Marc Heath has a record shot on the KOS site.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Pictures from Grove Ferry 11/08
These are all Pats photos....I need to look at her photos as she hasn't sent me the duck photos - hopefully she has some of the Garganey family! One problem with having a non birder photographing birds is you are never really sure that they have taken photo's of the more important birds - the Spotted Crake was too far but I did hope she had at least one shot of it! This will have to wait until her return from France.
Marc Heath has a record shot on the KOS site.
Marc Heath has a record shot on the KOS site.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Part 2 Kent
Dungeness in the sun!
First to the sea.....100's of Common Terns and usual Gulls.
then to reserve - no sign on route in of CE ....but was there earlier....to Denge Marsh Road and lots of waiting after the initial several seconds of flight by
Purple Heron seen - one adult! No photo much to the despair of the photographer!
Dip = Cattle Egret and GWE
Nice time at the Arc followed.
Then to Grove Ferry in pursuit of the Spotted Crake!
Lovely cross country journey from Dungeness via Folkstone to Grove keeping off the main roads!Kent countryside still difficult to beat!
Grove Ferry Inn parking snip at £1 a day!
To the mound and then to look at the brand new hide next to deep water and then on to the hide where the Spotted Crake had been seen.....long wait as one two three Water Rails kept us on our toes!
Whilst waiting we were treated to some lovely interactions between Coot parents and young, Garganey adult female and her brood plus a nice variety of other ducks and waders.
At 5.15 I said lets give it 15 more mins and lo.....just beyond 2 water rails a slaty blue back is glimpsed before all vanish!
at 17.30 out comes the Spotted Crake lurking along the reeds and as far away as possible....but eventually giving good views of all the salient id features and as a Water Rail obligingly decided to feed next to it -good comparisonswere made!
Eventually they chased each other off!
So to Oare.......
by now it was getting late so a swift visit rather an introduction to the delight
that is Oare.
Photos to be added
Two days out Part 1 Sussex
Monday found us wandering around Sussex - first Ardingley Reservoir in the Loder Valley to try to photo a posing Kingfisher....nope the nesting adult Kingfishers had said goodbye to their fledglings and were seen leaving the roosting site!
So on to East Grinstead for coffee as the delightful village coffee shop was shut!
Thence to Weir Wood Reservoir where a friendly local birder engaged in conversation and happy bird watching - whilst my friend went into the hide to take photographs.
Common and Green Sandpipers among the grey herons (many) including lots of juvs...successful breeding season by the looks!
No sign of the hoped for Osprey altho a couple of other regulars joined us and good banter took place.
So then it was to where?
Bough Beech? or further south?
Pulborough - thoughts were - Pats not been - a nice cafe (for coffee) and loo stop!
What might be about not high on the list altho oner of the guys talked about the possible Butterflies......
pleasant day if over cast.....
wandered around P......
so now where?
Burton Mill Pond - well been there before but much liked so off we went......
Not huge numbers of birds sen but Dragons and Butterflies were about.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Dungeness , Dragons and almost dipping!
On Tuesday Bob and I were goingto go to Minsmere (Fudge Duck, Little Gulls and Dartford Warblers for me- Fudge for Bob and whatever might be about in Suffolk!)but when I got to his house - at 7am it was well the Cattle Egret was seen yesterday at Dunge and we both wanted GWE - and surely I wouldn't dip it for a third time?
I was hopeful of Sandwich Tern and maybe Little Tern also....so we went to Dunge!
It turned out to be a lovely day and Dragons and Damsels and Butterflies were everywhere!
I also ran into a couple of my friends attending a Bumblebee talk in the afternoon!
Yes - we saw a couple of Sandwich Terns out on the patch - lots and lots of Gannets - the usual cast of sea gulls and Harbour Porpoises!
We went to Dunge and heard the Cattle Egret had been seen early morning from the Screen....not visible.....
drove down the road - still no sign - so off to Denge Marsh Rd
I was hopeful of Sandwich Tern and maybe Little Tern also....so we went to Dunge!
It turned out to be a lovely day and Dragons and Damsels and Butterflies were everywhere!
I also ran into a couple of my friends attending a Bumblebee talk in the afternoon!
Yes - we saw a couple of Sandwich Terns out on the patch - lots and lots of Gannets - the usual cast of sea gulls and Harbour Porpoises!
We went to Dunge and heard the Cattle Egret had been seen early morning from the Screen....not visible.....
drove down the road - still no sign - so off to Denge Marsh Rd
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Hounslow Heath Nature Reserve
A quick jaunt down the road to Thursley produced a lovely Wood Sand.
Went for an amble around Hounslow Heath after looking at a couple of Planning issues.
Saw one Rabbit, one Rat and lots of birds despite the fact it was very cloudy humid and overcast! It was quiet until you stood and waited....
Wren, Blackbird, Blue,Great and a large flock of LTTits.Herring Gulls, Crows and Magpies with Wood Pigeon and Ferals.Kept hearing the Yaffle and finally saw a Green Woody!
Then came the Warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and then the unexpected year tick- Garden Warbler! Later on another Garden Warbler- typical!
I didn't go over to the River Crane as it was getting on and I wanted to watch the last evening of the European Athletics Championships!That can wait-Butterflies seen Meadow Brown, Small Copper and Large White - that I could id and a black Insect with red wings which looked menacing!
(Heard that Little Owls are back in Osterley Park on Saturday when I ran into a friend as we were leaving OP...good to catch up with Hugh again)
Yesterday we had some good views of a very large Dragonfly and some pretty Blue Damselflies (?) where is that book?
So a little search on the net is required here!
Cattle Egret at Dungeness along with the GWE so I wonder?
Maybe it will be Kent?
Then Frank is back - seems to roost at a Staffs reservoir....long time since I have seen one and this is a lovely male adult!
Ok Athletics on -----
Went for an amble around Hounslow Heath after looking at a couple of Planning issues.
Saw one Rabbit, one Rat and lots of birds despite the fact it was very cloudy humid and overcast! It was quiet until you stood and waited....
Wren, Blackbird, Blue,Great and a large flock of LTTits.Herring Gulls, Crows and Magpies with Wood Pigeon and Ferals.Kept hearing the Yaffle and finally saw a Green Woody!
Then came the Warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and then the unexpected year tick- Garden Warbler! Later on another Garden Warbler- typical!
I didn't go over to the River Crane as it was getting on and I wanted to watch the last evening of the European Athletics Championships!That can wait-Butterflies seen Meadow Brown, Small Copper and Large White - that I could id and a black Insect with red wings which looked menacing!
(Heard that Little Owls are back in Osterley Park on Saturday when I ran into a friend as we were leaving OP...good to catch up with Hugh again)
Yesterday we had some good views of a very large Dragonfly and some pretty Blue Damselflies (?) where is that book?
So a little search on the net is required here!
Cattle Egret at Dungeness along with the GWE so I wonder?
Maybe it will be Kent?
Then Frank is back - seems to roost at a Staffs reservoir....long time since I have seen one and this is a lovely male adult!
Ok Athletics on -----
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
White-tailed Plover
Yes - get in!
in 2007 I was in Espana when a WTP came up on my pager - in Scotland - no chance to go to see it.
So when I saw the wandering WTP that was in UK - thn Holland - then at Rainham I wondered would I ever be free to go to see it.
I cant complain - I was In Shetland having a great time, I was busy working on council business and attending a Conference which was very helpful but that bird!
I was on my way to friends in SE London for the World Cup Final and dinner and I knew just down the road was my bird!
Monday came and a meeting and tour of MOgden Sewage Works......then Zeta to walk and freedom!
Zipping off to Kent under gathering black clouds....
as I approached the M20 Breznet turn off the sun was out! The sun shines on the righteous - was the bird still there? Nothing worse than looking at the pager and nothing since the morning...when it had flown towards the reserve - where was it , had it gone?
Arrived at the arc pit none the wiser - about 3.30 ...birders walkking back to the car park - still there? yes!
At the screen it was jammed full a bloke in suit trousers and little bins was staring over the next bit of the screen....others in the distance were on the bank.
Where is he? Brilliant directions and there was the quarry!
Up went the scope and what a stunning bird! So - would you like to look through my scope- due reward to the bloke who had escaped work early!
We then spent a pleasant 3/4 of an hour watchingWhite-tailed Plover - apt name feeding and being territorial - a hapless Oystercatcher was harried from his area...
a feisty bird!
The bloke left - and I stayed another 15 mins just enjoying the bird who did a little circuit so every now and then came inro full view! 389 Uk bird!
I the went to the Dunge Centre - to use the facilities - collect water and off to Denge Marsh to see how the Purple Herons were and maybe a year tick of a GWE!
(more later)
Andy Lawson's photo's follow
in 2007 I was in Espana when a WTP came up on my pager - in Scotland - no chance to go to see it.
So when I saw the wandering WTP that was in UK - thn Holland - then at Rainham I wondered would I ever be free to go to see it.
I cant complain - I was In Shetland having a great time, I was busy working on council business and attending a Conference which was very helpful but that bird!
I was on my way to friends in SE London for the World Cup Final and dinner and I knew just down the road was my bird!
Monday came and a meeting and tour of MOgden Sewage Works......then Zeta to walk and freedom!
Zipping off to Kent under gathering black clouds....
as I approached the M20 Breznet turn off the sun was out! The sun shines on the righteous - was the bird still there? Nothing worse than looking at the pager and nothing since the morning...when it had flown towards the reserve - where was it , had it gone?
Arrived at the arc pit none the wiser - about 3.30 ...birders walkking back to the car park - still there? yes!
At the screen it was jammed full a bloke in suit trousers and little bins was staring over the next bit of the screen....others in the distance were on the bank.
Where is he? Brilliant directions and there was the quarry!
Up went the scope and what a stunning bird! So - would you like to look through my scope- due reward to the bloke who had escaped work early!
We then spent a pleasant 3/4 of an hour watchingWhite-tailed Plover - apt name feeding and being territorial - a hapless Oystercatcher was harried from his area...
a feisty bird!
The bloke left - and I stayed another 15 mins just enjoying the bird who did a little circuit so every now and then came inro full view! 389 Uk bird!
I the went to the Dunge Centre - to use the facilities - collect water and off to Denge Marsh to see how the Purple Herons were and maybe a year tick of a GWE!
(more later)
Andy Lawson's photo's follow
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Red-necked Phalarope
To Fetlar - last time I was here it was to see a Taiga Flycatcher!
This time it was to see a female RNPhalarope (all talons crossed)...there was always the chance that any females may have already left - and left their male partner looking after the children!
However we were fortunate and there was one and showing well...well when you could locate her!
Scope views so we didn't flush her and hand held compact record shots. But she was a beauty!
This time it was to see a female RNPhalarope (all talons crossed)...there was always the chance that any females may have already left - and left their male partner looking after the children!
However we were fortunate and there was one and showing well...well when you could locate her!
Scope views so we didn't flush her and hand held compact record shots. But she was a beauty!
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Wheatear - family
At the Sumburgh Hotel was a pair of Wheatears nesting in a wall. It was great to be able to watch the parents feeding hatched chicks. One day I managed to set up my scope and digi scope a couple of record shots.
We went to Unst for a couple of nights and on our return the chicks had fledged which was really good to see. No pics from me of the fledglings.I am hoping that I will soon be geeting some pics from Alan - whose photos are much better than mine- and will be on my blog.
The pics are of a female Wheatear - even the male(looked a bit worn!) who I also saw but didn't hang around long enough for a pic!
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Friday, July 02, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Hedgehog in Chiswick
No photo as I was more concerned with the large mature Hog who I found in the middle of the road as I drove a council colleague home after a clp meeting!Camera was in car...but...
I thought oh no is s/he dead as I spotted a hedgehog in the middle of this side street nr Chiswick Park tonight. Ed checked him/her out and s/he was breathing!
So I got one of my towels out of the car and after discovering the parks gates were locked and the gaps too small to drop a hog through - I picked a nearby garden and placed her/him gently on the lawn.
It was really cool - I could feel the hog breathing and no panic...
Talons crossed for its continued life....
First hog I have ever seen in London!
I thought oh no is s/he dead as I spotted a hedgehog in the middle of this side street nr Chiswick Park tonight. Ed checked him/her out and s/he was breathing!
So I got one of my towels out of the car and after discovering the parks gates were locked and the gaps too small to drop a hog through - I picked a nearby garden and placed her/him gently on the lawn.
It was really cool - I could feel the hog breathing and no panic...
Talons crossed for its continued life....
First hog I have ever seen in London!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Shetland in June
Overxast skies greeeted us as we arrived at Sumburgh Airport after a relatively trouble free flight(s) up from Heathrow.
As we may be going to Mouse tonight and I hadn't slept well I decided a lay down was in order or would I watch a match of the World Cup?
Neither I ended up birding...it was the sighting from my window of a Bonxie(year tic)
that was enough - must go out! No rain - even the wind and cloudy skies were forgotton!
Actic Terns all around in the skies these dainty beauties were entertaining and then in roared the GBB guls - gbh was about to begin! But the sheer quality og the flying from the Arctics was enough to keep most of their feed for their young!
Eiders - females on the sea with young. Another year tick!
Gradually edging towards 200!
Went for a walk up to the lighthouseand read about the Puffling....but the weather was the kind to keep Puffins underground or out at sea fishing!
But Kittiwakes and Guillemots and Razorbills plus the gulls and the presence of a Bonxie or two or three keptt me busy.
Wheatear ....and another - a Shetland new bird for me.....(as were the Razors and Guillemots.....)
I missed an Arctic Skua - so eyes will be peeled .....
and there were Twite about again where .....but they are on the expected list.....
(common scoter was also seen....a unusual siting here....)
Heard at the evening meal these missed birds and the sightings by several people of ....Otter ...grrlll!
The trip to Mousa was postponed ...due to the swell.
Watched the end of the Cameroon game - at least it was exciting and then bed - in the daylight! Simmer dim does exist - light until 11 at least and then again this am 4!
off around the South Mainland today.....
As we may be going to Mouse tonight and I hadn't slept well I decided a lay down was in order or would I watch a match of the World Cup?
Neither I ended up birding...it was the sighting from my window of a Bonxie(year tic)
that was enough - must go out! No rain - even the wind and cloudy skies were forgotton!
Actic Terns all around in the skies these dainty beauties were entertaining and then in roared the GBB guls - gbh was about to begin! But the sheer quality og the flying from the Arctics was enough to keep most of their feed for their young!
Eiders - females on the sea with young. Another year tick!
Gradually edging towards 200!
Went for a walk up to the lighthouseand read about the Puffling....but the weather was the kind to keep Puffins underground or out at sea fishing!
But Kittiwakes and Guillemots and Razorbills plus the gulls and the presence of a Bonxie or two or three keptt me busy.
Wheatear ....and another - a Shetland new bird for me.....(as were the Razors and Guillemots.....)
I missed an Arctic Skua - so eyes will be peeled .....
and there were Twite about again where .....but they are on the expected list.....
(common scoter was also seen....a unusual siting here....)
Heard at the evening meal these missed birds and the sightings by several people of ....Otter ...grrlll!
The trip to Mousa was postponed ...due to the swell.
Watched the end of the Cameroon game - at least it was exciting and then bed - in the daylight! Simmer dim does exist - light until 11 at least and then again this am 4!
off around the South Mainland today.....
Monday, June 14, 2010
Purple Herons
Well Dungeness called last week - Purple Herons(yr tic) yes-RFFalcon - nope
Yellow Wagtails (Yr tic) - Yes and Yellow=legged gulls (Yr tic) with some rather hansome Med gulls!
Stand out birds these - on way home I heard there was a Hoopoe in Surrey - well the directions were wrong and I didn't even see any birders where I went! big dip!
I heard lots of peeps dipped as well - please if you are bothered enough to report a bird get the site correct! You must know where you are!!!!
Yesterday Common Rosefinch came up on the pager and I couldn't go grrrll.
Still I am going to Shetland on saturday for a week so I should add some nice birds to my list even if nothing rare shows....and maybe Otter - a Shetland tick!
Puffin, Red-necked Phalarope,Storm Petrel, Black Gulliemot, Great SkuaorBonxie as they are called - so there are 5 yr ticks and finally reach the 200!
Yellow Wagtails (Yr tic) - Yes and Yellow=legged gulls (Yr tic) with some rather hansome Med gulls!
Stand out birds these - on way home I heard there was a Hoopoe in Surrey - well the directions were wrong and I didn't even see any birders where I went! big dip!
I heard lots of peeps dipped as well - please if you are bothered enough to report a bird get the site correct! You must know where you are!!!!
Yesterday Common Rosefinch came up on the pager and I couldn't go grrrll.
Still I am going to Shetland on saturday for a week so I should add some nice birds to my list even if nothing rare shows....and maybe Otter - a Shetland tick!
Puffin, Red-necked Phalarope,Storm Petrel, Black Gulliemot, Great SkuaorBonxie as they are called - so there are 5 yr ticks and finally reach the 200!
Monday, June 07, 2010
Photo's of birds seen over the w/e
These are all Phil Wallace's - amazingly he was down in Wales on Saturday - got there much earlier than us...and went to nagshead as well!
On Sunday he came to Richmond Park after I had left!
Phil takes a good photo - so I shall share his now...for those of you who dont know what a Marmora's Warbler looks like here is one!
Followed by a Pied Flycatcher - I just love these birds and then a red backed shrike- I think they might come out in the reverse order we will see!
Phew - a Lifer!
Bob and I were all set for Saturday in Norfolk watching raptors - in particular Honey's and Monty's!
But Honey's appear few and gfar between and there is some doubt over a couple of sightings...
and then tere was the rare,,,,a bird neither Bob nor I had seen in this country, well I hadn't seen it anywhere!
Friday evening Bob rang...."about this Warbler"..."where in Wales is it?""I'll look it up and get back to you".
Meanwhile I am enjoying an Indian takeaway from one of our favourite resturants and a fine wine - al fresco and chatting about my friends latest trip- this time to Sorrento...loooking at her photo's of birds taken to id them or check the id....
there was a scurry....eek...what is it? Well superb a Hummingbird Hawk Moth - I say dont run away get your camera ready!
it was not a Hornet (nope we saw one on Saturday and it was a reall big b*****!)
Not one HHM but two!
Bob rings - near Gwent - oh easy say I ...shall I drive?
That was the beginning,,,,yes and we got to see the Marmora's Warbler singing his little heart out - poor chap even building a nest....if a lady Dartford should happen across his path she will be captured forthwith!
Lots of Tree Pipits , several Whinchats, a Cuckoo who continued calling every now and again and the mood was right! An easy twitch.
So there was a Lifer plus 3 year ticks for me and a Joe Ray birder tick!
That was an unexpected surprise and a very nice one to finally meet another young birder who is serious about our hobby.
On to Westwood Wood in Monmouthshire ....to spy another Iberian Chiffchaff....and a Wood Warbler altho the hoped for Redstart didn't materialise ....the habitat was good for one...but...
so then on to Nagshead in the Forest of Dean....as we went we of course kept bumping into the birders we either knew or who had been for the Marmora's!
Yes indeed Pied and Spotted Flycatchers later.....very nice day for me altho the close weather is not my favourite and the sun decided to hide behind cloulds so we couldn't look for a particular butterfly Bob was after...we ended at the Raptor watch point seeing little altho there was a pair of Painted Ladies to admire!
So a handful of Red Kites and lots of Buzzards - no Honey's....and a Kestrel or two - oh a Raven....most noteable of the rest.
Back home via a nice Pub for dinner - try to remember the name?
Sunday am was catch up time on the previous day's cricket a spot of Cllr duties and then a race to Richmond ark where a reported Red-backed Shrike had come up on the pager.
I walk in having parked myu car outside the park with bins...as I arrived I recognised a familar "Gibster" and Glen a a young chap with the bird in his scope...nice one!
Watched the adult male being harrassed by Blue and Great Tits and Greenfinches...catching insects and a particularly enjoyable bumble bee!
Good to catch up with Seth and his Big Butterfly year.....
But Honey's appear few and gfar between and there is some doubt over a couple of sightings...
and then tere was the rare,,,,a bird neither Bob nor I had seen in this country, well I hadn't seen it anywhere!
Friday evening Bob rang...."about this Warbler"..."where in Wales is it?""I'll look it up and get back to you".
Meanwhile I am enjoying an Indian takeaway from one of our favourite resturants and a fine wine - al fresco and chatting about my friends latest trip- this time to Sorrento...loooking at her photo's of birds taken to id them or check the id....
there was a scurry....eek...what is it? Well superb a Hummingbird Hawk Moth - I say dont run away get your camera ready!
it was not a Hornet (nope we saw one on Saturday and it was a reall big b*****!)
Not one HHM but two!
Bob rings - near Gwent - oh easy say I ...shall I drive?
That was the beginning,,,,yes and we got to see the Marmora's Warbler singing his little heart out - poor chap even building a nest....if a lady Dartford should happen across his path she will be captured forthwith!
Lots of Tree Pipits , several Whinchats, a Cuckoo who continued calling every now and again and the mood was right! An easy twitch.
So there was a Lifer plus 3 year ticks for me and a Joe Ray birder tick!
That was an unexpected surprise and a very nice one to finally meet another young birder who is serious about our hobby.
On to Westwood Wood in Monmouthshire ....to spy another Iberian Chiffchaff....and a Wood Warbler altho the hoped for Redstart didn't materialise ....the habitat was good for one...but...
so then on to Nagshead in the Forest of Dean....as we went we of course kept bumping into the birders we either knew or who had been for the Marmora's!
Yes indeed Pied and Spotted Flycatchers later.....very nice day for me altho the close weather is not my favourite and the sun decided to hide behind cloulds so we couldn't look for a particular butterfly Bob was after...we ended at the Raptor watch point seeing little altho there was a pair of Painted Ladies to admire!
So a handful of Red Kites and lots of Buzzards - no Honey's....and a Kestrel or two - oh a Raven....most noteable of the rest.
Back home via a nice Pub for dinner - try to remember the name?
Sunday am was catch up time on the previous day's cricket a spot of Cllr duties and then a race to Richmond ark where a reported Red-backed Shrike had come up on the pager.
I walk in having parked myu car outside the park with bins...as I arrived I recognised a familar "Gibster" and Glen a a young chap with the bird in his scope...nice one!
Watched the adult male being harrassed by Blue and Great Tits and Greenfinches...catching insects and a particularly enjoyable bumble bee!
Good to catch up with Seth and his Big Butterfly year.....
Monday, May 24, 2010
Swifts
i have been enjoying "my" Swifts being back for a while now...and this morning they are screaming around at 9o mph and enjoying the sunshine.
Its been quite a talking point with my neighbours who are all delighted to see them return!
i was a little last week to see that several site where they nested last year are not present this...but they are somewhere so I shall continue to search the eaves of the "estate" where they usually nest!
Less Goldfinches visiting my feeders together-ususaly in ones or twos...hopefully ts cos they are busy...
Awaiting any fledglings that may begin to visit ....
Its been quite a talking point with my neighbours who are all delighted to see them return!
i was a little last week to see that several site where they nested last year are not present this...but they are somewhere so I shall continue to search the eaves of the "estate" where they usually nest!
Less Goldfinches visiting my feeders together-ususaly in ones or twos...hopefully ts cos they are busy...
Awaiting any fledglings that may begin to visit ....
Friday, May 21, 2010
Otmoor
Popped up to Otmoor wednesday afternoon leaving about 3pm...just wish it was even closer!
We arrived at the CP to hear a Gropper reeling.
Through the gate to seek it out and a burst of song from a lesser whitethroat!
Once spied it was down to seeking a sighting of a Grasshopper Warbler! We heard at least three and soon were lucky enough to see one!
On we walked listening for cuckoo - none....turtle doves- none- hobbies?
We reached the main path and the gates that over look across the main part of Otmoor that the public cant go on...we found 4 Hobbies all perched on posts - 2 on the right and two on the left! There they stayed whilst we were on site!
Sedge Warbler burst into song over the Reed Warblers- I had to stay to seek him out...another year tick- yes he gave himself away!
on to the hide - on route Bob picked up a LRP in flight and we finally decided there must be at least 6 - three pairs...cool
in the hide and out again - to the sound of a Turtle Dove....so then walk down the path and eventually perched up on a bare branch in the sunshine was out quarry!
6 Year Ticks for me and 4 for Bob - not bad for a few hours in the sunshine!
Then to the lovely village pub for a celebratory pint of Breakespears Bitter!
We arrived at the CP to hear a Gropper reeling.
Through the gate to seek it out and a burst of song from a lesser whitethroat!
Once spied it was down to seeking a sighting of a Grasshopper Warbler! We heard at least three and soon were lucky enough to see one!
On we walked listening for cuckoo - none....turtle doves- none- hobbies?
We reached the main path and the gates that over look across the main part of Otmoor that the public cant go on...we found 4 Hobbies all perched on posts - 2 on the right and two on the left! There they stayed whilst we were on site!
Sedge Warbler burst into song over the Reed Warblers- I had to stay to seek him out...another year tick- yes he gave himself away!
on to the hide - on route Bob picked up a LRP in flight and we finally decided there must be at least 6 - three pairs...cool
in the hide and out again - to the sound of a Turtle Dove....so then walk down the path and eventually perched up on a bare branch in the sunshine was out quarry!
6 Year Ticks for me and 4 for Bob - not bad for a few hours in the sunshine!
Then to the lovely village pub for a celebratory pint of Breakespears Bitter!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Bedfont Lakes Country Park
Blogger wont let me post pics at the mo - so GCGrebes photos to follow!
Lovely morning so I ventured out - arrived at Staines Reservoirs - scanned about - driven away by the midges/flies etc note to self - get there for first light - less insects!
So to Bedfont Lakes arrived about 8am...went to a quite spot by the lake and was seranaded by the Reed Warblers (lots and lots!) and the rest of the Woodland birds.
Common Tern flew over head- after a while I returned towards the Info Centre as I had a cheque to hand in- renewal sub for Members Nature Reserve - need for the code to gain access. On route I spotted a Blue Tit(s) vvv busy - a nest box with young in...
finally a warden/worker available to take said cheque!
Armed with the new code I entered the Nature Reserve...full of birdsong...Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Reed Warblers....not sure I have ever heard so many! A Robin out singing all! Due to maintainence the route to the Tern Hide was blocked - so I walked down the side of the stream to view the Tern rafts...last year it was the other way round as the large raptor nest box occcupants blocked the stream walk!So no nesting Kestrels there this year.
I do love watching Terns flying and feeding....
So to the Hide I could access and what a delight a family of Great Crested Grebes.
2 young on mums back abnd then Dad came in to feed one of the young looked somewhat bigger than his sibling but maybe thats a trick of the light!
I managed some digi shots but to be truthful they were really too close oh for the dslr and long lens!
A Canada Goose nested on the tern raft along with BHGulls - nosy companions!
On the Tern Island and tern rafts nearer to the Tern Hide are nesting Common Terns.
Again the Reed Warblers song burst into the hide and there was another Blue Tit imitating a Humming Bird feeding from the reed tops...
A couple of shots of the GC Grebe family.
It actually got quite hot!
This afternoon was the eye test and ordering new glasses. Good to know your eyes are healthy! Spec Saver in Hounslow High Street are to be recommended. Great customer care, very pleasant effecient staff/optician/receptionist - and 2 pairs of glasses for less than I usually pay for one!
In the evening it was off to the Civic Centre for more Cllr Training - a great improvment on the training I received when I first joined the Council in 1998 - I organised my own - asking Senior Officers to arrange it for me! Planning was one dept who made sure I was up to speed. Now of course we all "do" planning so all get trained!
I am getting up to speedwith background reading and assimilation(sp?) of "stuff" - now to arrange meetings with The Chief Officer for my "brief" and the other officers I shall be working closely with in the next year....they run the Council - I with my fellow Cllrs "lead the Borough".
A responsibility I take seriously but am looking forward to ....."keep birding" said our Deputy Leader - I shall!
Lovely morning so I ventured out - arrived at Staines Reservoirs - scanned about - driven away by the midges/flies etc note to self - get there for first light - less insects!
So to Bedfont Lakes arrived about 8am...went to a quite spot by the lake and was seranaded by the Reed Warblers (lots and lots!) and the rest of the Woodland birds.
Common Tern flew over head- after a while I returned towards the Info Centre as I had a cheque to hand in- renewal sub for Members Nature Reserve - need for the code to gain access. On route I spotted a Blue Tit(s) vvv busy - a nest box with young in...
finally a warden/worker available to take said cheque!
Armed with the new code I entered the Nature Reserve...full of birdsong...Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Reed Warblers....not sure I have ever heard so many! A Robin out singing all! Due to maintainence the route to the Tern Hide was blocked - so I walked down the side of the stream to view the Tern rafts...last year it was the other way round as the large raptor nest box occcupants blocked the stream walk!So no nesting Kestrels there this year.
I do love watching Terns flying and feeding....
So to the Hide I could access and what a delight a family of Great Crested Grebes.
2 young on mums back abnd then Dad came in to feed one of the young looked somewhat bigger than his sibling but maybe thats a trick of the light!
I managed some digi shots but to be truthful they were really too close oh for the dslr and long lens!
A Canada Goose nested on the tern raft along with BHGulls - nosy companions!
On the Tern Island and tern rafts nearer to the Tern Hide are nesting Common Terns.
Again the Reed Warblers song burst into the hide and there was another Blue Tit imitating a Humming Bird feeding from the reed tops...
A couple of shots of the GC Grebe family.
It actually got quite hot!
This afternoon was the eye test and ordering new glasses. Good to know your eyes are healthy! Spec Saver in Hounslow High Street are to be recommended. Great customer care, very pleasant effecient staff/optician/receptionist - and 2 pairs of glasses for less than I usually pay for one!
In the evening it was off to the Civic Centre for more Cllr Training - a great improvment on the training I received when I first joined the Council in 1998 - I organised my own - asking Senior Officers to arrange it for me! Planning was one dept who made sure I was up to speed. Now of course we all "do" planning so all get trained!
I am getting up to speedwith background reading and assimilation(sp?) of "stuff" - now to arrange meetings with The Chief Officer for my "brief" and the other officers I shall be working closely with in the next year....they run the Council - I with my fellow Cllrs "lead the Borough".
A responsibility I take seriously but am looking forward to ....."keep birding" said our Deputy Leader - I shall!
Saturday, May 08, 2010
I did explain in my previous blog that I had been busy with the Local Elections . Well on Friday we won Hounslow Council back from NOC (in reality The Tories and the ICG combined to run the previous administration)
We won 12 seats and its now 35-25 - good things well- 11 Women and 5 young men under 30 including one aged 18! My youth Policy has worked!
I am shattered but very happy- I was woken (2nd time this morning) to the pager going off for a mega in Cornwall! needless to says its going to have to fly nearer here and stay a bit longer for me to add it to my Life List!
My birding looks like it will be back to w/e only again!
We won 12 seats and its now 35-25 - good things well- 11 Women and 5 young men under 30 including one aged 18! My youth Policy has worked!
I am shattered but very happy- I was woken (2nd time this morning) to the pager going off for a mega in Cornwall! needless to says its going to have to fly nearer here and stay a bit longer for me to add it to my Life List!
My birding looks like it will be back to w/e only again!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Elections
Sorry not to have logged for a while...first had difficulty getting signed in...so gave up!
Its a bit busy locally as the Local Elections have been in full swing....
I will comment about this later!
Not much birding apart from what I see/hear in my travels! Goldfinches continue to visit the feeders so they must be working out where to nest! A pair of Robins are very active and the house sparrows appear very busy!
A couple of RNTerrorsappear to have found the feeders but are being disturbed by my cats ---they dont know that the cats stopped being a nuisance to birds a couple of years ago! Morse was even more silly than usual yesterday when lying on the bench surrounded by Wood Pigeons and a few ferals!
The birds know my lot dont chase let alone catch anything!
So to my readers who wonder where I have been- just busy - too much walking - very tired and cant wait for Friday(week) and the count to be over......
Its a bit busy locally as the Local Elections have been in full swing....
I will comment about this later!
Not much birding apart from what I see/hear in my travels! Goldfinches continue to visit the feeders so they must be working out where to nest! A pair of Robins are very active and the house sparrows appear very busy!
A couple of RNTerrorsappear to have found the feeders but are being disturbed by my cats ---they dont know that the cats stopped being a nuisance to birds a couple of years ago! Morse was even more silly than usual yesterday when lying on the bench surrounded by Wood Pigeons and a few ferals!
The birds know my lot dont chase let alone catch anything!
So to my readers who wonder where I have been- just busy - too much walking - very tired and cant wait for Friday(week) and the count to be over......
Monday, March 29, 2010
Last thursday - Dungeness
Rain and more rain and then torrential rain....what were we doing?
Birding from the car - apart from in the gaps!
Still female Yellowhammer - at the Farm on Welland Marsh -and Corn and Reed Buntings by the score and Chaffies and some Tree sparrows and House......
then Black Redstarts and Wheatears at the power station.....
Swallows and One Sand Martin over the Arc Pit......and then a Kittiwake over the sea...
dips?
Penduline Tit, Garganey and LRP!
Torrential rain on Motorway on way back home - so we dived off at Leatherhead! Glad it was Bob driving!
Still when you cant pick your day........
Birding from the car - apart from in the gaps!
Still female Yellowhammer - at the Farm on Welland Marsh -and Corn and Reed Buntings by the score and Chaffies and some Tree sparrows and House......
then Black Redstarts and Wheatears at the power station.....
Swallows and One Sand Martin over the Arc Pit......and then a Kittiwake over the sea...
dips?
Penduline Tit, Garganey and LRP!
Torrential rain on Motorway on way back home - so we dived off at Leatherhead! Glad it was Bob driving!
Still when you cant pick your day........
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Trip to Bucks
Well it was off to the annual visit to Foxcote Reservoirs....why not Foscote?
A certain adult male Ring-necked Duck spends his winters here and he is a jolly fine duck! So off we set this morning in sunshine! The birds that greeeted us were a pair of Bullfinches...glimpsed by me.
We then spent considerable time seeking the R_N D- being joined in the hide by a couple of workmen from the res....one being very local and friendly and wanting to know about what we were looking for and what we had seen and telling us what he knew- he had seen a couple of Martins fly over earlier - not sure which-he was quite knowledgeable....for a non birder...a countryman who like nature. We eventually located said duck and the chaps were able to look in our scopes and see him.
They stayed for a while before going back to work. Bob thought he had seen a female scaup - so we worked hard to locate her and there she was - 1st winter! Great!
On route back we rediscovered the Bullfinches and got very good views of the pair!
3 ticks!
We spent time watching the GCGrebes almost dancing! Goldeneyes and Shovellers and Widgeon and various other ducks...tufted and otherwise!
off to Tring reservoirs hopeful of hirendines....none - but we had a nice lunch of Shepherds Pie and veg with a splendid cuppa!
Then it was off to the Chilterns.....over 150 + Red Kites seen and 4 Buzzards with some Kestrels.....corvid city again - altho Rooks and crows most numerous.
We ended the day seeking and finding a pair of Willow Tits.
4 Year ticks and some good birding!
A certain adult male Ring-necked Duck spends his winters here and he is a jolly fine duck! So off we set this morning in sunshine! The birds that greeeted us were a pair of Bullfinches...glimpsed by me.
We then spent considerable time seeking the R_N D- being joined in the hide by a couple of workmen from the res....one being very local and friendly and wanting to know about what we were looking for and what we had seen and telling us what he knew- he had seen a couple of Martins fly over earlier - not sure which-he was quite knowledgeable....for a non birder...a countryman who like nature. We eventually located said duck and the chaps were able to look in our scopes and see him.
They stayed for a while before going back to work. Bob thought he had seen a female scaup - so we worked hard to locate her and there she was - 1st winter! Great!
On route back we rediscovered the Bullfinches and got very good views of the pair!
3 ticks!
We spent time watching the GCGrebes almost dancing! Goldeneyes and Shovellers and Widgeon and various other ducks...tufted and otherwise!
off to Tring reservoirs hopeful of hirendines....none - but we had a nice lunch of Shepherds Pie and veg with a splendid cuppa!
Then it was off to the Chilterns.....over 150 + Red Kites seen and 4 Buzzards with some Kestrels.....corvid city again - altho Rooks and crows most numerous.
We ended the day seeking and finding a pair of Willow Tits.
4 Year ticks and some good birding!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A lifer and other birds in Dorset.
A Bufflehead - yes adult male down in Dorset. A lifer on the Fleet. So for our birding trip for the week Bob and I went to Dorset.
We got to the parking place near Moonfleet Manor Hotel (via Morrisons for breakfast - v cheap and very good!) and there was a birder who Bob had seen at a number of other places - they chatted about....yes Lynx again!
Jules was mentioned again....I think it might be because I now have a sticker re Olivaramatours on the back of my car! So twice in two weeks it has been a starting point for conversations!
A walk along the coastal path and round a corner and there were several birders - some on the foreshore bank and some on the top. There was the object of our attention....a male adult Bufflehead along with his pals a male Merganser and three females!
There were number of Swans there - mutes - no doubt from the Swannery down the road!
Little egret in te background. Then it was off to the Bill!
On route back we meet the birders from the car park...and Bob got to exchange emails!
At the Bill- there were Shags, a pair of Razorbills and several hurtling Guillimots - all going at a 100mph!
Apart from Gulls - GBB and Herrings.....not a lot else then Rock Pipits calling and there was one, two three!
On to the other side by the cafe....on the flat rock Purple Sandpipers - two...still better than no Purple Sand!
We then parked the car nearer the obs and went for a walk along the cliffs....Rock pipit....Rock pipit - well there were lots!
They were in breeding plummage and looking very lovely indeed!
To Radipole....for a coffee/hot chocholate and biscuits and a short walk to see the Hooded Marganser - who whatever the provenence....I like very much! So it was some sunflower seeds into the water ....the Mallards picked off the top but the boy he went off diving for the seeds that went t the bottom!
Then it was off on the journey home!
A sunny day and made all the nicer by lovely scenery being down by the sea and seeing new birds for the year! Oh and a lifer!
cool.
The Fleet followed by 2 record shots of the Bufflehead - thats the one with the big white patch on its head!
Friday, March 05, 2010
Forest of Dean and a couple of Duck dips!
Wednesday at 7am found me at Bob's on route for our annual winter trip to the Forest of Dean...except of course this was now Spring!
Targets the same as ever - Goshawk, Raven, Crossbill, Mandarin and Dipper.
A40/M40/A40 our route down - usually we go on a Sunday so it was interesting(!)doing it mid week.We must have seen 50 Red Kites on route! Some very close. Such a lovely
bird.
We ate Breakfast at our usual Little Chef at Burford - which is a converted old Barn and the food is good!
Buzzards eventually replaced RK as we neared and entered Gloustershire.
Our first stop was New Fancy Raptor Watchpoint - where we arrrived as Lee Evans was leaving-he spotted my sticker for Olivaramatours and then Bob - who he recognised and there followed a conversation about the Espana Lynx .....I changed into my wellies and got organised whilst they chatted.
We located a couple of Gos, a buzzard or 2 - then at least 3 pairs of Ravens flew over around and past us. A close male and female Crossbill perched up.
Whilst Bob watched a Goldcrest - his first for the year(I still havent seen one!) I saw an Owl - well I called it a lady next to me saw it fly into the trees and Bob dipped! Damn because my first though was seo - and then we thought LEO as the habitat is right for LEO - the flight is right for either but I didn't get agood view of its head! so Owl sp it became!
Bob and I walked down into the Forest and saw lots more Crossbills and all the variety of Tits except the Willow!(no Swingers but then they aren't really tits!)
Then it was onto Speke House and in the arboratum there were so many Nuthatches we both decided we had never seen so many in a day before! Thrushes of all varieties - except for Fieldfares altho we soon saw many of those as well!
Past Cannop Ponds were we were able to see Mandarins from the road and on to Park End to see the lovely Dipper behind the pub.
Then it was up to the Church where we did see some large Finches take off but couldn't really id them but we both thought Hawfinches!
Back to New Fancy and very distant views of Gos - a bit disappointing as we didn't see them displaying.Thena Male Siskin displayed in front of us and perched up- we had it in our scopes and what a delightful bird he was in all his finery - that clear green and yellow and black! Beautifully marked head. Yes as the sun came out!
Then he was replaced by a male Crossbill - much closer than the mornings bird! Great.
A small flock of Hawfinch flew over - yes defo!
Now the time was 3.30 where too?
A Green -wing teal was at Slimbridge and a Ring-neck female at Frampton (well the Ring-neck was commuting between Slim and Frampton!
Ok - off to Slimbridge - its further than you think so we got there with 15 mins to the close! Well it would have been ok - but most of the Teal were sillouetes!
Dipo. off to Frampton and search for the RND.....well tens of hundreds of diving ducks and another dip. So we ajourned to the Bell and ate Duck! Well it was Gressingham!
A lovely meal and a good days birding despite the dips - we should have gone for the ducks earlier!
Still the year list struggled over 140.....
Thursday morning saw me in Finchley to catch the solitary Waxwing which I thought I had missed earlier in the week.
143.....
Targets the same as ever - Goshawk, Raven, Crossbill, Mandarin and Dipper.
A40/M40/A40 our route down - usually we go on a Sunday so it was interesting(!)doing it mid week.We must have seen 50 Red Kites on route! Some very close. Such a lovely
bird.
We ate Breakfast at our usual Little Chef at Burford - which is a converted old Barn and the food is good!
Buzzards eventually replaced RK as we neared and entered Gloustershire.
Our first stop was New Fancy Raptor Watchpoint - where we arrrived as Lee Evans was leaving-he spotted my sticker for Olivaramatours and then Bob - who he recognised and there followed a conversation about the Espana Lynx .....I changed into my wellies and got organised whilst they chatted.
We located a couple of Gos, a buzzard or 2 - then at least 3 pairs of Ravens flew over around and past us. A close male and female Crossbill perched up.
Whilst Bob watched a Goldcrest - his first for the year(I still havent seen one!) I saw an Owl - well I called it a lady next to me saw it fly into the trees and Bob dipped! Damn because my first though was seo - and then we thought LEO as the habitat is right for LEO - the flight is right for either but I didn't get agood view of its head! so Owl sp it became!
Bob and I walked down into the Forest and saw lots more Crossbills and all the variety of Tits except the Willow!(no Swingers but then they aren't really tits!)
Then it was onto Speke House and in the arboratum there were so many Nuthatches we both decided we had never seen so many in a day before! Thrushes of all varieties - except for Fieldfares altho we soon saw many of those as well!
Past Cannop Ponds were we were able to see Mandarins from the road and on to Park End to see the lovely Dipper behind the pub.
Then it was up to the Church where we did see some large Finches take off but couldn't really id them but we both thought Hawfinches!
Back to New Fancy and very distant views of Gos - a bit disappointing as we didn't see them displaying.Thena Male Siskin displayed in front of us and perched up- we had it in our scopes and what a delightful bird he was in all his finery - that clear green and yellow and black! Beautifully marked head. Yes as the sun came out!
Then he was replaced by a male Crossbill - much closer than the mornings bird! Great.
A small flock of Hawfinch flew over - yes defo!
Now the time was 3.30 where too?
A Green -wing teal was at Slimbridge and a Ring-neck female at Frampton (well the Ring-neck was commuting between Slim and Frampton!
Ok - off to Slimbridge - its further than you think so we got there with 15 mins to the close! Well it would have been ok - but most of the Teal were sillouetes!
Dipo. off to Frampton and search for the RND.....well tens of hundreds of diving ducks and another dip. So we ajourned to the Bell and ate Duck! Well it was Gressingham!
A lovely meal and a good days birding despite the dips - we should have gone for the ducks earlier!
Still the year list struggled over 140.....
Thursday morning saw me in Finchley to catch the solitary Waxwing which I thought I had missed earlier in the week.
143.....
Friday, February 26, 2010
Visit to Norfolk
Had a really busy time recently and one cat in the vets costing an arm and leg- whilst her teeth are cleaned and 3 extractions...poor liitle thing.
Interviews all day Tuesday for our new Deputy Head at my Primary School. Governors involved at that level. Really difficult in that we had 4 good candidates and finally two very close but different people after the final interviews. I think we made the right choice.
Sowhen Bob rang Tuesday night and we decided not to go for the London Dusky Warbler again but to Norfolk! (We got drenched on Sunday morning trying for it!_
On route on Wednesday there had been an accident on the M11 - so we changed our minds and went via Welney to see Whooper and Bewick Swans. Lovely! We also got bonus Tree Sparrows there.We didn't see the Bean Goose - looks like we will have to wait until the winter 2010 to see this bird!
Then it was on to Hunstanton for Fulmars - but little else after dipping Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle!
Then on and by now the rain was raining so it was straight to Titchwell to see if the Mealy that Bob needed was still about it was and we saw it really well! Despite a Bang on the head from Bobs bins!
Then we had to go for petrol and decided as the Snow Goose had been seen up til 12 we might try for it at Holme NOA ....we did at 3!
My first really wild Snow Goose! I heard the familiar calling of pink feet and several thousand were in the sky. The skies were alive with their spectacular presence - thousands! I looked at the front as the birds neared and you just knew they were coming in to land and the 6th bird from the front -Snow Goose- adult and soooooooooooooooo white!I got Bob on it and we watched as it flew strongly with the other Geese and then landed in the field south of Broadwater -where they had been in the morning!
Now it was to Salthouse for Snow Buntings - well the flock was about a 100 strong with some well marked adult males.
We then went to Sheringham and had lovely sightings of a young Glaucous Gull - his head a deep dark shade with the back a contrasting colour and somewhat biscuity wings!
What a big gull they are - seeing it in the water alongside a bh gull was revealing!
Then we tried for a Purple Sandpiper at Cromer and dipped that but worth going as on our way back we saw a Tawny Owl in a tree - our 2nd owl of the year! Oh we had seen Barny today but after our 4 on sheppey.....and also a little later I spotted a Barn Owl on one of the sign posts of one of the villages!
Despite the grey wet day that was the opposite to the weather we were supposed to enjoy in Norfolk - it was a good birding day.
Interviews all day Tuesday for our new Deputy Head at my Primary School. Governors involved at that level. Really difficult in that we had 4 good candidates and finally two very close but different people after the final interviews. I think we made the right choice.
Sowhen Bob rang Tuesday night and we decided not to go for the London Dusky Warbler again but to Norfolk! (We got drenched on Sunday morning trying for it!_
On route on Wednesday there had been an accident on the M11 - so we changed our minds and went via Welney to see Whooper and Bewick Swans. Lovely! We also got bonus Tree Sparrows there.We didn't see the Bean Goose - looks like we will have to wait until the winter 2010 to see this bird!
Then it was on to Hunstanton for Fulmars - but little else after dipping Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle!
Then on and by now the rain was raining so it was straight to Titchwell to see if the Mealy that Bob needed was still about it was and we saw it really well! Despite a Bang on the head from Bobs bins!
Then we had to go for petrol and decided as the Snow Goose had been seen up til 12 we might try for it at Holme NOA ....we did at 3!
My first really wild Snow Goose! I heard the familiar calling of pink feet and several thousand were in the sky. The skies were alive with their spectacular presence - thousands! I looked at the front as the birds neared and you just knew they were coming in to land and the 6th bird from the front -Snow Goose- adult and soooooooooooooooo white!I got Bob on it and we watched as it flew strongly with the other Geese and then landed in the field south of Broadwater -where they had been in the morning!
Now it was to Salthouse for Snow Buntings - well the flock was about a 100 strong with some well marked adult males.
We then went to Sheringham and had lovely sightings of a young Glaucous Gull - his head a deep dark shade with the back a contrasting colour and somewhat biscuity wings!
What a big gull they are - seeing it in the water alongside a bh gull was revealing!
Then we tried for a Purple Sandpiper at Cromer and dipped that but worth going as on our way back we saw a Tawny Owl in a tree - our 2nd owl of the year! Oh we had seen Barny today but after our 4 on sheppey.....and also a little later I spotted a Barn Owl on one of the sign posts of one of the villages!
Despite the grey wet day that was the opposite to the weather we were supposed to enjoy in Norfolk - it was a good birding day.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Med Gulls - the "posh" gull!
A fabulous head shot of the gull I always think of as the "posh" gull- its its call
yarrh as in "OK- yarrh" the Mediterranean Gull or Larus melanocephalus.
This is Tony's flicker site.
His blog is here where I see there is an even "smarter" head shot! You might have to scroll down a little.
(hope you likethe links Pauco!)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sport
Sunday - Eagles nearly beat Aston Villa - according to Neil Warnock and the slow mo TV we should! Their last goal should not have happened if the lino had spotted that the ball came off our goalies head and straight back from the on-rushing Villa forward and out for a goal kick! I must admit the tv didn't show this in real time at the time - but if you were there it was clear!
A replay will give us money - hopefully they cant play their best team as its a few days before their Wembly final for the other cup!
We can dream!
Just switched the tv on to see Sachin Tendulker score his 47th century! India are in command at mo against SA - as I suspected when SA won the first test!
I have some work to do now - so i will have to tear myself away from this exciting Cricket! 331 -3 Partnership 249 - Sehwag out for 165
Olympics - in Canada have started - I expect the sad news that a competitor died flying off the track in the Luge practise is know by non sports followers.
I quite like some of the events - the Hockey is totally frentic! Ski-ing is so exciting - down hillamazing and the jumping - thats mental! I once stood at the top of the Hill in Oslo (1977) and stood where they do before going into the middle to whizz down that slope - that was scary enough in the summer!The hills are higher now!
Obviously we are all Curling lovers now - so will be following our men - they havesome chance of success.
Ice dance might be interesting this time....
then there are the really exciting races on the snow boarders...never done it and knees wont let me but I am sure I would have had a go when I was in my twenties!
AC Milan (my Italian club) v Man U (my second club in England) should be interesting on Tuesday evening.
A replay will give us money - hopefully they cant play their best team as its a few days before their Wembly final for the other cup!
We can dream!
Just switched the tv on to see Sachin Tendulker score his 47th century! India are in command at mo against SA - as I suspected when SA won the first test!
I have some work to do now - so i will have to tear myself away from this exciting Cricket! 331 -3 Partnership 249 - Sehwag out for 165
Olympics - in Canada have started - I expect the sad news that a competitor died flying off the track in the Luge practise is know by non sports followers.
I quite like some of the events - the Hockey is totally frentic! Ski-ing is so exciting - down hillamazing and the jumping - thats mental! I once stood at the top of the Hill in Oslo (1977) and stood where they do before going into the middle to whizz down that slope - that was scary enough in the summer!The hills are higher now!
Obviously we are all Curling lovers now - so will be following our men - they havesome chance of success.
Ice dance might be interesting this time....
then there are the really exciting races on the snow boarders...never done it and knees wont let me but I am sure I would have had a go when I was in my twenties!
AC Milan (my Italian club) v Man U (my second club in England) should be interesting on Tuesday evening.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sussex on Thursday - Birding
2 New Sussex ticks! Red Kite and Hawfinch plus Firecrest and Marsh Tit = 4 Year ticks!
Burton Mill pond produced 2 Marsh Tits and 3 showy Firecrests altho we also heard at least 2 others in different places!
No sign of the Tawny Owl who has been seen recently - so our owl drought continues!
Only those 4 Barn Owls on Sheppey to show for our endeavours having dipped Little, SEO and now Tawny!
No sign of the Bittern(s) at BMP in the time we were there - we didn't return to see it roosting as we needed to get back to West London!
At West Dean I saw my new sussex ticks - first a lovely Red Kite and then we had 3 Hawfinches -such stonking birds!
So not a bad day even if it was vvvcold! in the wind it was eye watering.....still it was dry and we did have some sun!
Burton Mill pond produced 2 Marsh Tits and 3 showy Firecrests altho we also heard at least 2 others in different places!
No sign of the Tawny Owl who has been seen recently - so our owl drought continues!
Only those 4 Barn Owls on Sheppey to show for our endeavours having dipped Little, SEO and now Tawny!
No sign of the Bittern(s) at BMP in the time we were there - we didn't return to see it roosting as we needed to get back to West London!
At West Dean I saw my new sussex ticks - first a lovely Red Kite and then we had 3 Hawfinches -such stonking birds!
So not a bad day even if it was vvvcold! in the wind it was eye watering.....still it was dry and we did have some sun!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
20 years ago Nelson was released!
One of those where were you moments!
So where were you?
I was living in St.Pauls Cray where I was a local Cllr. I watched the momentous occasion on the TV - no satellite then for me!
link here for younger viewers!
Its really good to know Nelson is alive and enjoying his time as a free man....quite apart from what he then achieved after being freed! A true World Hero and icon - I love the man!
So where were you?
I was living in St.Pauls Cray where I was a local Cllr. I watched the momentous occasion on the TV - no satellite then for me!
link here for younger viewers!
Its really good to know Nelson is alive and enjoying his time as a free man....quite apart from what he then achieved after being freed! A true World Hero and icon - I love the man!
Monday, February 08, 2010
East Norfolk
10.30 found Bob and I at Walkers. Lovely hot cup of tea and then the Sausage and Bacon roll - large for Bob and small for me. Thats 2 sausages and 3 Bacon rashers in the small! I leave your imaginations to the large!
A new site to visit today - easily found on the outskirts of Norwich, Whitlingham CP.
A collection of ex gravel pits - now at least on the Large Broad full of waterfowl!
The Red-necked Grebe gave itself up very quickly as did the Great Northern Diver who was out in the middle of the Lake eating at Crayfish!
Then it was to find the female Ring-billed Duck - we looked down the lake and realised just how many Tufted Ducks there were - now this is where our research could have been better as I saw this morning when I looked at photos of the diuck on RBA! Itwas with the Pochards - and since there were considerably fewer Pochards - we could have saved ourselves considerable time - looking first at those- mind - since we interrogated all the female tufties - we would have ended up doing that anyway - of the RND - NO SIGN! Whether it was around the back of the island - well but it could have been tucked into the reeds - considerably cover there!
Then we spotted a Goosander - female but a first for the year....since we usually pick these up locally early Jan - but there has been very few! Then Bob found another - very good disguise against the trees and shrubs - its markings breaking up its position!
After seeing every variety of colour in a female tufty posible - Bob spotted the 1st winter scaup.
We had been here now for far longer than we had anticipated and the RLBuzzard we also wanted to see over on Chedgrave Marshes near GYarmouth had come up on the pager - I was getting a little twitchy! (There is a long staying RBD at Foxcote which we could go to see......I would prefer one to show up in ent or Sussex).
So we left - and had an adventure to get to Chedgrave Marshes.We came up to try for the Taiga Bean Geese which had been on the Cantley Marshes or Buckingham Marshes...
they had been reported on Saturday . So Cantly Marshes and to our usual place where we get good views across the Marshes - Taiga Goose - any Goose? Nope! In favct there were few birds- Mutes /Lapwings and Crows/Starlings!
So lets find our way to Chedgrave. I had spotted a road that crossed a river - the only one so to aviod going all round GY - we set out - Bob looked at his OS map....said its a Ferry ...what? Would it be running on a sunday? well we went off....to Reedham - as always it takes a lot longer than you imagine to travel a mile in Norfolk!We arrived at Reedham - and a sign said Reedham Ferry Inn. We arrived and there was a Chain Ferry - the only way acxross the Yare between Norwich and GY! The car cost £3.90 (it was £7.50 for a return - which we declined!)The Bob remembered they had come this way nmany years before and the expense had been turned down by his mate!
Its a very short crossing and 2 cars can get on the Ferry!
off to the Waveney Forest and arriving there there were a number of cars parked -we walked to the mound where ther were 20 or so birders watching - fortunately there were a couple of guyts there who knew what thay were doing -
We had already seen a Harrier inthe skies on route...
then there was our target bird -up and flying - wow clear marking on its tail - really white! Adult bird....great flying sight - then down onto the ground - some of that flapping of wings on the ground I have noticed before with RLB.
Later we had two RLB in the sky - the adult and another further to the east.
We had hoped we might see a SEO - it had hunted and shown well an hour and a half earlier so another dip!
I had arranged to ring Tim Allwood up at Sea Palling to check the weather up there - it had been foggy all day on Saturday - would we be able to get to the Raptor Roost at Stubb Mill....for our other target birs - Common Crane. Great news from Tim - it was overcast (like everywhere else today!) but ok!
So decision time stay for SEO? Or go up for the Cranes?
S we then had a fast trip up there -- as fast as I could go with some driver going 40 mph on the main A47! Some one tell him limit is 50!
We arrive d and on route to the Raptor watchpoint - we heard the trumpeting calls of the Cranes - damn had we missed them? As we walked to the wtchpoint streams of birders were walking back! 3 had flown in and flown off(the birds we heard)then another small group had gone to roost. Oh well here we were - so onwards.
At the watchpoint a couple from Kent staying in Hickling so had their bicycles - good bins but no scopes - due to cycles!
Bob counted 17 Marsh Harriers - in the air!
We waited ....and waited ...and waited - then the skies were full of Pink feet! Hundreds and hundreds all calling!
We waited and then Bob spotted 4 Cranes flying we all got onto them - they flew amnd went down in a field.
The couple left shortly afterwards....we waited 5 mins andrealised we were really cold....swift walk back and on route another Crane flew gracefully out ofthe sky into a field!
As we neared the road to the CP a Woodcock flew over our heads!
So 6 new birds for the non year list!
A new site to visit today - easily found on the outskirts of Norwich, Whitlingham CP.
A collection of ex gravel pits - now at least on the Large Broad full of waterfowl!
The Red-necked Grebe gave itself up very quickly as did the Great Northern Diver who was out in the middle of the Lake eating at Crayfish!
Then it was to find the female Ring-billed Duck - we looked down the lake and realised just how many Tufted Ducks there were - now this is where our research could have been better as I saw this morning when I looked at photos of the diuck on RBA! Itwas with the Pochards - and since there were considerably fewer Pochards - we could have saved ourselves considerable time - looking first at those- mind - since we interrogated all the female tufties - we would have ended up doing that anyway - of the RND - NO SIGN! Whether it was around the back of the island - well but it could have been tucked into the reeds - considerably cover there!
Then we spotted a Goosander - female but a first for the year....since we usually pick these up locally early Jan - but there has been very few! Then Bob found another - very good disguise against the trees and shrubs - its markings breaking up its position!
After seeing every variety of colour in a female tufty posible - Bob spotted the 1st winter scaup.
We had been here now for far longer than we had anticipated and the RLBuzzard we also wanted to see over on Chedgrave Marshes near GYarmouth had come up on the pager - I was getting a little twitchy! (There is a long staying RBD at Foxcote which we could go to see......I would prefer one to show up in ent or Sussex).
So we left - and had an adventure to get to Chedgrave Marshes.We came up to try for the Taiga Bean Geese which had been on the Cantley Marshes or Buckingham Marshes...
they had been reported on Saturday . So Cantly Marshes and to our usual place where we get good views across the Marshes - Taiga Goose - any Goose? Nope! In favct there were few birds- Mutes /Lapwings and Crows/Starlings!
So lets find our way to Chedgrave. I had spotted a road that crossed a river - the only one so to aviod going all round GY - we set out - Bob looked at his OS map....said its a Ferry ...what? Would it be running on a sunday? well we went off....to Reedham - as always it takes a lot longer than you imagine to travel a mile in Norfolk!We arrived at Reedham - and a sign said Reedham Ferry Inn. We arrived and there was a Chain Ferry - the only way acxross the Yare between Norwich and GY! The car cost £3.90 (it was £7.50 for a return - which we declined!)The Bob remembered they had come this way nmany years before and the expense had been turned down by his mate!
Its a very short crossing and 2 cars can get on the Ferry!
off to the Waveney Forest and arriving there there were a number of cars parked -we walked to the mound where ther were 20 or so birders watching - fortunately there were a couple of guyts there who knew what thay were doing -
We had already seen a Harrier inthe skies on route...
then there was our target bird -up and flying - wow clear marking on its tail - really white! Adult bird....great flying sight - then down onto the ground - some of that flapping of wings on the ground I have noticed before with RLB.
Later we had two RLB in the sky - the adult and another further to the east.
We had hoped we might see a SEO - it had hunted and shown well an hour and a half earlier so another dip!
I had arranged to ring Tim Allwood up at Sea Palling to check the weather up there - it had been foggy all day on Saturday - would we be able to get to the Raptor Roost at Stubb Mill....for our other target birs - Common Crane. Great news from Tim - it was overcast (like everywhere else today!) but ok!
So decision time stay for SEO? Or go up for the Cranes?
S we then had a fast trip up there -- as fast as I could go with some driver going 40 mph on the main A47! Some one tell him limit is 50!
We arrive d and on route to the Raptor watchpoint - we heard the trumpeting calls of the Cranes - damn had we missed them? As we walked to the wtchpoint streams of birders were walking back! 3 had flown in and flown off(the birds we heard)then another small group had gone to roost. Oh well here we were - so onwards.
At the watchpoint a couple from Kent staying in Hickling so had their bicycles - good bins but no scopes - due to cycles!
Bob counted 17 Marsh Harriers - in the air!
We waited ....and waited ...and waited - then the skies were full of Pink feet! Hundreds and hundreds all calling!
We waited and then Bob spotted 4 Cranes flying we all got onto them - they flew amnd went down in a field.
The couple left shortly afterwards....we waited 5 mins andrealised we were really cold....swift walk back and on route another Crane flew gracefully out ofthe sky into a field!
As we neared the road to the CP a Woodcock flew over our heads!
So 6 new birds for the non year list!
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Off to Norfolk tomorrow!
Well finally we are embarking on our annual Jan/Feb trip to East Norfolk.
So it will be interesting to anticipate what we will see - anticipate not post!
So here's hoping to a great day out!
I never did manage to complete the post re Sheppey -suffice to say it was a good days birding!
NowI am off to eat and watch the MU game to see own goals score a hatrick! yaa!
My Eagles did well today with another away win!
Cheers all!
So it will be interesting to anticipate what we will see - anticipate not post!
So here's hoping to a great day out!
I never did manage to complete the post re Sheppey -suffice to say it was a good days birding!
NowI am off to eat and watch the MU game to see own goals score a hatrick! yaa!
My Eagles did well today with another away win!
Cheers all!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Gull id - Caspians
Here is a link to
The report on Sheppey is on its way...no pics of my own -a lot of birds were viewed at distance through scopes as is the way there!Where I nearly got some pics - Barn Owl eating I did the birders thing - observations first then- "try a pic" - "oh in focus" - off flew Owl!The joys or not of digi scoping!
Caspianid - by Andy Lawson on the Kent Ornithological Society (join if you bird in Kent!) site for North and West Kent.
The report on Sheppey is on its way...no pics of my own -a lot of birds were viewed at distance through scopes as is the way there!Where I nearly got some pics - Barn Owl eating I did the birders thing - observations first then- "try a pic" - "oh in focus" - off flew Owl!The joys or not of digi scoping!
Monday, February 01, 2010
The Big Garden Bird watch
Well having had the feeders up for over a year I have my regulars - and with the additional feeders (a christmas present) up and running since just after Christmas day - the birds have been having a feeding frenzy - especially during the snow and the freezing days...
Well they didn't let me down - I know when they arrive en masses at breakfast time - so did my hour then.
14 Goldfinches, 2 Robins (usually only 1 - so I hope he has a girlfriend!, 4 Wood Pigeons, 5 Starlings (where was the usual 6th?), 8 House Sparrows (all present and correct!), 2 Blue Tits , One Great tit, 2 Blackbirds (the resident pair), Yes - 1 Collared Dove and one of the Chaffinches!
oh and a RN Parakeet came to my tree and went back to his two mates - the branches of my tree prevent them settling on those feeders and they have never attempted the new ones- bet thats famous last words...
Well they didn't let me down - I know when they arrive en masses at breakfast time - so did my hour then.
14 Goldfinches, 2 Robins (usually only 1 - so I hope he has a girlfriend!, 4 Wood Pigeons, 5 Starlings (where was the usual 6th?), 8 House Sparrows (all present and correct!), 2 Blue Tits , One Great tit, 2 Blackbirds (the resident pair), Yes - 1 Collared Dove and one of the Chaffinches!
oh and a RN Parakeet came to my tree and went back to his two mates - the branches of my tree prevent them settling on those feeders and they have never attempted the new ones- bet thats famous last words...
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