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.
Friday, March 28, 2008
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.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
New bird in Nepal
A previously unknown sub-species of bird has been discovered in the southern grasslands of Nepal, scientists say.
The bird is a warbler with a very long tail and slender beak and has been named the Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia.
Scientists say the bird provides an important geographical link between previously-known varieties in Pakistan and India.
But they warn its tiny population means the sub-species is endangered.
The bird is a warbler with a very long tail and slender beak and has been named the Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia.
Scientists say the bird provides an important geographical link between previously-known varieties in Pakistan and India.
But they warn its tiny population means the sub-species is endangered.
Trip to West Wales
I shall be writing this w/e birding up later...the summary of it!
I have a couple of record shots to post as well!
Later!
This w/e joined by Bob's birding friend (becoming mine as he always brings good luck) Geoff on Saturday.
We went to West Wales target birds
Pacific Diver
and a Spotted Sandpiper
Well we did see both plus a Black Throated Diver
a Yellowhammer on a wire on route (nearby) to Llys-y-Fran.
3 Red Kites (and 6 Buzzards)and 3 Ravens
and a Grey Wagtail at the Lisvane Reservoir.
Plus lots of other birds.
The BTD and PD (also had a Black necked Grebe there as well as GC and Little Grebes plus 2 Kingfishers!) were easy to spot ....as were most other birds but
the tale of the Spotted Sand...well that will be on my blog tomorrow!
UK year list 150 (Pacific Diver not counted by BOU - yet!)
I had the best sleep that night I have had for ages!
Sunday was Bob's turn to drive and we had 2 target birds again.
Ring neck Duck and Lesser Scaup - both long staying birders overwintering here.....so to Buckingham and then to Abingdon...
same Ring necked Duck - should be ring billed!
on the way to the RBD we saw a Bullfinch now we had heard these in several places this year and not seen them!A lovely radiant bird!
while looking at the Lesser Scaup a Kingfisher flew across!
Far from struggling to see KF as I usually do this year we seem to be seeing them everywhere!
and just where we had parked our car were two Mistle thrushes proving like buses when you have seen one three come along! LOL!!
So after today
UK year list 155
Another very successful w/e birding.
Cool
_________________
C
Eagles Rule!
I have a couple of record shots to post as well!
Later!
This w/e joined by Bob's birding friend (becoming mine as he always brings good luck) Geoff on Saturday.
We went to West Wales target birds
Pacific Diver
and a Spotted Sandpiper
Well we did see both plus a Black Throated Diver
a Yellowhammer on a wire on route (nearby) to Llys-y-Fran.
3 Red Kites (and 6 Buzzards)and 3 Ravens
and a Grey Wagtail at the Lisvane Reservoir.
Plus lots of other birds.
The BTD and PD (also had a Black necked Grebe there as well as GC and Little Grebes plus 2 Kingfishers!) were easy to spot ....as were most other birds but
the tale of the Spotted Sand...well that will be on my blog tomorrow!
UK year list 150 (Pacific Diver not counted by BOU - yet!)
I had the best sleep that night I have had for ages!
Sunday was Bob's turn to drive and we had 2 target birds again.
Ring neck Duck and Lesser Scaup - both long staying birders overwintering here.....so to Buckingham and then to Abingdon...
same Ring necked Duck - should be ring billed!
on the way to the RBD we saw a Bullfinch now we had heard these in several places this year and not seen them!A lovely radiant bird!
while looking at the Lesser Scaup a Kingfisher flew across!
Far from struggling to see KF as I usually do this year we seem to be seeing them everywhere!
and just where we had parked our car were two Mistle thrushes proving like buses when you have seen one three come along! LOL!!
So after today
UK year list 155
Another very successful w/e birding.
Cool
_________________
C
Eagles Rule!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Experimenting
An experiment.
I have been given a set of instructions on how to add a link with the body of the text rather than the only way I have worked out to do it in the title!
I usually write the title and then put the website I am referring to underneath the title where it says Link that then means if you click on the title you go to the website>
So now I have a set of instructions to follow -
I shall put up photo of the year
Lets see if this has worked!
If it has thanks to Digibirder. If not then its blame me/my pc/whatever...
I have been given a set of instructions on how to add a link with the body of the text rather than the only way I have worked out to do it in the title!
I usually write the title and then put the website I am referring to underneath the title where it says Link that then means if you click on the title you go to the website>
So now I have a set of instructions to follow -
I shall put up photo of the year
Lets see if this has worked!
If it has thanks to Digibirder. If not then its blame me/my pc/whatever...
Grey Phalarope Photo by Peter
The Waxham Grey Phalarope as taken by Peter Simpson....yes the winner of the Birdguides Photo of the Year 2007.
(He has graciously given me permission to post here!) Thanks Pete.
Captured the bird as well as being a beautiful photograph!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Update on that Sparrow!
Jo Dale presents her pastel painting of White-crowned Sparrow to the Bendings who "found" the bird.
I think it looks as if they quite like it! LOL!
£3500 raised so far for the local church.
Year List 143 UK
A day's birding in East Norfolk.
Well armed with local info from Tim Allwood (see links for Tims website)
Bob and I came to East Norfolk with our visitors knowledge and pagers at the ready!(yt = year tic)
We had this day planned ages ago - target birds Taiga Bean Geese and Cranes.
Then it was whatever might be around.
After a terrific days raptor watching on Sheppey on Saturday, we were not focused on raptors for once!
On route we saw 3 different Tawny Owls (yt) (M25 nr M1 turn off) and two up the M11.
We were at Wayland Wood before 9.00 (breakfast at the Walkers Cafe in Thetford
Forest)-
we heard Lesser SW, Nuthatch,Treecreeper,Bullfinch and Golden Pheasant at least two in quite different parts of the Wood. On one occasion we heard the call (strangled pheasant described Bob!) and saw something fly across but it was in a hollow so we just got the flurry or flash. Most frustrating not to see the bird when we clearly heard them!
Well no showing birds (it was quite gloomy and vvvcold) until the calling Marsh Tits (yt) were finally seen and then they got showy!
Usual tit flocks, Gioldcrests and other woodland suspects.
But I must admit we left there feeling down! 5 only heards! All required for the year list!
On to Cantley Marshes.A long search across the marshes from the bridleway nr the village....we scored Mistle Thrush (yt!) finally Bob spotted a Bean Goose. There they were Taiga Bean geese to go with our Kent Tundra's! Good top be able to really compare the two having only recently seen the Tundra.
I had spotted that a Ross Goose had been reported with Pink feet nr Acle so a change of plan....divert across...arrived to see another birder parked in layby what a dreadful road.(fast cars no supersonic!)no time to enquire so on to
next lay by we scanned and scanned the geese.....Chinese Water Deer (Lifer for me!) and a very nice young birder arrived (from the other layby) all three of us scanned and scanned/ not helped by text from Pete(Duxon) and Deboo who had seen a Ross (after or before seeing the WCS!) -We discovered we were all heading out to see the Grey Phalarope and decided to leave...
I am wondering now whether the very nice young man may have been Kit Day?Up from Suffolk and his Mother driving him ?
We then drove to Waxham and parked as instructed- good spot Tim.
We were all the time stopping to see if there were any Cranes in any of the recent places...dip!
After an exhilarating walk along the tops of the Dunes (don't fancy taking a buggy there Postcard!) looking out again for Cranes we eventually saw birders around a puddle!
No wonder you got good photo's John! Grey Phal (yt)
We didn't go as close - 3 Camera's were really close to the bird - we looked through the scope what a lovely bird!
Walked back with another birder and we were all on route for Stubbs Mill (if we couldn't see a Crane in a field!) Drove through Se Appalling (thought of you Tim!)and to the Visitor Centre.As I came out the loo, I heard Cranes!
At this point we both said oh no! Would we really dip seeing these?By now we had decided to be on a Bird Race so we could at least count the heard only!!
At the lookout there were lots(people) but we had been warned by the presence of a Coach in the car park!
All we wanted was to see a Crane!
Marsh Harriers, Ringtails, Merlins and a Sprawk - still early (no wind there-great) when a Chinese Water Deer was spotted and CRANES!
6 Cranes(yt) flew from right to left across us (not to roost) beautiful!
Happy we walked back saw two Chinese Water Deer in the area.
Time for the Barnacle Goose....or back to Acle?
It was getting late and we decided to go to seek the Ross. (Lifer for me even if I couldn't count it on BOU!) On route Bob spotted Egyptian Geese (wild) (yt) made a change from our local ones altho' they are self sustaining they all came from Kew !
This was now 6 (yt) same as on Saturday so we began to feel better!
it wasn't the lack of birds we hadn't seen that was frustrating just hearing them and not seeing them! If we hadn't heard them I think we could have lived with that!
We past some birders on that road, stopped and I ran back to see what they were looking for...in case it was our Ross. No the Dark breasted Owl....on we went..
back to our lay bye but that supersonic road had gone ballistic - drivers in our boot....needs a 40 mph speed limit! So we ended up in the Parking lay bye (the other lay byes were actually gate entrances!)
But it was better now as the Pink feet had moved across a field and were nearer...it didn't help we still couldn't spot the little Ross!
But we saw a Chinese Water Deer...then another and another...until we had seen 12!
Plus a fox eyeing up a Goose dinner but deciding there were too many!
A few Pink feet began flying off can we wait until they fly and perhaps have a last chance? Too dark so we left and guess what? Yes they decided to fly....
fabulous sight but we were on that mega fast road so had to be content with descriptions from the passenger seat - me!
Thousands of Geese in the sky is one of the sights of Norfolk!
We decided that it had been a thoroughly worth while day.
I ended up with a Lifer that I didn't expect all be it a mammal!
http://www.worlddeer.org/chinesewaterdeer.html
Forgot...saw Muntjacs somwhere?
Again thanks Tim for the local info.
142 - 2008 Year List
__________________
Eagles Rule!
Bob and I came to East Norfolk with our visitors knowledge and pagers at the ready!(yt = year tic)
We had this day planned ages ago - target birds Taiga Bean Geese and Cranes.
Then it was whatever might be around.
After a terrific days raptor watching on Sheppey on Saturday, we were not focused on raptors for once!
On route we saw 3 different Tawny Owls (yt) (M25 nr M1 turn off) and two up the M11.
We were at Wayland Wood before 9.00 (breakfast at the Walkers Cafe in Thetford
Forest)-
we heard Lesser SW, Nuthatch,Treecreeper,Bullfinch and Golden Pheasant at least two in quite different parts of the Wood. On one occasion we heard the call (strangled pheasant described Bob!) and saw something fly across but it was in a hollow so we just got the flurry or flash. Most frustrating not to see the bird when we clearly heard them!
Well no showing birds (it was quite gloomy and vvvcold) until the calling Marsh Tits (yt) were finally seen and then they got showy!
Usual tit flocks, Gioldcrests and other woodland suspects.
But I must admit we left there feeling down! 5 only heards! All required for the year list!
On to Cantley Marshes.A long search across the marshes from the bridleway nr the village....we scored Mistle Thrush (yt!) finally Bob spotted a Bean Goose. There they were Taiga Bean geese to go with our Kent Tundra's! Good top be able to really compare the two having only recently seen the Tundra.
I had spotted that a Ross Goose had been reported with Pink feet nr Acle so a change of plan....divert across...arrived to see another birder parked in layby what a dreadful road.(fast cars no supersonic!)no time to enquire so on to
next lay by we scanned and scanned the geese.....Chinese Water Deer (Lifer for me!) and a very nice young birder arrived (from the other layby) all three of us scanned and scanned/ not helped by text from Pete(Duxon) and Deboo who had seen a Ross (after or before seeing the WCS!) -We discovered we were all heading out to see the Grey Phalarope and decided to leave...
I am wondering now whether the very nice young man may have been Kit Day?Up from Suffolk and his Mother driving him ?
We then drove to Waxham and parked as instructed- good spot Tim.
We were all the time stopping to see if there were any Cranes in any of the recent places...dip!
After an exhilarating walk along the tops of the Dunes (don't fancy taking a buggy there Postcard!) looking out again for Cranes we eventually saw birders around a puddle!
No wonder you got good photo's John! Grey Phal (yt)
We didn't go as close - 3 Camera's were really close to the bird - we looked through the scope what a lovely bird!
Walked back with another birder and we were all on route for Stubbs Mill (if we couldn't see a Crane in a field!) Drove through Se Appalling (thought of you Tim!)and to the Visitor Centre.As I came out the loo, I heard Cranes!
At this point we both said oh no! Would we really dip seeing these?By now we had decided to be on a Bird Race so we could at least count the heard only!!
At the lookout there were lots(people) but we had been warned by the presence of a Coach in the car park!
All we wanted was to see a Crane!
Marsh Harriers, Ringtails, Merlins and a Sprawk - still early (no wind there-great) when a Chinese Water Deer was spotted and CRANES!
6 Cranes(yt) flew from right to left across us (not to roost) beautiful!
Happy we walked back saw two Chinese Water Deer in the area.
Time for the Barnacle Goose....or back to Acle?
It was getting late and we decided to go to seek the Ross. (Lifer for me even if I couldn't count it on BOU!) On route Bob spotted Egyptian Geese (wild) (yt) made a change from our local ones altho' they are self sustaining they all came from Kew !
This was now 6 (yt) same as on Saturday so we began to feel better!
it wasn't the lack of birds we hadn't seen that was frustrating just hearing them and not seeing them! If we hadn't heard them I think we could have lived with that!
We past some birders on that road, stopped and I ran back to see what they were looking for...in case it was our Ross. No the Dark breasted Owl....on we went..
back to our lay bye but that supersonic road had gone ballistic - drivers in our boot....needs a 40 mph speed limit! So we ended up in the Parking lay bye (the other lay byes were actually gate entrances!)
But it was better now as the Pink feet had moved across a field and were nearer...it didn't help we still couldn't spot the little Ross!
But we saw a Chinese Water Deer...then another and another...until we had seen 12!
Plus a fox eyeing up a Goose dinner but deciding there were too many!
A few Pink feet began flying off can we wait until they fly and perhaps have a last chance? Too dark so we left and guess what? Yes they decided to fly....
fabulous sight but we were on that mega fast road so had to be content with descriptions from the passenger seat - me!
Thousands of Geese in the sky is one of the sights of Norfolk!
We decided that it had been a thoroughly worth while day.
I ended up with a Lifer that I didn't expect all be it a mammal!
http://www.worlddeer.org/chinesewaterdeer.html
Forgot...saw Muntjacs somwhere?
Again thanks Tim for the local info.
142 - 2008 Year List
__________________
Eagles Rule!
Raptor day
Trip to Isle of Sheppey
Little Owl at Elmley in the tree from the toilet block.
on to Capel fleet
Rough-legged Buzzard flew from a hay bale onto carrion...think it was a Hare.
Merlin over the car
Hen Harrier (Ring tail) at least 2 females.
then on to search for the Hooded Crow and any Geese!
(Marsh Harriers male and females everywhere)
no sign of Grey legged Partridge
Long search for the Hooded Crow! Triumph!
Still no Geese apart from Canada (1) dont get many here and Greylags.
Having searched about........
on way down from the top of the hill as I drove down the Harty Ferry Inn Rd Bob and I saw at the same time GEESE!
stopped in the layby and there they were White Fronted Geese all 37 of them! Flying into their roost at Elmley.
6 new year ticks....then to the Raptor Mound to search for a Peregrine for Bob...saw the RL Buzzard again, a Buzzard and Harriers Marsh and Hen...
then a Barn Owl hunting lovely sight
Start the day with an Owl and end with another! Very Happy
Weather dry and some sun but the wind!! Still it was Sheppey!
I love Raptor watching!(and I include wols with this!)
136 Year List 2008
Just discovered that I hadn't added Mandarin seen 2/1/08 at Osterley Park
If Seth can count Mandarin seen in Bushey Park well !
I was going to wait until the Forest of Dean Trip.
Eagles Rule!
Little Owl at Elmley in the tree from the toilet block.
on to Capel fleet
Rough-legged Buzzard flew from a hay bale onto carrion...think it was a Hare.
Merlin over the car
Hen Harrier (Ring tail) at least 2 females.
then on to search for the Hooded Crow and any Geese!
(Marsh Harriers male and females everywhere)
no sign of Grey legged Partridge
Long search for the Hooded Crow! Triumph!
Still no Geese apart from Canada (1) dont get many here and Greylags.
Having searched about........
on way down from the top of the hill as I drove down the Harty Ferry Inn Rd Bob and I saw at the same time GEESE!
stopped in the layby and there they were White Fronted Geese all 37 of them! Flying into their roost at Elmley.
6 new year ticks....then to the Raptor Mound to search for a Peregrine for Bob...saw the RL Buzzard again, a Buzzard and Harriers Marsh and Hen...
then a Barn Owl hunting lovely sight
Start the day with an Owl and end with another! Very Happy
Weather dry and some sun but the wind!! Still it was Sheppey!
I love Raptor watching!(and I include wols with this!)
136 Year List 2008
Just discovered that I hadn't added Mandarin seen 2/1/08 at Osterley Park
If Seth can count Mandarin seen in Bushey Park well !
I was going to wait until the Forest of Dean Trip.
Eagles Rule!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Chiswick House and Gardens
http://www.chgt.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1
Yesterday it was a lovely afternoon and I dragged myself away from working at home and went for a walk.
I often pop into Chiswick Gardens (I think I call it Chiswick Park!) but usually its with Zeta dog!
Today I walked around at my leisure and looked at the birds and squirrels.
Squirrels- dont think I have ever seen so many in one place!
All busy eating of course! I stood about 10 feet between two trees each with a Squirrel on the tree trunk watching me. Just like an equilateral triangle.
I stood still and after saying something stupid to a squirrel watched.They both came down their tree and found nuts or whatever and ate them in front of me- obviously keeping an eye on me but as I didn't move they seemed happy enough to carry on eating.
Then a dog barked and they pricked up their ears and carried on eating.
I did leave them alone after that!
Plenty of Garden and woodland birds about. Noisy RN Parakeets, a charm of Goldfinches chattering about the days news, BH Gulls so close and I found 3 1st winter birds....improving my gull id! Magpies rattling, Woodpigeons balancing on twigs so tiny as they look likely to break! Robin and Blackbirds singing......Finches lots of Finches in the area....Greenfinches looking dapper, Chaffinches looking pink!
Usual ducks...Mallards and hybrids and Canada's and lots of feral pigs.
Best was the quiet...even tho the odd dog barked and the odd kid chattered.
Quiet in between the planes and birdsong!
Dunnocks and Blackcap male back in my garden again today and an Old Dog Fox visited my garden at 11 as I was making a coffee.He soon went.
Today first Chaffinch in my garden for the year....
Yesterday it was a lovely afternoon and I dragged myself away from working at home and went for a walk.
I often pop into Chiswick Gardens (I think I call it Chiswick Park!) but usually its with Zeta dog!
Today I walked around at my leisure and looked at the birds and squirrels.
Squirrels- dont think I have ever seen so many in one place!
All busy eating of course! I stood about 10 feet between two trees each with a Squirrel on the tree trunk watching me. Just like an equilateral triangle.
I stood still and after saying something stupid to a squirrel watched.They both came down their tree and found nuts or whatever and ate them in front of me- obviously keeping an eye on me but as I didn't move they seemed happy enough to carry on eating.
Then a dog barked and they pricked up their ears and carried on eating.
I did leave them alone after that!
Plenty of Garden and woodland birds about. Noisy RN Parakeets, a charm of Goldfinches chattering about the days news, BH Gulls so close and I found 3 1st winter birds....improving my gull id! Magpies rattling, Woodpigeons balancing on twigs so tiny as they look likely to break! Robin and Blackbirds singing......Finches lots of Finches in the area....Greenfinches looking dapper, Chaffinches looking pink!
Usual ducks...Mallards and hybrids and Canada's and lots of feral pigs.
Best was the quiet...even tho the odd dog barked and the odd kid chattered.
Quiet in between the planes and birdsong!
Dunnocks and Blackcap male back in my garden again today and an Old Dog Fox visited my garden at 11 as I was making a coffee.He soon went.
Today first Chaffinch in my garden for the year....
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Secrets of bird flight revealed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7205086.stm
In 2003, Professor Dial and his colleagues published a paper that revealed birds utilise their wings when running up steep inclines.
Wings may have evolved to help birds move over obstacles
He explained: "This was an important find - birds exhibit a behaviour we really didn't appreciate before.
"Birds don't just use their wings when they fly or just their legs to run on the flat; in fact, they recruit both wings and legs for them to scale steep inclines, whether it be a boulder, a tree or a cliff."
Read on there is more!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A lovely gesture
As a follow up to the Tales of the White-crowned Sparrow.
As a memory and a thank you to the people who found the bird and have been kind enough to park their car elsewhere in the village rather than use their drive!
An artist has suggested she gives her pastel painting to them! Jo Dale thank you from us birders who could only give money!
Oh and the collection is now over £3000.
I have her permission to reproduce her painting here with the photos she based it on.
One is Steve Gantlets.
A lovely gesture and I think the people will treasure her painting!
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