Anser Rare Breeding Birds Day Out, 12 July 2008

Male Ruff at Titchwell RSPB MJM

We left at 0500 from Whitminster, thanks to everyone for meeting here for a quick getaway. A very smooth hassle free run and a ten minute coffee stop and we were watching three Stone Curlew without the heathaze. A few Green Woopecker and Coal Tits were also noted. Fifteen minutes later at RSPB Lakenenheath we were walking out to the far watchpoint. Bearded Tits were very much on show, lots of bright juveniles gave us repeated views and a male dropped into a nest site five times while we watched. A Kingfisher was noted and best of all a food pass from the female Marsh Harrier to one of three juveniles was a joy to watch. The male was seen to begin with but had gone off hunting. Whilst this was going on a male Golden Oriole was singing and we got closer to it. I picked it up in the closest trees and got a scope on it but it did not stay in one place for me to get anyone else onto it. It sang for a prolonged period very close to us and gave views to three more of the group eventually moving deeper into the wood. A Cuckoo was singing and showing but a pair of magnificent Cranes stole the show with a close low level flypast. We gave it a further hour but the orioles sang but did not show.

An hour later and we arrived at Great Ryburgh Raptor Watchpoint, at least four Hobby, 2 Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzards and Yellowhammers were seen. We moved to Swanton Nover RP as rain had arrived to be told that two Honey Buzzard were on the wing before the rain and we arrived on site. It was still pleasing to see lots of Yellowhammer and Linnet plus Whitethroat. Again we waited but the sun would not shine over the wood so we gave up and went toward the N coast stopping to scan and succesfully find a female Montagu’s Harrier en-route with Marsh Harriers for comparison. At Titchwell RSPB the scrapes gave us 10 Ruff, 100+ Avocet, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Dunlin, 6+ Little Gulls, 40 Black-tailed Godwit and other common wetland species. The beach and sea was also good, 5 Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 40 feeding Little Terns, 20 Common Terns, 2 Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Sandwich Tern, Curlew, 12 Sanderling, Ringed Plover as well as flocks of Oystercatcher. About 85 species were seen during the day. Another hassle free run home and we were back at Whitminster by 9.30pm. Thank you to everyone who attended this successful day and for the emails and feedback post trip, it was also very enjoyable for us.

Avocet at Titchwell RSPB MJM

The birds were great but Jeremy Squire’s highlight was seeing the Union of South Africa steam past RSPB Lakenheath. Click on the link to see details of this loco.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LNER_Class_A4_4488_Union_of_South_Africa

July 14, 2008 0

1-31 July 2008 sightings and blog

31 July 2008 The return of a Spotted Redshank was one WWT highlights for me today but the Gulls with McGill event in the evening was also noteworthy. 23 of us used the Safari rig as a mobile hide to search through the gulls. Although low numbers were recorded we did manage seven species which included a second summer and two adult non-breeding Mediterranean and 10-12 Yellow legged Gull. In addition three handsome Grey Plover and two Bar-tailed Godwit joined the gulls and two Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin were also seen.

Wood Sandpiper juvenile MJM

30 July 2008 I had a look at Saul Warth again today where the same set of waders were present, I logged the juvenile Wood Sandpiper again, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 14 Dunlin (plus 50 on the estuary) a juvenile Little ringed Plover, 2 adult Ruff (male and female) and a flock of 37+ Black-tailed Godwit and 60 Redshank. At work at WWT my highlight was 3 Greenshank on the Top New Piece where I am currently cutting back vegetation to open of the Wigeon lawns for the winter.

29 July 2008 Check the link below for the extra birds seen today, a large Green Sandpiper count and 12 Yellow-legged Gull were the highlights.

probable Caspian Gull near Middle Point. MJM

27-28 July 2008 I saw a juvenile Wood Sandpiper with a juvenile Little-ringed Plover, 10 Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank and 20 Dunlin at Saul Warth this evening. A full list of sightings from work at WWT on the link. The Mediterranean Gulls were nice. I did not add the probable Caspian Gull that I have seen two days running (image above) to the list as I have not had the chance to study it in too much detail as both times I have seen it I was running a WWT safari, heat haze is an added problem. I also forgot to add the Yellow Wagtail I saw over the Top Hut. http://www.wwt.org.uk/news/213/sightings.html

26 July 2008 A Red Kite over SE at 1110 adding another species to my garden list.

25 July 2008 A few passage waders noted locally today.

Barn Swallow MJM

24 July 2008 Another addition to my garden list was a Brown Hawker this afternoon. A quick 20 minute wander around my local ponds and 5 Emperor, 5 Black-tailed Skimmer, Ruddy and Common Darter and Kingfisher all seen. I caught a Swallow in the Holden Tower this morning and released it. A party of three Wigeon were among the large number of fledged and young waterbirds in the 100 Acre.

23 July 2008 I saw the Whinchats again plus a Scarce Chaser in the 100 Acre. The first Migrant Hawker was out over the 100 Acre.

22 July 2008 A full list of what I saw today can be seen on the WWT site. Just click the link. In addition I forgot to add 4 Whinchat in the 100 Acre and 4 Brown Hawker too. http://www.wwt.org.uk/news/213/sightings.html

White-legged Damselfly near Tewkesbury Gloucestershire MJM

21 July 2008 A visit to the Mythe on the R Severn for a family picnic where I logged 10 White-legged Damselfy, 2 Southern Hawker, a male Emperor, 20 Brown Hawker, Blue-tailed and Common Blue Damselfly, 2 Banded Demoiselle, 2 male Black-tailed Skimmer, 2 male and a female Scarce Chaser, 1 Common Darter and 1 unid drag sp.

19-20 July 2008 Two days of International Cricket for me and my partner Harriet at Headingley, Leeds, W Yorkshire for the 2nd test, England against SA. Anyone watching Sky or Five coverage would have been able to see me on TV as I was sat on the front row and even dropped a catch at one point (spill the ale or take a clean catch? It was during the Kids Kwik Cricket during the lunch interval). Two SA centurions took the game away from the home side but it was a good couple of days with Sunday being very interesting. Plenty of Swift over the ground. Thanks to Sarah and Jason for a great weekend.

Today at the Test.. Ben, Jason Battye and MJM with a mime presenting Ben with a Birtday Cake.

18 July 2008 An Emperor over the garden and Small Copper on the flowers were new additions to the garden list.

17 July 2008 Nothing to report.

16 July 2008 I spent the morning moving sedges to the new ditch near South Lake and the afternoon at Coombe Hill GWT and Ashleworth Ham GWT with Mike Smart, Dave Paynter, Jackie Birch, Les Brown and Jeremy Squire. We had a good walk around to look at management issues and habitat which resulted in a useful learning session for all. The high density of breeding Redstart at this lowland site is highly commendable and shows what is possible from wetland habitats. I think I may begin calling the Severn Redstarts ‘Wetstarts’, Little Egrets, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper and a number of Bullfinch were noted, very nice to see a healthy population of the latter. We also noted 1 Four-spot Chaser, 2 Southern Hawker, 20 Common Darter and a few Blue-tailed Damselfy.

15 July 2008 See WWT site for details.

14 July 2008 I did not do the rounds at WWT but a full list of what was about is on the WWT site. I spent the day translocating emergent wetland vegetation from the pool in the SE corner of the Tack Piece. This will inprove viewing and provide some mud and open edges hopefully attracting crakes/rails into the open. At least two Reed Bunting were in song here.

Oystercatcher, South Lake; make the most of them as they will all dissapear over the nest few weeks and not return until February.

Reed Warbler MJMcGill

13 July 2008 A couple of Landrover safari’s and a search of the Top New Piece provided some interest. The dropping levels had 2 adult Little ringed Plover, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper. Three Yellow-legged Gull,all adults were on the estuary.

12 July 2008 A full day spent in East Anglia, a trip report will appear on the relevant section.

9-11 July 2008 Rather dull reading as the showers have driven water levels up at WWT moving waders on and keeping me indoors during lunchtimes. Yesterday (10th) I spent a bit of time near Middle Point and saw 6 Common Sandpiper (plus one on the Dumbles scrape) 11 Dunlin and heard a Whimbrel.

8 July 2008 Best bird was a magnificent adult breeding plumaged Mediterranean Gull on South Lake when I had a quick look this morning. A Peregrine flew over the Rushy where I was working this afternoon.

7 July 2008 All of my and JSL’s sightings are on the WWT Slimbridge wildlife sightings page. http://www.wwt.org.uk/news/213/sightings.html

First summer Mediterranean Gull, WWT Slimbridge, South Lake MJM

6 July 2008 Another week at work and a good solid introduction to the return migration through the county yet the insects keep us firmly in the summer. At least two male and two female Scarce Chaser were by the 100 Acre viewing platform, my favourite the Broad-bodied Chaser was also represented with two males and a female (first I have seen on the reserve this year). 2 Four-spot Chaser, 20 Ruddy Darter and 10 Common Darter and 1 Black-tailed Skimmer were also here. A quick survey of part of the 100 Acre not visited this summer and c2000 Blue-tailed Damselfly and 200 Common Blue Damselfly, a few Azure were present. An Emperor was hunting the sea wall with more seen along the foreshore.

Scarce Chaser, WWT 100 Acre MJM

The birds were also very good, we compiled a good count of 24 Common Sandpiper (mostly along the foreshore), the Wood Sandpiper is still on site and new waders included an increase in Black-tailed Godwits to 35, an adult male and female Ruff in breeding plumage (also seen y’day), 7 Dunlin on the estuary with a Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel and more. A first summer Mediterranean Gull was on South Lake.

5 July 2008 I have not been out today as yet but Paul Taylor kindly reports seeing 1+ Scarce Chaser near the 100 Acre viewing platform this morning.

4 July 2008 No birding!

Wood Sandpiper at WWT Slimbridge, Holden Tower MJMcGill

3 July 2008 The Wood Sandpiper was still at the Holden Tower, further arrivals of migrants around the WWT reserve was encouraging…3 Little-ringed Plover and a Dunlin were on the Top New Piece, 20 Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 9 Yellow-legged Gulls, a Stonechat, 70 Sand Martin, 7 Little Egret were among the highlights. I did an evening Landrover safari where a 1st summer Mediterranean Gull flew past Middle Point, we finished at 1010 and the Jackdaw/Rook roost in the grounds was amazing as 1000,s of birds were involved. JSL saw three of the Scarce Chasers today.

2 July 2008 A Little ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin were on TNP at WWT. Rich and I darvic ringed 4 Black-headed Gull on South Lake, 8 were flying and six gave us the slip. More chicks have hatched and eggs are yet to hatch. Terry Grant found a Wood Sandpiper on the pool on the Dumbles this afternoon.

1 July 2008 I found 8 male Scarce Chasers around the 100 Acre with most on territories and showing mating markings. This is great news as it is a new species for the reserve. Best to look for feeding insects from the viewing platform or Green Lane ditch/gateways. Three pairs of Common Tern are nesting in the 100 Acre.

Painted Lady, South Lake WWT Slimbridge MJMcGill

Scarce Chaser, near the100 Acre viewing platform, WWT MJMcGill

Rich Hearn and I ringing Black-headed Gull pulli on South Lake

July 3, 2008 0

Anser Birding Skomer Island and Pembrokeshire 27-28 June 2008

Atlantic Puffin at the Wick, Skomer MJM

We set off in sunshine but soon found low cloud and raind with strengthening winds in Wales. Nearing Martin’s Haven I was doubtful of being able to get on the magic island of Skomer. A call to the boat base and it was on! We were soon at the quay waiting with Common Whitethroat, Linnets and 4 Chough either feeding young, singing or wheeling overhead. I tried to ignore the seabirds as I knew we would be getting great views in due course. The crossing, as usual provided a build up of birds, and as we entered the North Haven a raft of auks greeted us along with the rolling/drilling calls (bird calls are down to individual interpretation Jeanne!) of Guillemot from the cliffs. A climb up the steps past the nesting uaks and we were on top and soon walking around the island. Lunch was had in the new picnic shelter and then we walked the whole island. A couple of Harbour Porpoise were feeding below the cliffs and we began seeing nesting seabirds including Puffin. A few Wheatear were seen and other common species that nest (Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Rock and Meadow Pipit). We had a party of 5 Chough plus one feeding a youngster too. Over 150 Manx Shearwater corpses showed that at night some fatalities occur to the thousands breeding birds. At the Wick it was good to get up close and personal with the Puffins and see cliff-nesting seabirds, the same could be said for the steps at the quay where Razorbill, Guillemot and Puffin are rather showy. The return crossing gave amazing views of Manx Shearwater and all the other local seabirds.

What colour is the inside of a Razorbill’s bill? MJM

Back on the mainlaind we had a look at Marloes Mere and the pool at Dale and then transferred to Fishguard where we stayed for the night. In the morning we still had no luck with the two Black Guillemots that have been present lately. At Strumble Head a seawatch from the bunker and a constant stream of birds totalling c600 Manx Shearwater, 2 Puffin, 70 Gannet, 10 and 10 Common Scoter, 15 Fulmar, 30 Kittiwake and Guillemot and Razorbills. At Dowrog Common we located 2 reeling Grasshopper Warbler but they did not show due to the wind. Stonechats and other familiar passerines were seen well and a few dragonflies were on the wing. Lunch was at St David’s and then we headed for Llanelli and stopped of at the WWT reserve where we enjoyed Mediterranean Gulls, Black-tailed Godwit and Little Egrets (among others) but a Peregrine scared them all away!

Thanks to all that came with me, I hope you all enjoyed the short break and birds.

Martin

One of six Mediterranean Gulls and a naughty Peregrine Falcon at WWT Wetland Centre of Wales. MJM

June 28, 2008 0

10-30 June 2008 Sightings and Blog

Common Kingfisher at the WWT South Finger nest site MJM

Southern Hawker at the WWT South Lake MJM

30 June 2008 I spent most of the day mowing in the tractor at work and discovered a few dragonflies. A Southern Hawker showed well for me along the back track of the South Lake. I also found two Scarce Chasers, along the back ditch of the South Lake. This follows the one I saw in early June which was a reserve first so this is the second. The Kingfishers did a nest change, they are on their second clutch. Again I counted 11 Green Sandpiper around the scrapes, they are very mobile.

29 June 2008 Back to work at WWT Slimbridge where my personal highlight was seeing two fledged Redshank among a flock of 43 on the Top New Piece. A single Dunlin here and 8 on the estuary at high tide showed return passage was at least beginning.

Atlantic Puffin at the Wick, Skomer
(he is saying, you should have come with Anser!)

27-28 June 2008 A couple of days in Pembrokeshire with seven keen Anser birders! Despite some gusty winds we got onto Skomer Island (nice to see ex WWT Slimbridge vol Chris working on the island) and visited some of Pembrokeshire’s best sites and had some great birding. We also called in at the WWT National Wetland Centre of Wales on the way home. A trip report is being prepared on the relevant page.

26 June 2008 Increasing numbers of Green Sandpiper (11) at WWT and flocks of wing moulting Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank. The DB Brent was still on the Knott Pool with a pair of nesting Little Grebe and Little Egret.

24-25 June 2008 Nothing doing but laying out with a stinking cold! Not a good month for health.

23 June 2008 A little bit of birding at WWT today, all sightings are on the WWT website including our first Coal Tit of the year, JSL had a juvenile at the South Finger. This caused a stir and got a few folk looking for it as a number of people are closing in on 200 species for the WWT recording area. James has T-shirts being prepared with WWT Slimbridge 200 Club depicted, I believe it will be an Aquatic Warbler logo. You can buy one but you are not allowed to wear it until you have seen 200 on the reserve. I should have had one 16 years ago! I did see the two Egyptian Geese, the DB Brent and a Green Sandpiper around the Holden Tower.

22 June 2008 Highlights included a Yellow-legged Gull on the estuary, the two Cattle Egrets on the Dumbles along with the Ring-billed Gull (Jeremy Squire has never seen these two species at WWT, will they hang on to the 10 July!) Biggest miss was not being at the S Finger whilst Graeme (or Graham) Cox was watching Otter with 2 cubs, thanks to him for reporting it to us so quickly.

21 June 2008 A poor forecast saw the postponing of the Rare Breeding birds day out.

19-20 June 2008 Very little birding.

18 June 2008 A late afternoon visit to Ashleworth Ham GWT and Coombe Hill GWT where the highlight was seeing a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker fly out of the willows near Grundon Hide.

17 June 2008 A reserve managers conference for three days and I was delighted to add Black Hairstreak to my Otmoor, Oxfordshire and British list, Hobby, Marsh Harrier and reeling Grasshopper Warbler also seen.

10-16 June 2008 A very succesful Anser trip to Iceland. A full trip report to follow soon on the relevant section.

Me at the duckfest 2008 site, Lake Myvatn image by SJDark.

June 25, 2008 0

Anser Birding Iceland 10-16 June 2008

MJM and Non-biting midges at Myvatn image by JJSquire

Summary; I organised this tour for a Gloucestershire based party of six accompanied by J.J. Squire also coming along and kindly sharing some driving. The aims were to spend time with key species that find their only breeding grounds within Europe enjoy the breeding waders and experience a decent sample of Iceland’s geothermal and volcanic activity, Glaciers and sheer beauty. I think it fair to say that all the above was achieved and I had some very positive feedback, thank you to all who contacted me.

We travelled overnight birding as we went to Lake Myvatn in N. Iceland where we stayed for two nights (S of Reykjalid); we then worked our way back toward Reykjavik via the Snaefellsnses Peninsula. Two nights were spent SW of Blonduos (Daeli) and one between here and Borgarnes (Hraunsnef). Accommodation was in rural locations to provide extra birding opportunities for very keen birders. This worked well as is gave plenty of viewing and digi-scoping to those who wanted to keep going. A comprehensive selection of what can be achieved by keen digi-scopers is represented by Richard Tyler’s excellent presentation of images, they capture the trip well.

Weather; Dry and sunny for most of the week, some cooler winds at altitude or near the coast and a few showers on day six but only affecting our birding for 10 minutes all week. I actually wore a t-shirt on a number of occasions.

The midges of Myvatn (they dance in columns, a magnificent spectacle, we found them at the south end of Lake Myvatn on the last morning).

Duncan gives up but Dave eats a few more

Itinerary day one; I took my car with seven aboard to Heathrow for a 2110 departure; we arrived in good time leaving Whitminster at 1430 and picking up en-route via Cheltenham. We met Jeremy at the airport and relaxed before a comfortable flight to Keflavik. After collecting bags, bus and sorting a few things out we were on our way. We took in Seltjarnarnes Peninsula and thoroughly checked Bakkatjorn and nearby wetlands. We were looking for an American White-winged Scoter that had been present. With no luck on this bird we took the N1 and headed N stopping for birds and coffee eventually arriving at Myvatn for 1630. We had stopped at Godafoss falls and a few other sites. We ate in the cowshed restaurant during our stay watching the milking process while we ate!

I offered a post dinner look around the geothermal mud pools and a chance to see the N American/ European tectonic plates, views of the volcano’s and pseudo craters. Everyone came along and we had glorious sunshine to watch the sun think about setting but it did not.

Day two; after breakfast we explored Myvatn, the Laxa to Godafoss and then headed up the valley alongside Skjalfandafljot to the spectacular Aldeyjarfoss falls. Later we drove near to Husavik and then back over the mountains to Myvatn. After dinner we all visited the Myvatn Nature Baths with its lovely 38-40 Celsius pools to swim and unwind.

Day three; more birding around Myvatn, we were fortunate enough to experience why it is the lake of Midges and why it is so good for ducks. Columns of flies were present at the S end of the lake and it was almost impossible to see through the cloud of insects. We transferred via Akueyri stopping to watch birds but missing the ferry to Hrisey and then onto Daeli near Blonduos and stopped at many sites along the way including the River Island of Hrutey.

Day Four We stopped at a placid and tranquil breeding site for Great Northern Diver and then headed to the Skagafjordur valley. We spent all day birding around the coast, rivers and wetlands before heading back to Daeli for the evening.

Day Five We left early to get in a full day on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and to take the ferry to Flatey. After eating a meal in Stykkisholmsur we set off and arrived late back at Hraunsnef for the night. I unwound by having a midnight outdoor hot-tub watching Fulmar and Whooper Swan at our inland site.

Day Six; a later start at 1000 due our long day yesterday. We made our way toward Reykjavik and stopped off at a few sites before catching our flight home.

MJM watching a Gyrfalcon image by SJDark.

Bird List

1. Red-throated Diver

Seen on the nest on small pools on Holtavorduheidi, between Borgarnes and Kolbeinsstadir and on the sea at Skagafjordur (plus flight views carrying fish). A few other flight views were also noted from other sites or more distant views on the sea.

2. Great Northern Diver

Seen on the nest near Blonduos and seen very well at Myvatn. More views of these magnificent birds were made on the sea including a non-breeding plumaged bird on 11^th and seen from the bus on a few occasions.

3. Slavonian Grebe

Breeding plumaged birds seen well at Myvatn (30) on 11/12/13th and Skagafjordur (12) on 13^th

4. Fulmar Thousands seen most days from coastal and inland areas.

5. Manx Shearwater Around 100 noted passing Gardur on 16^th.

6. Gannet Noted from N coastal sites and c50 off Gardur on 16^th.

7. Cormorant Noted from a few sites with plenty around Snaefellsnes on 15^th and Reykjavik/Gardur 16^th.

8. Shag A few seen at coastal sites.

9. Whooper Swan Common in most areas and seen breeding at all altitudes and wetland habitats. Cygnets were seen in many places.

10. Pink-footed Goose magnificent views in the sunshine as they flew over calling in a skein at Myvatn and at Skjalfandafljot. A pair nesting in a sheer cliff with a drop of hundreds of feet into wild water below was at Aldeyarfoss.

11. Greylag Goose common in all lowland areas.

12. Mallard No counts but widespread.

13. Gadwall No counts but widespread.

14. Pintail seen at Myvatn.

15. Wigeon Common at Myvatn and seen at other sites

16. American Wigeon Jeremy and Richard spotted a male from the bus. It was on road 54 on the S side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula W of Vegamot.

American Wigeon image by M.J.McGill

17. Teal no counts but seen a number of sites including with ducklings.

18. Pochard a male was among thousands of diving duck a t Myvatn on 11^th.

19. Scaup Widespread and common.

20. Tufted Duck Widepsread and common

21. Eider seen in huge flocks at coastal areas.

22. King Eider a male was with a very large flock of Eider at Kolgrafafjordur on 15^th.

King Eider image by MJMcGill

23. Common Scoter breeding birds at and around Myvatn.

24. Long-tailed Duck a pleasure to see these birds displaying and calling at various sites with Myvatn being very productive.

25. Harlequin stunning views of these stunning birds on raging torrents and waterfalls on the Laxa, at Godafoss, Skjalfandafljot and Hrutey. Also seen on the sea off Blonduos, Snaefellsnes, the ferry Baldur and singles or small numbers elsewhere on our travels on estuaries, rivers and streams. It was apparent that males were more in evidence as many females would be incubating.

26. Barrow’s Goldeneye see n in numbers at Myvatn (100+), a pair were also viewed at close range on the Skjalfandafljot. What excellent birds and brilliant seeing them in the sunshine.

27. Goosander at least two males seen including one on the Skjalfandafljot.

28. Red-breasted Merganser fairly common in the North especially around Myvatn but very few males were in breeding plumage as they had already moulted into eclipse.

29.White-tailed Eagle a pair watched on the nest (locality withheld).

30. Merlin a few seen dashing along or on posts but not in evidence as much later in the year due to breeding.

31. Gyrfalcon an adult was watched killing and eating three Greylag Goslings in succession, a truly awesome falcon, very powerful. Also a very close and recently fledged juvenile gave us great views (sites withheld).

32. Ptarmigan gritting birds near Daeli were for those that did not want much sleep due to being seen 0500 in the morning.

33. Oystercatcher– common

34. Ringed Plover common and found nesting a number of sites, broken wing display noted.
35. Golden Plover breeding birds everywhere, tussocks grow atop the lava where lookout birds defecate daily. Eggs were found by the roadside.

36. Sanderling only one seen at Blonduos, it was in breeding plumage though.

37. Purple Sandpiper breeding plumage birds were at Akueyri (6) and Rif (3).

38. Turnstone a few seen in the South.

39. Dunlin very common on N estuaries, singing birds and pairs defending two chicks from a herd of horses were watched at close range.

40. Redshank delightfully common, on every other fence post.

41. Black tailed Godwit very common in lowland areas.

42. Whimbrel a common bird in many areas.

43. Snipe surpisingly common and confiding in many habitats.

44. Grey (Red) Phalarope one of the highlights on Flatey was watching at least five, possibly eight of these stunning birds. A male performed a broken leg/wing display to a Redshank and went onto a nest site? At least four females were seen feeding, preening and battling within the reserve area.

Grey Phalarope, Flatey image by M.J.McGill

45. Red-necked Phalarope seen wherever we went with some magical close up experiences. On Flatey they were very tame. Seen in their hundreds at Myvatn.

Red-necked Phalarope image by Martin J McGill

46.Great Skua only one seen in the Fjord near Akueyri.

47. Arctic Skua common and seen nearly everwhere.

48. Long-tailed Skua an adult flew low over at a site in the North (locality withheld).

49. Black-headed Gull– common.

50. Common Gull
51. Herring Gull
52. Lesser Black-backed Gull

53. Greater Black-backed Gull
54. Kittiwake

55. Glaucous Gull very common on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, seen in Skagafjordur, Gardur and around Reykjavik.

56. Iceland Gull three at Akueyri on 11^th and one on 13^th.

57. Arctic Tern thousands seen absolutely everywhere.

58. Puffin seen around the coast, Flatey and from ferry Baldur.

59. Black Guillemot seen around the coast but best views were on Flatey.

60. Guillemot nesting birds seen at a few sites around the coast.

61. Brunnich’s Guillemot seen in Skagafjordur but close views of nesting birds near the Ondverdarnes lighthouse, Snaefellsnes.

62. Razorbill as above.
63. Short-eared Owl one seen at 0200 in the morning near Hofsvik.

64. Meadow Pipit common.

65. White Wagtail– common

66. Wren– seen at Myvatn and Daeli in song.

67. Wheatear seen at a variety of sites but less than 20 sightings.

68. Redwing common

69. Raven common

70. Starling seen in small flock in the SW.

71. Redpoll common around birch scrub

72. Snow Bunting seen in many areas, singing males mostly but one male feeding young at Krafla, a female carrying food near Saudarkrokur and also seen around Keflavik airport.

73. Ring-billed Gull MJM picked out a first summer on the pools at Rif on 15^th.

A pleasure spending time birding with all who came with me on this trip.

Martin J McGill

30 June 2008