A planned trip to Sussex had to be changed to Thursday.
I left early morning to travel to Midhurst - parking in their free car park i saw a Kestrel hunting in the field...the first of many Kestrels I saw throughout the day.
After a good breakfast I was off- nearby is a good site for Dartford Warblers and on looking from the car park I immediately spotted one! Then there were two - a pair! Unfortunately no sign of Tree Pipit, my other main target here.
On to Pagham - where I saw lots of Terns including among the Commons - Little and Sandwich.Very little off the coast - in fact it was so choppy that I doubt I would have seen anything anyway...just not high enough - a nice tower would be good!
However the sound of a Whimbrel above my head was welcome indeed as was the sighting - my first this year!
Lots of nesting activity.
Wandered around looking in channels abd seeing lots of waders - but nothing new for the year!Where are the green Sandpipers when you want to see 'em?
Then a pair of Turtle Doves flew over.
In the Churchyard a Spotted Flycatcher was catching .....flies!
In to the Visitors centre and found that the most updated list was for Monday - no help there then!
Over to Pulborough - it was a planned visit but helpful that Temminck's Stints I didn't see on Sheppey on Sunday were still being reported as present.
A walk towards Nettley Hide and at Jupp's View I joined another birder who hadn't been there long we were than almost immediately joined by another birder - Common Sandpiper...and then the secong chap said got one! We all got onto one in front of a Canade Goose...then later we spied another two! Great.
I had heard and seen a couple of Nightingales on my way around but still not sight nor sound of a Cuckoo!
As I was leaving Pulborough I looked at the pager- Collared Pratincole- Swale NNR.
This would be a UK Lifer -having seen lots in Espana as well as a very good Kent tick. So by a slight diversion I was on my way home!
Arriving on Sheppey to see said bird hawking for flies! Great!
Many thanks to Derek Faulkner the finder.
Then it was home to try to beat the rush hour traffic.
A fabulous day weather wise and certainly a great day birding wise!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Birding makes you feel good.
I shall not say a lot about London Elections. I am very sorry to see Ken go. Just glad that Labour GLA members held their seats and we actually gained Brent and Harrow.
I was utterly dismayed to see Johnson win and to see the BNP take an Assembly seat.
I wait and see now.
Altho I have to say what a farce is the count. Electronic counting ought to be quicker than hand counting...well I certainly didn't observe that. I have seen exam marking speeded up with electronic counting but that was a farce on Friday!
Felt sorry for the workers who had to do it!
Birding makes you feel good.
Bob and i went to Rutland Water to see the Ospreys nesting there!
We saw the female on her eggs and the male came in with another stick for the nest (the nest is at least 10 feet high!) He perched on the nearby triangle stick and then they cpoulated and then he flew off ...we hoped to fish...but after flying around for 5 mins he perched up on a stump on a tree and watched!
Still a pair of Ospreys!
There were lots of Common Terns about and we managed to find one Arctic. I finally have seen a Swift!
(lots of other birds in fine plumage particularly The great crested grebes!
We then went to Eyebrook Reservoir where we knew there was a Green-winged teal. A nice male to look for so we spotted some Teal and there was the one with the white on the shoulder! We then got the scope on it to look properly!
Here as we drove slowly around the res were hedges full of Whitethroats...we saw at least 30and there were others! The air was full of their songs!
We had views of Hobby here as well.
We dropped in at a couple of other places around Rutland Water. 6 Black terns were also seen....such a pretty bird...I love Terns..
We saw Kestrels and Sparrowhawks and with Osprey and Hobbies we finished with at least 5 Buzzards and a Red Kite.
6 Birds of prey - makes one feel great!
We were enjoying a cup of coffeee and a scone when we spied on the pager
Dotterels in Canbridgeshire....off the A505....so as they were not too far away and we were on our way home.....
Interesting as we walked towards the pea field the pair were reported in I saw a couple walking towards us from the field...yes I recognised a male birder...Daz!
It was good to see him and Katie even if briefly!
Forgot to ask if Katie had managed a pic!
Well the pair of Dotterels were visible on a slight ridge but mainly their heads and when the female looked directly at us we could see her breast band. She was a picture! Thet were very wary. So we didn't stay long as we didn't want to cause them any stress and let them feed.
I see no reports from there today.
A lovely bird!
So what appeared in Kent on our travels a pair of Black-winged Stilts. That clinched where I was going on Sunday (today) I will blog about today later.
I was utterly dismayed to see Johnson win and to see the BNP take an Assembly seat.
I wait and see now.
Altho I have to say what a farce is the count. Electronic counting ought to be quicker than hand counting...well I certainly didn't observe that. I have seen exam marking speeded up with electronic counting but that was a farce on Friday!
Felt sorry for the workers who had to do it!
Birding makes you feel good.
Bob and i went to Rutland Water to see the Ospreys nesting there!
We saw the female on her eggs and the male came in with another stick for the nest (the nest is at least 10 feet high!) He perched on the nearby triangle stick and then they cpoulated and then he flew off ...we hoped to fish...but after flying around for 5 mins he perched up on a stump on a tree and watched!
Still a pair of Ospreys!
There were lots of Common Terns about and we managed to find one Arctic. I finally have seen a Swift!
(lots of other birds in fine plumage particularly The great crested grebes!
We then went to Eyebrook Reservoir where we knew there was a Green-winged teal. A nice male to look for so we spotted some Teal and there was the one with the white on the shoulder! We then got the scope on it to look properly!
Here as we drove slowly around the res were hedges full of Whitethroats...we saw at least 30and there were others! The air was full of their songs!
We had views of Hobby here as well.
We dropped in at a couple of other places around Rutland Water. 6 Black terns were also seen....such a pretty bird...I love Terns..
We saw Kestrels and Sparrowhawks and with Osprey and Hobbies we finished with at least 5 Buzzards and a Red Kite.
6 Birds of prey - makes one feel great!
We were enjoying a cup of coffeee and a scone when we spied on the pager
Dotterels in Canbridgeshire....off the A505....so as they were not too far away and we were on our way home.....
Interesting as we walked towards the pea field the pair were reported in I saw a couple walking towards us from the field...yes I recognised a male birder...Daz!
It was good to see him and Katie even if briefly!
Forgot to ask if Katie had managed a pic!
Well the pair of Dotterels were visible on a slight ridge but mainly their heads and when the female looked directly at us we could see her breast band. She was a picture! Thet were very wary. So we didn't stay long as we didn't want to cause them any stress and let them feed.
I see no reports from there today.
A lovely bird!
So what appeared in Kent on our travels a pair of Black-winged Stilts. That clinched where I was going on Sunday (today) I will blog about today later.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Been a bit busy!
Goodness its ages since I last blogged!
Been doing some birding but mainly its the London Mayor and Assembly elections, that have meant I havent blogged!
When I have been on-line its been to check e-mails,a few other blogs and do data inputting of one kind or another.
Normal service will be resumed at the w/e.
Plan for Saturday will be to go with Bob and watch the Osprey's nesting at Rutland.
Sunday - not sure yet....
Monday - that will be local unless a mega appears- I really dislike Bank Holiday traffic!
If you are in London VOTE FOR LONDON vote KEN on 1st May.
Been doing some birding but mainly its the London Mayor and Assembly elections, that have meant I havent blogged!
When I have been on-line its been to check e-mails,a few other blogs and do data inputting of one kind or another.
Normal service will be resumed at the w/e.
Plan for Saturday will be to go with Bob and watch the Osprey's nesting at Rutland.
Sunday - not sure yet....
Monday - that will be local unless a mega appears- I really dislike Bank Holiday traffic!
If you are in London VOTE FOR LONDON vote KEN on 1st May.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Gwyneth Dunwoody
I heard this morning that sadly Gweneth has died.
The longest serving Woman Labour MP.
A feisty independently minded MP who really came into her own during the Blair Government.She was a great constituency MP. I wasn't a big fan when I first knew her as she was more right wing in those days and I was very left!
But she grew on one!
She was an excellent Chair of the Transport Select Committee and it was to the back benchers that she managed to keep that post when Blair tried his coup in 2001. The Government needed to have a strong Chair in a Select Committee (they might not have agreed!)
A Parliamentarian with an independent mind and spirited...She will be missed.
The longest serving Woman Labour MP.
A feisty independently minded MP who really came into her own during the Blair Government.She was a great constituency MP. I wasn't a big fan when I first knew her as she was more right wing in those days and I was very left!
But she grew on one!
She was an excellent Chair of the Transport Select Committee and it was to the back benchers that she managed to keep that post when Blair tried his coup in 2001. The Government needed to have a strong Chair in a Select Committee (they might not have agreed!)
A Parliamentarian with an independent mind and spirited...She will be missed.
Mottisfont Abbey Garden, House and Estate
Yesterday a trip to Hampshire to Mottisfont
We picked the right day weather wise. As well as a look at the garden and house plus a coffee on arrival and lunch before the 6 and a half mile walk we had a really enjoyable day.
The weather actually improved as the day wore on!
The best part of the day was the 2 and a half hours where we didn't see another walker and the only people seen were a couple of drivers of cars as we crossed a lane!
We had some lovely views of woodland birds- Robin, Blackbird and the usual Tits but also Coal Tits (not usual to see then in London) and close up views of a female Kestrel in a tree, Blackcap pair obviously nesting,Chaffinch and Goldcrests, Great spot woody and Yaffles everywhere (their "Yaffle" that is!) Only Mallards seen on the river....odd I thought.Dunnocks and Wrens everywhere.
Fabulous views of soaring Buzzards.
Corvids a plenty with Rooks being the most scarce , Jackdaws and then plentiful Crows and oddly only the occasional Magpie.
There was a wood (next to part of the Estate) which had a floor full of Bluebells- stretching as far as the eye could see.
Lots of different habitats. The NT are working on bringing in hedges and natural breaks in land- some parts left au natural others coppiced and other areas are cultivated but with wildlife as a priority.
Good to see.
When I have download a few pics...they will be posted.
We picked the right day weather wise. As well as a look at the garden and house plus a coffee on arrival and lunch before the 6 and a half mile walk we had a really enjoyable day.
The weather actually improved as the day wore on!
The best part of the day was the 2 and a half hours where we didn't see another walker and the only people seen were a couple of drivers of cars as we crossed a lane!
We had some lovely views of woodland birds- Robin, Blackbird and the usual Tits but also Coal Tits (not usual to see then in London) and close up views of a female Kestrel in a tree, Blackcap pair obviously nesting,Chaffinch and Goldcrests, Great spot woody and Yaffles everywhere (their "Yaffle" that is!) Only Mallards seen on the river....odd I thought.Dunnocks and Wrens everywhere.
Fabulous views of soaring Buzzards.
Corvids a plenty with Rooks being the most scarce , Jackdaws and then plentiful Crows and oddly only the occasional Magpie.
There was a wood (next to part of the Estate) which had a floor full of Bluebells- stretching as far as the eye could see.
Lots of different habitats. The NT are working on bringing in hedges and natural breaks in land- some parts left au natural others coppiced and other areas are cultivated but with wildlife as a priority.
Good to see.
When I have download a few pics...they will be posted.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Migrants and Water Voles
Well the Internet has been down for over a week and I have been very busy. Some birding and we are in the midst of an Election here in London- so I have been mega busy!
Here is a Water Vole I spied at Barnes!Actually the one with carrots is from a different day and the other water voles we watched for ages and then realised there were two of them!
I have been out and about birding and finding migrants which is always fun !
No sign yet of Cuckoo altho a birding friend of mine text me the other Sat that he had heard one that day! Thanks Pete!
Barnes has become something of a mecca for migrants with Yellow Wagtails, Reed and Sedge Warblers and now today Groppers (Grasshopper Warblers) reeling and slight sitings - as they are real skulkers and Lesser Whitethroats!
Going to Staines early evening to see if any Terns are about.
Friday, April 04, 2008
water Voles!
Barnes this afternoon showed 2 Water Voles with territorial disputes!
Fortunately i was able to get a couple of good shots which i shall post tomorrow!
Sand Martins a plenty - 4 Redshanks and a Ringed Plover...couldn't see the eye ring but I know 2 LRP were on site.
So the sunny day turned out delightfully!
Fortunately i was able to get a couple of good shots which i shall post tomorrow!
Sand Martins a plenty - 4 Redshanks and a Ringed Plover...couldn't see the eye ring but I know 2 LRP were on site.
So the sunny day turned out delightfully!
Memories!
Feel better for that last posting and thinking Swallows....
Forgot to finish off the birding trip to Scotland. Will do later!
The Crane pic did it. Three Cranes in a field near Elgin, a family group. Mum Dad and Juv- and I remembered our 6 Cranes flying in to roost at Stubb Mill in February and the ones that called over our heads at the centre loos!
There is always something to make one feel good!
Forgot to finish off the birding trip to Scotland. Will do later!
The Crane pic did it. Three Cranes in a field near Elgin, a family group. Mum Dad and Juv- and I remembered our 6 Cranes flying in to roost at Stubb Mill in February and the ones that called over our heads at the centre loos!
There is always something to make one feel good!
Need to cheer myself up!
Sometimes you get up in the morning and the sun is shining and the local birds are singing and then you feel kinda down. Well I do have one reason for this but that will stay with me!What I am surprised at is that I usually rise above all this doom and gloom but i didn't this morning. So I did what any sensible person might. I had a very long bath!
I do feel slightly different but I shall think of what i have in store today and tomorrow.
This afternoon I am having a practice manual camera session, with a friend. We are going to Barnes Wetlands Centre...this ensures that some birds stay still long enough for me to attempt a good shot!As Barnes is a local patch for me I shall be on the look out for migrants to add to my year list and I know I shall see Sand Martins- tho I doubt I'll get any shots of them!Still waiting for a Swallow to fly over!(Talons crossed!)
Tomorrow its out to Kent for more photography.We are going to Ashford and I hope to post a couple of shots on Sunday evening.
I really shouldn't let one letdown make me feel a bit down but I do.
I am going to my local patch now for a walk around and see if any migrants have turned up...nearby Osterley - into the Woods.Or once I am in my car it might be to
Stanwell Moor nearby is a farm where Swallows and House Martins nest I wonder if they have arrived?
And just to make me feel better- forget the photo quality think a Crane in Elgin?
I do feel slightly different but I shall think of what i have in store today and tomorrow.
This afternoon I am having a practice manual camera session, with a friend. We are going to Barnes Wetlands Centre...this ensures that some birds stay still long enough for me to attempt a good shot!As Barnes is a local patch for me I shall be on the look out for migrants to add to my year list and I know I shall see Sand Martins- tho I doubt I'll get any shots of them!Still waiting for a Swallow to fly over!(Talons crossed!)
Tomorrow its out to Kent for more photography.We are going to Ashford and I hope to post a couple of shots on Sunday evening.
I really shouldn't let one letdown make me feel a bit down but I do.
I am going to my local patch now for a walk around and see if any migrants have turned up...nearby Osterley - into the Woods.Or once I am in my car it might be to
Stanwell Moor nearby is a farm where Swallows and House Martins nest I wonder if they have arrived?
And just to make me feel better- forget the photo quality think a Crane in Elgin?
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Sussex foray
Burton Mill Pond is a lovely site.
Bob and I went down there to spy the Bittern earlier this year.Following Bob's Easter visit he told me about the Firecrests there.
I was greeted by the sound of a male singing as I got out of my car in the Car Park. It took a while top locate it as the feisty chap whizzed about at the top of a tree.
However I really need not have worried as I spotted a confiding pair exactly where Bob had said on my walk around the Pond!
Lots of lovely birds about but sadly no new year ticks of migrants!
So to Pulborough Brooks for the coffee and loo stop!
A bonus LRP spotted there!
A short stay in Sussex as i had work to do!
Having had some pretty aweful weather since this trip I wish I had gone to Pagham first- still to see Wimbrel and Spotted Red!
Bob and I went down there to spy the Bittern earlier this year.Following Bob's Easter visit he told me about the Firecrests there.
I was greeted by the sound of a male singing as I got out of my car in the Car Park. It took a while top locate it as the feisty chap whizzed about at the top of a tree.
However I really need not have worried as I spotted a confiding pair exactly where Bob had said on my walk around the Pond!
Lots of lovely birds about but sadly no new year ticks of migrants!
So to Pulborough Brooks for the coffee and loo stop!
A bonus LRP spotted there!
A short stay in Sussex as i had work to do!
Having had some pretty aweful weather since this trip I wish I had gone to Pagham first- still to see Wimbrel and Spotted Red!
Friday, March 28, 2008
A few lifers!
A little sally into West Wales and through Somerset to Devon brought its reward.
Black Duck,Rosy-Coloured Starling and King Eider as lifers and an accompanying cast of
Chough, Spoonbill, Long Eared Owl,Franklins Gull and GWE.
A long drive but an enjoyable one with all the country scenery. A really lovely B and B, where they let me go out first thing and return for my breakfast later before my drive back into Somerset and home.
I do like Devon - I say this everytime I venture forth.The people are friendly as well as the incomers. This is no reflection on elsewhere just my thoughts.
Will continue later.
Black Duck,Rosy-Coloured Starling and King Eider as lifers and an accompanying cast of
Chough, Spoonbill, Long Eared Owl,Franklins Gull and GWE.
A long drive but an enjoyable one with all the country scenery. A really lovely B and B, where they let me go out first thing and return for my breakfast later before my drive back into Somerset and home.
I do like Devon - I say this everytime I venture forth.The people are friendly as well as the incomers. This is no reflection on elsewhere just my thoughts.
Will continue later.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The white-winged gull
Interruption to the daily tales from Scotland. I have now solved the problem of my mysterious white winged gull.
Edit: It appears I haven't!
Birdguides thought it might be a 2nd winter Med Gull.There were no other reports to Birdguides on that date - and it seems as that part of the coast is regularly watched I may be mistaken.So be it - I can only report what I saw, altho I did make notes at the time- for now I shall record it as a gull species.....but as I am not an expert on gulls(never claimed to be) I shall just remember this trip with the mysterious gull unexplained!
I wonder what that gull was?
On my train journey to Aviemore from Edinburgh I was busy watching the outside world.
My first journey on a train on this particular route.
Its a really interesting journey. First through Edinburgh and then along the coast - the north of the Firth of Forth.One travels across the Firth of Forth on the rail bridge as apposed to the Forth Road Bridge. That bridge has been made famous by the story of as soon as they finish painting it they have to start again! I read somewhere that this time they have got some clever paint that means it doesn't have to be done for some time. Must go and find that tale.(Sounds like turkey's voting for Christmas from the companies point of view. I expect the tax payers in Scotland are pleased.)
I digress ....
I was travelling between Inverkeith and Kirkcaldy - birding as I went when we reached Kinghorn Station and we went through very slowly I spotted a flock of Seagulls , mainly Herring Gulls- and I spotted a white winged Gull!
Now I was looking out for different gulls particularly large ones after my recent successes with finding a Caspian Gull and generally watching and seeing a variety of Gulls.
NB note my new hobby is looking at gulls, something I used to find so daunting that I didn't! I waited for friends to say there is a xxxxxxxx and looking ! Very lazy but honest.
Last year I began trying to id - I felt fairly confident with Glaucous Gulls having
been able to see them regularly ...starting from my first juvenile self found on the Isle of Sheppey in 2004.....when it decided to fly over me!
They are so stonkingly big as well!
It has helped birding with Bob who fortunately has been seriously birding for the last 30 years and is very experienced.He helped me find my Caspian in that we were at Dungeness and he had seen the juvenile before I spotted it but he let me find it and go through the salient id features before saying he had seen it! Very helpful learning technik (sic).
This is by way of background.
A birding friend from birding forums BBF and BF also has helped my gull interest! You know who you are Shifty!He recommended a couple of Gull id books.
Back to the WW Gull.
I spotted a very different gull amidst the Herring Gulls, and was thinking Iceland as that was what I was looking for - for my year list. Well this Bird was white all over - so I thought thats no Iceland! So I watched it and noted some details, black legs, white with black spots on the tips of feathers on its wings with a dark face.
Black spots on the tail like a band but not as obvious a band as in birds of prey.
Best description would be like someone had dipped the ends of the feathers in paint! They were not splodged or streaked.
Well that was what i had as notes....I had an overall impression.It was smaller than the Herrings and much bigger than a BH Gull.It appeared to be a "sparky" bird holding its own amid the biggies.I was aware of its black legs.
So what is it?
I searched the Seabirds book at my Hotel but as i was thinking Iceland - I looked there and it defo wasn't that- nothing seemed to fit.
Then I got carried away with the Scottish birding - the Bird Race and visits to Findhorn Valley - but when we saw an Iceland Gull in Aviemore I remembered it all again.
I did not realise the significance of the black legs until Shifty emailed about them!
I returned home and began getting my notes and pics together.
On Thursday I went to Barnes WWT and was in the bins and scope shop when I spied the Gull book....Olsen and Larsson.It looked really good and despite being expensive I purchased it on the recommendation of Shifty!
Later that day I was flicking through the book admiring the photos and the illustrations when I spotted my bird...yes the photo leapt off the page...whats that?
It was an IVORY gull! 1st winter juv. I compared my notes and it was an Ivory! Wow lifer!
Hang on better check what else could it be......couldn't find any other white gull with those black spots in the pattern they were!
Wish I had had my camera for a record shot.
NB I did know what an Ivory Gull adult looked like - it was the juvs I dont remember seeing(noticing on film or in photos).
I was not expecting or looking for an Ivory Gull but I know I have seen one now!
Pleased I am really excited!
Now I want to see an Adult! - in real life I mean!
(Technical points the black was on the primaries, outer wing-coverts and tail feathers.)
By chance i have found a page from someones blog about an Ivory juv and an Iceland Gull in Ayrshire!
http://www.atricillaimages.co.uk/index.php?q=node/2559
Edit: It appears I haven't!
Birdguides thought it might be a 2nd winter Med Gull.There were no other reports to Birdguides on that date - and it seems as that part of the coast is regularly watched I may be mistaken.So be it - I can only report what I saw, altho I did make notes at the time- for now I shall record it as a gull species.....but as I am not an expert on gulls(never claimed to be) I shall just remember this trip with the mysterious gull unexplained!
I wonder what that gull was?
On my train journey to Aviemore from Edinburgh I was busy watching the outside world.
My first journey on a train on this particular route.
Its a really interesting journey. First through Edinburgh and then along the coast - the north of the Firth of Forth.One travels across the Firth of Forth on the rail bridge as apposed to the Forth Road Bridge. That bridge has been made famous by the story of as soon as they finish painting it they have to start again! I read somewhere that this time they have got some clever paint that means it doesn't have to be done for some time. Must go and find that tale.(Sounds like turkey's voting for Christmas from the companies point of view. I expect the tax payers in Scotland are pleased.)
I digress ....
I was travelling between Inverkeith and Kirkcaldy - birding as I went when we reached Kinghorn Station and we went through very slowly I spotted a flock of Seagulls , mainly Herring Gulls- and I spotted a white winged Gull!
Now I was looking out for different gulls particularly large ones after my recent successes with finding a Caspian Gull and generally watching and seeing a variety of Gulls.
NB note my new hobby is looking at gulls, something I used to find so daunting that I didn't! I waited for friends to say there is a xxxxxxxx and looking ! Very lazy but honest.
Last year I began trying to id - I felt fairly confident with Glaucous Gulls having
been able to see them regularly ...starting from my first juvenile self found on the Isle of Sheppey in 2004.....when it decided to fly over me!
They are so stonkingly big as well!
It has helped birding with Bob who fortunately has been seriously birding for the last 30 years and is very experienced.He helped me find my Caspian in that we were at Dungeness and he had seen the juvenile before I spotted it but he let me find it and go through the salient id features before saying he had seen it! Very helpful learning technik (sic).
This is by way of background.
A birding friend from birding forums BBF and BF also has helped my gull interest! You know who you are Shifty!He recommended a couple of Gull id books.
Back to the WW Gull.
I spotted a very different gull amidst the Herring Gulls, and was thinking Iceland as that was what I was looking for - for my year list. Well this Bird was white all over - so I thought thats no Iceland! So I watched it and noted some details, black legs, white with black spots on the tips of feathers on its wings with a dark face.
Black spots on the tail like a band but not as obvious a band as in birds of prey.
Best description would be like someone had dipped the ends of the feathers in paint! They were not splodged or streaked.
Well that was what i had as notes....I had an overall impression.It was smaller than the Herrings and much bigger than a BH Gull.It appeared to be a "sparky" bird holding its own amid the biggies.I was aware of its black legs.
So what is it?
I searched the Seabirds book at my Hotel but as i was thinking Iceland - I looked there and it defo wasn't that- nothing seemed to fit.
Then I got carried away with the Scottish birding - the Bird Race and visits to Findhorn Valley - but when we saw an Iceland Gull in Aviemore I remembered it all again.
I did not realise the significance of the black legs until Shifty emailed about them!
I returned home and began getting my notes and pics together.
On Thursday I went to Barnes WWT and was in the bins and scope shop when I spied the Gull book....Olsen and Larsson.It looked really good and despite being expensive I purchased it on the recommendation of Shifty!
Later that day I was flicking through the book admiring the photos and the illustrations when I spotted my bird...yes the photo leapt off the page...whats that?
It was an IVORY gull! 1st winter juv. I compared my notes and it was an Ivory! Wow lifer!
Hang on better check what else could it be......couldn't find any other white gull with those black spots in the pattern they were!
Wish I had had my camera for a record shot.
NB I did know what an Ivory Gull adult looked like - it was the juvs I dont remember seeing(noticing on film or in photos).
I was not expecting or looking for an Ivory Gull but I know I have seen one now!
Pleased I am really excited!
Now I want to see an Adult! - in real life I mean!
(Technical points the black was on the primaries, outer wing-coverts and tail feathers.)
By chance i have found a page from someones blog about an Ivory juv and an Iceland Gull in Ayrshire!
http://www.atricillaimages.co.uk/index.php?q=node/2559
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Quest for the Surf Scoter
When we were on our "Bird Race" we spent time sea watching on the Moray Firth.
The last time I had seen a Surf Scoter was on the Moray Firth. Not one had been seen there this winter.We did see 110 Common Scoters and several Velvet Scoters.
110! 110 yes that number and very close views too.(As far as my year list went I had already seen both Common and Velvets but certainly not as close views!)
On the third day we went on an exbirdition up the East Coast north of Inverness -
to go onto the Black Isle to look at the other side of the Moray Firth and to wend our way to Dornoch.
Saw this animal and was amazed at its face - not sure if its caught in this pic though- appeared deep in thought!
Not so much snow about here!
We birded our way up the East Coast to Dornoch.What a absolutely stunning Town this is and what a location.
The Cathedral so its a City?
I love to look at Churches where ever I go and sometimes when we are birding it isn't possible so a photo opportunity was not to be turned down!
On to the Target bird of the day!
We got to the coast and the car park to sea watch, at first there appears to be nothing there, then as your eyes get used to the sea and glare and the lumps and bumps you begin to see ......yes black dots and these became Scoters hundreds of them! A velvet but mainly commons and more velvets and mixed up lots of Long tailed Ducks which are a really lovely and striking bird of its own! But we were after a rare a rarity.....search and search and scan and scan....
"Whats this?" No I think I saw it and its gone!
What to look for with a Surf scoter - well you might think its the bill or beak...but in lumpy sea best bet is to look for the white circle on the back of its neck.
We were there scanning...John, Peter, Paul, Bryan (I don't like sea watching)and moi.
When Bryan says I think I have got it...."help" to Peter ...now if you were there you would appreciate this "look in my scope" (Bryan is over 6foot and Peter well he is smaller shall we say!) How Peter managed to look in the scope, see anything and be able to confirm it we dont know but he did!
Where? Eventually we were all on the bird and enjoying views of it.
How did Bryan spot it? Well as often with birding a bit of luck...many birds took off and flew while he was watching them and in the midst a white circle on a neck!
Bryan (I dont like sea watching) was the hero!
NB By the end of the week Bryan was loving it!
Target bird found we could have lunch!
Interesting birds.....well inquisitive and hungry birds well just plain get in there and get their food birds!
Rooks, Hooded Crows and Jackdaws.
One very brave or stoopid Rook pictured here!
On to Embo
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
This is Tulloch Moor.
How I wish I had been able to get into blogger while I was in Scotland and I could have done a daily blog - its so easy to post every day and not leave it until one returns!
We met a lovely working dog called Millie in the woods in Nethybridge. She came up to me carrying a large piece of pine which she had dug up or found! She was wearing her Save and Rescue gear (green and white) and had been working all the previous night in the Cairngorms where they were trying to find a man who was missing.
She was full of beans! Her owner rather tired!
Millie was up for fun and we had some!
It was a privilege to met both her owner and Millie!
Millie is a collie with one ear up and one ear down!
I did mean to keep a dog list but somehow it got forgotten!
But I do remember a Soft coated Wheaten terrier, a Weimeraner (sp?), a Labrador cross and something, who was a real gorgeous beast!
Cairns, Scotties and Westies as one would expect! Dachshunds and Labs and Retreviers.
Plenty of Heinze 57's and rescue dogs.
Surreal experience
We stopped further down the valley on our way out to see if the Golden Eagles would put in an appearance.Conclusion drawn was that it had been too wild and windy and the pair had flown further down!
To the surreal.Bryan spotted a tree trunk and said it looks like a German Officer- see if you can see it? We could!
shortly after this 2 Spitfires flew across the valley. Weird or what?
And I looked across the valley and it looked just like the Russian front where there was a valley and it looked for all the world like the Panzars would come through with their tanks!
It could not go on!
Hahaha - it was like a parallel universe!
To the surreal.Bryan spotted a tree trunk and said it looks like a German Officer- see if you can see it? We could!
shortly after this 2 Spitfires flew across the valley. Weird or what?
And I looked across the valley and it looked just like the Russian front where there was a valley and it looked for all the world like the Panzars would come through with their tanks!
It could not go on!
Hahaha - it was like a parallel universe!
White out
Well lets see if blogger lets me post some pics today...it gave up on me on Monday!
Looks like it is working. The pic is of a near whiteout we sat through!
Glad John knows the weather around here! A trifle scary! Winds blowing small tornado's past us, really exciting to watch on the TV but I think not from a minibus!
Still we are all explorers at heart and so we ventured out after the snow and wind died down.
After the whiteout
across the bridge
Paul and Bryan
Paul and "Eagle"
It was very cold as I think you can see. Salutary lesson watching the weather change so very quickly from sunny to white out to sunny!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Day 2 Findhorn Valley (B)
We had a coffee stop and another scan and then on towards the top of the valley.
There is a bridge that goes across the River Findhorn (its private) but there is a good area to park. We watched the weather here as the snow arrived - we sat through bit of a storm - a whiteout- on being asked by a wary Bryan "will the road be alright to go back on" John's response of "It will be fine".
Were they really reassured? Well I was knowing Johns reputation as something of a weatherman.
Still watching small tornado's of snow pass by us and the hills disappear was a trifle scary.
Next the sun comes out! Bryan and Paul intrepid as ever walked over the bridge tothe other side. Despite John saying "well I wouldn't cross that bridge" I needed pics so I followed the guys. The bridge did look a little less solid than it had in the past and as it sighed and creaked as I walked over it - I wondered what I was doing! It was a relief to reach the chaps!
It was vvvvcold and the wind gusted at us and it was vvvvcold!
Pics to follow I am with Paul on the bridge and Paul id with Bryan. We had a laugh taking the pics I even had to take my glove off to attempt a photo with Pauls camera.
Frostbite almost set in!
Day 2 Findhorn Valley
Well after the Bird Race what could be better than a trip to the Findhorn Valley.
Its my favorite valley in the Highlands!
There was a deep frost this morning on awaking.
First a trip via Tulloch Moor where yesterday we had distant views of Black Grouse. Nothing showing this morning.
Then Findhorn.
We drove up the valley and played overtaking with the recyling lorry and coal delivery lorry!We stopped a couple of times looking for Golden Eagles. We found Red Deer, Stags on one side of the valley and Hinds on the other.Two pics - the hinds were a very long way away on the other side of the valley.
Its my favorite valley in the Highlands!
There was a deep frost this morning on awaking.
First a trip via Tulloch Moor where yesterday we had distant views of Black Grouse. Nothing showing this morning.
Then Findhorn.
We drove up the valley and played overtaking with the recyling lorry and coal delivery lorry!We stopped a couple of times looking for Golden Eagles. We found Red Deer, Stags on one side of the valley and Hinds on the other.Two pics - the hinds were a very long way away on the other side of the valley.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Scotland Birding!
Yes I'm in Bonny Scotland.
Took the train up here.
Sunny in Edinburgh and lovely till just before the Cairngorms. They are full of snow and it was wet and miserable. Not too bad when I got to Aviemore or Nethybridge where I am staying.
Birds seen on route (in Scotland) Rooks hundreds and hundreds, Pink feet geese, Marsh Harrier and Buzzard - Gulls galore now just checking on a white winged species - will let you know what it might have been!
Chaffinchs around feeders outside a station in the Cairngorms.
Wood pigeons.
Robin singing here!
It will get better!
Brief report on Sunday (full details plus any pics I can rescue!) will be on the blog!
Woke to real snow! Made the trip out magical in the forests and across the moors!
The Bird Race two teams competing against each other in fun! Racing around the Highlands and up(or down?) the Moray Firth!
There should have been a big race with lots of teams but the guy who organises it was away. We didn't mind!
There are 5 of us staying here this week. So its quality not quantity!
Our Team with John P saw 81 species in the day and the other team with Jonny saw 86 species grand total of different birds seen 98!
Highlights?
Scenery! I forget how beautiful the Highlands are!
110 Scaup - I kid you not! Females and males on the Moray Firth.
Eider (year tic) and Long tailed Ducks on the sea
Black and Red grouse (year tics)
and Black Guillemot in scopes from Lossiemouth sea watching!A rare at any time!
Dipper (another year tic - which I had forgotten I hadn't seen this year!) Gannet- way in the distance.
Flocks of mixed finches with brightly coloured Yellowhammers amidst them try as I might I couldn't see a Brambling (must all be down south!)
oh and Pine Marten footprints in the Snow...and a red squirrel!
more later!
The blog will have pics on when I return to London. Some little local technical difficulties here!
Took the train up here.
Sunny in Edinburgh and lovely till just before the Cairngorms. They are full of snow and it was wet and miserable. Not too bad when I got to Aviemore or Nethybridge where I am staying.
Birds seen on route (in Scotland) Rooks hundreds and hundreds, Pink feet geese, Marsh Harrier and Buzzard - Gulls galore now just checking on a white winged species - will let you know what it might have been!
Chaffinchs around feeders outside a station in the Cairngorms.
Wood pigeons.
Robin singing here!
It will get better!
Brief report on Sunday (full details plus any pics I can rescue!) will be on the blog!
Woke to real snow! Made the trip out magical in the forests and across the moors!
The Bird Race two teams competing against each other in fun! Racing around the Highlands and up(or down?) the Moray Firth!
There should have been a big race with lots of teams but the guy who organises it was away. We didn't mind!
There are 5 of us staying here this week. So its quality not quantity!
Our Team with John P saw 81 species in the day and the other team with Jonny saw 86 species grand total of different birds seen 98!
Highlights?
Scenery! I forget how beautiful the Highlands are!
110 Scaup - I kid you not! Females and males on the Moray Firth.
Eider (year tic) and Long tailed Ducks on the sea
Black and Red grouse (year tics)
and Black Guillemot in scopes from Lossiemouth sea watching!A rare at any time!
Dipper (another year tic - which I had forgotten I hadn't seen this year!) Gannet- way in the distance.
Flocks of mixed finches with brightly coloured Yellowhammers amidst them try as I might I couldn't see a Brambling (must all be down south!)
oh and Pine Marten footprints in the Snow...and a red squirrel!
more later!
The blog will have pics on when I return to London. Some little local technical difficulties here!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wild Boar
Hi
More pics taken from the Gloster Birder
So thanks to Andrew Carey and Gloster Birder.
Wild Boar in the Forest of Dean.
More pics taken from the Gloster Birder
So thanks to Andrew Carey and Gloster Birder.
Wild Boar in the Forest of Dean.
Monday, February 25, 2008
A Mammal Lifer!
Went to the Forest of Dean and saw a Lifer - a mammal lifer and then there were two adults and 6 Babies!
see a video here
That was taken last Tuesday so they appear to have lost one baby as we could only see 6.
see a video here
That was taken last Tuesday so they appear to have lost one baby as we could only see 6.
Meant to post more photos.....
but life got in the way!
Tetrads needed to be completed.They have to be done by the end of the month and the results need to be in before I go to Scotland next week.
I had a couple of birding trips planned. Bob and I needed to return to Rye to try again for the Shorelark that has been there for 7 weeks is it or 8 now! Last time it was a w/e and a very sunny day and too much disturbance.
We went on Friday morning to arrive about 8am and hopefully get the bird feeding and few people about.
We spotted a birder plus small well behaved dog right by the hut sheltering from the wind. Boy does it wind there!
There was the Shorelark posing on a rock ! So simple it was laughable. We watched the bird for quite a while as it disappeared in and out of grasses and up and dowm slopes. I even managed a record shot but they still have to be down loaded and they might be so bad they wont be posted!
Bob spotted a Common Seal hauled up on the shore and later with gentle waves washing it!
The scope kept wobbling and it wasn't til saturday that I realised it wasn't the head at fault but when I had put the scoipe back on I had put it on backwards! One of my birding friends discovered this on Sat when we were in the Forest of Dean!
We went on to Dungeness via Denge Marsh Road where the ARMY mod were firing, lots of red flags about. Surreal scanning through bins with gunfire in the background!
We spotted some geese but could only see Greylags and Canada's.
On to the RSPB centre and a welcome cup of hot chocolate.
One of the guys working there was on his day off and had just arrived. He informed us of the 3 Caspians that had been seen there the day before, we were already looking for Caspians...so good to know some were about.
But real wild Barnacle Geese had flown in recently and he told us where they were usually seen from...yes they were on Denge marsh but had been seen from the viewing ramp...so round we went! Blowin a hooly as only Dunge can we battled our way around!
We spotted "our" geese no Barnacles and as I said "there may be another group", Bob spotted them...really close to the Denge Marsh Road so must have just flown there.
We had time to look watch and put a party of older birders onto them(many looking through our scopes) and there was rapid gunfire and as the Lapwings went up so the Barnacles took off and flew away.
Back at the Centre I found a 2nd winter Caspian! Finally quest complete!
Bob had actually spotted it but said nothing so I had had the opportunity to find it for myself! Satisfaction! We went through all the id points. Back at the car later I showed Bob an article I had found on the net describing text and photos the same bird going through its 2nd winter cycle!
We also saw a possible near adult but it was a long way away and we couldn't see all features so gull sp. Later we saw the young man again and learnt that they had had a 2nd and 3rd winter bird with an adult.
There were plenty of ducks about the best being a Male Smew and 4 Redheads and 2 Goosanders.
We also saw Cetti's flying across our path.
Earlier on the road from Denge M to Dunge we had close views of a Little Owl as it scowled at us!
Tetrads needed to be completed.They have to be done by the end of the month and the results need to be in before I go to Scotland next week.
I had a couple of birding trips planned. Bob and I needed to return to Rye to try again for the Shorelark that has been there for 7 weeks is it or 8 now! Last time it was a w/e and a very sunny day and too much disturbance.
We went on Friday morning to arrive about 8am and hopefully get the bird feeding and few people about.
We spotted a birder plus small well behaved dog right by the hut sheltering from the wind. Boy does it wind there!
There was the Shorelark posing on a rock ! So simple it was laughable. We watched the bird for quite a while as it disappeared in and out of grasses and up and dowm slopes. I even managed a record shot but they still have to be down loaded and they might be so bad they wont be posted!
Bob spotted a Common Seal hauled up on the shore and later with gentle waves washing it!
The scope kept wobbling and it wasn't til saturday that I realised it wasn't the head at fault but when I had put the scoipe back on I had put it on backwards! One of my birding friends discovered this on Sat when we were in the Forest of Dean!
We went on to Dungeness via Denge Marsh Road where the ARMY mod were firing, lots of red flags about. Surreal scanning through bins with gunfire in the background!
We spotted some geese but could only see Greylags and Canada's.
On to the RSPB centre and a welcome cup of hot chocolate.
One of the guys working there was on his day off and had just arrived. He informed us of the 3 Caspians that had been seen there the day before, we were already looking for Caspians...so good to know some were about.
But real wild Barnacle Geese had flown in recently and he told us where they were usually seen from...yes they were on Denge marsh but had been seen from the viewing ramp...so round we went! Blowin a hooly as only Dunge can we battled our way around!
We spotted "our" geese no Barnacles and as I said "there may be another group", Bob spotted them...really close to the Denge Marsh Road so must have just flown there.
We had time to look watch and put a party of older birders onto them(many looking through our scopes) and there was rapid gunfire and as the Lapwings went up so the Barnacles took off and flew away.
Back at the Centre I found a 2nd winter Caspian! Finally quest complete!
Bob had actually spotted it but said nothing so I had had the opportunity to find it for myself! Satisfaction! We went through all the id points. Back at the car later I showed Bob an article I had found on the net describing text and photos the same bird going through its 2nd winter cycle!
We also saw a possible near adult but it was a long way away and we couldn't see all features so gull sp. Later we saw the young man again and learnt that they had had a 2nd and 3rd winter bird with an adult.
There were plenty of ducks about the best being a Male Smew and 4 Redheads and 2 Goosanders.
We also saw Cetti's flying across our path.
Earlier on the road from Denge M to Dunge we had close views of a Little Owl as it scowled at us!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
More Espana Photos
Well Jules is off to Morocco on the 22nd...I want to go but it is the wrong time for me as I have an important AGM on the 27th and i have to organise it.
Hopefully they may go in March next year. Talons crossed.
To make myself feel better I shall post some more photos by John Moon (who is going to Morocco - groan!)of our trip to the Pyrenees last June.
Audouins Gull
Little Tern
Whiskered Tern
Now that feels better!
Hopefully they may go in March next year. Talons crossed.
To make myself feel better I shall post some more photos by John Moon (who is going to Morocco - groan!)of our trip to the Pyrenees last June.
Audouins Gull
Little Tern
Whiskered Tern
Now that feels better!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Thetford forest
What a lovely place. I say this every time I visit.
On Sunday a planned visit to the Brecks lived up to its reputation.
There was a full on frost minus 3 almost all the way from West London to the Forest.Just occasionally it went to 0!
We walked miles around Lynford and ended up with one fly by Hawfinch! Chaffinches by the barrel load in fact almost every other bird was a Chaffie!
Blue, Great, Coal and LT tits abounded.
Blackbirds and Robbies.Canada Geese, Mute Swans in fact 7 decided on a fly past nosily and then back. Coot standing on the ice looked comical.
Mistle Thrushes, Song Thrushes and Dunnocks....plus ducks.....
No Crossbills!
On to Wayland Wood- where we heard and then saw Nuthatch and on the same tree a surprised Treecreeper. Surprised by the Nuthatch who may have landed on it!
No Golden Pheasant but scraping and heard again.Oh and Marsh Tit to add to the tits seen today.
On to another place in the Forest nr Brandon...St Helens?
Looking for Crossbills and Lesser Spots....not a sound from a LSW! Perfect weather for singing.
Siskins,Chaffinch and Goldfinches along with the Tit squads the cones were cracking open in the sun and all the birds were up in the canopy eating!
Great Spotted Woodpeckers everywhere including Lynford.
Heard and saw Green at Lynford too.
Bob heard a Brambling at the car park but we couldn't locate it (wished I hadn't known!)
Then to Mayday....the sun was full on but there were still patches of ground with frost on from the morning and this was 3.30!
We walked to the water trough and birds flew every which way.
We retreated away from the track and set up scopes and
in the sun 2 Crossbills posed then flew away! and
....a Brambling! Looking beautiful! The orange really orange, the white shining brightly and his head nearly black! My first of the year!Then 2 in another tree and then another 6 flew over our heads the orange and white like flags!
Then some more and by the time we left we must have seen 20!
We then went on a Woodlark hunt and eventually Bob spotted one perched up who then promptly flew down as I looked!
We eventually saw 2 well!
At this point we retired to the car and our journey homewards!
6 woodland birds nicely added to the year list!
On Sunday a planned visit to the Brecks lived up to its reputation.
There was a full on frost minus 3 almost all the way from West London to the Forest.Just occasionally it went to 0!
We walked miles around Lynford and ended up with one fly by Hawfinch! Chaffinches by the barrel load in fact almost every other bird was a Chaffie!
Blue, Great, Coal and LT tits abounded.
Blackbirds and Robbies.Canada Geese, Mute Swans in fact 7 decided on a fly past nosily and then back. Coot standing on the ice looked comical.
Mistle Thrushes, Song Thrushes and Dunnocks....plus ducks.....
No Crossbills!
On to Wayland Wood- where we heard and then saw Nuthatch and on the same tree a surprised Treecreeper. Surprised by the Nuthatch who may have landed on it!
No Golden Pheasant but scraping and heard again.Oh and Marsh Tit to add to the tits seen today.
On to another place in the Forest nr Brandon...St Helens?
Looking for Crossbills and Lesser Spots....not a sound from a LSW! Perfect weather for singing.
Siskins,Chaffinch and Goldfinches along with the Tit squads the cones were cracking open in the sun and all the birds were up in the canopy eating!
Great Spotted Woodpeckers everywhere including Lynford.
Heard and saw Green at Lynford too.
Bob heard a Brambling at the car park but we couldn't locate it (wished I hadn't known!)
Then to Mayday....the sun was full on but there were still patches of ground with frost on from the morning and this was 3.30!
We walked to the water trough and birds flew every which way.
We retreated away from the track and set up scopes and
in the sun 2 Crossbills posed then flew away! and
....a Brambling! Looking beautiful! The orange really orange, the white shining brightly and his head nearly black! My first of the year!Then 2 in another tree and then another 6 flew over our heads the orange and white like flags!
Then some more and by the time we left we must have seen 20!
We then went on a Woodlark hunt and eventually Bob spotted one perched up who then promptly flew down as I looked!
We eventually saw 2 well!
At this point we retired to the car and our journey homewards!
6 woodland birds nicely added to the year list!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Some Espana Photos
No I havent been on a short trip to Espana!
I received a CD from John Moon who was on our Pyrenees trip last June.
We went with Jules and Ken Shaw of Oliva Rama Tours
We had a terrific time and its been lovely to look at the photos and remember the holiday all over again!
Extract from Jules Birding diary
Friday 1st - 9th June :- This was my second week away to the Pyrenees & N/E Spain and was ever bit as fantastic and bird-filled as the week before, with most of the species being seen again with one or two additions or exceptions. During our eight days we saw many excellent birds including :- Great White Egret, Glossy Ibis, Squacco & Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Marbled Duck, Crested Coot, Lammergeyer, Egyptian Vulture, Golden, Short toed & Booted Eagles, Audouin's & Slender billed Gulls, Caspian Tern, Black bellied Sandgrouse, Black Woodpecker, Dupont's Lark, Ring Ouzel, Western Orphean Warbler, Penduline Tit, Wallcreeper, Alpine Chough, Citril Finch, Alpine Accentor, & Ortolan Bunting plus much more.
I will add that Tony, Brian and John who were also with us had a good time as well altho where their photos are I dont know!
I shall post several of John's photos here.
Mine were record shots mainly and not worthy!(Might just have another look at them again?)
This Night Heron was intent on his prey!
The Crag Martin's nest was on the end wall of our Hotel in Hecho.
Monday, February 11, 2008
The wonders of modern science
Well now here we go...an Eagle has had her sight restored by an operation on her cataracts.
Full story http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7239793.stm
I like stories like this!
Full story http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7239793.stm
I like stories like this!
Sunny Sussex
Last week I went to Bedfont Lakes CPs to do a tetrad return for the BTO Bird Atlas.
It was a lovely if cold day and the birds were in spring mood with lots of singing and flying about!
Of note were
Kingfisher flashing across a lake.
Lesser Redpoll among a small flock of Siskins.
Several Green Woodpeckers "Yaffling" and GS woodies hammering.
One of the Scaup's from Staines Reservoirs was here this morning (later went to Staines and saw the other 2!)
Decided to do tetrad for Staaines res another day.
Thats not sunny sussex.
Still on the quest for a Caspian Gull!
Visited Queen Mary Reservoir on Saturday afternoon and watched gulls flying into the roost.Will have to go earlier with a torch in order to get closer to the birds and then walk out safely!Its enormous!
I will need to explore Queen Mother (Berks) next!
Sunday frosty start to a gloriously sunny day.
To Shoreham - first the Southwick Canal and find Cemex Cement. Opposite on piles of sand, ballast and other stuff were gulls, gulls, gulls.
We were joined by two other birders one who admitted he would need help spotting a Glaucous (target Gull)as it would be a lifer and the other a very experienced local birder.
We looked at the Power Station chimney and there outside the nesting box was the female Peregrine she is so much larger than her mate (who we saw late last year).
Having gone through the flock...on water and the quay. We were discussing the whereabouts of a Black Redstart and I looked through my scope and saw the suspect!
I waved my hands in the general area and said "of course he may be in this area and the local birder said "THERE IT IS!".
This is the same Glock we saw end of last year (see post below) but it seems to be getter lighter....so is it a first winter getting ready for 2nd Summer or a 2nd winter bird after all?
Off we went to the Old Fort to seek out a Black Redstart and perhaps see a Purple Sandpiper or two.
We walked about but the bird was not about, we heard Rock Pipit but could not see them. Eventually Bob and I spotted the slim shape of a Black redstart on top of the roof of a nearby house after hearing him singing(!) and scoped views confirmed it was indeed.
To the sea....arm of the harbour walked and scaned opposite arm Turnstones but no Purple Sands.But over our heads finally 2 Rock Pipits flew!
So on to Newhaven Harbour and the pier where as predicted by Robert a Purple Sandpiper was seen!
We walked out to the end of the pier and wondering if the tide was too high I wasn't confident! On the way back I saw a little bird below me, who promptly flew under and off across the sea calling as it went!
On the way back to the car I saw another Black Redstart and a flock of Linnets.
At this point I had 4 new Year ticks and Bob had 5.
Then the long journey across Sussex to Rye. (some frustration here as posted below...struggle through Hastings....and on)
Eventually we reached Rye Harbour and down on the saltmarshes to a Red roofed Hut....
in a flock of Skylarks was a reported Shorelark. As this is one of the few reported this year it was high on our "see" list.
Well people had been there hours and seen the skylarks no sign of the Shorlark.
One couple we meet up with had been looking earlier and a older birder had sen the bird while they had gone off to look at Greylegged Partridge(grrl not about we still need to tick them!)it was repoorted on the pager at 2.30 whilst we were on route- so that gets your interest up further!
We arrived at 3.30 and left 2 hours later on first name terms with 6 Skylarks passing aquaintence with another 8 and nodding terms with another 8 or so!
The idiot people and their dreadful stone throwing kids grrrrrlllllll! Nature Reserves are for Nature and people who want to run on pebbles and throw stanes Please go to a beach!
The 100plus Curlews which flew over in a flock, the Golden Plover and Lapwing flocks were no real compensation! They helped!
The birders and locals who spoke to us were lovely.
The sunset was another matter beautiful, the setting wonderful.
(camera in the car boot as I thought I might spook the bird...that didn't work -usually does!)
It was a lovely if cold day and the birds were in spring mood with lots of singing and flying about!
Of note were
Kingfisher flashing across a lake.
Lesser Redpoll among a small flock of Siskins.
Several Green Woodpeckers "Yaffling" and GS woodies hammering.
One of the Scaup's from Staines Reservoirs was here this morning (later went to Staines and saw the other 2!)
Decided to do tetrad for Staaines res another day.
Thats not sunny sussex.
Still on the quest for a Caspian Gull!
Visited Queen Mary Reservoir on Saturday afternoon and watched gulls flying into the roost.Will have to go earlier with a torch in order to get closer to the birds and then walk out safely!Its enormous!
I will need to explore Queen Mother (Berks) next!
Sunday frosty start to a gloriously sunny day.
To Shoreham - first the Southwick Canal and find Cemex Cement. Opposite on piles of sand, ballast and other stuff were gulls, gulls, gulls.
We were joined by two other birders one who admitted he would need help spotting a Glaucous (target Gull)as it would be a lifer and the other a very experienced local birder.
We looked at the Power Station chimney and there outside the nesting box was the female Peregrine she is so much larger than her mate (who we saw late last year).
Having gone through the flock...on water and the quay. We were discussing the whereabouts of a Black Redstart and I looked through my scope and saw the suspect!
I waved my hands in the general area and said "of course he may be in this area and the local birder said "THERE IT IS!".
This is the same Glock we saw end of last year (see post below) but it seems to be getter lighter....so is it a first winter getting ready for 2nd Summer or a 2nd winter bird after all?
Off we went to the Old Fort to seek out a Black Redstart and perhaps see a Purple Sandpiper or two.
We walked about but the bird was not about, we heard Rock Pipit but could not see them. Eventually Bob and I spotted the slim shape of a Black redstart on top of the roof of a nearby house after hearing him singing(!) and scoped views confirmed it was indeed.
To the sea....arm of the harbour walked and scaned opposite arm Turnstones but no Purple Sands.But over our heads finally 2 Rock Pipits flew!
So on to Newhaven Harbour and the pier where as predicted by Robert a Purple Sandpiper was seen!
We walked out to the end of the pier and wondering if the tide was too high I wasn't confident! On the way back I saw a little bird below me, who promptly flew under and off across the sea calling as it went!
On the way back to the car I saw another Black Redstart and a flock of Linnets.
At this point I had 4 new Year ticks and Bob had 5.
Then the long journey across Sussex to Rye. (some frustration here as posted below...struggle through Hastings....and on)
Eventually we reached Rye Harbour and down on the saltmarshes to a Red roofed Hut....
in a flock of Skylarks was a reported Shorelark. As this is one of the few reported this year it was high on our "see" list.
Well people had been there hours and seen the skylarks no sign of the Shorlark.
One couple we meet up with had been looking earlier and a older birder had sen the bird while they had gone off to look at Greylegged Partridge(grrl not about we still need to tick them!)it was repoorted on the pager at 2.30 whilst we were on route- so that gets your interest up further!
We arrived at 3.30 and left 2 hours later on first name terms with 6 Skylarks passing aquaintence with another 8 and nodding terms with another 8 or so!
The idiot people and their dreadful stone throwing kids grrrrrlllllll! Nature Reserves are for Nature and people who want to run on pebbles and throw stanes Please go to a beach!
The 100plus Curlews which flew over in a flock, the Golden Plover and Lapwing flocks were no real compensation! They helped!
The birders and locals who spoke to us were lovely.
The sunset was another matter beautiful, the setting wonderful.
(camera in the car boot as I thought I might spook the bird...that didn't work -usually does!)
A moan in Sussex
What amazing weather!
Only problem...people!
In the winter one of the joys of birding is arriving at your destination and finding few if any people around.
The ones that are are either walking the dog (good and bad behaviour from owners here) or out for a proper walk!
Out comes the sun and what?
People who understand little or nothing about Nature and the accompanying children. Now I dont know whether the lack of knowledge about wildlife correlates with lack of child discipline but I observe it all the time!
Oh other moan with the sun out come people who clearly dont drive often or very far usually!We observed some of the more bizarre behaviour driving yesterday than usual.
I will comment on one 20 something driver (the fact she was a woman is irrelevant)we had stopped at Sever sisters CP so I could use the loo and Bob could consult the map as to which of several ways we would continue across Sussex to Rye Harbour.
Out of a very packed car park and up an admitted narrowish country road...and behind scared of sussex. Was she a new driver...no signs. Was she actually scared to be driving? Stop and use only large roads have another driving lesson or walk!
I am glad it wasn't me driving behind...after applying brakes in places where there were no reasons to do so and practically climbing the hedges when another car came in sight all at under 20mph! in a 30 mph area...we came to the A27 and relief we thought. No on a Sunday in the sunshine the powers that be had closed both lanes of a major road and no sign of any work going on!
Cross country to reach another main road unfortunately all the time behing said nervous driver.
By the time we had reached the main roan and had to turn left our relief was still being tested as yes we waited and waited and waited for her to decide to turn out into two lanes in which almost all the traffic was in the outside lane!!
Anyway once we were out RELIEF!
I do not know what posesses people to drive at 20 mph take ages to decide to turn out into any road clearly does not understand the highway code,when there is nothing to see except hedges...there are laybys to go into which are not used....grrrrl!!
I expect I will moan about the behaviour of some people in the Nature Reserve at Rye Harbour in my next post but mainly we did have a good day! Oh for overcast skies for the rest of February and keep non nature lovers inside their doors!!
Only problem...people!
In the winter one of the joys of birding is arriving at your destination and finding few if any people around.
The ones that are are either walking the dog (good and bad behaviour from owners here) or out for a proper walk!
Out comes the sun and what?
People who understand little or nothing about Nature and the accompanying children. Now I dont know whether the lack of knowledge about wildlife correlates with lack of child discipline but I observe it all the time!
Oh other moan with the sun out come people who clearly dont drive often or very far usually!We observed some of the more bizarre behaviour driving yesterday than usual.
I will comment on one 20 something driver (the fact she was a woman is irrelevant)we had stopped at Sever sisters CP so I could use the loo and Bob could consult the map as to which of several ways we would continue across Sussex to Rye Harbour.
Out of a very packed car park and up an admitted narrowish country road...and behind scared of sussex. Was she a new driver...no signs. Was she actually scared to be driving? Stop and use only large roads have another driving lesson or walk!
I am glad it wasn't me driving behind...after applying brakes in places where there were no reasons to do so and practically climbing the hedges when another car came in sight all at under 20mph! in a 30 mph area...we came to the A27 and relief we thought. No on a Sunday in the sunshine the powers that be had closed both lanes of a major road and no sign of any work going on!
Cross country to reach another main road unfortunately all the time behing said nervous driver.
By the time we had reached the main roan and had to turn left our relief was still being tested as yes we waited and waited and waited for her to decide to turn out into two lanes in which almost all the traffic was in the outside lane!!
Anyway once we were out RELIEF!
I do not know what posesses people to drive at 20 mph take ages to decide to turn out into any road clearly does not understand the highway code,when there is nothing to see except hedges...there are laybys to go into which are not used....grrrrl!!
I expect I will moan about the behaviour of some people in the Nature Reserve at Rye Harbour in my next post but mainly we did have a good day! Oh for overcast skies for the rest of February and keep non nature lovers inside their doors!!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
What is this gull?
This could be a quiz?
So what is this gull?
On the Thames this January.
The Black-headed Gulls are there for size comparison.
Paul its your turn!
Janice's Gull (she refers to in Comments)
More pics from West Wales
Starts with Llys-y-fran, the Pacific Diver(!)and then to LisvaneReservoir. Whilst I was waiting for the Spotted Sandpiper to show, I watched a pair of Great Crested Grebes and the beginnings of their nest.In between them leaving the nest, a Coot would come and stand on the nest. It soon abandoned the nest when the GCG returned! Struck me as funny at the time, as it happened quite a few times.I did not get a pic of the Coot on the nest, as either I was laughing, or it wasn't long enough or something else happened!
Some pics from my birding wanderings!
Most are record shots hand held to a scope with my Leica compact.
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