and Pats local Sausages v.v.v tasty!! Sitting outside in the garden with a refreshing glass of Rose.
We then drove to Littlehampton to see the Sea. Eventually parked up and the smell of sea, seaweed and salt (well the taste really!!) assaulted our senses! Lovely...walk on the beach where local dogs were enjoying themselves...a lovely un spoilt beach...lots of Herring Guls about of all ages....and BH Gulls with some Commons.
We then went back to another car park nearer the town and walked in pursuit of real ice cream...which was sadly lacking! Every where was by now packing up except for the fish and chippies....obviously time for supper (not for us as replete) an old fashioned seaside in the to be recommended way....
I'm sure the day was tinged a little by the fact it didn't rain and that it was sunny!!
I expect I have left out some species of birds - it really wasn't a listing kind of day!!
_________________
Went to Arudel WWT for a first visit with my friend Pat who has just aquired a new macro lens for her camera.
Day out to Sussex, opportunity for her to practise with her new lens anda nice sunny day!!
Arudel is a pleasant rather attractive town with an imposing and impressive castle...have to visit another day. Passed a beautiful church St Giles on route after Pulborough...I expect Pete has been there!! The countryside looked really at its best - there had to be a reason for all that rain..the green were very green!!
WWT provided good coffee on arrival although we didn't eat there as we were too late for the hot food on our return from exploring the" estate".
We first went on the safari boat which despite the weeds and wind was really pleasant and the 3 children in the boat with us were very well behaved!!We saw a young Water vole feeding and an adult swim across the channel in front of us which was really good...Pat may have captured the young vole but she will have to look later today to see.
Plenty of young about- Little Grebes, Tufty,Mallard, Coot and Moorhens mainly.
Dragons and the others about...Emperor Dragonflies and some wide bodied something...I have to look them out but they were huge and impressive!! No pics of them as they were busy hunting.
Peacocks and some small blue butterflies (looked like Holly Blue ) but will await the photos to really id them. and some large purple butterflies which we wondered might be females...as yet unidentified!!
Said I was just beginning this butterfly lark!!
There are quite a few collection wildfowl here.....
and amidst the Blue Ducks (from NZ and I diud see them in the wild!!) was a juvenile Grey Wagtail looking very dapper!!
A Juvenile Robin all spotty (in a nice way not that teenage acne stuff)a with just a hint of red on his breast was busy in and out of a tree and on the path just outside of a pen containing some foreign Geese with their 5
very attractive juveniles!! Know the name just cant quite remember it!!)
Plenty of our garden birds there too. nice to see our breeding birds taking advantage of the collection araeas!!
Reed and Sedge Warblers about and confiding Dunnocks!!
Mute and Trumpeter Swans along with Black Swans all seem to get along.
The collection birds appeared to be very successfully breeding especially the Hawiian Geese
http://www.esasuccess.org/reports/profile_pages/HawaiianGoose.html
A lovely wander about alas no Kingfishers!!
We then went into Arudel walking past the moat surrounding the Castle into the main street complete with local butcher and lovely shops - antique shops which we resisted as we were looking for somewhere for a late lunch - it being after 3!!
The Red Lion Pub with delightful young man serving both food and drinks is to be recommended.
Local meat obviously supplied from the local butchers- my Steak was delicious and Pats local Sausages v.v.v tasty!! Sitting outside in the garden with a refreshing glass of Rose.
We then drove to Littlehampton to see the Sea. Eventually parked up and the smell of sea, seaweed and salt (well the taste really!!) assaulted our senses! Lovely...walk on the beach where local dogs were enjoying themselves...a lovely un spoilt beach...lots of Herring Guls about of all ages....and BH Gulls with some Commons.
We then went back to another car park nearer the town and walked in pursuit of real ice cream...which was sadly lacking! Every where was by now packing up except for the fish and chippies....obviously time for supper (not for us as replete) an old fashioned seaside in the to be recommended way....
I'm sure the day was tinged a little by the fact it didn't rain and that it was sunny!!
I expect I have left out some species of birds - it really wasn't a listing kind of day!!
_________________
Monday, July 16, 2007
The Good news about Woodlarks in UK
Listening to the radio this morning I heard an RSPB spokesperson reporting on the good news for Woodlarks this year.
However as always there was a but....the Wioodlark has done well due to "set aside land" that farmers do not farm but leave to itself. So what does the EC wish to do? Take "setaside out" apparently farmers wish to farm it again.
The RSPB wish that the setaside not go straight away as proposed but be left for one more year so they can get some proposals tothe farmers as an alternate or we we lose the gains made for the Wood Lark as well as other wildlife.
Read the article by clicking on the title.
However as always there was a but....the Wioodlark has done well due to "set aside land" that farmers do not farm but leave to itself. So what does the EC wish to do? Take "setaside out" apparently farmers wish to farm it again.
The RSPB wish that the setaside not go straight away as proposed but be left for one more year so they can get some proposals tothe farmers as an alternate or we we lose the gains made for the Wood Lark as well as other wildlife.
Read the article by clicking on the title.
Friday, July 13, 2007
To my readers
Sorry I have not blogged in ages...problems mainly with the pc but also I havent really felt like it!I am told that this happens to bloggers...but since I have never blogged daily cant see how I'm blogged out as in tombed out as any traveller to Egypt will recognise!
Not sure what to write except I have seen some Football from Canada under 20's World Cup, some footie from South America...some of the final parts of the Tour of France (ie about 20 k to go....and rain and rain and rain.........
and rain...and rain and rain....
Thats it I'm rained out!!
I have to sort out my Espana Birding trip...awaiting photos from a couple of the people who went with us...and notes from one of the leaders who promised to send me his nots as I couldn't keep up with the plants and Butterflies!!
I will try to do better in the future!!
Not sure what to write except I have seen some Football from Canada under 20's World Cup, some footie from South America...some of the final parts of the Tour of France (ie about 20 k to go....and rain and rain and rain.........
and rain...and rain and rain....
Thats it I'm rained out!!
I have to sort out my Espana Birding trip...awaiting photos from a couple of the people who went with us...and notes from one of the leaders who promised to send me his nots as I couldn't keep up with the plants and Butterflies!!
I will try to do better in the future!!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Whoops clicked enter too soon- the good news
US keeps eagle eye on National Bird!!
What a magnificent bird.I remember seeing my first truely wild one...in Canada in 2004.
The sight will stay with me forever!
I love Eagles you would never realise it would you? And Birds of Prey too.
But I do like all birds even the dull brown ones as no bird is really dull!!
What a magnificent bird.I remember seeing my first truely wild one...in Canada in 2004.
The sight will stay with me forever!
I love Eagles you would never realise it would you? And Birds of Prey too.
But I do like all birds even the dull brown ones as no bird is really dull!!
Some good news and some bad
Well two items of news regarding birds I see today.
Good news re Bald Eagles in the States.
But some bad news about our seabirds around St Kilda.
Good news re Bald Eagles in the States.
But some bad news about our seabirds around St Kilda.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Historic day.
Today we see a new Prime Minister as Gordon Brown takes over from Tony Blair.
I am looking forward to seeing a fresh approach and some different styles of working.
After 10 years in power it is time for Labour to refresh the Government, the Party and the Country.
I am looking forward to seeing Gordon's new Cabinet and other appointments.
I am looking forward to seeing a fresh approach and some different styles of working.
After 10 years in power it is time for Labour to refresh the Government, the Party and the Country.
I am looking forward to seeing Gordon's new Cabinet and other appointments.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Been away!!
Not been blogging as I went to Espana on a birding trip and lots of stuff has happened since I got back!!
I will blog my trip which was fantastic....went from Oliva in Valencia- to the Pyrenennes and back via the Ebro delta.
Went with
http://www.olivaramatours.com/ If you click on the title it should take you to Jules website.
Jules was helped with the driving by Ken Shaw and there were 5 of us...I knew 3 others(met biurding in Espana a couple of years before!!) and had met another on Birdforum.-awaiting their photos...mine were typically record shots!!
A brill time birding, id ing Butterflies and we all had a great time good company and some terrific laughs!!
I will blog my trip which was fantastic....went from Oliva in Valencia- to the Pyrenennes and back via the Ebro delta.
Went with
http://www.olivaramatours.com/ If you click on the title it should take you to Jules website.
Jules was helped with the driving by Ken Shaw and there were 5 of us...I knew 3 others(met biurding in Espana a couple of years before!!) and had met another on Birdforum.-awaiting their photos...mine were typically record shots!!
A brill time birding, id ing Butterflies and we all had a great time good company and some terrific laughs!!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Nesting owls swoop on dog walkers
This is for my North American friends (and any one else outside of UK) as you will have missed this.
Recently I heard about some nesting Eagle Owls in Lancashire (we have had Eagle Owls nesting in the NE before)- these were originally escapes but seem to be able to rear their young sucessfully.
Then on the pager the other day came the news "Collie Dog taken"!!
I waited for the BBC to gather the news and to my relief see it wasn't "taken" to the nest as my imagination had run riot!!
There had been warnings so what this "dog lover was doing...goodnesss knows!
click on the title to read all about it!
Recently I heard about some nesting Eagle Owls in Lancashire (we have had Eagle Owls nesting in the NE before)- these were originally escapes but seem to be able to rear their young sucessfully.
Then on the pager the other day came the news "Collie Dog taken"!!
I waited for the BBC to gather the news and to my relief see it wasn't "taken" to the nest as my imagination had run riot!!
There had been warnings so what this "dog lover was doing...goodnesss knows!
click on the title to read all about it!
England win 2nd Test
Despite the rain and the cold (7 degrees c at one point) England finally and in fits and stops put this test to bed with a record win over the Windies.
Viv Richards, Gary Sobers and the wonderful fast bowlers of yore will be soooooooo
upset to see the sorry state that the WI have come to...not the fault of this team particularly but the mess that the administration have let happen presumably over petty bickering!For soo many years now....I guess Brian Lara papered over the cracks somewhat with his runs but.......he too played his part in the WI downfall.
Sounds like an exam question
How far and in what way were the Cricket Administrators of the West Indies to blame for the ignominy faced in 2007 in Headingley?
Or "Brian Lara - his part in our downfall" Discuss.
Viv Richards, Gary Sobers and the wonderful fast bowlers of yore will be soooooooo
upset to see the sorry state that the WI have come to...not the fault of this team particularly but the mess that the administration have let happen presumably over petty bickering!For soo many years now....I guess Brian Lara papered over the cracks somewhat with his runs but.......he too played his part in the WI downfall.
Sounds like an exam question
How far and in what way were the Cricket Administrators of the West Indies to blame for the ignominy faced in 2007 in Headingley?
Or "Brian Lara - his part in our downfall" Discuss.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
30 years of Star Wars
30 years since Star Wars burst onto our screens.
I dont claim to be a Trekkie but I did see the film almost as soon as it was released.
I was an avid cinema goer then and went to lots of films in the West end before they hit the High Streets.(I usually wait til films are on in Richmond, nowadays!!)
I fell in love with a Wookie!
Actually R2D2 was my favourite and Hans Solo was such a great character!!
Some parts of the film still stand up to todays computer generated special effects but some parts dont. The first film to be released has a special place in our sf history.
Click on the title and discover 30 facts about SW!!
I dont claim to be a Trekkie but I did see the film almost as soon as it was released.
I was an avid cinema goer then and went to lots of films in the West end before they hit the High Streets.(I usually wait til films are on in Richmond, nowadays!!)
I fell in love with a Wookie!
Actually R2D2 was my favourite and Hans Solo was such a great character!!
Some parts of the film still stand up to todays computer generated special effects but some parts dont. The first film to be released has a special place in our sf history.
Click on the title and discover 30 facts about SW!!
2nd Test and other matters
KP does it again! scores over 200 runs and the slightly unorthodox call up of Ryan Sidebottom worked a treat!!
Whoevers call that was well done!!
6 wickets in one day, he also fired the other seamers up!!
Even tho the weather might be against us with a lead of 400 runs and 8 wickets to get- well they have done well! If The forecast is correct and Tuesday is okay then it is a possibility of a win.We will see!
David Beckham called up again for Englands football team.
Now I know he has been playing well in Espana.but is this a backward step?
I think I would have preferred it if we had gone with the future and not the past.
David Bentley played well enough to show he could be on the bench if Mr Lennon is fit and I would prefer to play a wide man who can actually go past defenders something Beckham hasn't been able to do in a long time.
Yes he can take free kicks.....but do we really want to go back to all the media speculation and not progress.
I think the manager has lost the plot again....still there are 3 matches in Espana and DB might have an injury and we can wonder all we like!!
See I'm talking about it!!
Move on!!
Whoevers call that was well done!!
6 wickets in one day, he also fired the other seamers up!!
Even tho the weather might be against us with a lead of 400 runs and 8 wickets to get- well they have done well! If The forecast is correct and Tuesday is okay then it is a possibility of a win.We will see!
David Beckham called up again for Englands football team.
Now I know he has been playing well in Espana.but is this a backward step?
I think I would have preferred it if we had gone with the future and not the past.
David Bentley played well enough to show he could be on the bench if Mr Lennon is fit and I would prefer to play a wide man who can actually go past defenders something Beckham hasn't been able to do in a long time.
Yes he can take free kicks.....but do we really want to go back to all the media speculation and not progress.
I think the manager has lost the plot again....still there are 3 matches in Espana and DB might have an injury and we can wonder all we like!!
See I'm talking about it!!
Move on!!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Goose smashes sea crossing record
Well a Barnacle goose has now broken the record for a sea crossing!!
Click on the title to read more!!
Click on the title to read more!!
Cricket again
I havent been very well lately and didn't finish the blog on the first test...the rain won and it was a draw but not until England could have won!!
KP scored a wonderful century.
We are now into the 2nd Test.
Same team with Sidebottom in for injured Hoggard..not sure about that!! And the Captain who hasn't played any cricket for 18 months or so back in...I had my doubts...
What does Vaughan do scores a Century and some of the shots were like his old elegant self!! Well done to him!!
KP scored an impressive century again and England are in a good position.
Guess what is expected on Sunday and Monday yes rain...fingers and toes crossed it is just cloudy over Leeds!!
KP scored a wonderful century.
We are now into the 2nd Test.
Same team with Sidebottom in for injured Hoggard..not sure about that!! And the Captain who hasn't played any cricket for 18 months or so back in...I had my doubts...
What does Vaughan do scores a Century and some of the shots were like his old elegant self!! Well done to him!!
KP scored an impressive century again and England are in a good position.
Guess what is expected on Sunday and Monday yes rain...fingers and toes crossed it is just cloudy over Leeds!!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Gorgeted Puffleg Hummingbird
Just look at this beauty!!
Newly discovered but also endangered
What a stunner.....Pufflegs are but this one wow!!
Newly discovered but also endangered
What a stunner.....Pufflegs are but this one wow!!
1st test - 2nd day
Well 550 runs for 5 wickets and 4 players scoring centuries.
OK its the Windies attack...well their attempt at an attack!! However batsmen still have to get those runs and boy did they.
Prior on debut a magnificent 126 not out - terrific now to hold them catches!!
I am happy to see England playing at Lords and enjoying themselves!!
OK its the Windies attack...well their attempt at an attack!! However batsmen still have to get those runs and boy did they.
Prior on debut a magnificent 126 not out - terrific now to hold them catches!!
I am happy to see England playing at Lords and enjoying themselves!!
Famous Galápagos Tortoise, Lonesome George, May Not Be Alone
Well some good news from the Galapagos...
click on the title.
I have been looking at Galapagos on the net as I am thinking about a trip there next year!
I wonder if Lonesome will still be alive by the time I may get there.
On another note I have just watched 4 Great Tit babies fledge from their bird box
you can read about this years stories here
http://www.biggonline.co.uk
click on the title.
I have been looking at Galapagos on the net as I am thinking about a trip there next year!
I wonder if Lonesome will still be alive by the time I may get there.
On another note I have just watched 4 Great Tit babies fledge from their bird box
you can read about this years stories here
http://www.biggonline.co.uk
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Cranes are breeding in the Fens
The RSPB have reported finding a nest at Lakenheath Reserve in Suffolk...better known as one place we can hear and sometimes see Golden Orioles.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Here we go Cricket Test
Indeed it is time for test matches again...starting on Thursday.
The new regime...new coach and new Captain.
Ok Andrew can we beat the new look Windies?
Well Pete will be pleased as the wicket keeper is Prior ( Pete has been on and on about him being the best for ages...so lets see..
The Team have injuries...Harmison and Freddie but we will see.
We ought to beat the Windies!!
The new regime...new coach and new Captain.
Ok Andrew can we beat the new look Windies?
Well Pete will be pleased as the wicket keeper is Prior ( Pete has been on and on about him being the best for ages...so lets see..
The Team have injuries...Harmison and Freddie but we will see.
We ought to beat the Windies!!
Charles Darwin online
Charles Darwin is now online!!
Well his letters and some other written papers!!
This could prove a very interesting site.
Well his letters and some other written papers!!
This could prove a very interesting site.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Bar tailed Godwits migratory journey
How about this....
The kiwi might be New Zealand's iconic flightless bird, but another inhabitant of these antipodean islands more than makes up for the kiwi's ground-dwelling nature.
The bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri) - or kuaka in the Maori language - sets off at the end of each austral summer for Alaska, stopping en route in Asia.
This year, for the first time, scientists have tracked the godwits' northern route with satellite tags. And it shows the godwits really are the champion migrants of the avian world.
"When you feel them in your hands, they're not fragile little things," says Massey University ecologist Dr Phil Battley, the New Zealand coordinator for the international study.
"They are built to travel. They get incredibly fat. When you get a really fat one, it almost has trouble balancing - it's like it has a pound of butter under its skin.
"Once they get into the air, it's flap-flap, and that's all they do really."
See where the birds are flying
By tagging them, the researchers hope to show just far these birds fly.
"We know that the godwits leave New Zealand, and we know that they arrive in the Yellow Sea, but we really haven't had any information in between that," Dr Battley explains.
"We don't know whether they make stop-offs on the way; and if they do, where they are. And we don't know anything about the security of those sites - how safe they are from development."
Back in March and April, after their summer sojourn, 13 satellite-tagged bar-tailed godwits left New Zealand to fly north.
Six of those birds flew directly to South Korea, China, and Japan, flying more than 10,000 kilometres (6,000 miles) in just over a week.
With some of the other birds, the tracking device fell off en route, and in one case a bird island-hopped his way up to the Yellow Sea. "We suspect this is because he doesn't like having a 'matchbox' strapped to his back," says Dr Battley.
The direct flights are some of the longest migratory bird flights ever recorded - and some of the toughest.
Seabirds feed and rest on their long journeys, swifts feed whilst in flight; but for the godwits, says Dr Battley, it is essentially a non-eating, non-drinking flight. They also fly pretty well true.
"Their navigational expertise must be very high because the distances they were actually flying, as best we can estimate from the data, are not greatly different from the shortest possible distance between those two spots," the researcher says.
Also the godwits are very faithful to the stopover sites they use. One godwit, for instance, looks likely to have only two stopovers on the whole round trip: Yalu Jiang in China and then the Yukon Delta.
"It really reinforces how critical these sites are to these birds," says Dr Battley.
"If something were to happen to that area, [the godwit] may not know any of the other areas around that, and that would put it at a disadvantage in trying to find food."
And the godwit population is in decline.
New Zealand hosts 70,000 godwits each summer, but it used to be home to 100,000. It is the same throughout the East Asian and Australasian flyways, where up to 85% of the shorebird populations are declining.
Just what is going on is part of what the godwit tracking and the broader Pacific Shorebird Migration Program, a joint initiative between the US Geological Survey and PRBO Conservation Science, hopes to find out.
The increasing reclamation of tidal mud flats in Korea and China, and the changes in geography due to projects such as the Three Gorges Dam, are part of the problem, Dr Battley suggests.
Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam is accused of damaging bird habitats
"Everywhere is under threat to a certain degree. You just have to zoom in on any spot around the Yellow Sea [on Google Earth] and it's getting reclaimed in one way or another."
But one thing the godwits are probably not is a potential carrier of avian influenza, scientists believe.
"It's clear these birds are going straight up to their destination and that's where they are stopping and then moving on," says Dr Battley.
"It's not like they are going around the coast of Southern China and stopping off in lots of places where they have the potential to pick this up."
Four of the tagged godwits have now left Asia for the 5,000km (3,000 mile) journey to their breeding grounds in Alaska.
That's where they will stay for the Northern Hemisphere summer before returning in September to New Zealand.
Godwit migration (Source: USGS Alaska Science Center)
What I really am thrilled about is I saw Bar tailed Godwits in NZ in NOvember 2006- just think of their journey!!
The kiwi might be New Zealand's iconic flightless bird, but another inhabitant of these antipodean islands more than makes up for the kiwi's ground-dwelling nature.
The bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri) - or kuaka in the Maori language - sets off at the end of each austral summer for Alaska, stopping en route in Asia.
This year, for the first time, scientists have tracked the godwits' northern route with satellite tags. And it shows the godwits really are the champion migrants of the avian world.
"When you feel them in your hands, they're not fragile little things," says Massey University ecologist Dr Phil Battley, the New Zealand coordinator for the international study.
"They are built to travel. They get incredibly fat. When you get a really fat one, it almost has trouble balancing - it's like it has a pound of butter under its skin.
"Once they get into the air, it's flap-flap, and that's all they do really."
See where the birds are flying
By tagging them, the researchers hope to show just far these birds fly.
"We know that the godwits leave New Zealand, and we know that they arrive in the Yellow Sea, but we really haven't had any information in between that," Dr Battley explains.
"We don't know whether they make stop-offs on the way; and if they do, where they are. And we don't know anything about the security of those sites - how safe they are from development."
Back in March and April, after their summer sojourn, 13 satellite-tagged bar-tailed godwits left New Zealand to fly north.
Six of those birds flew directly to South Korea, China, and Japan, flying more than 10,000 kilometres (6,000 miles) in just over a week.
With some of the other birds, the tracking device fell off en route, and in one case a bird island-hopped his way up to the Yellow Sea. "We suspect this is because he doesn't like having a 'matchbox' strapped to his back," says Dr Battley.
The direct flights are some of the longest migratory bird flights ever recorded - and some of the toughest.
Seabirds feed and rest on their long journeys, swifts feed whilst in flight; but for the godwits, says Dr Battley, it is essentially a non-eating, non-drinking flight. They also fly pretty well true.
"Their navigational expertise must be very high because the distances they were actually flying, as best we can estimate from the data, are not greatly different from the shortest possible distance between those two spots," the researcher says.
Also the godwits are very faithful to the stopover sites they use. One godwit, for instance, looks likely to have only two stopovers on the whole round trip: Yalu Jiang in China and then the Yukon Delta.
"It really reinforces how critical these sites are to these birds," says Dr Battley.
"If something were to happen to that area, [the godwit] may not know any of the other areas around that, and that would put it at a disadvantage in trying to find food."
And the godwit population is in decline.
New Zealand hosts 70,000 godwits each summer, but it used to be home to 100,000. It is the same throughout the East Asian and Australasian flyways, where up to 85% of the shorebird populations are declining.
Just what is going on is part of what the godwit tracking and the broader Pacific Shorebird Migration Program, a joint initiative between the US Geological Survey and PRBO Conservation Science, hopes to find out.
The increasing reclamation of tidal mud flats in Korea and China, and the changes in geography due to projects such as the Three Gorges Dam, are part of the problem, Dr Battley suggests.
Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam is accused of damaging bird habitats
"Everywhere is under threat to a certain degree. You just have to zoom in on any spot around the Yellow Sea [on Google Earth] and it's getting reclaimed in one way or another."
But one thing the godwits are probably not is a potential carrier of avian influenza, scientists believe.
"It's clear these birds are going straight up to their destination and that's where they are stopping and then moving on," says Dr Battley.
"It's not like they are going around the coast of Southern China and stopping off in lots of places where they have the potential to pick this up."
Four of the tagged godwits have now left Asia for the 5,000km (3,000 mile) journey to their breeding grounds in Alaska.
That's where they will stay for the Northern Hemisphere summer before returning in September to New Zealand.
Godwit migration (Source: USGS Alaska Science Center)
What I really am thrilled about is I saw Bar tailed Godwits in NZ in NOvember 2006- just think of their journey!!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Confused penguin strays 5,000km
A Magellanic penguin whose natural habitat is the cool climes of southern Chile has strayed thousands of miles from his home, arriving in Peru.
The penguin, native to the Strait of Magellan region of Chile, swam all the way to Peru's Paracas national reserve.
Scientists say the bird appeared to have made the 5,000km (3,000-mile) journey alone.
They say the penguin must have "got off course" to end up just 14 degrees south of the equator.
Read the rest here(click on the title) there is also a link to a video
The penguin, native to the Strait of Magellan region of Chile, swam all the way to Peru's Paracas national reserve.
Scientists say the bird appeared to have made the 5,000km (3,000-mile) journey alone.
They say the penguin must have "got off course" to end up just 14 degrees south of the equator.
Read the rest here(click on the title) there is also a link to a video
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
Boy hatches chick from shop bought eggs.
see here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/suffolk/6643407.stm
Interesting!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/suffolk/6643407.stm
Interesting!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
The Golden Compass
Just been alerted to this book (well books) by a fellow blogger. As a kinda tribute to a friend I have met online whose funeral was yeaterday I decided to see what my Daemon might be.
People who knew Boo will understand why I think this might be the kind of tribute she would appreciate.
ight="400">
Dont know if this will work or I have to do some thing else!
Here goes
People who knew Boo will understand why I think this might be the kind of tribute she would appreciate.
ight="400">
Dont know if this will work or I have to do some thing else!
Here goes
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Shock cool weather!!
So more Photos from Costa Rica to make me feel warm!! We have had such hot weather for April now its cloudy and quite cool!!
The Fiery Billed Aracari.
A good name for a fine fella!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Well after a knock of 149 from one wicketkeeper batsman...we nearly had a contest in the end the most consistent team won. what a shambles at the end...I didn't see it live but neither did some of the crowd or the players!!!
Much too long for an event that is about one day cricket and tense and excitment grew less and less!
They ought to have a knock out event after the initial rounds to make it more exciting.
Much too long for an event that is about one day cricket and tense and excitment grew less and less!
They ought to have a knock out event after the initial rounds to make it more exciting.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
World Cup Cricket Final
Well its here ...inevitably Australia are there.....and so too are Sri Lanka.
Disappointing semi finals with both SA and NZ capitulating!
So I am backing Sri Lanka because I cant a) stand the crowing from the Aussies
and b) I'm being a "typical" English person and supporting the underdog!!
Also I actually like the way they play their cricket and several of the team are outstanding
batters...and the M's can bowl a bit!!
(Mind I cant help but admire in a grudging way the outmost professionalism of the Oz team ...grrrl..but then I am a Pom!!)
The best team will win ...just hope its a terrific final.
Disappointing semi finals with both SA and NZ capitulating!
So I am backing Sri Lanka because I cant a) stand the crowing from the Aussies
and b) I'm being a "typical" English person and supporting the underdog!!
Also I actually like the way they play their cricket and several of the team are outstanding
batters...and the M's can bowl a bit!!
(Mind I cant help but admire in a grudging way the outmost professionalism of the Oz team ...grrrl..but then I am a Pom!!)
The best team will win ...just hope its a terrific final.
City birds sing for silent nights.
Interesting research this- even more interesting for me is I have met the scientist quoted here..on a birding trip to Cornwall last year during my Big Year birding when I aimed to see over 300 birds in UK and managed to do so!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6591649.stm
Robins in urban areas are singing at night because it is too noisy during the day, researchers suggest.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6591649.stm
Robins in urban areas are singing at night because it is too noisy during the day, researchers suggest.
Scientists from the University of Sheffield say there is a link between an area's daytime noise levels and the number of birds singing at night.
Until now, light pollution had been blamed because it was thought that street lights tricked the birds into thinking it was still daytime.
The findings are published in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters.
"You generally only seem to hear nocturnal singing in cities," explained Richard Fuller, one of the study's co-authors.
"So this led us to think that there was some aspect of the urban environment that was driving this phenomenon."
Light pollution had been widely held as the prime suspect. It was thought to prevent the birds from roosting, leading to them remaining active through the hours of darkness. "That was the stock answer you would get," Dr Fuller said, "that it was basically tricking the birds into thinking it was daylight and tripping some sort of physiological threshold. "But we thought that was pretty unlikely because birds are much more complex than that." He said that there had never been a scientific study to measure the impact of light pollution on the behaviour of urban robins. "So we went out and measured both noctural light and daytime noise levels and we found that daytime noise had a far stronger effect. "We found that night-time light had a small effect, but very much smaller than the impact of noise levels." This led the team to conclude that it was an active decision by the birds to sing at night rather than passively responding to light levels. "The birds appear to be singing at night to avoid competition with high noise levels caused by our cities during the day," Dr Fuller suggested. "Noise levels were 10 times higher in places where birds were singing at night." The findings form a part of a seven-year research programme by the university's Department of Animal and Plant Sciences to measure the impact of urbanisation on biodiversity. |  | |
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Cricket
9 wickets NINE wickets yes NINE WICKETS
Cant believe it - well I can unfortunately in the BIG game where even tho they didn't deserve it England had the chance to make the semi final what did they do yes.
Stuck to the losing system...same top 3 batters , not go on the attack during the power plays...
keep the wickets so that you blaze through the last 10 overs.
Problem...no one else plays that way any more we cant keep our wickets and we dont get to the last 10 overs!
Well any muppet can see that what has changed? Well our players have grown more and more lacking in any confidence except misplaced confidence of a terrible one day batter who is a great Test Skipper!
We all knew what would happen and it has.....
growl growl.
Wonder if it will make any difference.
Still I shall now enjoy watching the semis and the final.
Do I care who wins? well I would much rather it was the Kiwis or the Sri Lankans-
but then if they are really great matches.....cricket wins and maybe our ECB will watch and learn rather than think we can keep it the same old same old.
Still awaiting my first Swift.....and Swallow... maybe when i travel up to Rutland Water on Friday I'll be rewarded....perhaps Paxton Pits for my first Nightengale too....we will see.
Cant believe it - well I can unfortunately in the BIG game where even tho they didn't deserve it England had the chance to make the semi final what did they do yes.
Stuck to the losing system...same top 3 batters , not go on the attack during the power plays...
keep the wickets so that you blaze through the last 10 overs.
Problem...no one else plays that way any more we cant keep our wickets and we dont get to the last 10 overs!
Well any muppet can see that what has changed? Well our players have grown more and more lacking in any confidence except misplaced confidence of a terrible one day batter who is a great Test Skipper!
We all knew what would happen and it has.....
growl growl.
Wonder if it will make any difference.
Still I shall now enjoy watching the semis and the final.
Do I care who wins? well I would much rather it was the Kiwis or the Sri Lankans-
but then if they are really great matches.....cricket wins and maybe our ECB will watch and learn rather than think we can keep it the same old same old.
Still awaiting my first Swift.....and Swallow... maybe when i travel up to Rutland Water on Friday I'll be rewarded....perhaps Paxton Pits for my first Nightengale too....we will see.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Costa Rica
Well just before I watch the World Cup in the sunny Carib- we have yet another day in sunshine here in London!
Emerald toucanette!! Au natural....I may be able to find mine...on a feeder didn't get as close a shot as Sean's!! Yes there he is!!
Prong-billed Barbet another of my record shots!!
Flamecoloured Tanager.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Yet more photos from Costa Rica
Well the World Cup Cricket throws up continuous surprises....mainly The Irish and the Bangra Boys!! Good on 'em I say!
Well i thought it would be Oz, SA, Kiwis and SL in the finals......will i be correct?
Englands batting looked a bit wobbly at the begining.....come on KP!!!
So to the pics...once again Sean Dennis photos....
1st a Black and White Owl....roosting and living in a village public square...I kid you not along with a Sloth(Two toed) and some other birds!!
Double striped Thickknee and a Jabiru sitting on its nest with chick!
and a Black-headed Trogon.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Bob Woolmer RIP
Well it was bad enough to hear of the death of the innovative Cricket Coach (and ex-Kent County player) but now his death is suspicious.
We await further details.
The Pakistanis will play their last game in the World Cup...with heavy hearts...how difficult will it be for them.
Its all very very sad.
We await further details.
The Pakistanis will play their last game in the World Cup...with heavy hearts...how difficult will it be for them.
Its all very very sad.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
More photos by Sean Dennis
Acorn Woodpecker and Lineated (male)Woody
Kingfishers are Green and Amazon. The Amazons are bigger and have less white in their wings.The Green has more colour on its belly.
These are both females, males have a rufous breast.
Some photos by Sean Dennis
Oropendula - an interesting bird which sounds rather tropical!! I love their display!! These are Montezuma's ......
Help
Horrible!!
What happened to our batting?
Even KP decided to throw away his wicket when he looked set for a big score and then dropped a sitter!!
Help its hard watching England!!
It will get better as we play Canada next!!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!
What happened to our batting?
Even KP decided to throw away his wicket when he looked set for a big score and then dropped a sitter!!
Help its hard watching England!!
It will get better as we play Canada next!!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Cricket lovely Cricket
I will return to post photos by Sean from our Costa Rica trip.
But first Cricket. I dont like cricket I love it!!
England play their first One day Game in the World Cup this afternoon against New Zealand.
After the end of the Aussie series when totally unexpectedly we beat the Aussies...I wondered what might happen.
I had a discussion with Pete re the make up of the squad and the selectors didn't listen to either of us. Actually the majority of the team is the same!
Wicket keepers being of greatest concern.
But also not picking some of the younger players for experience- as we wont win the thing this time anyway!!
My predictions Australia to play South Africa in the final. Windies to play their best and get to the semis....but who with them....?
Did think India...possible or Sri Lanka...I hope England but....
I'd love to be wrong!!
I will return to this topic after the game!!
But first Cricket. I dont like cricket I love it!!
England play their first One day Game in the World Cup this afternoon against New Zealand.
After the end of the Aussie series when totally unexpectedly we beat the Aussies...I wondered what might happen.
I had a discussion with Pete re the make up of the squad and the selectors didn't listen to either of us. Actually the majority of the team is the same!
Wicket keepers being of greatest concern.
But also not picking some of the younger players for experience- as we wont win the thing this time anyway!!
My predictions Australia to play South Africa in the final. Windies to play their best and get to the semis....but who with them....?
Did think India...possible or Sri Lanka...I hope England but....
I'd love to be wrong!!
I will return to this topic after the game!!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Photographs from, Costa Rica bySean Dennis
Sean was on the birders trip we made in Jan/Feb this year.
His photographs are very good , in fact some are stunning. I am really glad that Sean has allowed me to share these.
Unless I say a photograph is mine all will be his!! There was another photographer on our trip and some of her photos can be seen here
http://www.heatherlea.co.uk/tours/tour-news.htm
scroll down to see Wendy's photos...she digiscopes...both use digital cameras.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Busy day!!
Busy day so only time to look at Garden birds in two gardens. Mine...well its a number of gardens really as they are all small...its a little oblong...but we have House Sparrows, Starlings, Woodpigeons, Blue and Great tits, Robins (one pair) and Blackbirds (one pair).
Visitors or passers by
feral nasties, Carrion crows and Magpies (they live down the road in a local Park), Blackheaded and Lesser Black Backed Gulls (from the River....Thames) RN Parakeets and a Grey Heron
My friends....we have feeders there....
RN Parakeets (too many!!) (from Osterley Park where they roost)
Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin (a pair), Blackbirds (a pair)
Blue and Great tits, a couple of Starlings (fat balls) and a Wren and a Dunnock - they nest next door but only ever see one at a time!!
Lots of Feral pigeon sometimes with a Woodpigeon....Carrion Crows and Magpies pass through
and the Gulls.......
So took Zeta the German Shepherd to Chiswick House for a couple of hours run today......
heard a number of Yaffles (Green Woodies) and Song Thrushes.....the usual suspects (Garden
birds as above!!) lots of RN Parakeets...they are everywhere.
Then the Mute Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards and Tufties.....Coots and Moorhens.
3 Coot nests....and lots of pairing.....
I though I heard a distant drumming...or was it that I am looking for my first Lesser Spot Woody...searched Richmond Park the other day....they should be about!!
I shall have to visit Barnes soon.....Caspian Gull there recently.....
Visitors or passers by
feral nasties, Carrion crows and Magpies (they live down the road in a local Park), Blackheaded and Lesser Black Backed Gulls (from the River....Thames) RN Parakeets and a Grey Heron
My friends....we have feeders there....
RN Parakeets (too many!!) (from Osterley Park where they roost)
Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin (a pair), Blackbirds (a pair)
Blue and Great tits, a couple of Starlings (fat balls) and a Wren and a Dunnock - they nest next door but only ever see one at a time!!
Lots of Feral pigeon sometimes with a Woodpigeon....Carrion Crows and Magpies pass through
and the Gulls.......
So took Zeta the German Shepherd to Chiswick House for a couple of hours run today......
heard a number of Yaffles (Green Woodies) and Song Thrushes.....the usual suspects (Garden
birds as above!!) lots of RN Parakeets...they are everywhere.
Then the Mute Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards and Tufties.....Coots and Moorhens.
3 Coot nests....and lots of pairing.....
I though I heard a distant drumming...or was it that I am looking for my first Lesser Spot Woody...searched Richmond Park the other day....they should be about!!
I shall have to visit Barnes soon.....Caspian Gull there recently.....
Monday, March 12, 2007
Albatross rule the skies!!
Well thats how I feel today...usually its Birds of Prey but I was looking at a website today and I thought I'd put some of my photos from Kaikoura here!
Now I have worked out how to post pics!!
A visit from a Coati Mundi
The wild Coati mundi reminded me of the Coati that visited us one morning for Bananas.
They obviously help themselves to the bird feeders...and when there are no bananas left....well they come to the breakfast area!!
Oh the Dogs are ahhh factor after Crufts where a dog I liked the look of won!!
Musings
Once more its another month!
Its not like I dont like blogging I'm just not in the habit!!
I have added a link to Ocean and Forest Walks blog. I like it!!
Digiscoper link has been deleted as I cant access it anymore!
I have a number of photos to add from my Costa Rica and New Zealand trips and I'm hoping to post these over the next week!
I have been out and about Birding in the Uk since my last blog post. I have added another blog site where I am going to keep my lists, I would have prefered to do tags on my main blog but I cant work out how to do them!
Coati Mundi seen on the roadside in Costa Rica.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Tails of Quetzals,Trogans,Tanagers, coati mundi and other animals
Well I wonder if I can actually keep the blog this time !!
Just returned from Central America...Costa Rica. What a wonderful country. No army and an education system that has a very high literacy rate. The people whilst very friendly are clearly educated and only in some rural villages did I find any who couldn't speak at least a little English.
My spanish has improved from haltingly dreadful to a bit better!! Evening classes will be a must as tapes in the car dont check your spoken pronunciation!
Ok so the Ticos speak a slightly different form but do understand ...well I think they were too polite to say anything!!
Birding was super fine with over 330 birds seen by myself...many more seen by our Guide Paco
from Cotinga Tours - yes we could have seen even more but it wasn't only about the numbers game. Much more with seeing the actual bird and watching it au natural.
Read about Paco and his guiding here
www.cotingatours.com
I went to Peru in August 2005 and was utterly overwhelmed with seeing 315-20 birds all new.
The different names and families.....
This time it was great, knowing the families helped and some were the same species but since CR has birds migrating from North America and South America there was a range of known birds.
The heat and humidity was sapping at times. When I returned to find my car covered in ice and had to defrost it before driving home through foggy weather on the M23 I was sooooooo
cold!! The contrast could scarcely have been greater!
I particularly liked this chap, spotted in Miriams garden. Perched in a tree for 20 minutes at least.A top bird and a top target for me. I also saw my second top target the same day but no photos.The Long tailed Silky Flycatcher. I bought a copy of a photo home with me but to enjoy this bird look here.
www.pbase.com/rod_ostoski/image/62627577
with all acknowledgements to rod ostoski ...what a bird and stunning photography.
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