This may not work for long --see here
Amazing!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Past the 200 year list!
Well I finally finished my year listing on Bubo and I have seen 201 species this year so far!
I have had a little flurry of birds that have been tricky this year - Dartfords Warbler on a site in Sussex , a Grey Partridge or 5 in Sussex as well and finally a seen LSW rather than heard in Nonsuch Park on Sunday.
A pair of Garganey in Barnes, a Bonny Gull and a Chough or 4 in Wales with alittle trip to Leicestershire for an uncounted Kumliens Gull(I await the split) and a Green-winged Teal.
Thinking about a trip to Devon to try for the American Herring Gull which whilst has been there for a while it only appears to get seen on a Friday afternoon - this is when the finder is back in the hide! Altho someone saw it last Sat morning briefly and again seen today. May haveto leave it until other good birds are about to justify the long trip, or for my mates to accompany me!I see from RBA that the gull hadn't been seen on the sat or on Wednesday- they were reports saying someone had looked for the bird but not seen it!
Perhaps I willsee if the finder sees it again and then contact him and find out when he is next going! Or perhaps not!(edit)
There are migrants in bound but where the LRP was at Barnes at lunch time - I imagine curled up in a nice roost while the wind howled and the rain pelted down!
Stil the birds are arriving ad its such fun to see them again- a lot on their return from Africa!
I feel a trip to Scotland cant be far away!
I have had a little flurry of birds that have been tricky this year - Dartfords Warbler on a site in Sussex , a Grey Partridge or 5 in Sussex as well and finally a seen LSW rather than heard in Nonsuch Park on Sunday.
A pair of Garganey in Barnes, a Bonny Gull and a Chough or 4 in Wales with alittle trip to Leicestershire for an uncounted Kumliens Gull(I await the split) and a Green-winged Teal.
Thinking about a trip to Devon to try for the American Herring Gull which whilst has been there for a while it only appears to get seen on a Friday afternoon - this is when the finder is back in the hide! Altho someone saw it last Sat morning briefly and again seen today. May haveto leave it until other good birds are about to justify the long trip, or for my mates to accompany me!I see from RBA that the gull hadn't been seen on the sat or on Wednesday- they were reports saying someone had looked for the bird but not seen it!
Perhaps I willsee if the finder sees it again and then contact him and find out when he is next going! Or perhaps not!(edit)
There are migrants in bound but where the LRP was at Barnes at lunch time - I imagine curled up in a nice roost while the wind howled and the rain pelted down!
Stil the birds are arriving ad its such fun to see them again- a lot on their return from Africa!
I feel a trip to Scotland cant be far away!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
South Africa
Well I have been posting my SA tales over on Birdforum - in the Southern Africa local patch area.It starts at post 588.
The guys and girls in SA were so very friendly and helpful before I went - it seems curlish not to post my adventures there!
I seem to forget to keep the blog up to date tho- as I really cant spare the time to be in three sites and get on with the work I need to be doing!
However since I didn't get a pic or photo of this I have borrowed it with permission from one of the SA peeps.
Spotted Eagle Owl by Martin Hobbs.
Saw a couple of juveniles outside Pretoriouskop Camp - not a chance of a pic!
Lovely!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Oare
Oare has to be one of the sitein Kent I love!
When the wind blows it blows! When the wind drops all the little birds on site spring up and sing!
Finally put to bed a couple ofbirdswhich were becoming bogeys this year!
First Little Stint on the shoreline(phew!) and then Bearded Tits - typical when you want one none come along but once seen they are like buses and come in threes!
I defo had 3 different birds but there may have been more.
Tetrad week ahead now to complement the 2nd winter visits.
Now for the tricky bit nesting birds!
194 for the year .
Oh Shifty I see there is a Bonaparte's Gull been seen in Cardiff Bay. Wish t had been there when i went for the Lesser Scaup!
Looks like a Welsh trip is on the cards for the w/e?
When the wind blows it blows! When the wind drops all the little birds on site spring up and sing!
Finally put to bed a couple ofbirdswhich were becoming bogeys this year!
First Little Stint on the shoreline(phew!) and then Bearded Tits - typical when you want one none come along but once seen they are like buses and come in threes!
I defo had 3 different birds but there may have been more.
Tetrad week ahead now to complement the 2nd winter visits.
Now for the tricky bit nesting birds!
194 for the year .
Oh Shifty I see there is a Bonaparte's Gull been seen in Cardiff Bay. Wish t had been there when i went for the Lesser Scaup!
Looks like a Welsh trip is on the cards for the w/e?
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Top of Surfbirds!
Well for a few minutes!
LOL!!
6 New Year Ticks today with a visit to Dorset with Bob.
Portland Bill for 2 Puffins and a Rock Pipit for moi, Shag and Puffin for Bob. Breakfast at the Cafe for both - lovely!
Also 7 Purple sands which are always great but I fear for them as 2 GBB Gulls appeared to be eyeing them up!
To Radipole for the Hooded Merg in his fancy clothes- Bob not seen him at all, he played fast and loose with us for a while but he is a very frustrated boy duck, chasing everything - shame he cant be leant a girlfriend from a collection and their babies can be half plastic! We also saw our first Sand Martin of the year.
Radipole has so many Cettis- exploding all over!!
On in the rain to Lodmoor where Bob found the Spoonbill (with help from the friendly RSPB girl at Radipole) and I saw the Greensands- unfortunately Bob had gone off to find some low water areas and missed them flying in with Snipe - oh Snipe at least 20 , but then I think again and there may have been 30! Then I told Bob on his return what I had seen and then a while later he was elsewhere and I saw thm flying away from Lodmoor towards a Crane!
Bob is off soon to Espana where he will see lots of Greensands and Wood sands so he is not bothered!Plus other loverlies - which I am bothered about!
To Wareham for Bob and a possible Cattle Egret - nope in the field where the desstructions said it was - was a Little Egret!Either mis id or its a popular field!
On to Arne where the sun came out but so did the wind and the Dartfords were no shows (seen yesterday) - do we blame them not a bit!
But we did find one Spoonbill feeding on an island and then 5 in a channel opposite the hide.
Also Ringtail and 2 Little Egrets.
Oh I did see one small bird a Dunnock feeding on the floor in the sunshine = he didnt appear to mind for ages at being watched!- I would rather he had been a DW!
Bob spotted a Roe Deer and I found a host of Sika deer on our way back as I crossed the car park overflow field I came eye ball to eyeball with Mum...and last years young one...so I retreated behind the gate and they fled back to where others were = eventually they decided they would cross the field but all the time keeping an eye or two on us. Eventually they got to where they wanted and we crossed the field after them!
pics later...need food!
LOL!!
6 New Year Ticks today with a visit to Dorset with Bob.
Portland Bill for 2 Puffins and a Rock Pipit for moi, Shag and Puffin for Bob. Breakfast at the Cafe for both - lovely!
Also 7 Purple sands which are always great but I fear for them as 2 GBB Gulls appeared to be eyeing them up!
To Radipole for the Hooded Merg in his fancy clothes- Bob not seen him at all, he played fast and loose with us for a while but he is a very frustrated boy duck, chasing everything - shame he cant be leant a girlfriend from a collection and their babies can be half plastic! We also saw our first Sand Martin of the year.
Radipole has so many Cettis- exploding all over!!
On in the rain to Lodmoor where Bob found the Spoonbill (with help from the friendly RSPB girl at Radipole) and I saw the Greensands- unfortunately Bob had gone off to find some low water areas and missed them flying in with Snipe - oh Snipe at least 20 , but then I think again and there may have been 30! Then I told Bob on his return what I had seen and then a while later he was elsewhere and I saw thm flying away from Lodmoor towards a Crane!
Bob is off soon to Espana where he will see lots of Greensands and Wood sands so he is not bothered!Plus other loverlies - which I am bothered about!
To Wareham for Bob and a possible Cattle Egret - nope in the field where the desstructions said it was - was a Little Egret!Either mis id or its a popular field!
On to Arne where the sun came out but so did the wind and the Dartfords were no shows (seen yesterday) - do we blame them not a bit!
But we did find one Spoonbill feeding on an island and then 5 in a channel opposite the hide.
Also Ringtail and 2 Little Egrets.
Oh I did see one small bird a Dunnock feeding on the floor in the sunshine = he didnt appear to mind for ages at being watched!- I would rather he had been a DW!
Bob spotted a Roe Deer and I found a host of Sika deer on our way back as I crossed the car park overflow field I came eye ball to eyeball with Mum...and last years young one...so I retreated behind the gate and they fled back to where others were = eventually they decided they would cross the field but all the time keeping an eye or two on us. Eventually they got to where they wanted and we crossed the field after them!
pics later...need food!
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Long eared Owls!
Went for a visit today to beddington to meet Johnny Allan of Dip or glory website fame.
You wouldn't know you were in London/Surrey there - cant hear the traffic or see any houses!
Very impressed - I have only been there only once before for a Spotted Crake in 2006 - I believe - that was a flying visit.
The Tree Sparrows were all over the feeder at the hide very nice close views and I will have to take my Canon there when next I visit.
Thanks Johnny I will return!
Then I went to a undisclosed site nr to Beddington, with Johnny to see a Long-eared Owl - in fact there were two fairly close together. One was sitting well out in the sunshine and occasionally glanced in our direction with his ears up! Not at all phased! The other well I couldn't see his/her head! Just the fabuously well camouflaged body and wings!
Lovely year tick! Dont think I would have found them without Johnny's guidance.
You wouldn't know you were in London/Surrey there - cant hear the traffic or see any houses!
Very impressed - I have only been there only once before for a Spotted Crake in 2006 - I believe - that was a flying visit.
The Tree Sparrows were all over the feeder at the hide very nice close views and I will have to take my Canon there when next I visit.
Thanks Johnny I will return!
Then I went to a undisclosed site nr to Beddington, with Johnny to see a Long-eared Owl - in fact there were two fairly close together. One was sitting well out in the sunshine and occasionally glanced in our direction with his ears up! Not at all phased! The other well I couldn't see his/her head! Just the fabuously well camouflaged body and wings!
Lovely year tick! Dont think I would have found them without Johnny's guidance.
A week of year ticks!
There's the perched Buzzard!
So it was a trip to the New Forest, one to the Forest of Dean, a local trip to Staines and a visit to Kent! 10 year ticks in all! Began with a GWE at Farlingham Marshes on Monday,onto Ravens,Grey Wagtail,Willow Tit and Dipper - a Lesser Scaup in Wales.
Local Fudge Duck and Common Sandpiper and then Black Redstart and 25 Snow Geese in Kent!
Missed / couldn't find - any Lesser Spots, Bearded Tits or Little Stints!
Unfortunately I had a funeral to attend on Thursday which prevented me going to Norfolk for a massive miss! But was it really. Overall now I think I am glad I didn't go up but did wait as I could have gone on Friday.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Some recent record shots!
You have been warned!
Oh heck they will come out the wrong way round! I forget!
So we have Salthouse, Snow Buntings (those little white things on the ground), a view towards the SB and how close the photographers were - there was seed on the ground keeping the flock there but you could see by the activity they weren't really happy as every 30 seconds they would take off and fly around until they landed at the seed again. I am off was the Buzzard taking off from the perch dur to loud mouthed dog walker! Hawfinch at Blackwater Arboratum a little while ago...see below. Thanks Seth for your help! Directions and advice! Widerscope help again!
Oh heck they will come out the wrong way round! I forget!
So we have Salthouse, Snow Buntings (those little white things on the ground), a view towards the SB and how close the photographers were - there was seed on the ground keeping the flock there but you could see by the activity they weren't really happy as every 30 seconds they would take off and fly around until they landed at the seed again. I am off was the Buzzard taking off from the perch dur to loud mouthed dog walker! Hawfinch at Blackwater Arboratum a little while ago...see below. Thanks Seth for your help! Directions and advice! Widerscope help again!
New Forest and a twitch!
Lovely day monday - so after a lete start Bob(day off)and I found ourselves in the New Forest looking out for Gos - again - raptor lovers both!
First bird seen? Crossbills!
Second bird a Buzzard who very conveniently flew into perch right in front of us giving lovely close views - I had the compact with me- the Canon of course was in the car!
So it was hand held digiscoping!
We watched the Buzzard until a loud mouthed dog walker disturbed the bird! Shame was a very nice dog walker and well behaved dog were close by for ages - then idiot walks in and not so obedient dogs hared over to good dog!
One Gos had been seen 30 mins earlier by one chap and another different bird by another birder!
I went for a walk into the trees and flushed accidently 3 Roe Deer - our own native breed with their lovely velvety antlers! 3 birders were very pleased as the deer made off down the side of the valley and up the other side giving great views!
Hawfinch were also about.
On to Blackwater Arboratum (third visit) to look for Lesser spots....heard very clear Firecrest calls along with many Goldcrests. Goldcrests seen - Firecrest (much to Bobs friustration kept his head down! A flash of white - 75% certain but not a good enough view for Bob! We continued to hear Firecrests but not seen em except for a flash here and there! I did try - even though I do have a year tic already - but I love those feisty little birds! Of the Lesser spots? Well we heard long drilling but no calls- I did see a small bird flit off through the trees with a jerky woody flight but so brief and very quick no chance of bins on it!Now I really like BA but another frustrating time.
Bob says well its off to Farlington then...what we were supposed to go to Keyhaven and also see if we could find any Dartfords....what?
Great White Egret has turned up there - ok at least we would gain a year tick for the day and maybe that LEO was still about?
Off up the M27 quite good in the afternoon.....in true twitching fashion I hadto drive quickly now didn't I....arrived to park and see a warden(?) go through the locked gate to the Information centre by the time we arrived he was watching the GWE.
With a Little Egret in the same field and in the scope view for comparison!
Is the LEO about? Well I dont know as I havent looked today and I have just arrived says the warden(?) He then directed us to the seawall.
Once there were the bushes to the right or left o well lets look here. We searched one set of bushes - you wouldn't elieve how many LEO's I saw! ON 60x zoom though they were all leaves/twigs and stuff! LOL!
Bob had seen the Splatt Bridge one on Sat but searched hard for this one.
A local birder eventually walked by and I asked him about the LEO- oh I saw it last week over there and took me towards the bushes/trees nearer to the car park!
It was there- but not today! Bob had gone in totally the other direction and found another local birder who took him towards our bushes/trees and I joined them. of the LEO well another birder who knew every inch of this area had been here earlier and said he hadn't seen the LEO at all!
Thats it lets get back to London as I ad an evening meeting to go to!
A lovely day in the sunshine, some fab scenery, some nice birds and a twitch and a miss or two- thats a birding day!
Record shot!
First bird seen? Crossbills!
Second bird a Buzzard who very conveniently flew into perch right in front of us giving lovely close views - I had the compact with me- the Canon of course was in the car!
So it was hand held digiscoping!
We watched the Buzzard until a loud mouthed dog walker disturbed the bird! Shame was a very nice dog walker and well behaved dog were close by for ages - then idiot walks in and not so obedient dogs hared over to good dog!
One Gos had been seen 30 mins earlier by one chap and another different bird by another birder!
I went for a walk into the trees and flushed accidently 3 Roe Deer - our own native breed with their lovely velvety antlers! 3 birders were very pleased as the deer made off down the side of the valley and up the other side giving great views!
Hawfinch were also about.
On to Blackwater Arboratum (third visit) to look for Lesser spots....heard very clear Firecrest calls along with many Goldcrests. Goldcrests seen - Firecrest (much to Bobs friustration kept his head down! A flash of white - 75% certain but not a good enough view for Bob! We continued to hear Firecrests but not seen em except for a flash here and there! I did try - even though I do have a year tic already - but I love those feisty little birds! Of the Lesser spots? Well we heard long drilling but no calls- I did see a small bird flit off through the trees with a jerky woody flight but so brief and very quick no chance of bins on it!Now I really like BA but another frustrating time.
Bob says well its off to Farlington then...what we were supposed to go to Keyhaven and also see if we could find any Dartfords....what?
Great White Egret has turned up there - ok at least we would gain a year tick for the day and maybe that LEO was still about?
Off up the M27 quite good in the afternoon.....in true twitching fashion I hadto drive quickly now didn't I....arrived to park and see a warden(?) go through the locked gate to the Information centre by the time we arrived he was watching the GWE.
With a Little Egret in the same field and in the scope view for comparison!
Is the LEO about? Well I dont know as I havent looked today and I have just arrived says the warden(?) He then directed us to the seawall.
Once there were the bushes to the right or left o well lets look here. We searched one set of bushes - you wouldn't elieve how many LEO's I saw! ON 60x zoom though they were all leaves/twigs and stuff! LOL!
Bob had seen the Splatt Bridge one on Sat but searched hard for this one.
A local birder eventually walked by and I asked him about the LEO- oh I saw it last week over there and took me towards the bushes/trees nearer to the car park!
It was there- but not today! Bob had gone in totally the other direction and found another local birder who took him towards our bushes/trees and I joined them. of the LEO well another birder who knew every inch of this area had been here earlier and said he hadn't seen the LEO at all!
Thats it lets get back to London as I ad an evening meeting to go to!
A lovely day in the sunshine, some fab scenery, some nice birds and a twitch and a miss or two- thats a birding day!
Record shot!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Buckinghamshire for a duck!
Yes this afternoon was a little(!) long way through Bucks for a famous Ring-necked Duck. This young man has been coming from the States to spend his winters with his British cousins- Pochards at Foxcote Reservoirs for ages now...a fully mature stonking beauty.
Now some of you like ducks...this is a duck to be respeced. he is way bigger than any tufty and that head shows so big but its his smart attire that takes the biscuit! So elegant. Nearly as lovely as a Smew or a Marbled but not!
Well the chaps had a brilliant day yesterday....and Bob enjoyed telling the tale. I shall have to pop down there on Wednesday! Cant bear the thought of Dipper and Grey Wag and Raven and LEO being missed. They even saw a bunch of Waxwings on their arrival in Frampton village - they had only been there ten mins!
Geoff clawed back quite a few birds today and so did Bob - only just ahead of them - I am!
LOL
Now some of you like ducks...this is a duck to be respeced. he is way bigger than any tufty and that head shows so big but its his smart attire that takes the biscuit! So elegant. Nearly as lovely as a Smew or a Marbled but not!
Well the chaps had a brilliant day yesterday....and Bob enjoyed telling the tale. I shall have to pop down there on Wednesday! Cant bear the thought of Dipper and Grey Wag and Raven and LEO being missed. They even saw a bunch of Waxwings on their arrival in Frampton village - they had only been there ten mins!
Geoff clawed back quite a few birds today and so did Bob - only just ahead of them - I am!
LOL
Raptors in Surrey
Well having had to cancel going on our annual pilgrimage to the Forest of Dean at 6.45 on Saturday I went to sleep until 10.30.
The weather looked great! The birds were singing in the garden and the feeders were covered as was the tree!
How do I feel? Better.
A little later I thought about my mates watching Ravens and Goshawks at New Fancy and then the penny dropped. Thursday I had seen a report of Goshawks on Thursley Common on birdguides.Well why not? Not very far at all. So off I went down the A3 to Thursley armed with OS map. Now I dont know Thursley so I had a plan, start at the Car Park at the pond named The Moat and then walk to Pudmore Pond and thence to follow the path that leads to the highest point where I can scan around.
On arrival I heard Woodlark great, and then Coaltits and Greats and Blues and all these sounds became reality!
I had a scan of the Mote not much of note there, so on to walk towards Pudmore and as I was walking I spied a Buzzard and then another and then three! At least some raptors.
I turned to look towards the highest point and then my eye was caught by another bird of prey...and there were two soaring up higher and higher and they
disappeared before I could get them in my scope. OK,looked like Gos but need to be sure, so on we go..... another 10mins and there were two BOP flying, no tumbling in the skies....and as I watched two Goshawks became closer and closer until they were in my scope and they were displaying!
Exhilaration! Not only was I in Surrey not far from home but I was watching what I had been hoping for today but somewhat earlier in the day! February and Gos displaying! What a treat!
Now for a Raven!
Nope no Raven.....
I watched the Goshawks for another 20 mins and then once more they soared higher and higher until they disappeared into the ether!
I continued walking across the Common and looking for birds but no sign of the Dartford Warblers that Bob remembers so well being here.
About 3.30 I got myself in a nice position and decided to watch the skies...scope set bins alert and scanning.....
two Buzzards flew by no idea if the same birds but I guess so and then the unmistakeable male Hen Harrier flew magnificently into view - wow! They do take my breath away!
I am always in awe of Raptors as they hunt and fly!
A very satisfactory half days raptor birding.
Wonder how Bob and Geoff got on? Did they get to see the LEO? Bet they did and the Ravens. Cant have it all! Actually the Gos make up for missing the trip!
The weather looked great! The birds were singing in the garden and the feeders were covered as was the tree!
How do I feel? Better.
A little later I thought about my mates watching Ravens and Goshawks at New Fancy and then the penny dropped. Thursday I had seen a report of Goshawks on Thursley Common on birdguides.Well why not? Not very far at all. So off I went down the A3 to Thursley armed with OS map. Now I dont know Thursley so I had a plan, start at the Car Park at the pond named The Moat and then walk to Pudmore Pond and thence to follow the path that leads to the highest point where I can scan around.
On arrival I heard Woodlark great, and then Coaltits and Greats and Blues and all these sounds became reality!
I had a scan of the Mote not much of note there, so on to walk towards Pudmore and as I was walking I spied a Buzzard and then another and then three! At least some raptors.
I turned to look towards the highest point and then my eye was caught by another bird of prey...and there were two soaring up higher and higher and they
disappeared before I could get them in my scope. OK,looked like Gos but need to be sure, so on we go..... another 10mins and there were two BOP flying, no tumbling in the skies....and as I watched two Goshawks became closer and closer until they were in my scope and they were displaying!
Exhilaration! Not only was I in Surrey not far from home but I was watching what I had been hoping for today but somewhat earlier in the day! February and Gos displaying! What a treat!
Now for a Raven!
Nope no Raven.....
I watched the Goshawks for another 20 mins and then once more they soared higher and higher until they disappeared into the ether!
I continued walking across the Common and looking for birds but no sign of the Dartford Warblers that Bob remembers so well being here.
About 3.30 I got myself in a nice position and decided to watch the skies...scope set bins alert and scanning.....
two Buzzards flew by no idea if the same birds but I guess so and then the unmistakeable male Hen Harrier flew magnificently into view - wow! They do take my breath away!
I am always in awe of Raptors as they hunt and fly!
A very satisfactory half days raptor birding.
Wonder how Bob and Geoff got on? Did they get to see the LEO? Bet they did and the Ravens. Cant have it all! Actually the Gos make up for missing the trip!
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Sunday in Norfolk
A planned trip to Norfolk put off by a week and a day due to weather.
We planned to work our way from Hunstanton to Titchwell with a visit to Salthouse likely.In the event we changed that slightly to call in on Dersingham Bog for Bob's bogie bird of the year Great-grey Shrike as he and his mate had not found the Pannell Valley bird on Saturday! Obviously this involved a trip around Wolfendon Triangle for the elusive Golden Pheasants which proved elusive!
However Dersingham Bog proved much better and we were soon listening and watching Crossbills and hearing Woodlarks! The Great-grey Shrike was a harder bird to locate! We were joined for a while by the local Warden who was armed with his camera - hoping to get some nice shots of the bird. He hadn't though counted on the hoardes of birders who descended on DB today. Fortunately we were the first there with him! Bob located the prey - as I was busy looking for the Woodlarks.Son both scopes were on the showy bird
and two happy older women were looking in our scopes!Sisters - one local birder was taking her sister to see the GGS - but they lacked a scope - as the bird had been showing very close the other day.
We were informed by the local birder where she saw Woodlarks and that was on the way back to the car - there was a stream of birders (some in groups) flooding the place. We fortunately both saw one or two Woodlarks and beat a hasty retreat!
To Hunstanton to watch Fulmars and there were lots to watch. Bob was keen to find a Velvet Scoter and a small flock of Scoters were happily bobbing about right in front of us altho a little way out - so scopes up and find the 2 Velvets that were present!
The tide looking like it was on its way out decided our next stop- not to Salthouse but Titchwell to the Beah to see what we could find of the usual birds our year lists were lacking. On arrival one bird I saw on the first feeders was a male Brambling and I guessed that Bob would be pleased and stop and watch them. So I ordered the Teas and a bacon Bap for one and awaited his arrival - which wasn't to much later. We knew we had to get to the beach! Spotted 'shank in a field, followed by Black Brant (nonBOU) with Dark bellied Brent Geese and then Avocets - three nice year ticks altho only 2 to count! From the beach we soon picked up Knot(lots) and at last Barwits! Bar-tailed Godwits - not one or two but dozens!
The tide was out a distance and so were any birds!
(titchwell was heaving with people....I really prefer to be here early mornings or late afternoons...still we then heard two or three Cetti's Warblers and at the far Car Park I heard another and finally saw my first of the year!
Birds of Prey - few and far between today, Kestrels and Sparrowhawks and a couple ofMarsh Harriers were the best we could do.
So it was off to Salthouse for my Snow Buntings - such a delightful winter visitor.
As we drove towards the cr park a flock of Snow Buntings wheeled in the air!. Coffee from the friendly guy at the Beach taken to do some sea-watching.
Of the Gluocous gull there was no sign - but then we didn't really want to see an injured bird.
Back to Cley to walk the East Bank - more seawatching...this time stonking views of the Black-throated Diver which had by now drifted to us again! More Red-throats and Seals.We were on our way back to the car and a decision as to what to do next, visit the Cley Visitors Centre? - and we looked at the pager - I saw it flash up -Cattle Egret .....Norfolk.That was it Bob needs Cattle Egret. Study map and off we went.
Today had been very easy birding - each target bird seen and ticked in good timing.
(except the elusive Golden P)
However the cattle egret was to be the bird to prove once again that birding aint that easy! It was not in the field we scanned - a local couple pulled up and said 15 mins ago it was - over there on that bank. Thanks - a brilliant sighting of a Barn Owl then ---off we went to see where the Cattle Egret had gone after 15 mins of driving around and stopping and scanning (found some beautiful Snowdrops) we returned to the same field. Bird has gone to roost we decided!
Another birding couple had been off for a walk in the other direction now returned and no show either.
We stayed for a while longer watching a second Barn Owl doing its hunting circuit which fortunately for us involved flying down the road we were on and over the car!
Fab views and made up for Bob's dip!
A good days birding in great company.
Its always easier here, once the eye is in! So Red-throated Divers by the score and Common Seals kept bobbing up! There was one Black-thraoted Diver. I then watched the Snow Bunting flock for a while and then back to the sea and there were two large divers flying- Great northern Divers!
We planned to work our way from Hunstanton to Titchwell with a visit to Salthouse likely.In the event we changed that slightly to call in on Dersingham Bog for Bob's bogie bird of the year Great-grey Shrike as he and his mate had not found the Pannell Valley bird on Saturday! Obviously this involved a trip around Wolfendon Triangle for the elusive Golden Pheasants which proved elusive!
However Dersingham Bog proved much better and we were soon listening and watching Crossbills and hearing Woodlarks! The Great-grey Shrike was a harder bird to locate! We were joined for a while by the local Warden who was armed with his camera - hoping to get some nice shots of the bird. He hadn't though counted on the hoardes of birders who descended on DB today. Fortunately we were the first there with him! Bob located the prey - as I was busy looking for the Woodlarks.Son both scopes were on the showy bird
and two happy older women were looking in our scopes!Sisters - one local birder was taking her sister to see the GGS - but they lacked a scope - as the bird had been showing very close the other day.
We were informed by the local birder where she saw Woodlarks and that was on the way back to the car - there was a stream of birders (some in groups) flooding the place. We fortunately both saw one or two Woodlarks and beat a hasty retreat!
To Hunstanton to watch Fulmars and there were lots to watch. Bob was keen to find a Velvet Scoter and a small flock of Scoters were happily bobbing about right in front of us altho a little way out - so scopes up and find the 2 Velvets that were present!
The tide looking like it was on its way out decided our next stop- not to Salthouse but Titchwell to the Beah to see what we could find of the usual birds our year lists were lacking. On arrival one bird I saw on the first feeders was a male Brambling and I guessed that Bob would be pleased and stop and watch them. So I ordered the Teas and a bacon Bap for one and awaited his arrival - which wasn't to much later. We knew we had to get to the beach! Spotted 'shank in a field, followed by Black Brant (nonBOU) with Dark bellied Brent Geese and then Avocets - three nice year ticks altho only 2 to count! From the beach we soon picked up Knot(lots) and at last Barwits! Bar-tailed Godwits - not one or two but dozens!
The tide was out a distance and so were any birds!
(titchwell was heaving with people....I really prefer to be here early mornings or late afternoons...still we then heard two or three Cetti's Warblers and at the far Car Park I heard another and finally saw my first of the year!
Birds of Prey - few and far between today, Kestrels and Sparrowhawks and a couple ofMarsh Harriers were the best we could do.
So it was off to Salthouse for my Snow Buntings - such a delightful winter visitor.
As we drove towards the cr park a flock of Snow Buntings wheeled in the air!. Coffee from the friendly guy at the Beach taken to do some sea-watching.
Of the Gluocous gull there was no sign - but then we didn't really want to see an injured bird.
Back to Cley to walk the East Bank - more seawatching...this time stonking views of the Black-throated Diver which had by now drifted to us again! More Red-throats and Seals.We were on our way back to the car and a decision as to what to do next, visit the Cley Visitors Centre? - and we looked at the pager - I saw it flash up -Cattle Egret .....Norfolk.That was it Bob needs Cattle Egret. Study map and off we went.
Today had been very easy birding - each target bird seen and ticked in good timing.
(except the elusive Golden P)
However the cattle egret was to be the bird to prove once again that birding aint that easy! It was not in the field we scanned - a local couple pulled up and said 15 mins ago it was - over there on that bank. Thanks - a brilliant sighting of a Barn Owl then ---off we went to see where the Cattle Egret had gone after 15 mins of driving around and stopping and scanning (found some beautiful Snowdrops) we returned to the same field. Bird has gone to roost we decided!
Another birding couple had been off for a walk in the other direction now returned and no show either.
We stayed for a while longer watching a second Barn Owl doing its hunting circuit which fortunately for us involved flying down the road we were on and over the car!
Fab views and made up for Bob's dip!
A good days birding in great company.
Its always easier here, once the eye is in! So Red-throated Divers by the score and Common Seals kept bobbing up! There was one Black-thraoted Diver. I then watched the Snow Bunting flock for a while and then back to the sea and there were two large divers flying- Great northern Divers!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Birding tales
Briefly last w/e I went to W Sussex and Hants with my birding buddies -
on Sunday I just had to go and see the King Eider in Kent this time!
During the week I had a little trip to Devon and Cornwall!
added quite a few really nice birds to my year list!
No sign of the American Herring Gull unfortunately - that would have been a lifer!
Off to Norfolk tomorrow.....
on Sunday I just had to go and see the King Eider in Kent this time!
During the week I had a little trip to Devon and Cornwall!
added quite a few really nice birds to my year list!
No sign of the American Herring Gull unfortunately - that would have been a lifer!
Off to Norfolk tomorrow.....
Friday, February 13, 2009
A year tick, Barnes and a Bittern
Well the sky was blue and I thought I've had enough of sorting out the study. I'm off to Barnes.
Possibility of a couple of year ticks.
I went first to Dulverton Hide - usual Tufties, Shovellers, and there a Snipe (Common) ok and on to the pool between D and WWF and lo and behold a Woodcock (tic) then it was off to the Peacock hide and more Snipe and Water Rail and - a Bittern but tricky sightings. Must be good from the WWF hide...hot foot back and right in front of me...a Bittern. Now there have been 2 Bitterns at Barnes but none seen this winter here by me.
Seen Bittern at Dungeness and Burton Mill Pond but not here, and what views brilliant, first it raised its neck to giraffe height then it walked about in the reeds at the waters edge and then it came right out. Typical I only had the little compact so I tried a few digiscope shots - well records they are!
Then off to Wildside to see if I could finally nail the Water Pipits- nope!
Still the Bittern was good.
Oh and I did say hallo to the Cranes - of course!
Possibility of a couple of year ticks.
I went first to Dulverton Hide - usual Tufties, Shovellers, and there a Snipe (Common) ok and on to the pool between D and WWF and lo and behold a Woodcock (tic) then it was off to the Peacock hide and more Snipe and Water Rail and - a Bittern but tricky sightings. Must be good from the WWF hide...hot foot back and right in front of me...a Bittern. Now there have been 2 Bitterns at Barnes but none seen this winter here by me.
Seen Bittern at Dungeness and Burton Mill Pond but not here, and what views brilliant, first it raised its neck to giraffe height then it walked about in the reeds at the waters edge and then it came right out. Typical I only had the little compact so I tried a few digiscope shots - well records they are!
Then off to Wildside to see if I could finally nail the Water Pipits- nope!
Still the Bittern was good.
Oh and I did say hallo to the Cranes - of course!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Australia and those fires
I have been aware of the Aussie tragedy unfolding as I expect you have been too. Here is a little story that shows the hope and human kindness that can come out of such a tragedy.
Animals have suffered too but firefighters are caring - click on firefighters
I have just received this in an email -
Simon's blog
Well didn't go to Devon or anywhere else today - possibly Barnes tomorrow!
Sussex and Hampshire on Saturday.
Animals have suffered too but firefighters are caring - click on firefighters
I have just received this in an email -
Simon's blog
Well didn't go to Devon or anywhere else today - possibly Barnes tomorrow!
Sussex and Hampshire on Saturday.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Now where to go?
I was hoping for a trip to Devon tomorrow but then I saw this has been reported from
Cumbria
and now the bird is sw of Castle Douglas - so it looks like its on its way north to Mull and west Scotland. I'll leave that to later when hope to go up to Scotland for the specialities!
So Rainham and those Pen tits! showing today - but maybe I #d be better going down to Devon where there are other nice birds for my year list?
Cumbria
and now the bird is sw of Castle Douglas - so it looks like its on its way north to Mull and west Scotland. I'll leave that to later when hope to go up to Scotland for the specialities!
So Rainham and those Pen tits! showing today - but maybe I #d be better going down to Devon where there are other nice birds for my year list?
Monday, February 09, 2009
Another trip into Surrey
Well I mention this to prove that going to new places with vague directions is a lost cause!
Bookham Common has been recording Hawfinch frequently. It was an afternoon trip and the traffic was heavy. Everyone off to Auntie Flo.So took a longer time than anticipated to get to BC station.We went across the bridge scanning as we went and then a wander through the trees. I spied a small flock of Redpolls a long way off and searched through them for any Mealies or even an Arctic! No all Lessers.
No sign of Hawfinch. We met a couple of people with bins and a dog. They have seen the Hawfinch on many days -but not today.They told us of a place where they have been seen a lot, so we went there and no sign either!
We were running out of light and it started drizzling. Home we went.
Bob muttering about how he (the driver) really would have preferred to go to Barnes as he hasn't seen that many Jack Snipe over the years! (I saw one the other day there!) Bob doesn't like Barnes and only goes there when something is about! I wonder if I might see one of the Water Pipits there this week, they are elusive!
Oh yes and Staines was also mentioned - Scaup there again!
Well you win some you lose some!
Better directions as to where on the vast area of Bookham Common the Hawfinch preferred would have helped!We will go to the places we know in the Forest of Dean or to Suffolk/Norfolk where we have seen Hawfinches before!
What a miserable morning it is today, as I look out of my window. Looks like a sorting day and working on the pc!
Bookham Common has been recording Hawfinch frequently. It was an afternoon trip and the traffic was heavy. Everyone off to Auntie Flo.So took a longer time than anticipated to get to BC station.We went across the bridge scanning as we went and then a wander through the trees. I spied a small flock of Redpolls a long way off and searched through them for any Mealies or even an Arctic! No all Lessers.
No sign of Hawfinch. We met a couple of people with bins and a dog. They have seen the Hawfinch on many days -but not today.They told us of a place where they have been seen a lot, so we went there and no sign either!
We were running out of light and it started drizzling. Home we went.
Bob muttering about how he (the driver) really would have preferred to go to Barnes as he hasn't seen that many Jack Snipe over the years! (I saw one the other day there!) Bob doesn't like Barnes and only goes there when something is about! I wonder if I might see one of the Water Pipits there this week, they are elusive!
Oh yes and Staines was also mentioned - Scaup there again!
Well you win some you lose some!
Better directions as to where on the vast area of Bookham Common the Hawfinch preferred would have helped!We will go to the places we know in the Forest of Dean or to Suffolk/Norfolk where we have seen Hawfinches before!
What a miserable morning it is today, as I look out of my window. Looks like a sorting day and working on the pc!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
gull fest!
So off to Hampshire- we thought leave later as the weather forecast was dire. We get to Portsmouth - have they seen any snow?
Surrey we came through and whilst the roads were good - you could see the snow everywhere. Hampshire, well it didn't do what the forecast said. We could have left earlier and had longer birding there.
Still first to Southsea and to see an Adult Glaucous Gull - my first adult, all the others I have seen were 1st or 2nd winter.Well he was bobbing about in the sea - no pic any good as the gull was in the sun! Then a Rock Pipit flew up and I heard it but missed it and Bob who saw it couldn't say where it had gone and it wasn't seen again. While Bob went to find another Red-necked Grebe, I watched the gulls and then suddenly I saw a Med Gull, full adult.
Then it was off to Gosport for Gossie the Ring-billed Gull. Who was hiding in a channel in the creek and suddenly popped up for a while and then disappeared down the channel again!
Bob found a Med gull here, oh and our first Ringed Plover of the year! We thought we might have a Barwit but it was another Blackwit! Where are these Barwits?
We then drove over to Blashford Lakes - where we learnt the GWE had flown back to France on the 18th January but they had a showy Bittern. We also discovered where Blackwater Arboretum was, from the helpful Warden. Wr drove across the New Forest to a spot where Crossbills had been seen but we didn't, but heard lots of tits and other passerines and then on to BA. A lovely drive, BWA looks a good place and here we saw 3 male and 2 female Bullfinches in a tree and another male Bullfinch further on!
No sign of Hawfinch!
On the drive back to London we had a Tawny Owl fly in front of the car!
A gull fest indeed.
Havent mentioned the Herring, Common, Blackheaded, Lesser and Greater Blackbacked....who were all around!
So a pleasant 5 for the year list for me!
Have a go at iding the gulls above!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
News on the Garden list front!
Three Goldfinches on the feeders at lunch time plus the usual Blue and Great tits and Blackcap(male) plus a lovely displaying Wren quite whom he was displaying to I'm not sure. A good way to answer a phone call watching out of the upstairs window at my garden!
Tried a couple of shots through the window...have yet to see if they are any good.
Tried a couple of shots through the window...have yet to see if they are any good.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
South Africa Trip 2008 Oct-Novemember
I have managed to begin my SA exploits as I cant copy and paste quickly all the details, I have uploaded the posts to the Southern African Forum - the posters on here are a lovely bunch and were very helpful to me before I went and when I thought I had lost all my pics...so its there and I will post a link every time I post on the new Thread. Entitled Birding with Sea Eagle from the Kruger to Drakensburg. here
Interesting posting now with the snow melting but still very cold ...thinking about 28 degrees!!
Interesting posting now with the snow melting but still very cold ...thinking about 28 degrees!!
Barnes on Sunday.
I mentioned below that we went to Barnes on Sunday originally to take a couple of non birders - one of whom enjoyed our visit a couple of years ago to Dungeness.We were all atayng at Greatstone so it was a good opportunity. Well the non-birders couldn't make it in the end.Having booked Sunday "lunch" - we went about 12 as it was very cold and the traffic was so heavy - we went to long way round via Hammersmith Bridge as there are road works on the journey by the Thames.
Once on site it was off to the Cranes....Demoiselle Cranes. Good photographic opportunities and I really like Cranes!
They appear much more settled into their new home now.Apparently when they first arrived every plane on its journey to Heathrow caused all three heads to peer skywards. Well they still do a fair bit of peering skywards and head turning. Seem very alert.
After the Cranes it was a wander around. Did I say it was cold?
Pat was trying out my compact camera - which appeared to have a problem...well it did and it was me! On the zoom when it goes past a particular point you need a tripod or to support it firmly on something. Problem solved.
We were in the reed beds area keeping an eye out for the Bittern (well I was)and I spotted this chap.
He was just diving as they do..and the up he came with afish which he dropped again and dived to retrieve it and after struggling to get it into position he dropped it again! Finally he won and gulped the fish down! Good protein there.
After a really good Carvery lunch. We went out again and came across this bird.
My friend Pat really likes Grey Herons.....so
While she wandered about taking photos I went off to the Peacock Tower in an attempt to see a bird for the Year List.
Having successfully found the "Jack Snipe" hidden in reeds...but fortunately bobbing up and down I returned to find Pat still taking photos.
Back to the centre to look for fat cake (birds) none easy to hang in trees tho unless you buy another cage!
Had a look at the Peter Scott book that has been republished to celebrate the Centenary.Interesting looking.
All photos by Pat Simmons
and from another visit......
Once on site it was off to the Cranes....Demoiselle Cranes. Good photographic opportunities and I really like Cranes!
They appear much more settled into their new home now.Apparently when they first arrived every plane on its journey to Heathrow caused all three heads to peer skywards. Well they still do a fair bit of peering skywards and head turning. Seem very alert.
After the Cranes it was a wander around. Did I say it was cold?
Pat was trying out my compact camera - which appeared to have a problem...well it did and it was me! On the zoom when it goes past a particular point you need a tripod or to support it firmly on something. Problem solved.
We were in the reed beds area keeping an eye out for the Bittern (well I was)and I spotted this chap.
He was just diving as they do..and the up he came with afish which he dropped again and dived to retrieve it and after struggling to get it into position he dropped it again! Finally he won and gulped the fish down! Good protein there.
After a really good Carvery lunch. We went out again and came across this bird.
My friend Pat really likes Grey Herons.....so
While she wandered about taking photos I went off to the Peacock Tower in an attempt to see a bird for the Year List.
Having successfully found the "Jack Snipe" hidden in reeds...but fortunately bobbing up and down I returned to find Pat still taking photos.
Back to the centre to look for fat cake (birds) none easy to hang in trees tho unless you buy another cage!
Had a look at the Peter Scott book that has been republished to celebrate the Centenary.Interesting looking.
All photos by Pat Simmons
and from another visit......
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Osterley House in the snow
All the photos ought to be the other way around! Why is blogger such a tricky software?
I couldn't find these photos yesterday! In a different folder!
Compact camera - that I thought had broken...learnt a little about close ups and now realise that at a certain zoom you need to steady the camera..ie bean bag or tripod!
After these pics!
I couldn't find these photos yesterday! In a different folder!
Compact camera - that I thought had broken...learnt a little about close ups and now realise that at a certain zoom you need to steady the camera..ie bean bag or tripod!
After these pics!
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