I am sorry I was interrupted!
However I am again!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
a year tick and a dip!
This morning a revisit to the lighthouse in sun! Arctic Warbler really showing well and a photographers dream.
Hopefully i will be able to post one of Jon Dunn's lovely images later!
Barred Warbler in the quarry.
Eventually we saw a lovely if elusive Yellow Browed Warbler at the mill!
The dip well .....a White's Thrush that had a huge twitch on at Sandwick!
Whilst the bird is still there whether we get to see it or not will be down to luck rather than fieldcraft!
Still it was a lovely day and we ended up with a Common Rosefinch that finally gave itself up to view thanks to Rob and his very well behaved dog!
The supporting cast wasn't bad for a days birding! More later!
Oh the title - actually two year ticks!
Awaiting that lifer!
Hopefully i will be able to post one of Jon Dunn's lovely images later!
Barred Warbler in the quarry.
Eventually we saw a lovely if elusive Yellow Browed Warbler at the mill!
The dip well .....a White's Thrush that had a huge twitch on at Sandwick!
Whilst the bird is still there whether we get to see it or not will be down to luck rather than fieldcraft!
Still it was a lovely day and we ended up with a Common Rosefinch that finally gave itself up to view thanks to Rob and his very well behaved dog!
The supporting cast wasn't bad for a days birding! More later!
Oh the title - actually two year ticks!
Awaiting that lifer!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Shetland birding
Arrived at Sumburgh Airport at 1.15 - at 2.10 I was watching a juv. Barred Warbler - very confiding! Hope for its sake its not too confiding otherwise the Farm cats might have a tasty morsel.
Then up to the Lighthouse to seek out the veru elusive Adult Arctic Warbler - well i arrived and immediately was able to see it and watched it in among the rose bushes for another few minutes! Very nice start!
Walked down to the quarry and saw a few birders leaving and with that so did my chances of spotting the Yellow-browed Warbler....probably decided enough being watched ! Still there is always tomorrow!
Assorted cast including Gannets, a Bonxie scaring the life out of some curlews! hooded crow and a Redshank marching about in a Shetland Pony fiels in Grutness!
Weather forecast is great for the next week - south-easterlies and gale force! Watch this space!
Photo of Arctic Warbler on Hugh Harrop blog....http://hughharropwildlifephotography.blogspot.com/
Then up to the Lighthouse to seek out the veru elusive Adult Arctic Warbler - well i arrived and immediately was able to see it and watched it in among the rose bushes for another few minutes! Very nice start!
Walked down to the quarry and saw a few birders leaving and with that so did my chances of spotting the Yellow-browed Warbler....probably decided enough being watched ! Still there is always tomorrow!
Assorted cast including Gannets, a Bonxie scaring the life out of some curlews! hooded crow and a Redshank marching about in a Shetland Pony fiels in Grutness!
Weather forecast is great for the next week - south-easterlies and gale force! Watch this space!
Photo of Arctic Warbler on Hugh Harrop blog....http://hughharropwildlifephotography.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 24, 2010
Shetland
Well I shall be off soon to Shetland for two weeks - including 5 days on Fair Isle!
Whoop...whoop as a friend of mine says!
I really need to get out in that fresh(!)air - smell the sea and just relax!
I may get the chance to up date my blog as I go - all depends on the internet connections and time!
My year list will grow - been so busy this year that the bird list is not up to its regular totals!
Hopefully so will my Shetland list and with talons crossed my UK Life List too!(grow that is!)
So in anticipation watch this space!
Whoop...whoop as a friend of mine says!
I really need to get out in that fresh(!)air - smell the sea and just relax!
I may get the chance to up date my blog as I go - all depends on the internet connections and time!
My year list will grow - been so busy this year that the bird list is not up to its regular totals!
Hopefully so will my Shetland list and with talons crossed my UK Life List too!(grow that is!)
So in anticipation watch this space!
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Plants from Shetland
Heath Spotted Orchid
Lousewort
Ragged Robin
Tormentil
Yellow Rattle
Even I manage to photo a plant that cant move out of focus...I dont have any of Yellow Rattle that are in focus- 3/3 eek!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Pictures from Grove Ferry 11/08
These are all Pats photos....I need to look at her photos as she hasn't sent me the duck photos - hopefully she has some of the Garganey family! One problem with having a non birder photographing birds is you are never really sure that they have taken photo's of the more important birds - the Spotted Crake was too far but I did hope she had at least one shot of it! This will have to wait until her return from France.
Marc Heath has a record shot on the KOS site.
Marc Heath has a record shot on the KOS site.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Part 2 Kent
Dungeness in the sun!
First to the sea.....100's of Common Terns and usual Gulls.
then to reserve - no sign on route in of CE ....but was there earlier....to Denge Marsh Road and lots of waiting after the initial several seconds of flight by
Purple Heron seen - one adult! No photo much to the despair of the photographer!
Dip = Cattle Egret and GWE
Nice time at the Arc followed.
Then to Grove Ferry in pursuit of the Spotted Crake!
Lovely cross country journey from Dungeness via Folkstone to Grove keeping off the main roads!Kent countryside still difficult to beat!
Grove Ferry Inn parking snip at £1 a day!
To the mound and then to look at the brand new hide next to deep water and then on to the hide where the Spotted Crake had been seen.....long wait as one two three Water Rails kept us on our toes!
Whilst waiting we were treated to some lovely interactions between Coot parents and young, Garganey adult female and her brood plus a nice variety of other ducks and waders.
At 5.15 I said lets give it 15 more mins and lo.....just beyond 2 water rails a slaty blue back is glimpsed before all vanish!
at 17.30 out comes the Spotted Crake lurking along the reeds and as far away as possible....but eventually giving good views of all the salient id features and as a Water Rail obligingly decided to feed next to it -good comparisonswere made!
Eventually they chased each other off!
So to Oare.......
by now it was getting late so a swift visit rather an introduction to the delight
that is Oare.
Photos to be added
Two days out Part 1 Sussex
Monday found us wandering around Sussex - first Ardingley Reservoir in the Loder Valley to try to photo a posing Kingfisher....nope the nesting adult Kingfishers had said goodbye to their fledglings and were seen leaving the roosting site!
So on to East Grinstead for coffee as the delightful village coffee shop was shut!
Thence to Weir Wood Reservoir where a friendly local birder engaged in conversation and happy bird watching - whilst my friend went into the hide to take photographs.
Common and Green Sandpipers among the grey herons (many) including lots of juvs...successful breeding season by the looks!
No sign of the hoped for Osprey altho a couple of other regulars joined us and good banter took place.
So then it was to where?
Bough Beech? or further south?
Pulborough - thoughts were - Pats not been - a nice cafe (for coffee) and loo stop!
What might be about not high on the list altho oner of the guys talked about the possible Butterflies......
pleasant day if over cast.....
wandered around P......
so now where?
Burton Mill Pond - well been there before but much liked so off we went......
Not huge numbers of birds sen but Dragons and Butterflies were about.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Dungeness , Dragons and almost dipping!
On Tuesday Bob and I were goingto go to Minsmere (Fudge Duck, Little Gulls and Dartford Warblers for me- Fudge for Bob and whatever might be about in Suffolk!)but when I got to his house - at 7am it was well the Cattle Egret was seen yesterday at Dunge and we both wanted GWE - and surely I wouldn't dip it for a third time?
I was hopeful of Sandwich Tern and maybe Little Tern also....so we went to Dunge!
It turned out to be a lovely day and Dragons and Damsels and Butterflies were everywhere!
I also ran into a couple of my friends attending a Bumblebee talk in the afternoon!
Yes - we saw a couple of Sandwich Terns out on the patch - lots and lots of Gannets - the usual cast of sea gulls and Harbour Porpoises!
We went to Dunge and heard the Cattle Egret had been seen early morning from the Screen....not visible.....
drove down the road - still no sign - so off to Denge Marsh Rd
I was hopeful of Sandwich Tern and maybe Little Tern also....so we went to Dunge!
It turned out to be a lovely day and Dragons and Damsels and Butterflies were everywhere!
I also ran into a couple of my friends attending a Bumblebee talk in the afternoon!
Yes - we saw a couple of Sandwich Terns out on the patch - lots and lots of Gannets - the usual cast of sea gulls and Harbour Porpoises!
We went to Dunge and heard the Cattle Egret had been seen early morning from the Screen....not visible.....
drove down the road - still no sign - so off to Denge Marsh Rd
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Hounslow Heath Nature Reserve
A quick jaunt down the road to Thursley produced a lovely Wood Sand.
Went for an amble around Hounslow Heath after looking at a couple of Planning issues.
Saw one Rabbit, one Rat and lots of birds despite the fact it was very cloudy humid and overcast! It was quiet until you stood and waited....
Wren, Blackbird, Blue,Great and a large flock of LTTits.Herring Gulls, Crows and Magpies with Wood Pigeon and Ferals.Kept hearing the Yaffle and finally saw a Green Woody!
Then came the Warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and then the unexpected year tick- Garden Warbler! Later on another Garden Warbler- typical!
I didn't go over to the River Crane as it was getting on and I wanted to watch the last evening of the European Athletics Championships!That can wait-Butterflies seen Meadow Brown, Small Copper and Large White - that I could id and a black Insect with red wings which looked menacing!
(Heard that Little Owls are back in Osterley Park on Saturday when I ran into a friend as we were leaving OP...good to catch up with Hugh again)
Yesterday we had some good views of a very large Dragonfly and some pretty Blue Damselflies (?) where is that book?
So a little search on the net is required here!
Cattle Egret at Dungeness along with the GWE so I wonder?
Maybe it will be Kent?
Then Frank is back - seems to roost at a Staffs reservoir....long time since I have seen one and this is a lovely male adult!
Ok Athletics on -----
Went for an amble around Hounslow Heath after looking at a couple of Planning issues.
Saw one Rabbit, one Rat and lots of birds despite the fact it was very cloudy humid and overcast! It was quiet until you stood and waited....
Wren, Blackbird, Blue,Great and a large flock of LTTits.Herring Gulls, Crows and Magpies with Wood Pigeon and Ferals.Kept hearing the Yaffle and finally saw a Green Woody!
Then came the Warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and then the unexpected year tick- Garden Warbler! Later on another Garden Warbler- typical!
I didn't go over to the River Crane as it was getting on and I wanted to watch the last evening of the European Athletics Championships!That can wait-Butterflies seen Meadow Brown, Small Copper and Large White - that I could id and a black Insect with red wings which looked menacing!
(Heard that Little Owls are back in Osterley Park on Saturday when I ran into a friend as we were leaving OP...good to catch up with Hugh again)
Yesterday we had some good views of a very large Dragonfly and some pretty Blue Damselflies (?) where is that book?
So a little search on the net is required here!
Cattle Egret at Dungeness along with the GWE so I wonder?
Maybe it will be Kent?
Then Frank is back - seems to roost at a Staffs reservoir....long time since I have seen one and this is a lovely male adult!
Ok Athletics on -----
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
White-tailed Plover
Yes - get in!
in 2007 I was in Espana when a WTP came up on my pager - in Scotland - no chance to go to see it.
So when I saw the wandering WTP that was in UK - thn Holland - then at Rainham I wondered would I ever be free to go to see it.
I cant complain - I was In Shetland having a great time, I was busy working on council business and attending a Conference which was very helpful but that bird!
I was on my way to friends in SE London for the World Cup Final and dinner and I knew just down the road was my bird!
Monday came and a meeting and tour of MOgden Sewage Works......then Zeta to walk and freedom!
Zipping off to Kent under gathering black clouds....
as I approached the M20 Breznet turn off the sun was out! The sun shines on the righteous - was the bird still there? Nothing worse than looking at the pager and nothing since the morning...when it had flown towards the reserve - where was it , had it gone?
Arrived at the arc pit none the wiser - about 3.30 ...birders walkking back to the car park - still there? yes!
At the screen it was jammed full a bloke in suit trousers and little bins was staring over the next bit of the screen....others in the distance were on the bank.
Where is he? Brilliant directions and there was the quarry!
Up went the scope and what a stunning bird! So - would you like to look through my scope- due reward to the bloke who had escaped work early!
We then spent a pleasant 3/4 of an hour watchingWhite-tailed Plover - apt name feeding and being territorial - a hapless Oystercatcher was harried from his area...
a feisty bird!
The bloke left - and I stayed another 15 mins just enjoying the bird who did a little circuit so every now and then came inro full view! 389 Uk bird!
I the went to the Dunge Centre - to use the facilities - collect water and off to Denge Marsh to see how the Purple Herons were and maybe a year tick of a GWE!
(more later)
Andy Lawson's photo's follow
in 2007 I was in Espana when a WTP came up on my pager - in Scotland - no chance to go to see it.
So when I saw the wandering WTP that was in UK - thn Holland - then at Rainham I wondered would I ever be free to go to see it.
I cant complain - I was In Shetland having a great time, I was busy working on council business and attending a Conference which was very helpful but that bird!
I was on my way to friends in SE London for the World Cup Final and dinner and I knew just down the road was my bird!
Monday came and a meeting and tour of MOgden Sewage Works......then Zeta to walk and freedom!
Zipping off to Kent under gathering black clouds....
as I approached the M20 Breznet turn off the sun was out! The sun shines on the righteous - was the bird still there? Nothing worse than looking at the pager and nothing since the morning...when it had flown towards the reserve - where was it , had it gone?
Arrived at the arc pit none the wiser - about 3.30 ...birders walkking back to the car park - still there? yes!
At the screen it was jammed full a bloke in suit trousers and little bins was staring over the next bit of the screen....others in the distance were on the bank.
Where is he? Brilliant directions and there was the quarry!
Up went the scope and what a stunning bird! So - would you like to look through my scope- due reward to the bloke who had escaped work early!
We then spent a pleasant 3/4 of an hour watchingWhite-tailed Plover - apt name feeding and being territorial - a hapless Oystercatcher was harried from his area...
a feisty bird!
The bloke left - and I stayed another 15 mins just enjoying the bird who did a little circuit so every now and then came inro full view! 389 Uk bird!
I the went to the Dunge Centre - to use the facilities - collect water and off to Denge Marsh to see how the Purple Herons were and maybe a year tick of a GWE!
(more later)
Andy Lawson's photo's follow
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Red-necked Phalarope
To Fetlar - last time I was here it was to see a Taiga Flycatcher!
This time it was to see a female RNPhalarope (all talons crossed)...there was always the chance that any females may have already left - and left their male partner looking after the children!
However we were fortunate and there was one and showing well...well when you could locate her!
Scope views so we didn't flush her and hand held compact record shots. But she was a beauty!
This time it was to see a female RNPhalarope (all talons crossed)...there was always the chance that any females may have already left - and left their male partner looking after the children!
However we were fortunate and there was one and showing well...well when you could locate her!
Scope views so we didn't flush her and hand held compact record shots. But she was a beauty!
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Wheatear - family
At the Sumburgh Hotel was a pair of Wheatears nesting in a wall. It was great to be able to watch the parents feeding hatched chicks. One day I managed to set up my scope and digi scope a couple of record shots.
We went to Unst for a couple of nights and on our return the chicks had fledged which was really good to see. No pics from me of the fledglings.I am hoping that I will soon be geeting some pics from Alan - whose photos are much better than mine- and will be on my blog.
The pics are of a female Wheatear - even the male(looked a bit worn!) who I also saw but didn't hang around long enough for a pic!
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Friday, July 02, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Hedgehog in Chiswick
No photo as I was more concerned with the large mature Hog who I found in the middle of the road as I drove a council colleague home after a clp meeting!Camera was in car...but...
I thought oh no is s/he dead as I spotted a hedgehog in the middle of this side street nr Chiswick Park tonight. Ed checked him/her out and s/he was breathing!
So I got one of my towels out of the car and after discovering the parks gates were locked and the gaps too small to drop a hog through - I picked a nearby garden and placed her/him gently on the lawn.
It was really cool - I could feel the hog breathing and no panic...
Talons crossed for its continued life....
First hog I have ever seen in London!
I thought oh no is s/he dead as I spotted a hedgehog in the middle of this side street nr Chiswick Park tonight. Ed checked him/her out and s/he was breathing!
So I got one of my towels out of the car and after discovering the parks gates were locked and the gaps too small to drop a hog through - I picked a nearby garden and placed her/him gently on the lawn.
It was really cool - I could feel the hog breathing and no panic...
Talons crossed for its continued life....
First hog I have ever seen in London!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Shetland in June
Overxast skies greeeted us as we arrived at Sumburgh Airport after a relatively trouble free flight(s) up from Heathrow.
As we may be going to Mouse tonight and I hadn't slept well I decided a lay down was in order or would I watch a match of the World Cup?
Neither I ended up birding...it was the sighting from my window of a Bonxie(year tic)
that was enough - must go out! No rain - even the wind and cloudy skies were forgotton!
Actic Terns all around in the skies these dainty beauties were entertaining and then in roared the GBB guls - gbh was about to begin! But the sheer quality og the flying from the Arctics was enough to keep most of their feed for their young!
Eiders - females on the sea with young. Another year tick!
Gradually edging towards 200!
Went for a walk up to the lighthouseand read about the Puffling....but the weather was the kind to keep Puffins underground or out at sea fishing!
But Kittiwakes and Guillemots and Razorbills plus the gulls and the presence of a Bonxie or two or three keptt me busy.
Wheatear ....and another - a Shetland new bird for me.....(as were the Razors and Guillemots.....)
I missed an Arctic Skua - so eyes will be peeled .....
and there were Twite about again where .....but they are on the expected list.....
(common scoter was also seen....a unusual siting here....)
Heard at the evening meal these missed birds and the sightings by several people of ....Otter ...grrlll!
The trip to Mousa was postponed ...due to the swell.
Watched the end of the Cameroon game - at least it was exciting and then bed - in the daylight! Simmer dim does exist - light until 11 at least and then again this am 4!
off around the South Mainland today.....
As we may be going to Mouse tonight and I hadn't slept well I decided a lay down was in order or would I watch a match of the World Cup?
Neither I ended up birding...it was the sighting from my window of a Bonxie(year tic)
that was enough - must go out! No rain - even the wind and cloudy skies were forgotton!
Actic Terns all around in the skies these dainty beauties were entertaining and then in roared the GBB guls - gbh was about to begin! But the sheer quality og the flying from the Arctics was enough to keep most of their feed for their young!
Eiders - females on the sea with young. Another year tick!
Gradually edging towards 200!
Went for a walk up to the lighthouseand read about the Puffling....but the weather was the kind to keep Puffins underground or out at sea fishing!
But Kittiwakes and Guillemots and Razorbills plus the gulls and the presence of a Bonxie or two or three keptt me busy.
Wheatear ....and another - a Shetland new bird for me.....(as were the Razors and Guillemots.....)
I missed an Arctic Skua - so eyes will be peeled .....
and there were Twite about again where .....but they are on the expected list.....
(common scoter was also seen....a unusual siting here....)
Heard at the evening meal these missed birds and the sightings by several people of ....Otter ...grrlll!
The trip to Mousa was postponed ...due to the swell.
Watched the end of the Cameroon game - at least it was exciting and then bed - in the daylight! Simmer dim does exist - light until 11 at least and then again this am 4!
off around the South Mainland today.....
Monday, June 14, 2010
Purple Herons
Well Dungeness called last week - Purple Herons(yr tic) yes-RFFalcon - nope
Yellow Wagtails (Yr tic) - Yes and Yellow=legged gulls (Yr tic) with some rather hansome Med gulls!
Stand out birds these - on way home I heard there was a Hoopoe in Surrey - well the directions were wrong and I didn't even see any birders where I went! big dip!
I heard lots of peeps dipped as well - please if you are bothered enough to report a bird get the site correct! You must know where you are!!!!
Yesterday Common Rosefinch came up on the pager and I couldn't go grrrll.
Still I am going to Shetland on saturday for a week so I should add some nice birds to my list even if nothing rare shows....and maybe Otter - a Shetland tick!
Puffin, Red-necked Phalarope,Storm Petrel, Black Gulliemot, Great SkuaorBonxie as they are called - so there are 5 yr ticks and finally reach the 200!
Yellow Wagtails (Yr tic) - Yes and Yellow=legged gulls (Yr tic) with some rather hansome Med gulls!
Stand out birds these - on way home I heard there was a Hoopoe in Surrey - well the directions were wrong and I didn't even see any birders where I went! big dip!
I heard lots of peeps dipped as well - please if you are bothered enough to report a bird get the site correct! You must know where you are!!!!
Yesterday Common Rosefinch came up on the pager and I couldn't go grrrll.
Still I am going to Shetland on saturday for a week so I should add some nice birds to my list even if nothing rare shows....and maybe Otter - a Shetland tick!
Puffin, Red-necked Phalarope,Storm Petrel, Black Gulliemot, Great SkuaorBonxie as they are called - so there are 5 yr ticks and finally reach the 200!
Monday, June 07, 2010
Photo's of birds seen over the w/e
These are all Phil Wallace's - amazingly he was down in Wales on Saturday - got there much earlier than us...and went to nagshead as well!
On Sunday he came to Richmond Park after I had left!
Phil takes a good photo - so I shall share his now...for those of you who dont know what a Marmora's Warbler looks like here is one!
Followed by a Pied Flycatcher - I just love these birds and then a red backed shrike- I think they might come out in the reverse order we will see!
Phew - a Lifer!
Bob and I were all set for Saturday in Norfolk watching raptors - in particular Honey's and Monty's!
But Honey's appear few and gfar between and there is some doubt over a couple of sightings...
and then tere was the rare,,,,a bird neither Bob nor I had seen in this country, well I hadn't seen it anywhere!
Friday evening Bob rang...."about this Warbler"..."where in Wales is it?""I'll look it up and get back to you".
Meanwhile I am enjoying an Indian takeaway from one of our favourite resturants and a fine wine - al fresco and chatting about my friends latest trip- this time to Sorrento...loooking at her photo's of birds taken to id them or check the id....
there was a scurry....eek...what is it? Well superb a Hummingbird Hawk Moth - I say dont run away get your camera ready!
it was not a Hornet (nope we saw one on Saturday and it was a reall big b*****!)
Not one HHM but two!
Bob rings - near Gwent - oh easy say I ...shall I drive?
That was the beginning,,,,yes and we got to see the Marmora's Warbler singing his little heart out - poor chap even building a nest....if a lady Dartford should happen across his path she will be captured forthwith!
Lots of Tree Pipits , several Whinchats, a Cuckoo who continued calling every now and again and the mood was right! An easy twitch.
So there was a Lifer plus 3 year ticks for me and a Joe Ray birder tick!
That was an unexpected surprise and a very nice one to finally meet another young birder who is serious about our hobby.
On to Westwood Wood in Monmouthshire ....to spy another Iberian Chiffchaff....and a Wood Warbler altho the hoped for Redstart didn't materialise ....the habitat was good for one...but...
so then on to Nagshead in the Forest of Dean....as we went we of course kept bumping into the birders we either knew or who had been for the Marmora's!
Yes indeed Pied and Spotted Flycatchers later.....very nice day for me altho the close weather is not my favourite and the sun decided to hide behind cloulds so we couldn't look for a particular butterfly Bob was after...we ended at the Raptor watch point seeing little altho there was a pair of Painted Ladies to admire!
So a handful of Red Kites and lots of Buzzards - no Honey's....and a Kestrel or two - oh a Raven....most noteable of the rest.
Back home via a nice Pub for dinner - try to remember the name?
Sunday am was catch up time on the previous day's cricket a spot of Cllr duties and then a race to Richmond ark where a reported Red-backed Shrike had come up on the pager.
I walk in having parked myu car outside the park with bins...as I arrived I recognised a familar "Gibster" and Glen a a young chap with the bird in his scope...nice one!
Watched the adult male being harrassed by Blue and Great Tits and Greenfinches...catching insects and a particularly enjoyable bumble bee!
Good to catch up with Seth and his Big Butterfly year.....
But Honey's appear few and gfar between and there is some doubt over a couple of sightings...
and then tere was the rare,,,,a bird neither Bob nor I had seen in this country, well I hadn't seen it anywhere!
Friday evening Bob rang...."about this Warbler"..."where in Wales is it?""I'll look it up and get back to you".
Meanwhile I am enjoying an Indian takeaway from one of our favourite resturants and a fine wine - al fresco and chatting about my friends latest trip- this time to Sorrento...loooking at her photo's of birds taken to id them or check the id....
there was a scurry....eek...what is it? Well superb a Hummingbird Hawk Moth - I say dont run away get your camera ready!
it was not a Hornet (nope we saw one on Saturday and it was a reall big b*****!)
Not one HHM but two!
Bob rings - near Gwent - oh easy say I ...shall I drive?
That was the beginning,,,,yes and we got to see the Marmora's Warbler singing his little heart out - poor chap even building a nest....if a lady Dartford should happen across his path she will be captured forthwith!
Lots of Tree Pipits , several Whinchats, a Cuckoo who continued calling every now and again and the mood was right! An easy twitch.
So there was a Lifer plus 3 year ticks for me and a Joe Ray birder tick!
That was an unexpected surprise and a very nice one to finally meet another young birder who is serious about our hobby.
On to Westwood Wood in Monmouthshire ....to spy another Iberian Chiffchaff....and a Wood Warbler altho the hoped for Redstart didn't materialise ....the habitat was good for one...but...
so then on to Nagshead in the Forest of Dean....as we went we of course kept bumping into the birders we either knew or who had been for the Marmora's!
Yes indeed Pied and Spotted Flycatchers later.....very nice day for me altho the close weather is not my favourite and the sun decided to hide behind cloulds so we couldn't look for a particular butterfly Bob was after...we ended at the Raptor watch point seeing little altho there was a pair of Painted Ladies to admire!
So a handful of Red Kites and lots of Buzzards - no Honey's....and a Kestrel or two - oh a Raven....most noteable of the rest.
Back home via a nice Pub for dinner - try to remember the name?
Sunday am was catch up time on the previous day's cricket a spot of Cllr duties and then a race to Richmond ark where a reported Red-backed Shrike had come up on the pager.
I walk in having parked myu car outside the park with bins...as I arrived I recognised a familar "Gibster" and Glen a a young chap with the bird in his scope...nice one!
Watched the adult male being harrassed by Blue and Great Tits and Greenfinches...catching insects and a particularly enjoyable bumble bee!
Good to catch up with Seth and his Big Butterfly year.....
Monday, May 24, 2010
Swifts
i have been enjoying "my" Swifts being back for a while now...and this morning they are screaming around at 9o mph and enjoying the sunshine.
Its been quite a talking point with my neighbours who are all delighted to see them return!
i was a little last week to see that several site where they nested last year are not present this...but they are somewhere so I shall continue to search the eaves of the "estate" where they usually nest!
Less Goldfinches visiting my feeders together-ususaly in ones or twos...hopefully ts cos they are busy...
Awaiting any fledglings that may begin to visit ....
Its been quite a talking point with my neighbours who are all delighted to see them return!
i was a little last week to see that several site where they nested last year are not present this...but they are somewhere so I shall continue to search the eaves of the "estate" where they usually nest!
Less Goldfinches visiting my feeders together-ususaly in ones or twos...hopefully ts cos they are busy...
Awaiting any fledglings that may begin to visit ....
Friday, May 21, 2010
Otmoor
Popped up to Otmoor wednesday afternoon leaving about 3pm...just wish it was even closer!
We arrived at the CP to hear a Gropper reeling.
Through the gate to seek it out and a burst of song from a lesser whitethroat!
Once spied it was down to seeking a sighting of a Grasshopper Warbler! We heard at least three and soon were lucky enough to see one!
On we walked listening for cuckoo - none....turtle doves- none- hobbies?
We reached the main path and the gates that over look across the main part of Otmoor that the public cant go on...we found 4 Hobbies all perched on posts - 2 on the right and two on the left! There they stayed whilst we were on site!
Sedge Warbler burst into song over the Reed Warblers- I had to stay to seek him out...another year tick- yes he gave himself away!
on to the hide - on route Bob picked up a LRP in flight and we finally decided there must be at least 6 - three pairs...cool
in the hide and out again - to the sound of a Turtle Dove....so then walk down the path and eventually perched up on a bare branch in the sunshine was out quarry!
6 Year Ticks for me and 4 for Bob - not bad for a few hours in the sunshine!
Then to the lovely village pub for a celebratory pint of Breakespears Bitter!
We arrived at the CP to hear a Gropper reeling.
Through the gate to seek it out and a burst of song from a lesser whitethroat!
Once spied it was down to seeking a sighting of a Grasshopper Warbler! We heard at least three and soon were lucky enough to see one!
On we walked listening for cuckoo - none....turtle doves- none- hobbies?
We reached the main path and the gates that over look across the main part of Otmoor that the public cant go on...we found 4 Hobbies all perched on posts - 2 on the right and two on the left! There they stayed whilst we were on site!
Sedge Warbler burst into song over the Reed Warblers- I had to stay to seek him out...another year tick- yes he gave himself away!
on to the hide - on route Bob picked up a LRP in flight and we finally decided there must be at least 6 - three pairs...cool
in the hide and out again - to the sound of a Turtle Dove....so then walk down the path and eventually perched up on a bare branch in the sunshine was out quarry!
6 Year Ticks for me and 4 for Bob - not bad for a few hours in the sunshine!
Then to the lovely village pub for a celebratory pint of Breakespears Bitter!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
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