4-3, Worlds End.
One more week to catch up on and it started with an 04.30 pick up, 2 hour drive to Worlds End and an hour and a half sitting watching Black Grouse -in the car - in the freezing cold wind - with the window down - by eck it was cold. So why? Well, do it and see. They are amazing birds and definitely worth the early morning, two hour drive and coldness to be with them. Awesome.
The hills on the far side of the moors were quickly disappearing with snowy conditions so we decided to turn and burn and with snow forecast in North Wales we decided to head closer to home.
4-3, Belvide Reservoir.
My mate has just joined West Mids Bird Club and fancied a visit to Belvide. In general it is pretty quiet here at the moment but the Scaup was easy to find and we had an enjoyable couple of hours.
4-3, Whitemoor Haye.
The usual birds were around including the WhooperSwan but the bonus was a Woodcock which I flushed whilst looking for Treecreeper, which didn't show.
8-3, Whitemoor Haye.
I was off work for a bit with a chest infection but I needed to get out for a walk so had aslow stomp around the patch and with the Whooepr Swan being there it had clocked up its 100th day on site. 2 Snipe in the ditches were a bonus too and a single Redpoll in a hedge was cracking.
11-3, Whitemoor Haye.
Back to work and a cracking early evening walk around the patch produced not a lot. No sign of the Whooper Swan, I wonder if it has took advantage of the calm weather and headed north? There is lots of water at the moment and I am really disappointed for the activity centre as they cannot do much as it is flooded - and if you believe that you believe anything. What do they expect, building on flood plains, tossers.
Anyway, up to date now and off early for a mini adventure tomorrow before getting home and feasting on England v Wales 6 nations decider. Not going to say who I want to win but I just cannot wait for it.
Friday, 11 March 2016
February in brief.
1-2, Elford.
Corn Bunting.
9-2, Chasewater.
Mediterranean but still no Glaucous or Iceland Gulls :(.
11-2, Stubbers Green
An unexpected Common Sandpiper.
11-2, Whitemoor Haye.
11 Grey Partridge, 150 Wigeon, 600 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatchers, and the Whooper Swan.
13-2, Church Broughton.
Black Redstart.
20-2, Whitemoor Haye.
Treecreeper was a nice year tick. 2 Oystercatchers, 26 Siskin, Shelduck and the Whooper Swan were of note.
20-2, Alrewas GP (A38 pit)
5 Chiffchaffs were by far the highlight.
27-2, Fradley Junction.
A female Goosander was on the lake but the best birds were the flock of predominantly male Bramblings in a field by Middle lock.
27-2, Whitemoor Haye.
3 Ravens were nice, the Treecreepers were still there, 4 Oystercatchers, a Lil Egret and theWhooper Swan were in support.
28-2, Whitemoor Haye.
Circa 25 Siskins were still around along with 131 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye and Treecreeper.
28-2, Draycote Water.
A return trip to try and get the Scaup and White-fronted Geese and they were not hard to miss this time.
Corn Bunting.
9-2, Chasewater.
Mediterranean but still no Glaucous or Iceland Gulls :(.
11-2, Stubbers Green
An unexpected Common Sandpiper.
11-2, Whitemoor Haye.
11 Grey Partridge, 150 Wigeon, 600 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatchers, and the Whooper Swan.
13-2, Church Broughton.
Black Redstart.
20-2, Whitemoor Haye.
Treecreeper was a nice year tick. 2 Oystercatchers, 26 Siskin, Shelduck and the Whooper Swan were of note.
20-2, Alrewas GP (A38 pit)
5 Chiffchaffs were by far the highlight.
27-2, Fradley Junction.
A female Goosander was on the lake but the best birds were the flock of predominantly male Bramblings in a field by Middle lock.
27-2, Whitemoor Haye.
3 Ravens were nice, the Treecreepers were still there, 4 Oystercatchers, a Lil Egret and theWhooper Swan were in support.
28-2, Whitemoor Haye.
Circa 25 Siskins were still around along with 131 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye and Treecreeper.
28-2, Draycote Water.
A return trip to try and get the Scaup and White-fronted Geese and they were not hard to miss this time.
Rest of January
Unfortunately my computer had a bit of a breakdown however it is back and I have been birding so a bit of a catch up really.
16-1, Fradley Junction.
Did my monthly guided walk around Fradley, quite busy with Goosander on the lake and a Nuthatch for the year.
16-1, Whitemoor Haye.
Two Whooper Swan were with the Mute Swans, where has this one come from, a Raven was a nice year tick for WH and 2 Gadwall were on the pool.
16-1, circa Alrewas.
A bit of an eventful walk with my mate and his dogs saw us stalking a small pool which had about 200 Teal on it at dusk. Things were about to get much better when a Peregrine drifted over and lifted the Teal (okay, could have been us as well) and then had a go at them. We then went owl hunting with no luck.
16-1.
Late news of a 3rd Whooper Swan today found by Julian Allen, wow. Hope they stay.
17-1, Whitemoor Haye.
900 Lapwing, 30 Siskin, 60+ Skylark, 4 Gadwall, only 1 Whooper Swan :(, 2 Teal, 80 Goldeneye.
23-1, Whitemoor Haye.
1 Sparrowhawk, 700 Lapwing, 2 Ruff, 1 Whooper Swan.
24-1, Whitemoor Haye.
700 Lapwing, 150 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 60 Golden Plover, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Lil Grebe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Oystercatcher, Shoveler. Busy day.
24-1, Uttoxeter Quarry.
A Ring-necked Duck was holding court and found by Mr Powell. When I turned up it was showing at the furthest point possible and it was quite a good hike but well worth it. It was showing with some female Tufties and allowed a good comparison. Writing this on 11-3 and I believe it is the same bird that is currently at Tittesworth reservoir.
27-1, Draycote Water.
With a day off I decided to go further afield than Whitemoor Haye to mop up a few year ticks. A very showy male Smew was a great bird but missed Scaup and White-fronted Goose plus a couple of Great Northern Divers (not needed for the year) but theweather was pretty horrid and almost impossible to scope.
27-1, Ladywalk Reservoir.
Only one bird was expected here and that was the Bittern. I did get it but I was in the wrong hide, the Bittern hide!!!!! when it did a lap of the reserve and showed brilliantly from the River hide, typical. Got it though.
27-1, Whitemoor Haye.
Couldn't resist coming back to the patch!! 2000 Lapwing were the main highlight. No sign of the Whooper.
29-1, Chasewater CP.
First visit of the year for the gulls and not a very good roost was did get the Ring-necked Parakeet which was sadly a year and Staffs tick. Thanks to the friendly people there I was put on to Yellow-legged Gull, and Caspian Gull. I do not know how people find them.
30-1, Hornsbere Pool
A day out in Gloucester saw me and my mate at a few birding sites to nail some good birds. First site was where 2 Penduline Tits were hanging out, these would be a lifer for my mate. After a couple of hours and a few false alarms the birds finally showed up on the reed mace and showed well.
30-1, New Fancy View RSPB.
Kind of fell on to this reserve by mistake but thought it may be worth a go and was rewarded with brief views of a Goshawk.
30-1, Parkend.
Dida couple of sites here before falling on our prey, the Hawfinch. Always good birds to see, cracking bill Gromit.
30-1, Canop Pools.
Just down the road from Parkend and I was told it was a very reliable site for Mandarins and hey presto, 8 were on the pool.
30-1, Kempsey.
Time was getting on so we decided to head home but drop in on the site in Worcester as it had been giving brilliant views of Short-eared Owls, worth a go. Eventually found where to go but there was lots of disappointed people slowly heading to their cars as it was starting to get to dusk. We decided to tough out the cold and were rewarded with brief views of one bird. It was enough though, two happy birders headed back up the M5 home. Great day out.
16-1, Fradley Junction.
Did my monthly guided walk around Fradley, quite busy with Goosander on the lake and a Nuthatch for the year.
16-1, Whitemoor Haye.
Two Whooper Swan were with the Mute Swans, where has this one come from, a Raven was a nice year tick for WH and 2 Gadwall were on the pool.
16-1, circa Alrewas.
A bit of an eventful walk with my mate and his dogs saw us stalking a small pool which had about 200 Teal on it at dusk. Things were about to get much better when a Peregrine drifted over and lifted the Teal (okay, could have been us as well) and then had a go at them. We then went owl hunting with no luck.
16-1.
Late news of a 3rd Whooper Swan today found by Julian Allen, wow. Hope they stay.
17-1, Whitemoor Haye.
900 Lapwing, 30 Siskin, 60+ Skylark, 4 Gadwall, only 1 Whooper Swan :(, 2 Teal, 80 Goldeneye.
23-1, Whitemoor Haye.
1 Sparrowhawk, 700 Lapwing, 2 Ruff, 1 Whooper Swan.
24-1, Whitemoor Haye.
700 Lapwing, 150 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 60 Golden Plover, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Lil Grebe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Oystercatcher, Shoveler. Busy day.
24-1, Uttoxeter Quarry.
A Ring-necked Duck was holding court and found by Mr Powell. When I turned up it was showing at the furthest point possible and it was quite a good hike but well worth it. It was showing with some female Tufties and allowed a good comparison. Writing this on 11-3 and I believe it is the same bird that is currently at Tittesworth reservoir.
27-1, Draycote Water.
With a day off I decided to go further afield than Whitemoor Haye to mop up a few year ticks. A very showy male Smew was a great bird but missed Scaup and White-fronted Goose plus a couple of Great Northern Divers (not needed for the year) but theweather was pretty horrid and almost impossible to scope.
27-1, Ladywalk Reservoir.
Only one bird was expected here and that was the Bittern. I did get it but I was in the wrong hide, the Bittern hide!!!!! when it did a lap of the reserve and showed brilliantly from the River hide, typical. Got it though.
27-1, Whitemoor Haye.
Couldn't resist coming back to the patch!! 2000 Lapwing were the main highlight. No sign of the Whooper.
29-1, Chasewater CP.
First visit of the year for the gulls and not a very good roost was did get the Ring-necked Parakeet which was sadly a year and Staffs tick. Thanks to the friendly people there I was put on to Yellow-legged Gull, and Caspian Gull. I do not know how people find them.
30-1, Hornsbere Pool
A day out in Gloucester saw me and my mate at a few birding sites to nail some good birds. First site was where 2 Penduline Tits were hanging out, these would be a lifer for my mate. After a couple of hours and a few false alarms the birds finally showed up on the reed mace and showed well.
30-1, New Fancy View RSPB.
Kind of fell on to this reserve by mistake but thought it may be worth a go and was rewarded with brief views of a Goshawk.
30-1, Parkend.
Dida couple of sites here before falling on our prey, the Hawfinch. Always good birds to see, cracking bill Gromit.
30-1, Canop Pools.
Just down the road from Parkend and I was told it was a very reliable site for Mandarins and hey presto, 8 were on the pool.
30-1, Kempsey.
Time was getting on so we decided to head home but drop in on the site in Worcester as it had been giving brilliant views of Short-eared Owls, worth a go. Eventually found where to go but there was lots of disappointed people slowly heading to their cars as it was starting to get to dusk. We decided to tough out the cold and were rewarded with brief views of one bird. It was enough though, two happy birders headed back up the M5 home. Great day out.
Tuesday, 12 January 2016
12th January
Bonus bird today. Site visit down in South Wales near Abergavenny and I had my fair share of Red Kites to stare at. Well lush birds!!!!!
Monday, 11 January 2016
9th January
Broad Lane is Heswall, The Wirral, had become a temporary home for a Pallas's Warbler, a tiny Asian warbler. Having not seen this species before I was on the road at 06.00 and on site just before 09.00 (I know it is only 2 hours from Alrewas but it was lashing down with rain so a breakfast was enjoyed). The bird had shown in heavy rain but briefly but that was good news, it was till around, and so the wait was on before it showed again. Show it did thank god, 2 hours later, and so a PALLAS'S WARBLER was in the bag. To begin with it showed on the right hand side hedge on the floor briefly, I didn't get on it then but the it flew to the right hand hedge and continued to act like a Goldcrest as it fed and flittered along the face of the hedgerow enough to get on it and see the orangy yellow supercilium, and yellowy white wing stripes but sadly no pale rump.
As well as the super warbler, bloody load of Goldcrests and the odd Chiffchaff.
I would have liked to bird the Wirral for more birds as it is a fantastic place for some winter birding but I was told of a private site in Cheshire where a Black-necked Grebe had been present for a few weeks. On finding the lake I failed to find the bird but added Raven and Jay to my year list. The bird was present n the Sunday as my contact had it. :(
I decided then to come back in to Staffs to end the day at Swallow Moss but before then I had time to check out a site for Dipper, which I dipped on, before heading to Knotbury for Red Grouse. I got out of the car, scanned the local fields for anything and spotted a bonus Little Owl sitting on a stone wall, a nice year tick. A walk around the track and it wasn't long before a Red Grouse flew past me. That's was enough as time was getting on and I wanted to get to Swallow Moss before dusk.
On the way to Swallow Moss my year list grew one with the sighting of a Short-eared Owl hunting near Flash.
I arrived at Swallow Moss and was there until dark but only managed to get Starlings, Pheasant and a Wren.
A great days birding.
As well as the super warbler, bloody load of Goldcrests and the odd Chiffchaff.
I would have liked to bird the Wirral for more birds as it is a fantastic place for some winter birding but I was told of a private site in Cheshire where a Black-necked Grebe had been present for a few weeks. On finding the lake I failed to find the bird but added Raven and Jay to my year list. The bird was present n the Sunday as my contact had it. :(
I decided then to come back in to Staffs to end the day at Swallow Moss but before then I had time to check out a site for Dipper, which I dipped on, before heading to Knotbury for Red Grouse. I got out of the car, scanned the local fields for anything and spotted a bonus Little Owl sitting on a stone wall, a nice year tick. A walk around the track and it wasn't long before a Red Grouse flew past me. That's was enough as time was getting on and I wanted to get to Swallow Moss before dusk.
On the way to Swallow Moss my year list grew one with the sighting of a Short-eared Owl hunting near Flash.
I arrived at Swallow Moss and was there until dark but only managed to get Starlings, Pheasant and a Wren.
A great days birding.
6th January
My last day off before back to work so I loaded up my bike and did my favourite circuit of gravel pits.
Whitemoor Haye.
30 Siskins were still present but quite mobile, 600 Lapwing, 1 Redshank calling from the pig field, several Tree Sparrows and Yellowhammers, Goldeneye, Tufties and the Whooper Swan still in the field.
National Arboretum.
After getting a puncture and getting my mom to pick it up and take it to my house I continued on foot. Nothing special in the arboretum but did add Redwing and Mistle Thrush to the year list.
Junction Pit.
Seconds after arriving the Cetti's Warbler blasted its unforgettable song, this must be the third year this bird has been present. Has it got a mate? I wouldn't have thought it would hung around if it didn't attract a mate so there maybe a breeding pair there we don't know about!! 2 Snipe were chilling o the bank and five Redshank flew over and appeared to drop in.
Croxall Wides.
Grey Wagtail was the only bird of note on this very flooded corner of the arboretum/river Trent.
Alrewas GP.
4 Goldeneye, 116 Tufties, 10 Gadwall, 7 Teal, 18 Mallard, 41 Coot, at least 3 Chiffchaff and several Goldcrest - new for the year.
Whitemoor Haye.
30 Siskins were still present but quite mobile, 600 Lapwing, 1 Redshank calling from the pig field, several Tree Sparrows and Yellowhammers, Goldeneye, Tufties and the Whooper Swan still in the field.
National Arboretum.
After getting a puncture and getting my mom to pick it up and take it to my house I continued on foot. Nothing special in the arboretum but did add Redwing and Mistle Thrush to the year list.
Junction Pit.
Seconds after arriving the Cetti's Warbler blasted its unforgettable song, this must be the third year this bird has been present. Has it got a mate? I wouldn't have thought it would hung around if it didn't attract a mate so there maybe a breeding pair there we don't know about!! 2 Snipe were chilling o the bank and five Redshank flew over and appeared to drop in.
Croxall Wides.
Grey Wagtail was the only bird of note on this very flooded corner of the arboretum/river Trent.
Alrewas GP.
4 Goldeneye, 116 Tufties, 10 Gadwall, 7 Teal, 18 Mallard, 41 Coot, at least 3 Chiffchaff and several Goldcrest - new for the year.
Thursday, 7 January 2016
Photos
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| Black-tailed Godwit - Titchwell RSPB |
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| Purple Sandpiper - Sheringham |
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| Shoveler - Titchwell RSPB |
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| Barn Owl - Titchwell RSPB |
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| Shag - Rudyard Lake |
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| Red-necked Grebe - Trentham Gardens |
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| Ehyptian Geese - Hickling Broad |
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| Shorelark - Thornham |
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| Twite - Thornham |
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| Hoopoe - Wall Heath (Taken 1st Dec) |
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| Whooper Swan -Whitemoor Haye |
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| Rough-legged Buzzard - Choseley Barns |
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| Carrion Crow, Titchwell RSPB |
5th January
Staffordshire had some quite nice birds around so me and my mate, Tony, decide to mop up these whilst they were still present.
Rudyard Lake was the first destination for a long staying Shag and it wasn't long before we saw it on a boat before getting absolutely ridiculous close views of this bird.
Next destination was Trentham Gardens for a Red-necked Grebe and again it was not long before it was seen at the far end of the lake and, again, great views were had.
Next site was the southern tip of Staffordshire for a long staying bird and one which has a surprise bird for the winter, a Hoopoe. Again this bird was showing well.
Since the Little Owls abandoned Whitemoor Haye I have no regular site for Little Owls until Tony showed me a site near Yoxall last year however the birds were not showing today.
3 out of 4 aint bad.
Rudyard Lake was the first destination for a long staying Shag and it wasn't long before we saw it on a boat before getting absolutely ridiculous close views of this bird.
Next destination was Trentham Gardens for a Red-necked Grebe and again it was not long before it was seen at the far end of the lake and, again, great views were had.
Next site was the southern tip of Staffordshire for a long staying bird and one which has a surprise bird for the winter, a Hoopoe. Again this bird was showing well.
Since the Little Owls abandoned Whitemoor Haye I have no regular site for Little Owls until Tony showed me a site near Yoxall last year however the birds were not showing today.
3 out of 4 aint bad.
4th January
Just a check around Whitemoor Haye today and birds included Siskin (these have been present for a couple of months now, seen in the small woodland by the quarry entrance), 25 Wigeon, 850 Lapwing, 33 Mute Swan, 1 Whooper Swan, Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Fieldfare, and a Sparrowhawk.
3rd January.
Last day and the forecast was not good so there was only one site to visit and that was Titchwell RSPB. Pretty much the same birds as on January 1st but it was an enjoyable couple of hours until news of a bird I would have loved for the year list, a Pallid Harrier. This bird had been showing in a field near Flitcham well before New Years Day but the it suddenly disappeared, no doubt leaving lots of listers disappointed. Anyway, on arrival, the view had only been a flyby and there had been no sign for over an hour. An hour later there was still o sign and with the rains coming I headed back but not before adding a Brambling to my list.
With a pretty good trip home in constant rain it stopped as I approached the village so I decided to check out the patch, Whitemoor Haye, The Whooper Swan was still present, a smart male Peregrine was sitting on a rock and then I was treated to a Merlin being pestered by some crows. Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, and, amazingly, Tufted Duck were year ticks (yep, no tufties seen whilst in Norfolk).
With a pretty good trip home in constant rain it stopped as I approached the village so I decided to check out the patch, Whitemoor Haye, The Whooper Swan was still present, a smart male Peregrine was sitting on a rock and then I was treated to a Merlin being pestered by some crows. Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, and, amazingly, Tufted Duck were year ticks (yep, no tufties seen whilst in Norfolk).
2nd January.
Next morning the plan was to go to Buckingham Marsh RSPB for geese however reports from the previous day said they were very distance and with some showing near Cley I decided to take the risk of finding these and so instead I decided to go to Sea Palling for a Cattle Egret. This was my big mistake of the holiday as I didn't know where Sea Palling was but thought it was near Cromer when in fact it was the next village along from Hickling where Stubbs Mill is. What was even more painful was that the bird was not seen again since January 1st, gutted. That was one of he birds I really wanted from the trip. Hey ho, that's birding!!!
Well it was off to Cley to look for the Bean Geese, well Kelling to be exact, but on the way I fancied |Sheringham and was delighted to see Purple Sandpiper as well as Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Fulmar.
Now for these Bean Geese at Kelling and after an drive around the village I soon found a field full of Pink-footed Geese and eventually found 4 Bean Geese. Nice.
Next, with my digs at Hunstanton for the night, I went for the Rough-legged Buzzards once again as they had been reported showing well only minutes ago. Once on site I was soon on one of the birds and was treated to a Barn Owl too. I got talking to another birder and he told me about the Twite and Shorelarks at Thornham. These were too good to miss.
The Twite showed brilliantly I the car park, the Shorelarks also showed brilliantly but were a bloody good walk and the only time in three days I got slightly wet. Worth it though.
I still had about an hours daylight so decided to head to Hunstanton to watch night fall.
Well it was off to Cley to look for the Bean Geese, well Kelling to be exact, but on the way I fancied |Sheringham and was delighted to see Purple Sandpiper as well as Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Fulmar.
Now for these Bean Geese at Kelling and after an drive around the village I soon found a field full of Pink-footed Geese and eventually found 4 Bean Geese. Nice.
Next, with my digs at Hunstanton for the night, I went for the Rough-legged Buzzards once again as they had been reported showing well only minutes ago. Once on site I was soon on one of the birds and was treated to a Barn Owl too. I got talking to another birder and he told me about the Twite and Shorelarks at Thornham. These were too good to miss.
The Twite showed brilliantly I the car park, the Shorelarks also showed brilliantly but were a bloody good walk and the only time in three days I got slightly wet. Worth it though.
I still had about an hours daylight so decided to head to Hunstanton to watch night fall.
2016, New Year, New Attitude!!
Well well well, its been sometime since I last posted on this blog and I have decided to have yet another go.
In the last couple of years I have been birding and I have been tweeting, just not been blogging but I fancy another go so here we are. If there are any readers out there, let me know by leaving a comment, I know I will not be doing it for nothing then.
Last year was pretty disappointing on a birding front but that was down to circumstance, I received the keys for my house on August 1st, a lit of hard work had to be done so the birding was put to the side along with biking, fishing and beer consumption however it sure has been worth it as I am writing this in my lounge watching my TV and cooking my dinner. Yeah baby.
This year I intend to beat last years totals which were three lifers and about 180 bird for the year so where better than Norfolk to start off a new year.
1st January 2016.
With the forecast looking okay for a couple of days the hotels were booked and I was on the way to Titchwell RSPB when I saw my first bird for the year and I cannot complain with what it was, a lovely Barn Owl near Norfolk Lavender centre, Heacham (Hunstanton). On arrival at Titchwell RSPB at 07.00 yes, it was dark, but birds were singing but they couldn't be counted as I have a rule for the first bird of the year has to be seen that is for one bird, a Cetti's Warbler. It is possible to be three feet from a small bush with the bird singing away for ages and the bird would not be seen so, in my rule book, I don't have to see it.
Birds seen included Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Avocets, Pink-footed Geese, Water Rail, Pintail, Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Peregrine, Common Scoter and Chiffchaff.
I was heading for Norwich but news came through of a Rough-legged Buzzard at Choseley but being there 30 mins with no sign for an hour I headed off.
My main destination was Stubbs Milll fro the harrier/crane roost. After seeing a Barn Owl near to Hickling Broad, Stubbs Mill saw plenty of Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Cranes and a female Hen Harrier.
In the last couple of years I have been birding and I have been tweeting, just not been blogging but I fancy another go so here we are. If there are any readers out there, let me know by leaving a comment, I know I will not be doing it for nothing then.
Last year was pretty disappointing on a birding front but that was down to circumstance, I received the keys for my house on August 1st, a lit of hard work had to be done so the birding was put to the side along with biking, fishing and beer consumption however it sure has been worth it as I am writing this in my lounge watching my TV and cooking my dinner. Yeah baby.
This year I intend to beat last years totals which were three lifers and about 180 bird for the year so where better than Norfolk to start off a new year.
1st January 2016.
With the forecast looking okay for a couple of days the hotels were booked and I was on the way to Titchwell RSPB when I saw my first bird for the year and I cannot complain with what it was, a lovely Barn Owl near Norfolk Lavender centre, Heacham (Hunstanton). On arrival at Titchwell RSPB at 07.00 yes, it was dark, but birds were singing but they couldn't be counted as I have a rule for the first bird of the year has to be seen that is for one bird, a Cetti's Warbler. It is possible to be three feet from a small bush with the bird singing away for ages and the bird would not be seen so, in my rule book, I don't have to see it.
Birds seen included Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Avocets, Pink-footed Geese, Water Rail, Pintail, Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Peregrine, Common Scoter and Chiffchaff.
I was heading for Norwich but news came through of a Rough-legged Buzzard at Choseley but being there 30 mins with no sign for an hour I headed off.
My main destination was Stubbs Milll fro the harrier/crane roost. After seeing a Barn Owl near to Hickling Broad, Stubbs Mill saw plenty of Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Cranes and a female Hen Harrier.
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Recent photos
Masked Shrike - Kilnsea
Brent Geese - Warham Green
.JPG)
Red-backed Shrike - Bempton Cliffs RSPB
Penduline Tit - Titchwell RSPB
Spotted Redshank - Titchwell RSPB
Wood Sandpiper - Blacktoft Sands RSPB
Common Cranes - Guyhirn
Roesel's Bush Cricket - Kilnsea. This is the most northern record of this species recorded in UK
Sooty Shearwater - Skua/Shearwater Cruise, Bridlington Bay
Puffin - Skua/Shearwater Cruise, Bridlington Bay
Fulmar - Skua/Shearwater Cruise, Bridlington Bay. Bird in front is a blue Fulmare
Purple Sandpiper - Bridlington Harbour
Fulmar - Bempton Cliffs RSPB
Kittiwake - Bridlington Harbour
Ruff/Redshank - Blacktoft Sands RSPB
Grey Phalarope - Cley NR
Nuthatch - Fradley Junction NR
Chaffinch - Fradley Junction NR
Nuthatch - Fradley Junction NR
Chaffinch - Fradley Junction NR
Treecreeper - Fradley Junction NR
Coal Tit - Fradley Junction NR
Coal Tit - Fradley Junction NR
Great Spotted Woodpecker - Fradley Junction NR
Long-tailed Tit - National Arboretum
Monday, 10 November 2014
Up to November 9th
Well it didn't take long to not update my blog. Last time I blogged I was struggling with a bad back gutted that the third ever Masked Shrike had been found in Kilnsea. So what has been happening since. On a health note I am up and er running, well walking anyway, but back to normal and I have been out birding as ever.
22-9-14, Whitemoor Haye.
7 Little Egrets, 151 Cormorants, 28 Wigeon, 4 Ruff, 4 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 4 Swallow.
27-9-14, Kilnsea.
A pre-organised trip saw me having a couple of days in East Yorkshire and the main question was whether the Masked Shrike was still present. Well, bang, yes. It hung around and By 09.00 I was watching the third MASKED SHRIKE for the UK. A right cracker. Other birds included Pink-footed Geese, Grey Plover, Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat and Water Rail to name a few.
Easington Gas Terminal.
Last year this held a Yellow-browed Warbler so as we were passing we thought we would give it a go. Nowt special.
Hornsea Mere.
Spent an hour or so photographing birds in flight, great fun. Again nothing special.
28-9-14, circa Bridlington.
Today we had booked ourselves on the Skua/Shearwater cruise from Bridlington. Whilst waiting to board I noted Kittiwake, Turnstone and Sandwich Tern. After the cruise we found a few Purple Sandpiper along the walls.
Skua/Shearwater cruise.
It was great to get out on the boat, not done it for a few years. Not a brilliant trip for skuas bit notable sightings were Common Scoter, several Puffins, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Shags, Little Gulls and some harbour porpoises.
Bempton Cliff RSPB.
With little reported nearby we headed for Bempton Cliffs RSPB as a Red-backed Shrike had been present and my mate needed this for a lifer. 5 minutes from parking and the bird was in the bag so we had a walk around the cliff tops with not much else to tell about.
29-9-14, Blacktoft Sands RSPB.
With little decent birds around East Yorkshire we headed home and decided to stop at this great reserve. Notable birds were Wood Sandpiper, Tree Sparrow, Spotted Redshank, Snipe, Water Rail, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier and Pink-footed Geese.
2-1-14, Whitemoor Haye.
2 Greenshank, Tree Sparrow.
3-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
29 Tufties, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, Tree Sparrow, Sparrowhawk.
4-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
8 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Greenshank, Chiffchaff and c40 Tree Sparrow.
5-10-14, Alrewas GP.
16 Great Crested Grebe, 112 Tufties, 27 Coot, 30 Mallard, 2 Teal, 6 Pochard, Kingfisher, Chiffchaff, 1 Snipe, few Wigeon.
Croxall Wides - part of Croxall nature reserve but viewed over river from national arboretum.
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, Teal, Lapwing.
Whitemoor Haye.
83 Tufties, 4 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker.
7-10-14, Denham Green (somewhere NW of London).
Red Kite, Ring-necked Parakeet, Grey Wagtail.
Whitemoor Haye.
3 Little Egret, 6 Tufties, 3 Pochard, 7 Coot, 1 Grey Partridge.
9-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
1 Teal, 31 Tufties, 2 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Coot, 11 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank.
12-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
News broke of a Shag at whilst I was at home just about to go out to check the pits so it was straight down to get a Staffordshire and site tick and a good one too. It was soon located, viewed from the road. Other birds included 8 Coot, 14 Tufties, 1 Raven, several Mistle Thrush and 5 Little Egret.
National Arboretum.
Long-tailed Tits, Mistle Thrush, Raven, Teal.
Croxall Wides.
Teal, 1 Little Egret.
Alrewas GP.
9 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Mallard, 126 Tufties and 32 Coot.
17-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
17 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Tufties, 1 Merlin.
18-10-14, Warham Green.
Over the previous few days there was big numbers of birds making landfall in Norfolk, Yellow-browed Warblers, Barred Warblers, Red-breasted Flycatchers etc plus an Isabelline Shrike. Friday I ummed and arred but eventually gave up, managed to get some digs Saturday night and was on the road at 04.00 to try and nail the shrike. Things don't always go to plan and after an hour at Warham Green it was pretty obvious the shrike had gone, in fact a lot of birds had cleared out and with high winds birding was going to be tough. Rough-legged Buzzard being the only decent bird.
Cley NNR.
A Grey Phalarope had been present on a pool near the beach, I didn't really have time to go round the reserve so it was to the beach and then find the Grey Phalarope. This was not hard and a few photographs later I was off to the next site.
Salthouse Beach.
Lapland Buntings had bee reported here, I decided to have half an hour as you never know what might turn up, Snow Bunting, Shorelark, Lapland Bunting. It was few years ago I had my pone and only Lapland Bunting on Salthouse Beach, the same day I twitched the White-crowned Sparrow in Cley-next-the-Sea. Today In was also in luck when I found 2 Lapland Buntings on a fence.
Wells Woods.
This can be a great site this time of year however I aw very little.
Holkham Pines.
As with the last site this can be brilliant this time of year and indeed a Pallas Warbler, Firecrest and Yellow-browed Warbler had been seen and was seen whilst I was there however the tit flock was moving through the pines very quickly, wind assisted and needless to say I never got on any of the birds.
Titchwell RSPB.
Having had a fairly disappointing day I decided to head for Titchwell to at least see several birds and do a bit of photography. Notable birds were Black-tailed Godwit, Water Rail, Cetti's Warbler, 40+ Little Egrets, Spotted Redshank, Grey Plover, Mediterranean Gull, but what turned out tom be bird of the day was found whilst I was twenty feet away, a Penduline Tit.
19-10-14, Guyhirn.
After an enjoyable but disappointing day I headed home but wanted to visit a couple of sites on the way and I was told of this site the previous day. I searched for the Chill Out café, pointed by scope over the road and I was watching 7 Common Cranes.
Rutland Water.
I was hoping for Red-necked and Black-necked Grebes here. No luck with them but I noted Great White Egret, Tree Sparrow, Marsh Tit, Green Sandpiper and a close Kingfisher.
20-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
33 Mute Swan, several Tree Sparrow, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Lapwing.
23-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
22 Mute Swan, 40+ Tree Sparrow, 45 Lapwing, 5 Mallard, 21 Coot, 16 Tufties, 1 Shoveler.
25-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
1 Little Grebe, 16 Coot, 111 Mute Swan, 120 Lapwing, 3 Grey Partridge.
26-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
19 Little Egret, 120+ Cormorant, 188 Lapwing, 20 Tufties, 16 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Coot, 126 Mute Swan, 8 Mallard, 2 Teal.
National Arboretum.
Redwings, Goldcrest, Sparrowhawk.
Croxall Wides.
Teal, Green Woodpecker, Redwing.
Alrewas GP.
43 Tufties, 11 Mallard, 1 Green Sandpiper.
29-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
45 Lapwing, 90 Mute Swan, 19 Coot, 17 Mallard, 7 Teal, 2 Tufties, 3 Great Crested Grebe, Tree Sparrow.
31-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Grey Partridge.
1-11-14, Whitemoor Haye.
10 Tufties, 55 Pochard, 22 Coot, 39 Mallard, 7 Little Egret, Goldcrest, 98 Lapwing, 200+ Golden Plover, 12 Grey Partridge, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer.
2-11-14, Whitemoor Haye.
46 Coot, 6 Tufties, 15 Mallard, 188 Mute Swan, Tree Sparrow.
Alrewas GP.
Jay, 9 Mallard, 74 Tufties, 4 Coot, Mistle Thrush.
Junction Pit (pool within National Arboretum).
Cetti's Warbler.
Croxall Wides.
Pochard, Teal, Little Grebe.
8-11-14, Whitemoor Haye.
52 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 84 Tufties, 156 Pochard, 66 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 31 Mallard, 15 Wigeon, 211 Lapwing, Fieldfare, Redwing, Tree Sparrow.
9-11-14, Whitemoor Haye.
59 Tufties, 4 Wigeon, 43 Pochard, 58 Coot, 350+ Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Teal, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Sparrow.
National Arboretum.
Redwing, Goldcrest.
Junction Pit.
Cetti's Warbler.
Alrewas GP.
65 Lapwing, 5 Teal, 59 Tufties, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 3 Coot, 4 Wigeon, 3 Pochard.
Once I have sorted them out I will get a few pictures rom the last few weeks and I will also try and keep this blog up to date much quicker.
22-9-14, Whitemoor Haye.
7 Little Egrets, 151 Cormorants, 28 Wigeon, 4 Ruff, 4 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 4 Swallow.
27-9-14, Kilnsea.
A pre-organised trip saw me having a couple of days in East Yorkshire and the main question was whether the Masked Shrike was still present. Well, bang, yes. It hung around and By 09.00 I was watching the third MASKED SHRIKE for the UK. A right cracker. Other birds included Pink-footed Geese, Grey Plover, Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat and Water Rail to name a few.
Easington Gas Terminal.
Last year this held a Yellow-browed Warbler so as we were passing we thought we would give it a go. Nowt special.
Hornsea Mere.
Spent an hour or so photographing birds in flight, great fun. Again nothing special.
28-9-14, circa Bridlington.
Today we had booked ourselves on the Skua/Shearwater cruise from Bridlington. Whilst waiting to board I noted Kittiwake, Turnstone and Sandwich Tern. After the cruise we found a few Purple Sandpiper along the walls.
Skua/Shearwater cruise.
It was great to get out on the boat, not done it for a few years. Not a brilliant trip for skuas bit notable sightings were Common Scoter, several Puffins, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Shags, Little Gulls and some harbour porpoises.
Bempton Cliff RSPB.
With little reported nearby we headed for Bempton Cliffs RSPB as a Red-backed Shrike had been present and my mate needed this for a lifer. 5 minutes from parking and the bird was in the bag so we had a walk around the cliff tops with not much else to tell about.
29-9-14, Blacktoft Sands RSPB.
With little decent birds around East Yorkshire we headed home and decided to stop at this great reserve. Notable birds were Wood Sandpiper, Tree Sparrow, Spotted Redshank, Snipe, Water Rail, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier and Pink-footed Geese.
2-1-14, Whitemoor Haye.
2 Greenshank, Tree Sparrow.
3-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
29 Tufties, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, Tree Sparrow, Sparrowhawk.
4-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
8 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Greenshank, Chiffchaff and c40 Tree Sparrow.
5-10-14, Alrewas GP.
16 Great Crested Grebe, 112 Tufties, 27 Coot, 30 Mallard, 2 Teal, 6 Pochard, Kingfisher, Chiffchaff, 1 Snipe, few Wigeon.
Croxall Wides - part of Croxall nature reserve but viewed over river from national arboretum.
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, Teal, Lapwing.
Whitemoor Haye.
83 Tufties, 4 Coot, 1 Green Woodpecker.
7-10-14, Denham Green (somewhere NW of London).
Red Kite, Ring-necked Parakeet, Grey Wagtail.
Whitemoor Haye.
3 Little Egret, 6 Tufties, 3 Pochard, 7 Coot, 1 Grey Partridge.
9-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
1 Teal, 31 Tufties, 2 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Coot, 11 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank.
12-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
News broke of a Shag at whilst I was at home just about to go out to check the pits so it was straight down to get a Staffordshire and site tick and a good one too. It was soon located, viewed from the road. Other birds included 8 Coot, 14 Tufties, 1 Raven, several Mistle Thrush and 5 Little Egret.
National Arboretum.
Long-tailed Tits, Mistle Thrush, Raven, Teal.
Croxall Wides.
Teal, 1 Little Egret.
Alrewas GP.
9 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Mallard, 126 Tufties and 32 Coot.
17-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
17 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Tufties, 1 Merlin.
18-10-14, Warham Green.
Over the previous few days there was big numbers of birds making landfall in Norfolk, Yellow-browed Warblers, Barred Warblers, Red-breasted Flycatchers etc plus an Isabelline Shrike. Friday I ummed and arred but eventually gave up, managed to get some digs Saturday night and was on the road at 04.00 to try and nail the shrike. Things don't always go to plan and after an hour at Warham Green it was pretty obvious the shrike had gone, in fact a lot of birds had cleared out and with high winds birding was going to be tough. Rough-legged Buzzard being the only decent bird.
Cley NNR.
A Grey Phalarope had been present on a pool near the beach, I didn't really have time to go round the reserve so it was to the beach and then find the Grey Phalarope. This was not hard and a few photographs later I was off to the next site.
Salthouse Beach.
Lapland Buntings had bee reported here, I decided to have half an hour as you never know what might turn up, Snow Bunting, Shorelark, Lapland Bunting. It was few years ago I had my pone and only Lapland Bunting on Salthouse Beach, the same day I twitched the White-crowned Sparrow in Cley-next-the-Sea. Today In was also in luck when I found 2 Lapland Buntings on a fence.
Wells Woods.
This can be a great site this time of year however I aw very little.
Holkham Pines.
As with the last site this can be brilliant this time of year and indeed a Pallas Warbler, Firecrest and Yellow-browed Warbler had been seen and was seen whilst I was there however the tit flock was moving through the pines very quickly, wind assisted and needless to say I never got on any of the birds.
Titchwell RSPB.
Having had a fairly disappointing day I decided to head for Titchwell to at least see several birds and do a bit of photography. Notable birds were Black-tailed Godwit, Water Rail, Cetti's Warbler, 40+ Little Egrets, Spotted Redshank, Grey Plover, Mediterranean Gull, but what turned out tom be bird of the day was found whilst I was twenty feet away, a Penduline Tit.
19-10-14, Guyhirn.
After an enjoyable but disappointing day I headed home but wanted to visit a couple of sites on the way and I was told of this site the previous day. I searched for the Chill Out café, pointed by scope over the road and I was watching 7 Common Cranes.
Rutland Water.
I was hoping for Red-necked and Black-necked Grebes here. No luck with them but I noted Great White Egret, Tree Sparrow, Marsh Tit, Green Sandpiper and a close Kingfisher.
20-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
33 Mute Swan, several Tree Sparrow, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Lapwing.
23-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
22 Mute Swan, 40+ Tree Sparrow, 45 Lapwing, 5 Mallard, 21 Coot, 16 Tufties, 1 Shoveler.
25-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
1 Little Grebe, 16 Coot, 111 Mute Swan, 120 Lapwing, 3 Grey Partridge.
26-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
19 Little Egret, 120+ Cormorant, 188 Lapwing, 20 Tufties, 16 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Coot, 126 Mute Swan, 8 Mallard, 2 Teal.
National Arboretum.
Redwings, Goldcrest, Sparrowhawk.
Croxall Wides.
Teal, Green Woodpecker, Redwing.
Alrewas GP.
43 Tufties, 11 Mallard, 1 Green Sandpiper.
29-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
45 Lapwing, 90 Mute Swan, 19 Coot, 17 Mallard, 7 Teal, 2 Tufties, 3 Great Crested Grebe, Tree Sparrow.
31-10-14, Whitemoor Haye.
Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Grey Partridge.
1-11-14, Whitemoor Haye.
10 Tufties, 55 Pochard, 22 Coot, 39 Mallard, 7 Little Egret, Goldcrest, 98 Lapwing, 200+ Golden Plover, 12 Grey Partridge, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer.
2-11-14, Whitemoor Haye.
46 Coot, 6 Tufties, 15 Mallard, 188 Mute Swan, Tree Sparrow.
Alrewas GP.
Jay, 9 Mallard, 74 Tufties, 4 Coot, Mistle Thrush.
Junction Pit (pool within National Arboretum).
Cetti's Warbler.
Croxall Wides.
Pochard, Teal, Little Grebe.
8-11-14, Whitemoor Haye.
52 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 84 Tufties, 156 Pochard, 66 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 31 Mallard, 15 Wigeon, 211 Lapwing, Fieldfare, Redwing, Tree Sparrow.
9-11-14, Whitemoor Haye.
59 Tufties, 4 Wigeon, 43 Pochard, 58 Coot, 350+ Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Teal, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Sparrow.
National Arboretum.
Redwing, Goldcrest.
Junction Pit.
Cetti's Warbler.
Alrewas GP.
65 Lapwing, 5 Teal, 59 Tufties, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 3 Coot, 4 Wigeon, 3 Pochard.
Once I have sorted them out I will get a few pictures rom the last few weeks and I will also try and keep this blog up to date much quicker.
Saturday, 20 September 2014
Bugger.
Whilst some really decent birds are showing up on the east coast, Masked Shrike - Spurn, Yellow-browed Warbler - Flamborough, Barred Warbler - Holy Island, Red-breasted Flycatcher - Kilnsea, Olive-backed Pipit - Wells Wood and Gibralter Point to name just a few, I am stuck at home watching the light drizzle or mizzle fall nursing a really sore back. Gutted. Hopefully the Masked Shrike will hang around for a week, I am in East Yorkshire next Saturday birding for a couple of days hopefully.
Below are a few photos taken through the last few months.
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Below are a few photos taken through the last few months.
Grey Plover at Titchwell RSPB
Grey Partridge at Whitemoor Haye
Tufted Duck at Fradley Junction nature reserve
Wren at Tictchwell RSPB
Yellowhammer at Whitemoor Haye
Yellow Wagtail at Whitemoor Haye
Spectacled Warbler at Burnham Overy Staithe
Redshank at Burham Overy Staithe
Little Terns (adult and young) at Burnham Overy Staithe
Marsh Sandpiper at Frampton On Severn. The bigger bird is a Ruff with the sandpiper to the right. You may need a magnifying glass!!!
Robin at Middleton Lakes RSPB
Woodpigeon at Titchwell RSPB
Gadwall at Cley national nature reserve
Avocet at Cley national nature reserve
Garganey at Willington gravel pits.
Female Shovler and chicks at Cley national nature resrve
Drake Shoveler at Cley national nature reserve
Great White Egret at Branston Water Park
Pacific Golden Plover at Middleton Lakes RSPB
Night Heron at Seaswood Pools
Little Egret at Croxall gravel pits
Whinchat at Middleton Lakes RSPB
Egyptian Goose at Rutland Water
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