Check out the link below for an excellent breakdown as to why this bird is a Black-throated Diver and not a Pacific or Great Northern Diver. A very useful description.
http://www.birdingtoday.co.uk/black_throated_diver_west_midlands_90.html
Monday, 31 January 2011
Sunday, 30 January 2011
30-1-11, No pain, no gain.
I am writing this whilst stuck in a chair which I have been in since 09.00 this morning. Not looking at my pager for sometime, late yesterday afternoon whilst getting some house jobs done, I had a look and a Black-throated Diver was at Clayhanger on a pool, the site of the Hoopoe last year. I was up well early and arrived on site at about 07.45. All was well. Coats on, boots on, scope, bins and camera out, bird book off the roof of the car, walk over to scope, BANG, severe pain in my lower back and then collapsing on the floor in a heap. I was there for about ten minutes before I managed to get up. I saw three people but no one came over to see if I was ok. Once up the pain was not too bad so I decided I was not going home until I had seen the diver. Before I left home I checked out the Belvide blog and learnt that there was an opinion that Pacific Diver had not been ruled out for this bird. I saw a Pacific Diver in Farnham in North Yorkshire a few years ago and they gave out big pictures of the bird. I had a copy and I wanted to come up with a conclusion of my own. As I got closer to the pool the pain was starting to get worse. Once I could see the pool up came the scope, a few birds were seen, then I came across the Black-throated Diver. Other birds were seen but until I can get my notebook, this will have to do. As for the bird, the general opinion is now heavily balanced in favour of a Black-throated Diver.
Its a painful hobby this birding. This time last year I was carted off in an ambulance from Belvide. Today lying parallel by my car with my scope towering over me. A couple of twitches I have been on has led to someone passing away through heart attacks. Might take up plane or train spotting, must be easier.
Its a painful hobby this birding. This time last year I was carted off in an ambulance from Belvide. Today lying parallel by my car with my scope towering over me. A couple of twitches I have been on has led to someone passing away through heart attacks. Might take up plane or train spotting, must be easier.
29-1-11, Fradley Junction Nature Reserve.
Myself and the ecologist from British Waterways, West Midlands decided to do the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch at a couple of reservoirs. To be honest it was not properly organised, last minute and all that. I had one person turn up to do the survey, one more than West Midlands, ha ha. The results were as follows:
Blue Tit 3
Blackbird 4
Coal Tit 2
Chaffinch 4
Great Tit 2
Wood Pigeon 4
Dunnock 1
Mallard 4 (flew over)
Robin 2
Nuthatch 1
Carrion Crow 2 (flew over)
Magpie 1
Wren 2
Black-headed Gull 2 (flew over)
A rtather dissapointing hour if I was honest but enjoyable. The birds were very skittish, possibly not happy that two chaps were sitting on the nearby bench watching them. I have plans to build a scrfeen and put some piles of dead wood near to the feeders so the birds have some cover to escape from Mr or Mrs Sparrowhawk.
Blue Tit 3
Blackbird 4
Coal Tit 2
Chaffinch 4
Great Tit 2
Wood Pigeon 4
Dunnock 1
Mallard 4 (flew over)
Robin 2
Nuthatch 1
Carrion Crow 2 (flew over)
Magpie 1
Wren 2
Black-headed Gull 2 (flew over)
A rtather dissapointing hour if I was honest but enjoyable. The birds were very skittish, possibly not happy that two chaps were sitting on the nearby bench watching them. I have plans to build a scrfeen and put some piles of dead wood near to the feeders so the birds have some cover to escape from Mr or Mrs Sparrowhawk.
Saturday, 22 January 2011
22-1-11, Rutland Water.
I fancied a session at this fantastic birding site to see if I could add to my year birds. An easy drive saw me arrive at 08.00 but unfortunately the shop doesnt open until 09.00 to get the reserve pass so I hung around and saw plenty of birds before going on site. I targeted the lagoons in the north arm first and visited most of the hides. As I was heading to the south arm after, I visted only a couple of hides south of the Anglian birding centre, then it was off to the south arm to a copuple of hides. Birds noted were Collared Dove, Jackdaw, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Dunnock, Black-headed Gull, Chaffinch, Starling, Blackbird, Kestrel, Treecreeper, Redwing, Pheasant, Great Tit, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Moorhen, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Lapwing, Canada Geese, Bullfinch, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Song Thrush, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Gadwall, Teal, Shelduck, Pied Wagtail, Greylag Geese, Jay, Green Woodpecker, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Grey Heron, Wren, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Geese, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Smew, Red-crested Pochard, Redshank, Great Black-backed Gull, Fieldfare, Curlew, Siskin, Snipe, Cormorant, Red Kite, Scaup, Little Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Common Gull, Ruddy Shelduck and American Wigeon. From here it was to a few other sites to add two birds which I was hoping to add to todays list - Long-tailed Duck and Slavonian Grebe. Three other areas around Rutland Water later and I had added no other birds but it was a good session here.
22-1-11, Whitemoor Haye.
I got back home to spend the last hour and a half around Whitemoor but it was as quiet as usual. Birds noted were Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Robin, Grey Partridge, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Mute Swan, Fieldfare, Redwing, Wren, Starling, Kestrel, Moorhen, Tufted Duck and Wigeon.
22-1-11, Whitemoor Haye.
I got back home to spend the last hour and a half around Whitemoor but it was as quiet as usual. Birds noted were Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Robin, Grey Partridge, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Mute Swan, Fieldfare, Redwing, Wren, Starling, Kestrel, Moorhen, Tufted Duck and Wigeon.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
16-1-101 Cannock Chase - Rifle Range.
Todays quarry was pretty obvious really, a Great Grey Shrike which has been giving people the run around around the rifle butts area. I didnt make it till about 09.00 and the bird had been seen. I arrived on site but there was no sight of the bird. 20 minutes later the pager said it was at parr warren. Bloody hell. Fortunately a chap had a map and four of us set off, but with no luck. I ended back at the shooting butts but, unlike the Smew which was a doddle to find, this bird was to remain elusive. Birds noted were Blue Tit, Robin, Yellowhammer, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Green Woodpecker (year), Herring Gull, lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull - all gulls flew overhead, Wood Pigeon, Meadow Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Reed Bunting, Jay and Long-tailed Tits.
16-1-11, Cannock Chase - Marquis Drive.
After visiting Whitemoor Haye yesterday I started developing shin splints and bloomin painful they were getting too. I headed for the cafe for a cup of tea and cake before chilling out watching the feeders. Birds noted were Chaffinch, Blackbird, Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Robin, Great Tit, Wood Pigeon, Brambling (year), Blue Tit, Dunnock, Bullfinch and Magpie.
Not stunning birding today and here is where it prematurely ended as it was getting painful just to operate the clutch pedal in the car, let alone walk.
Today was WeBS count day which I completely forgot about, will have to do it next week but saturday I am hoping for a day out at a very big puddle of water.
16-1-11, Cannock Chase - Marquis Drive.
After visiting Whitemoor Haye yesterday I started developing shin splints and bloomin painful they were getting too. I headed for the cafe for a cup of tea and cake before chilling out watching the feeders. Birds noted were Chaffinch, Blackbird, Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Robin, Great Tit, Wood Pigeon, Brambling (year), Blue Tit, Dunnock, Bullfinch and Magpie.
Not stunning birding today and here is where it prematurely ended as it was getting painful just to operate the clutch pedal in the car, let alone walk.
Today was WeBS count day which I completely forgot about, will have to do it next week but saturday I am hoping for a day out at a very big puddle of water.
Saturday, 15 January 2011
15-1-11, News.
Two weeks today is the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. I will be doing it at Fradley Junction in the reservoir. This will be an open event and anybody is welcome to join me. Myself and the ecologist in the West Midlands are holding seperate counts but at the same time, he is doing his near Calf Heath reservoir near Gailey. I am also hopefully going to be joined by Bob Russon of the Lichfield RSPB club. Maybe I might see some of you there on the day, Saturday 29th January. Contact me if you want to come along or email me at stuart.collins2@britishwaterways.co.uk
15-1-11, Chasewater CP.
Tuesday evening I attended the Lichfield RSPB indoor meeting where a chap gave a talk on Turkey - the place not the birds. It was a very enjoyable evening. Someone said a drake Smew was at Chasewater. Aaaaaargh. Would it stay. It was present Friday so first thing I was at Chasewater to get my first Smew in two years. I was on the south shore for 08.00, just about light enough to see and within ten minutes I had my quarry, a superb drake Smew (year). Just a stunning bird. I had to be in Lichfield by 10.00 to get to the bank so it was a twitch and ditch. Other birds seen were Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Canada Geese, Coot, Goldeneye, Carrion Crow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Jackdaw, Robin, Wood Pigeon, Great Tit, Magpie and Blackbird.
15-1-11, Stubbers Green.
As I saw the Smew early I decided to pop down to the gull capital before heading into town. I dont really know the best time to come but pretty today was not one of them. Birds noted were Tufted Duck, Canada Geese, Mallard, Jackdaw, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Coot, lesser Black-backed Gull and Great Crested Grebe.
15-1-11, Whitemoor Haye.
It was mid afternoon before I finished doing things so I grabbed the dog and headed for a walk around Whitemoor. Whilst walking around I started noticing things were disappering. More later. Birds noted were Robin, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Little Owl (year - back in its usual tree), Blackbird, 204 Mute Swan, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Fieldfare, Sparrowhawk, Mallard, Mistle Thrush, Canada Geese, Wood Pigeon and Linnet. Around the quarry pool I added Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Great and Blue Tit.
Back to my observations and what was missing was the hedges. a couple of diggers are down there cleaning out all of the ditches - a good job. But this good job has turned bad as any tree of bush near the ditches is also going. the bush by the bend where the Corn Buntings song from now lies in a heap in the field. say no more. More tomorrow.
15-1-11, Stubbers Green.
As I saw the Smew early I decided to pop down to the gull capital before heading into town. I dont really know the best time to come but pretty today was not one of them. Birds noted were Tufted Duck, Canada Geese, Mallard, Jackdaw, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Coot, lesser Black-backed Gull and Great Crested Grebe.
15-1-11, Whitemoor Haye.
It was mid afternoon before I finished doing things so I grabbed the dog and headed for a walk around Whitemoor. Whilst walking around I started noticing things were disappering. More later. Birds noted were Robin, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Little Owl (year - back in its usual tree), Blackbird, 204 Mute Swan, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Fieldfare, Sparrowhawk, Mallard, Mistle Thrush, Canada Geese, Wood Pigeon and Linnet. Around the quarry pool I added Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Great and Blue Tit.
Back to my observations and what was missing was the hedges. a couple of diggers are down there cleaning out all of the ditches - a good job. But this good job has turned bad as any tree of bush near the ditches is also going. the bush by the bend where the Corn Buntings song from now lies in a heap in the field. say no more. More tomorrow.
9-1-11, The Pits.
Oops, it seems like I am a bit behind with my posts (its now Saturday early evening). I went out Monday and Tuesday evening and then just forgot to update. Basically the title is where I was birding, not the state of birding around the local area although its nor far off. I set off from my house and checked a few pits near to my house. At this point I was going to rant about shooters just blasting birds out of the sky, letting them die and just leaving them but the moment has passed so cant be bothered. Not much of note so will give you site and the birds seen/heard there.
Alrewas GP.
Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Fieldfare, Magpie, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Goosander (this bird was alive for about two minutes before dying of its gun shot injuries on the ice - a total waste) , Stock Dove (year), Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Wigeon, Robin, Blue Tit, Canada Geese and Greylag Geese.
National Arboretum.
Redwing, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Mallard, Greylag Geese, Mistle Thrush, Goosander, Coor, Tufted Duck, Goldfinch and Pheasant.
Junction Pit.
Great Tit, Black-headed Gull and Carrion Crow.
Whitemoor Haye.
Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Magpie, Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Lapwing, Starling, Redwing, Robin, Fieldfare, Linnet, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Kestrel, 239 Mute Swans, Golden Plover (year), Dunnock, Skylark, Mistle Thrush, Grey Haeron, Chaffinch and Goldeneye.
Alrewas GP.
Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Fieldfare, Magpie, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Goosander (this bird was alive for about two minutes before dying of its gun shot injuries on the ice - a total waste) , Stock Dove (year), Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Wigeon, Robin, Blue Tit, Canada Geese and Greylag Geese.
National Arboretum.
Redwing, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Mallard, Greylag Geese, Mistle Thrush, Goosander, Coor, Tufted Duck, Goldfinch and Pheasant.
Junction Pit.
Great Tit, Black-headed Gull and Carrion Crow.
Whitemoor Haye.
Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Magpie, Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Lapwing, Starling, Redwing, Robin, Fieldfare, Linnet, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Kestrel, 239 Mute Swans, Golden Plover (year), Dunnock, Skylark, Mistle Thrush, Grey Haeron, Chaffinch and Goldeneye.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
8-1-11, Rufford CP.
Whilst I was in Norfolk I chatted to a chap about Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. "Rufford Country Park for the first hour in the main car park is the best place." he said. I thought about it and contacted a work colleague who is also a birder and lives in the area. We met in the car park but it was a big place. Eventually the odd birder turned up and said they could appear anywhere. This site was also good for Hawfinch too. We set off and started looking at the trees around the car park and the drive. Birds noted were Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Redwing, huge amounts of Long-taited Tit, Blue Tit, Black-headed Gull, Robin, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Treecreeper, LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER, Goldcrest, Jackdaw and Starling. After admiring my long sought after quarry for a while we eventually lost it. We then decided to have a look around the lake before having a cup of tea. Other birds noted were Moorhen, jay, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Mallard, Coot, Tufted Duck, Siskin, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow and Wren.
A nice birding session which saw my bogey bird finally nailed, and what a cracking bird it is too.
South Ferriby.
I was half way to South Ferriby, being at Rufford so I decided to head there for another look at the Rough-legged Buzzard. Whilst reading the site descriptions during the week it suddenly dawned on me OI was not in the right place at the first attempt. In South Ferriby instead of driving through South Ferriby and viewing the bird looking south, I followed the satnav which made me turn onto a High Road where I viewed the cement works by looking north. Here the works were miles away. Today I followed the main road, drove passed the entrance to the cement works and found the lay-by where there were already a handfull of birders. I asked about the bird, it was present, set my scope up and had distant long looks at a ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. Rather pale in contrast to other Buzzards which were soaring nearby. After watching it for a while it lifted and flew out of site. A cracking bird and glad I came back for it.
Reid's Island.
It was a long trip to the next birding site, all of 5 metres to cross the road and set the scope up to view the River Humber and a small island. there were quite a few birds and deer on it so I had a look. Birds noted were Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Common Gull, Lapwing, Dunlin, Cormorant, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese and Mallard. It was worth a look I suppose, if only for the Fallow Deer on there.
Carsington Water.
Before I set off for Carsington I headed to Hatfield Moors where a Lesser Scaup had was resident on a lake. Unfortunately my map and satnav did not show the lake and after a small drive around I opted to head off. A pair of Great Northern Divers had made this reservoir home for the winter so I headed over, on the way home, to get them on my list. It is quite a big place and the last report on the pager was they were near the dam so I parked in the main car park. By the time I got there, there was not much light left si I headed to an area where I could view the damend and also the main body but all from a distance. Birds noted were Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, House Sparrow, Coot, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, Goldeneye, Cormorant, Blackbird, Wren, Pied Wagtail and Lesser Black-backed Gull. No divers and not much birds but a year tick for the Pochard.
Home time now but a great day with my 4th and 5th lifer this year already. Flying.
A nice birding session which saw my bogey bird finally nailed, and what a cracking bird it is too.
South Ferriby.
I was half way to South Ferriby, being at Rufford so I decided to head there for another look at the Rough-legged Buzzard. Whilst reading the site descriptions during the week it suddenly dawned on me OI was not in the right place at the first attempt. In South Ferriby instead of driving through South Ferriby and viewing the bird looking south, I followed the satnav which made me turn onto a High Road where I viewed the cement works by looking north. Here the works were miles away. Today I followed the main road, drove passed the entrance to the cement works and found the lay-by where there were already a handfull of birders. I asked about the bird, it was present, set my scope up and had distant long looks at a ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. Rather pale in contrast to other Buzzards which were soaring nearby. After watching it for a while it lifted and flew out of site. A cracking bird and glad I came back for it.
Reid's Island.
It was a long trip to the next birding site, all of 5 metres to cross the road and set the scope up to view the River Humber and a small island. there were quite a few birds and deer on it so I had a look. Birds noted were Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Common Gull, Lapwing, Dunlin, Cormorant, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese and Mallard. It was worth a look I suppose, if only for the Fallow Deer on there.
Carsington Water.
Before I set off for Carsington I headed to Hatfield Moors where a Lesser Scaup had was resident on a lake. Unfortunately my map and satnav did not show the lake and after a small drive around I opted to head off. A pair of Great Northern Divers had made this reservoir home for the winter so I headed over, on the way home, to get them on my list. It is quite a big place and the last report on the pager was they were near the dam so I parked in the main car park. By the time I got there, there was not much light left si I headed to an area where I could view the damend and also the main body but all from a distance. Birds noted were Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, House Sparrow, Coot, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, Goldeneye, Cormorant, Blackbird, Wren, Pied Wagtail and Lesser Black-backed Gull. No divers and not much birds but a year tick for the Pochard.
Home time now but a great day with my 4th and 5th lifer this year already. Flying.
Monday, 3 January 2011
3-1-11, Whitemoor Haye.
Back to good old local patch work, no discussions on dodgy birds and indeed no birds. What? It was dead today. I set out from the old house and soon caught up with another chap walking around and the birding was very hard. I did end up with not a bad list but it was incredibly hard work. Birds noted were Blackbird, Dunnock, Redwing, Chaffinch, Wren, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Canada Geese, Buzzard, Wigeon, Mallard, Fieldfare, Robin, Blue Tit, Mute Swan, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Redshank, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Goldfinch, Siskin (site tick), Great Tit, Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, Starling, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull and lesser Black-backed Gull.
Very difficult today but was rewarded in the woodland near the quarry entrance with 3 Siskins which are my first for Whitemoor Haye.
3-1-11, Elford.
The Bewick's Swans are still hanging around so I thought I would catch up with them and add them to me year list. Birds seen were Mute Swan, Bewick's swan and Carrion Crow. Nice.
3-1-11. Croxall GP.
The last few days were catching up with me so as it was back to work tomorrow I ended the morning and todays birding here. Again, the birding was very slow and very hard but, again, patience payed off with some nice birds. Birds noted were Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Canada Geese, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Coot, Greylag Geese, Wigeon, Grey Heron, Dunnock, Pintail, Fieldfare, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Lapwing, Redwing, Great Crested Grebe, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch, Willow Tit, Goosander, Goldcrest and Treecreeper.
A very good opening weekend for me but I'm sure it will tail off. Hopefully not.
Very difficult today but was rewarded in the woodland near the quarry entrance with 3 Siskins which are my first for Whitemoor Haye.
3-1-11, Elford.
The Bewick's Swans are still hanging around so I thought I would catch up with them and add them to me year list. Birds seen were Mute Swan, Bewick's swan and Carrion Crow. Nice.
3-1-11. Croxall GP.
The last few days were catching up with me so as it was back to work tomorrow I ended the morning and todays birding here. Again, the birding was very slow and very hard but, again, patience payed off with some nice birds. Birds noted were Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Canada Geese, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Coot, Greylag Geese, Wigeon, Grey Heron, Dunnock, Pintail, Fieldfare, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Lapwing, Redwing, Great Crested Grebe, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch, Willow Tit, Goosander, Goldcrest and Treecreeper.
A very good opening weekend for me but I'm sure it will tail off. Hopefully not.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
2-1-11, Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
I had booked into a Premier Inn near Norwich for the night. Very pleasant with a nice pub next door. This mornings aim was geese, and in particular, Bean Geese and then after that it was a few sites to get seperate birds before a big finalle then drive home.
I knew the geese were present around Buckingham Marsh but the Norfolk bible said to get more information from Strumpshaw Fen which, according to the bible, opened at day break. I was in the car park for 08.00 and it was very light but the sign said not open till 09.00. I decided to have a walk around the reserve, and I was glad I did. Birds noted were Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Pheasant, Robin, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Coot, Grey Heron, Teal, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Greylag Geese, Magpie, Reed Bunting, Jackdaw, Cormorant, Long-tailed Tit and Skylark. During the walk it started sleeting quite bad so I was back at the visitor centre/hide by 08.55 to a)keep out of the sleet and b) info on the geese. Whilst waiting the sleet stopped so I had a peak through the viewing screen and within minutes was watching three Otters. Bloody hell. I had been to scotland and Northumberland looking for Otters and never seen one and now I had three together. This really made my trip. By 09.15 the visitor centre/hide was still not open so I headed to Buckingham Marsh.
2-1-11, Buckingham Marsh.
Around this area, for a couple of weeks now, has been a Lesser White-fronted Goose. Now, these are extremely rare in the UK and for this to be the real thing would be something amazing. However, in the same area there are a couple of hybrids and many people are saying that the bird is an escapee. This is such an area of huge debate and many people will not go for it because they feel it is not real, but on the other hand many people will. I had the attitude of if I see it I do and will worry about adding it to my life list later, if I dont see it then never mind. Birds noted here were Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Rook, Pheasant, Greylag Geese, Mistle Thrush, Lapwing, Cormorant, Herring Gull, Starling, Teal, Marsh Harrier, Shoveler, Meadow Pipit, Tufted Duck, Dunlin, Reed Bunting, Canada Geese, Egyptian Geese, Blue Tit, White-fronted Geese, Bean Geese and Skylark. On the return trip from the long hike to see the Bean Geese a group of birders were passing me asking if I'd seen the goose. I said I hadnt when the pager went off saying the bird was seen from School Lane, Cantley, a bit further up than where the Bean Geese were. they about tirned and headed back to their cars. I had heard on the previous day about car parking at this site and I knew a load of birders had already gone their earlier. I made the decision not to go for the bird. It would have been nice and I do hope it turns out to be genuine (whoever makes that decision) but I decided to head back to the coast.
2-1-11, Choseley Barns.
I had spent far too long at Buckingham. I had a few birds I would liked to have seen but one was a must and I had to be at Thornham Marsh mid afternoon onwards to get it. No prizes for guessing it by the way. It was another two hour drive to get to Thornham which left me very little time for anywhere else so I decided to have a quick look around Choseley Barns to add anything to my year list. I noted Corn Bunting, Pink-footed Geese, Black-headed Gull, Buzzard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellowhammer, Blackbird, Dunnock and Sparrowhawk.
2-1-11, Thornham Marsh.
For sometime now, this has been home to the probable Northern Harrier. Again there seems to be some dispute about this bird being 100% Northern Harrier, but I decided to have a look at it anyway. Some might ask whats different about this bird to the Lesser White-fronted Goose. Correct, but the chances of the goose being an escapee are huge, from reading other blogs and Birdforum, the harrier shows a few differences from our native harriers and many people are now looking at it as a seperate species. Again, who makes the final decision??
Sod all of the politics though, birds noted were Black-headed Gull, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Teal, Meadow Pipit, Mallard, Redshank, Pink-footed Geese, Great Black-backed Gull, Shelduck, Coot, Herring Gull, Turnstone, Little Egret, Brent Geese and Linnet. I dont mind the cold but after this mornings sleet and rain, I couldn't get warm again and standing around for the bird was hard going. It had been seen at Brancaster Marsh in the morning but not since. It roost was the Thornham area and in between was Titchwell. whats was at Titchwell thats very yummy and warm, tea and pasties. At about 15.00 I decided to head to Titchwell, try and park up then grab myself a some food and drink, then head out towrads the sea and try and intercept it it coming to roost. Good plan I thought but it all went wrong when, in the queue, the pager went off "Northern Harrier - Thornham" With this news, and no pasties left I decided to start heading home with the heater on full blast. as I got to Thornham somthing happened to my car and I was parked up again at Thornham Marsh. Within twenty minutes I was enjoying the NORTHERN HARRIER. It flew within one hundred metres of the hundred or so birders that were present an showed very well the orangy breast, dark body and large white rump. It also had a noticable hanging leg although this hasnt stopped it hunting.
I dont know what to do with this bird. Being an optomist I will pencil it into my black book and add it to all the lists but, being pencil, it can easily be erased.
That was Norfolk. 99.5 birds for the year (Northern Harrier being a half) including 2.5 life ticks. Proberbly did not make the most of the second day but thats the way it goes. Back to local patch birding.
I knew the geese were present around Buckingham Marsh but the Norfolk bible said to get more information from Strumpshaw Fen which, according to the bible, opened at day break. I was in the car park for 08.00 and it was very light but the sign said not open till 09.00. I decided to have a walk around the reserve, and I was glad I did. Birds noted were Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Pheasant, Robin, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Coot, Grey Heron, Teal, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Greylag Geese, Magpie, Reed Bunting, Jackdaw, Cormorant, Long-tailed Tit and Skylark. During the walk it started sleeting quite bad so I was back at the visitor centre/hide by 08.55 to a)keep out of the sleet and b) info on the geese. Whilst waiting the sleet stopped so I had a peak through the viewing screen and within minutes was watching three Otters. Bloody hell. I had been to scotland and Northumberland looking for Otters and never seen one and now I had three together. This really made my trip. By 09.15 the visitor centre/hide was still not open so I headed to Buckingham Marsh.
2-1-11, Buckingham Marsh.
Around this area, for a couple of weeks now, has been a Lesser White-fronted Goose. Now, these are extremely rare in the UK and for this to be the real thing would be something amazing. However, in the same area there are a couple of hybrids and many people are saying that the bird is an escapee. This is such an area of huge debate and many people will not go for it because they feel it is not real, but on the other hand many people will. I had the attitude of if I see it I do and will worry about adding it to my life list later, if I dont see it then never mind. Birds noted here were Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Rook, Pheasant, Greylag Geese, Mistle Thrush, Lapwing, Cormorant, Herring Gull, Starling, Teal, Marsh Harrier, Shoveler, Meadow Pipit, Tufted Duck, Dunlin, Reed Bunting, Canada Geese, Egyptian Geese, Blue Tit, White-fronted Geese, Bean Geese and Skylark. On the return trip from the long hike to see the Bean Geese a group of birders were passing me asking if I'd seen the goose. I said I hadnt when the pager went off saying the bird was seen from School Lane, Cantley, a bit further up than where the Bean Geese were. they about tirned and headed back to their cars. I had heard on the previous day about car parking at this site and I knew a load of birders had already gone their earlier. I made the decision not to go for the bird. It would have been nice and I do hope it turns out to be genuine (whoever makes that decision) but I decided to head back to the coast.
2-1-11, Choseley Barns.
I had spent far too long at Buckingham. I had a few birds I would liked to have seen but one was a must and I had to be at Thornham Marsh mid afternoon onwards to get it. No prizes for guessing it by the way. It was another two hour drive to get to Thornham which left me very little time for anywhere else so I decided to have a quick look around Choseley Barns to add anything to my year list. I noted Corn Bunting, Pink-footed Geese, Black-headed Gull, Buzzard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellowhammer, Blackbird, Dunnock and Sparrowhawk.
2-1-11, Thornham Marsh.
For sometime now, this has been home to the probable Northern Harrier. Again there seems to be some dispute about this bird being 100% Northern Harrier, but I decided to have a look at it anyway. Some might ask whats different about this bird to the Lesser White-fronted Goose. Correct, but the chances of the goose being an escapee are huge, from reading other blogs and Birdforum, the harrier shows a few differences from our native harriers and many people are now looking at it as a seperate species. Again, who makes the final decision??
Sod all of the politics though, birds noted were Black-headed Gull, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Teal, Meadow Pipit, Mallard, Redshank, Pink-footed Geese, Great Black-backed Gull, Shelduck, Coot, Herring Gull, Turnstone, Little Egret, Brent Geese and Linnet. I dont mind the cold but after this mornings sleet and rain, I couldn't get warm again and standing around for the bird was hard going. It had been seen at Brancaster Marsh in the morning but not since. It roost was the Thornham area and in between was Titchwell. whats was at Titchwell thats very yummy and warm, tea and pasties. At about 15.00 I decided to head to Titchwell, try and park up then grab myself a some food and drink, then head out towrads the sea and try and intercept it it coming to roost. Good plan I thought but it all went wrong when, in the queue, the pager went off "Northern Harrier - Thornham" With this news, and no pasties left I decided to start heading home with the heater on full blast. as I got to Thornham somthing happened to my car and I was parked up again at Thornham Marsh. Within twenty minutes I was enjoying the NORTHERN HARRIER. It flew within one hundred metres of the hundred or so birders that were present an showed very well the orangy breast, dark body and large white rump. It also had a noticable hanging leg although this hasnt stopped it hunting.
I dont know what to do with this bird. Being an optomist I will pencil it into my black book and add it to all the lists but, being pencil, it can easily be erased.
That was Norfolk. 99.5 birds for the year (Northern Harrier being a half) including 2.5 life ticks. Proberbly did not make the most of the second day but thats the way it goes. Back to local patch birding.
1-1-11, Thornham Village.
I spent New Years Eve afternoon travelling to my overnight digs near Kings Lynn, a Travel Lodge in Long Sutton. A few early pints then bed although the fireworks did wake me up at midnight. Bah. Anyway, an early start saw me driving through Thornham village at 06.40 and the first bird everyone sees in the morning (unless you are licky enough to have an owl) are Pink-footed Geese. I never get fed up of watching them come and go from their roosts.
1-1-11, Titchwell RSPB.
This place always amazes me with the birding here. Its a very public and busy place but you can soon get a list of birds going. I have never done Norfolk on New Years Day and was expecting hoards of year listers being here to knock the easy ones off. Boy I was wrong. I arrived in the car park at 06.45 and there was two other cars!!! Ideal. I was in Norfolk for two whole days and the plan was Titchwell for the morning and then a drive to Stubbs Mill for dusk. I finally left Titchwell at 12.30 and birds noted were Wood Pigeon, Pink-footed Geese, Robin, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Magpie, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Moorhen, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Great Bittern, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, Curlew, Reed Bunting, Redshank, Shoveler, Carrion Crow, Knot, Brent Geese, Lapwing, Ruff, Great Black-backed Gull, Egyptian Geese, Shelduck, Pied Wagtail, Skylark, Grey Plover, Herring Gull, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Coot, Hen Harrier, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Dunlin, Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Scoter, Rock Pipit, Goldeneye, Velvet Scoter, Snipe, Common Gull, Pheasant and Dunnock. By this time I was back at the cafe enjoying a cup of tea, hot cornish pasty and a kitkat. I always walk the path first up to the beach, sea watch, come back for toilet, tea, food etc then head back out again. This time I was tipped off about a couple of birds I needed to see. Birds noted were Water Rail (I didnt get one last year and one was showing in a ditch and under the feeders), Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Bearded Tit, SHORE LARK (Lifer no 305), Great Crested Grebe, Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Merganser, Eider, Avocet, Linnet, Ringed Plover, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Rook, Wren, Littel Egret, Gadwall and Meadow Pipit. What a cracking way to start the new year. I love this place and I think the new Parrinder Hide is a cracking hide.
One of the hardest birds to see today was the Wren. To put a new bird on the year list it has to be seen . Once seen, heard will do and these little bleeders can be easily heard but hard to see somedays, this being one of them, Bearded Tit was easier!!
1-1-11, Stubbs Mill.
Its almost a two hour drive from Titchwell to Stubbs Mill and on the way I added Jackdaw, Kestrel, Jay and Fieldfare to the year list. I arrived in the Hickling Broads car park at about 14.30 and then had a good twenty minute walk to the viewing point at Stubbs Mill. If you dont know, Stubbs Mill is THE place to see Common Cranes. They, plus many raptors, use this area to roost. I have been here on a few occasions, but in October time, and never seen the Common Cranes. Hopefully today was the day. There was a few people there for the roost but not as many as I was expecting. I had noted down Black-headed Gull, Fieldfare and Jackdaw as I was walking from the car. I set up the scope on the mound and a chap said there were three cranes over there. Scope up and I had three COMMON CRANES (lifer 306). I enjoyed them for a while before settling down for the raptor roost. it was pretty slow but towards the end a few bonus birds turned up for the list. Other birds noted were pink-footed Geese, Blackbird, Robin, Snipe, Marsh Harrier (I eventually od'd on thses as there was at least thirty birds perched in various trees), Stonechat, Carrion Crow, Redwing, Wood Pigeon, Cormorant, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Magpie, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Kingfisher, Woodcock and Tawny Owl.
A great end to a pretty unforgetable day.
1-1-11, Titchwell RSPB.
This place always amazes me with the birding here. Its a very public and busy place but you can soon get a list of birds going. I have never done Norfolk on New Years Day and was expecting hoards of year listers being here to knock the easy ones off. Boy I was wrong. I arrived in the car park at 06.45 and there was two other cars!!! Ideal. I was in Norfolk for two whole days and the plan was Titchwell for the morning and then a drive to Stubbs Mill for dusk. I finally left Titchwell at 12.30 and birds noted were Wood Pigeon, Pink-footed Geese, Robin, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Magpie, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Moorhen, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Pintail, Great Bittern, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, Curlew, Reed Bunting, Redshank, Shoveler, Carrion Crow, Knot, Brent Geese, Lapwing, Ruff, Great Black-backed Gull, Egyptian Geese, Shelduck, Pied Wagtail, Skylark, Grey Plover, Herring Gull, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Coot, Hen Harrier, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Dunlin, Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Scoter, Rock Pipit, Goldeneye, Velvet Scoter, Snipe, Common Gull, Pheasant and Dunnock. By this time I was back at the cafe enjoying a cup of tea, hot cornish pasty and a kitkat. I always walk the path first up to the beach, sea watch, come back for toilet, tea, food etc then head back out again. This time I was tipped off about a couple of birds I needed to see. Birds noted were Water Rail (I didnt get one last year and one was showing in a ditch and under the feeders), Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Bearded Tit, SHORE LARK (Lifer no 305), Great Crested Grebe, Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Merganser, Eider, Avocet, Linnet, Ringed Plover, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Rook, Wren, Littel Egret, Gadwall and Meadow Pipit. What a cracking way to start the new year. I love this place and I think the new Parrinder Hide is a cracking hide.
One of the hardest birds to see today was the Wren. To put a new bird on the year list it has to be seen . Once seen, heard will do and these little bleeders can be easily heard but hard to see somedays, this being one of them, Bearded Tit was easier!!
1-1-11, Stubbs Mill.
Its almost a two hour drive from Titchwell to Stubbs Mill and on the way I added Jackdaw, Kestrel, Jay and Fieldfare to the year list. I arrived in the Hickling Broads car park at about 14.30 and then had a good twenty minute walk to the viewing point at Stubbs Mill. If you dont know, Stubbs Mill is THE place to see Common Cranes. They, plus many raptors, use this area to roost. I have been here on a few occasions, but in October time, and never seen the Common Cranes. Hopefully today was the day. There was a few people there for the roost but not as many as I was expecting. I had noted down Black-headed Gull, Fieldfare and Jackdaw as I was walking from the car. I set up the scope on the mound and a chap said there were three cranes over there. Scope up and I had three COMMON CRANES (lifer 306). I enjoyed them for a while before settling down for the raptor roost. it was pretty slow but towards the end a few bonus birds turned up for the list. Other birds noted were pink-footed Geese, Blackbird, Robin, Snipe, Marsh Harrier (I eventually od'd on thses as there was at least thirty birds perched in various trees), Stonechat, Carrion Crow, Redwing, Wood Pigeon, Cormorant, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Magpie, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Kingfisher, Woodcock and Tawny Owl.
A great end to a pretty unforgetable day.
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