The weather over the Summer has hardly been spectacular but one nonetheless becomes used to comfortable day time temperatures where nothing more than light clothing is required. I left Glasgow at 7:30 am on Sunday 29th Aug with a slight breeze blowing and reasonable temperatures and despite seeing the forecast for "strong northerly winds in the East" I was completely unprepared for a day more akin to November than August. In short I was "bloody freezing"
I saw very little and certainly not the Semi Palmated Sandpiper that was first reported the previous day. The strong winds and squally rain limited me to a scattering of Dunlin and Ringed Plover and 2-3 Greenshank. I gave up at midday and vowed to pack warm clothes for future visits to the East coast.
Monday 30 August 2010
Thursday 19 August 2010
Tawny Owl in Garden
A Tawny Owl was calling loudly from a neighbouring garden last night (18 August) around 9:30 am. Despite my best efforts I could not see it, but good to know they are still around.
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Sykes's Warbler in Northumberland.............I think !
With news breaking on Sunday evening of the clinching of the ID of Sykes's Warbler in Northumberland, a half day from work on the Monday (16 th August 10) was forthcoming and I was on site for 3pm.
The bird was being watched by about 50 birders and quickly afforded telescope views in a stunted bush. It was very active and over the 2 hours I was present I saw it fairly well on a number of occasions. The shot below is very poor but records the moment............. I think:
Although of the genus Hippolais, it looked almost Acrocephalus and at no stage gave the impression of Phylloscopus that is more associated with Booted Warbler. The comparatively long pointed bill was very evident. Very pale in coloration with a supercillium in front of the eye on an otherwise very plain face. There was no buff wash on the flanks and it gave the appearance of being long tailed. The short primary projection is evident from the photographs I have seen.
Some better images:
The only other birds of note were a calling Whimbrel and a few Sandwich Terns.
The bird was being watched by about 50 birders and quickly afforded telescope views in a stunted bush. It was very active and over the 2 hours I was present I saw it fairly well on a number of occasions. The shot below is very poor but records the moment............. I think:
Although of the genus Hippolais, it looked almost Acrocephalus and at no stage gave the impression of Phylloscopus that is more associated with Booted Warbler. The comparatively long pointed bill was very evident. Very pale in coloration with a supercillium in front of the eye on an otherwise very plain face. There was no buff wash on the flanks and it gave the appearance of being long tailed. The short primary projection is evident from the photographs I have seen.
Some better images:
The only other birds of note were a calling Whimbrel and a few Sandwich Terns.
Sunday 15 August 2010
Willow Warbler in Garden
The annual post breeding dispersal often turns this species up in the garden. A loud "hoeet" greeted me at 8:30 am as the bird moved back and forth between the cherry, rowan and elder trees. At times a sub song was also audible.
Sunday 8 August 2010
08 August 10 Montrose Basin
Ruddy Shelduck has long been on my wanted list and whilst I suppose one can never be absolutely confident about the origin of some of the birds, 9 together on the East coast is about as good as it gets. Originally found at Loch of Strathbeg in July, the 9 birds relocated to the Montrose Basin whilst I was in Suffolk. However, since they had not been reported recently I assumed they had gone. However, when they were reported again last night the opportunity for bird number 390 in Britain was too good to miss !
I arrived at the Lurgies around 8:30 am and quickly found the birds on an incoming tide. Although never particularly close I think you get the general idea:
The other very good bird present today was a Common Crane, but unfortunately I failed to see it despite it taking flight on at least 2 occasions.
Greenshanks were frequently heard and seen. 1 Little Egret, still a scare bird in Scotland, was present. Several Common Sands were seen throught the day and a hunting Peregrine put up all the waders at one stage. A Tree Pipit could be heard singing from adjacient woodland.
One of the local ringers was mist netting birds on the marsh and called me over to show me a Kingfisher he had caught. From memory this is my first for the year. I cannot recollect a previous one ? I saw a further 2 in flight later on in the day.
Some other images of a very enjoyable day:
Mute Swan family on the South Esk:
'Atmospheric' RB Merg with young:
Male Yellowhammer:
I arrived at the Lurgies around 8:30 am and quickly found the birds on an incoming tide. Although never particularly close I think you get the general idea:
The other very good bird present today was a Common Crane, but unfortunately I failed to see it despite it taking flight on at least 2 occasions.
Greenshanks were frequently heard and seen. 1 Little Egret, still a scare bird in Scotland, was present. Several Common Sands were seen throught the day and a hunting Peregrine put up all the waders at one stage. A Tree Pipit could be heard singing from adjacient woodland.
One of the local ringers was mist netting birds on the marsh and called me over to show me a Kingfisher he had caught. From memory this is my first for the year. I cannot recollect a previous one ? I saw a further 2 in flight later on in the day.
Some other images of a very enjoyable day:
Mute Swan family on the South Esk:
'Atmospheric' RB Merg with young:
Male Yellowhammer:
Saturday 7 August 2010
05 August 10 Minsmere
An early morning visit.
A Muntjac Deer showed well in the woodland.
Juvenile Shelduck close to the South Hide:
Moorhen from the same hide:
From Bittern hide a Bittern was seen briefly in flight and a Green Sandpiper briefly flew in.
A Sparrowhawk was seen on two occasions.
A Muntjac Deer showed well in the woodland.
Juvenile Shelduck close to the South Hide:
Moorhen from the same hide:
From Bittern hide a Bittern was seen briefly in flight and a Green Sandpiper briefly flew in.
A Sparrowhawk was seen on two occasions.
04 August 10 Minsmere & Blyth Estuary
An early morning visit to Minsmere produced nothing out of the ordinary.
A Nuthatch on the feeder at the centre added to the trip list.
An evening visit to the Blyth Estuary at high tide produced:
At least 4 Little Egret.
3 Whimbrel.
1 Med Gull.
2 Bearded Tit.
A Nuthatch on the feeder at the centre added to the trip list.
An evening visit to the Blyth Estuary at high tide produced:
At least 4 Little Egret.
3 Whimbrel.
1 Med Gull.
2 Bearded Tit.
03 August 10 Blyth Estuary & Walberswick
An early morning visit.
A female Marsh Harrier was seen close to the hide.
A single Golden Plover flew over calling. Other waders included 8 Black Tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank.
A small family party of Bearded Tits were extremely obliging. Unfortunately, I did not obtain any images of the male that was present however the following female was captured:
A Barn Owl was seen in full daylight at 8:30 am.
A female Marsh Harrier was seen close to the hide.
A single Golden Plover flew over calling. Other waders included 8 Black Tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank.
A small family party of Bearded Tits were extremely obliging. Unfortunately, I did not obtain any images of the male that was present however the following female was captured:
A Barn Owl was seen in full daylight at 8:30 am.
02 August 10 Minsmere
By now I am feeling that I have done Minsmere to death.
Green Sand numbers have increased to 2 from East Hide this morning. Several Grey Herons are present on the scrapes:
Gadwall are now starting to come out of eclipse:
Common Terns have now finished nesting on the scrapes but single birds still pay the occasional visit:
A distant juvenile Hobby was perched in a dead tree. Other birds of note were:
1 Bittern seen in flight.
5 Black Tailed Godwit.
1 Stock Dove.
3+ Lesser Whitethroat.
Whitethroat present in the scrub:
Marsh Tit on the feeders from the visitors centre:
Green Sand numbers have increased to 2 from East Hide this morning. Several Grey Herons are present on the scrapes:
Gadwall are now starting to come out of eclipse:
Common Terns have now finished nesting on the scrapes but single birds still pay the occasional visit:
A distant juvenile Hobby was perched in a dead tree. Other birds of note were:
1 Bittern seen in flight.
5 Black Tailed Godwit.
1 Stock Dove.
3+ Lesser Whitethroat.
Whitethroat present in the scrub:
Marsh Tit on the feeders from the visitors centre:
01 August 10 Minsmere, Dunwich & Sizewell
Another early morning visit to Minsmere produced the following of note:
C10 Barnacle Geese were close to the North Hide.
3 Snipe.
2 female Pintail.
2+ Lesser Whitethroat.
1 Whitethroat.
Black Tailed Godwits in early morning light:
A Green Sandpiper was on the scrapes to the right of the East Hide:
A visit to Dunwich Beach with the family later on in the morning produced c40 Common Scoter off shore.
Later on in the day Kittiwakes were present, presumably nesting, on the structures off Sizewell Nuclear Station. A brief scan for Black Redstart from the plant car park was unsuccessful. I did not try too hard, call me cautious, but I am rather uneasy about scanning a nuclear power plant with binoculars.
A Red Kite gave great views over the appartment at Blythburgh late afternoon.
C10 Barnacle Geese were close to the North Hide.
3 Snipe.
2 female Pintail.
2+ Lesser Whitethroat.
1 Whitethroat.
Black Tailed Godwits in early morning light:
A Green Sandpiper was on the scrapes to the right of the East Hide:
A visit to Dunwich Beach with the family later on in the morning produced c40 Common Scoter off shore.
Later on in the day Kittiwakes were present, presumably nesting, on the structures off Sizewell Nuclear Station. A brief scan for Black Redstart from the plant car park was unsuccessful. I did not try too hard, call me cautious, but I am rather uneasy about scanning a nuclear power plant with binoculars.
A Red Kite gave great views over the appartment at Blythburgh late afternoon.
31 July 10 Walberswick
An early morning visit to the area of Walberswick just south of the Blyth Estuary was hampered by periods of heavy rain.
Green Woodpeckers and Marsh Tits were both present and at least 2 Spotted Flycatchers were new for the trip list.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker provided some light relief from all these Greens:
Green Woodpeckers and Marsh Tits were both present and at least 2 Spotted Flycatchers were new for the trip list.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker provided some light relief from all these Greens:
30 July 10 Blyth Estuary
An evening visit on a falling tide produced this Whimbrel:
There were again several Yellow Legged and Med Gulls present.
3 Common Sands and Bearded Tits were also present.
There were again several Yellow Legged and Med Gulls present.
3 Common Sands and Bearded Tits were also present.
30 July 10 Minsmere
Another early morning visit produced 4 Spoonbills flying from the Sluice towards Island Mere.
The female Ferruginous Duck was still on Island Mere.
1 Little Egret was present but otherwise there was nothing new of note.
The female Ferruginous Duck was still on Island Mere.
1 Little Egret was present but otherwise there was nothing new of note.
29 July 10 Minsmere
Another early morning visit.
Finally caught up with Hobby. An individual catching a Swallow close to the West Hide.
3 Summer plumaged Dunlin added to the list of waders and they accompanied 105 Lapwing, 7 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and an Avocet in front of the West hide.
Marsh Tit and Green Woodpecker continued to be evident around the reserve. A Bittern again showed fairly well in front of Bittern hide:
A further Bittern was seen in flight.
Finally caught up with Hobby. An individual catching a Swallow close to the West Hide.
3 Summer plumaged Dunlin added to the list of waders and they accompanied 105 Lapwing, 7 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and an Avocet in front of the West hide.
Marsh Tit and Green Woodpecker continued to be evident around the reserve. A Bittern again showed fairly well in front of Bittern hide:
A further Bittern was seen in flight.
28 July 10 Blyth Estuary
Another evening visit produced the following of note:
34 Black Tailed Godwit
1 Common Sand
2 Med Gulls
2 Yellow Legged Gulls
Reed Warbler
Shelduck are common on the estuary:
34 Black Tailed Godwit
1 Common Sand
2 Med Gulls
2 Yellow Legged Gulls
Reed Warbler
Shelduck are common on the estuary:
28 July 10 Westleton Heath
Another early morning visit to hopefully nail both Woodlark and Turtle Dove.
No sign of the latter but I saw 2 of the former well on the path down to 25 feet.
Several Linnets and Stonechats and Dartford Warblers continued to show well:
No sign of the latter but I saw 2 of the former well on the path down to 25 feet.
Several Linnets and Stonechats and Dartford Warblers continued to show well:
27 July 10 Westleton Heath & Thorpeness
An early morning visit.
I had read that Dartford Warbler numbers were much reduced on the heaths following the very cold winter and as such I thought I might struggle. However, I found several and they frequently showed well atop heather and gorse:
Woodlark and Turtle Dove were both heard but would have to wait for another day.
A walk with the family in the afternoon from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness produced some Egyptian Geese on the Mere:
I had read that Dartford Warbler numbers were much reduced on the heaths following the very cold winter and as such I thought I might struggle. However, I found several and they frequently showed well atop heather and gorse:
Woodlark and Turtle Dove were both heard but would have to wait for another day.
A walk with the family in the afternoon from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness produced some Egyptian Geese on the Mere:
26 July 10 Blyth Valley
A dusk visit to the area below the appartment suprising failed to produce Barn Owl but 3+ singing Grasshopper Warbers were a compensation.
Red Legged Partridge was present and a calling Greenshank flew over the appartment in the dark.
Red Legged Partridge was present and a calling Greenshank flew over the appartment in the dark.
26 July 10 Blyth Estuary
The Blyth Estuary and Walberswick lay close to the accommodation and as such convenient for a visit after tea.
There was at least 2 Yellow Legged Gulls an 2 Med Gulls:
A Little Egret was also present.
There was at least 2 Yellow Legged Gulls an 2 Med Gulls:
A Little Egret was also present.
26 July 10 Minsmere
Another early morning visit.
Walked from the centre down to the beach and accessed the various hides overlooking the scrapes.
Waders included 40 Lapwing, 5 Black Tailed Godwits and 3-4 Avocet. One of the Avocets in the early morning light:
A gathering of C50 Swallow near the sluice indicated that the end of Summer was nigh. Other notable birds this morning included 1 Little Tern with 7 Sandwich Terns over the Scrape. 2 Little Egrets and frequent Reed and Sedge Warblers.
Walked from the centre down to the beach and accessed the various hides overlooking the scrapes.
Waders included 40 Lapwing, 5 Black Tailed Godwits and 3-4 Avocet. One of the Avocets in the early morning light:
A gathering of C50 Swallow near the sluice indicated that the end of Summer was nigh. Other notable birds this morning included 1 Little Tern with 7 Sandwich Terns over the Scrape. 2 Little Egrets and frequent Reed and Sedge Warblers.
25 July 10 Minsmere & Westleton Heath
Spent some time in the Bittern Hide mid evening expecting to see Hobby but disappointingly there were none.
Afterwards, I went to Westleton Heath in the hope of Nightjar and got eaten alive !
Despite my concerns that it was too late in the season there were still several Nightjars churring. However, I could not locate any in the 1/2 hour I was there.
Afterwards, I went to Westleton Heath in the hope of Nightjar and got eaten alive !
Despite my concerns that it was too late in the season there were still several Nightjars churring. However, I could not locate any in the 1/2 hour I was there.
25 July 10 Minsmere
My first morning saw me out early and at Minsmere.
Cetti's Warbler was a good start, singing from the pool close to the visitors centre. Despite scanning for several minutes I could not see the bird.
Headed over towards Island Mere hide, where a female Ferruginous Duck had been present for a number of weeks. This would be my first record of this species since the drake on Brother's Water in Cumbria some 20 years previously ! On the way it was good to connect with several Marsh Tits close to the Bittern hide. Several Green Woodpeckers had been seen previously on the long approach road to the reserve and they seemed to be everywhere. One of many sightings of Green Woodpecker:
This area of Eastern England appears to be a particular stronghold of the species and I was even hearing & seeing them quite regularly from the appartment, usually on the ground or on one occasion on a telegraph pole.
I timed a Bittern just right at the appropriately termed "Bittern" hide. It showed very well at the reed edge just when I entered the hide. Minsmere is an incredibly good place to see Marsh Harrier and in particular from Bittern hide where, because it is elevated, they can be seen at eye level. This morning there was at least 4 present.
Bearded Tits were reluctant to show but at least 2 were seen fairly well in flight over the reeds. Water Rail was frequently heard. A Sparrowhawk flew low over the reeds in front of the hide and Whimbrel could be heard.
At Island Mere I scanned around for the Ferruginous Duck and after a short search I located it amongst various Gadwall, Pochard & Tufted. The following record shot was obtained:
Other ducks of interest included Shoveler, Wigeon & Teal. Both Great Crested & Little Grebe was present. 1 Common Sandpiper was noted.
Cetti's Warbler was a good start, singing from the pool close to the visitors centre. Despite scanning for several minutes I could not see the bird.
Headed over towards Island Mere hide, where a female Ferruginous Duck had been present for a number of weeks. This would be my first record of this species since the drake on Brother's Water in Cumbria some 20 years previously ! On the way it was good to connect with several Marsh Tits close to the Bittern hide. Several Green Woodpeckers had been seen previously on the long approach road to the reserve and they seemed to be everywhere. One of many sightings of Green Woodpecker:
This area of Eastern England appears to be a particular stronghold of the species and I was even hearing & seeing them quite regularly from the appartment, usually on the ground or on one occasion on a telegraph pole.
I timed a Bittern just right at the appropriately termed "Bittern" hide. It showed very well at the reed edge just when I entered the hide. Minsmere is an incredibly good place to see Marsh Harrier and in particular from Bittern hide where, because it is elevated, they can be seen at eye level. This morning there was at least 4 present.
Bearded Tits were reluctant to show but at least 2 were seen fairly well in flight over the reeds. Water Rail was frequently heard. A Sparrowhawk flew low over the reeds in front of the hide and Whimbrel could be heard.
At Island Mere I scanned around for the Ferruginous Duck and after a short search I located it amongst various Gadwall, Pochard & Tufted. The following record shot was obtained:
Other ducks of interest included Shoveler, Wigeon & Teal. Both Great Crested & Little Grebe was present. 1 Common Sandpiper was noted.
24 July 10 Blyth Valley. Suffolk
The family was off to Suffolk for a fortnight. The plan was for a relaxing time with birding limited to early mornings and some evenings.
After the long drive down we settled into our accommodation at 'High Steppers". The appartment based over two levels was modern and very comfortable and enjoyed views across the Blyth Valley and after a pub meal a Barn Owl was seen quartering the rough pasture below the appartment.
After the long drive down we settled into our accommodation at 'High Steppers". The appartment based over two levels was modern and very comfortable and enjoyed views across the Blyth Valley and after a pub meal a Barn Owl was seen quartering the rough pasture below the appartment.
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