Lesser Snow Geese over the Tack Piece, WWT Slimbridge

27 March 2012 Highlights today were the seven Lesser Snow Geese at WWT Slimbridge. This flock is highly likely to be the same party of seven that were at the trust last summer. A map made from the stable isotope results taken from feathers from that group showed they originate from an area that included Britain, N France, N Belguim, Netherlands, Germany and S Scandinavia.

Black-tailed Godwit flock over the reserve.
Can you do a quick glance guesstimate? how many? Answer below.

Siskin– always so vocal, especially in Spring. This female hung above my head and called away whilst stripping seeds from the Alder cones.

26 March 2012 At work more Black-tailed Godwits were around with 95 counted together. A new Ruff, dark breeding plumaged bird was with the ‘local’ wintering Ruff. A light Herring Gull passage up the Severn the only vismig I could see. A party of Meadow Pipits and a male Wheatear on the foreshore at WWT Slimbridge another addition.A Chiffchaff was singing in the garden tonight.

25 March 2012 Due to being at work I missed out on the three Common Cranes that flew over Whitminster, my home, could have had them on the garden list, they ended up in Oxfordshire the next day.  Mid morning Neil Smart and I saw a large falcon near Middle Point, later at the 100 Acre. It was very large, long and brown, the broad moustachial marking more like a helmet and brown ‘trousers’ all very distinctive, it seemed to show features of both Gyr and Saker Falcon. It showed heavy wear in the primaries. The day was made very interesting due to the antics of copulating and nest scraping Avocets and a passage of Little Gulls. Reacting at lunchtime to Paul Bowerman’s tweet (thanks Paul) about 17 heading up from Severn Beach I had a look from the foreshore at WWT and picked up a flock heading off the estuary toward Frampton with a few Black-headed Gulls, at least one first winter bird was present, most adults but the ever overtaking group confused my count. 17 at least but I reckon more like 23. I checked out the 100 Acre pools and an adult was flycatching with BHG’s over the hedge. Lots of insects on th ewing as they emerge in the warm weather. Back at the centre I had one last check before hosting into the SBS presentation, 5 adult Little Gulls came overhead with BHG’s and circled, all the time snapping insects.

Falcon sp Gyr x Saker?

24 March 2012 Up at 0530 and off on an Anser morning outing for Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. See trip reports section for details. Despite being only 15 minutes from the two displaying Long-billed Dowitchers at Meare Heath, I spent a smashing afternoon with family and friends in Wells. I cannot complain, a pint or two in the sun was most welcome plus the pub and town was the set from the film, Hot Fuzz.

20 March 2012 Got a call from Nige Warren at In Focus to say the small canada goose had arrived with 30 or so Canada Geese on the Rushy. I was near the office and collected my bins and scope rapidly and got to the hide phoning a few folk to tip them off. I think it is a Cackling Canada Goose  minima, excellent views were had in very good light as it bathed, preened and then flew off again after 20 minutes. Previous views were over a mile away in heat haze etc and it was quite a shock to see a white half collar and short neck whilst it was in a relaxed mood. On the estuary it was in the tall saltmarsh vegetation and in the creeks so the fact it was craning it’s neck to see over and was being bullied by the others (many views were when it was pecked and had just jumped up) made it look longer necked. If you want to see it it I would suggest making an effort this weekend as the tides are higher and should move it closer to hides. Here are some images.

 

18-19 March 2012 A few more Black-tailed Godwits at WWT Slimbridge made the flock up to 53. My first 10 Severn Red Knot of the year and six Avocets (2 and the 4 that were present all week). A Short-eared Owl was also about. John Budd had informed me of a Canada Goose type that was small last Thursday but I never saw it. It appeared again 19th and was feeding on the spartina island. I look forward to getting some good views as it looks interesting.

16-17 March 2012  Severe earache from the tailend of the week and for the weekend, I was completely deaf in one ear, not good when so many birds in song. I would have been useless at locating birds in the Forest of Dean. On Friday I went to my parents home in Bristol to conduct some tree surgery whilst harnessed/roped up in a tall sycamore. We had to lower each section to the ground by rope.

The Tree
This tree began it’s life as a self seeded sapling next to our coal bunker in the back garden. In 1978 I snapped off part of it and sharpened it to use as a spear in what was probably a dangerous game with my mates. The tree sprouted more shoots and my Dad eventually dug it up and moved it to the end of the garden. It had a lot to do with my birding youth as it dominated the garden and was used by most of the birds that visited. I tried artificial platforms for the Collared Doves and also got my first breeding Blue Tits in a box next to it.

Some highlights were Siberian Chiffchaff, Redstart, Reed Bunting, Siskin as well as many other species over the years until I left home at 16. It had become huge and despite previous thinning out and reducing in size needed to be a third the height. It still serves as a tree house, swings and climbing ropes for their 5 grandchildren. My daughter was ‘birdwatching’ with my Dad only last week looking into the tree for possible species. It is still there, more manageable for my Dad but should still offer a home and shelter to the local birds. Saturday afternoon was spent eating Nurofen and trying to ignore the earache whilst soaking up water during the torrential downpours in the terraces at Bristol Rovers.

15 March 2012 I was delighted to see my first Wheatear of the year, as always at the usual place for me, the Dumbles at WWT Slimbridge.

11-13 March 2012 Birds seen whilst at work have not really changed, the only migrants I have noted invlove gulls, mostly Lesser Black-backed and Common Gulls. The tides have been high this week on the Severn and clear nights followed by misty or foggy mornings. This gives some hope but the only new birds have been four Avocets that were seen on 10th and appear on the Top New Piece over the high tides.

10 March 2012 A day sorting out the garden at home, I found a Blackbird nest, fresh leaves and grasses, a Goldcrest, a pair of Raven low over a few times and a Brimstone and Peacock butterflies. A warm and sunny Spring day.

2-9 March 2012 Most of the birding has ben dominated by daily departures of wildfowl and waders but lots of Spring activity on the sunny days. White-fronted Geese and Bewick’s Swans being the most closely watched of all. Lapwing and Kingfisher are displaying and spring staging/wintering Black-tailed Godwits are increasing with 38 by 8th. I have missed a few other migrants such as the beautiful Mediterranean Gulls and three Light Bellied Brent Geese, very rare for Glos.

Russian White-fronted Geese

 

Water Rail

1 March 2012 Up early to meet Neil Smart and ‘Jubs’ Squire for a drive to West Sussex, our aim, the wintering Paddyfield Warbler then a days birding. Neil drove us, so nice to be a passenger. We arrived at 0730 after a coffee and sandwich. A foggy start to the day delayed activity but Cetti’s Warblers, Water Rails, Curlew, Wigeon, Heronry? and Reed Buntings made it atmospheric. When the sun burnt through a fellow birder located the PadWarb in the belt of reeds that was adjacent to the sea wall. It showed on and off for the next hour until we were all satisfied with the various views and heard the call.

It was flycatching, coming out onto the barbed wire fence and edge of reeds but always mobile hence not getting any reasonable images. I really enjoyed this bird but it did take a wait and patience. Well worth it. We left and decided to head for the New Forest as  JS had not seen a Dark-eyed Junco in the UK before and there were many other birds to be seen. At midday we arrived at Hawkhill and were soon watching Siskins, Crossbills (singing), Woodlarks displaying and the junco. A Great Spotted Woodpecker drummed, bees buzzed and a Red Admiral was active. A great day to be on the heath.

A few snatched shots of the Paddyfield Warbler that do no justice to the splendid binocular/scope views.

 

Black-tailed Godwit flock answer from 27 March 2012 =120

The Netherlands Gans Fest

9 February 2012

A visit to the Netherlands in winter has been on the cards for many years, an attempt to get a trip going in 2010 was thwarted by severe weather conditions. It was time to go for it again so a rather late advertised trip was arranged, a team of hardy souls committed, it was all systems go. The coldest and worst winter weather was again forecast but it still looked good. Six of us met at Whitminster, I picked up Jayne and Rich and Bob collected Bettie and Anne en-route to me. We then collected Tom who had booked just a couple of days before. A few Red Kite were noted on the way to Folkestone, the Eurotunnel was as efficient as ever and we were off heading through France. The snow bound fields helped us in seeing three Woodcock flying across the road to drop into ditches plus the bizarre sight of a Little Grebe flying down the motorway. A stop in Belgium for comfort and coffee allowed TM to seek out a couple of Crested Tits and a Short-toed Treecreeper.

We negotiated the heavy traffic around Antwerp and Amsterdam and arrived near Oostvardersplassen for a spot of birding. A rough hay field obviously held a lot of voles as 4 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, male and female Hen Harrier, the male of the latter as always, a stunner. Two Great White Egrets also foraged with Grey Heron for rodents. A few minutes down the road and we were sifting through a flock of 3000 geese, Tundra Bean, Barnacle, White-fronted and Greylag and then a white phase Snow Goose joined them. A roost of 600 Stock Dove was very impressive. We headed to our Hotel, the Vigilante near Makkum arriving at 1930, very comfortable, very quiet and excellent food.

10 February 2012

We had breakfast at 0715, I have to say it was excellent and we were in the car by 0800. Sunrise on a nearby dike just south of Makkum allowed us to watch tens of thousands of Barnacle and White-fronted Geese leaving the Ijsselmeer roost (on the ice?) and head to the fields for the day. Wonderful watching plus Hen Harrier and a female Goosander searching for open water. It was cold, the night saw -10 temperatures and geese foraged anywhere grass was not snow covered. Some birds were very tame, others skittish.

White-fronts leaving the roost

Geese leaving roost

Driving slowly along the lanes toward Ferwoude we found a monster flock of geese, c7000 and got into a good position to go through them. They were up and down all the time but most came back to the same spot. I picked up a presumed Barnacle x Ross’s or Snow Goose and talked everyone onto the bird. Whilst doing this I saw a 2cy Red-breasted Goose hiding among the Barnies and Fronts. I gave directions for that bird and scanned back to find the hybrid again this time locating an adult Red-breasted Goose in the same flock. A great start to the day.

Red-breasted Goose among the Barnies (rear view when it dissapears and head-on, easy)

   

Mixed goose flocks

The ditches were frozen solid, every sluice had a Heron or if a puddle of water was available, a collection of duck. The flat open landscape was dotted with wind turbines and huge flocks of geese could be seen all around. The plan during the day focussed on looking at as many flocks as possible. We carefully followed any large gatherings stopping to scan any grounded flocks. Many were close to habitation, where grass was available in the lee of buildings. One particular flock of White-fronts and Pinks had two neck-collared of each and a re-visit gave up a probable Lesser White-front x White-front hybrid. A dark, yellow eye-ringed, pink billed and sweet looking bird but too big. This flock was so close Russian White-fronted Goose variations were prominent, yellow and white eye rings, extensive white frontal shields extended to top of the head and variations in shades.

It was apparent that a large scale skating event was underway, thousands of people skating the ditches and canals between each village, heads and shoulders glided past every goose flock in every direction. Cafes had been set up on the ice with open for hot chocolate signs and plenty of customers. Anne Nuttal did a little research and provided this info….

Incidentally, I had a look on the internet to see if  I could find out more about the skating event.  Apparently, if conditions  are right, on that w/e there is an annual race called Elfstedentocht — it  is a route of 200 km on canals connecting 11 cities — but it hasn’t happened  for 15 years.  There were hopes that the ice would be strong enough  this year, and the canals on the route were swept clean in  preparation.  However, it seems that the ice in the southern  part of the country was not thick enough, so the actual event didn’t take  place, although as we saw, many skaters were out.  I saw Jake King last  night, and he knew about the race because a Dutch neighbour of his had gone over  to take part in the late 1990s, which seems to confirm the information we had  gleaned.  (I know this isn’t about birds, but I thought you might be  interested!)

We stopped at the picturesque town of Workum for a coffee and bite to eat. Aftewards whilst driving out we stopped to scan a roadside canal with open water. A few female Smew and Goosander pairs allowed close approach and a ‘white nun’, a male Smew was to be seen further along the canal. We had been seeing Buzzards everywhere but we bumped into a juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard that gave us good views as it hunted. More goose searching ensued, great views and plenty more flocks culminating in an area with 20,000 geese gathered for a pre roost. Most were Barnacle Geese but the ‘Fronts and Pinks’ were ever present.

Heading North we stopped on the dike near Zurich for a search of open water on the sea. Big flocks of Wigeon and Curlew dominated but many other wader species were noted and sea-duck. Over 70 Goosander, 20 Smew, a Greater Scaup and Pochard and Tufted Duck were found. A loo stop nearby and we stopped at Harlingen harbour for the sunset and to search, a few Goosander and Smew were found with Little and Great Crested Grebe. Returning to Makkum we chanced on a flock of 4000 White-fronts which were close, scanning as the light faded revealed a Dark-bellied Brent and Pink-footed Geese, this group deserved a second look in daylight. We got back to the hotel in the dark.

11 November 2012

Again we were greeted by a stunning sunrise and -10 or more temperatures. Soon after setting off I slowed to look at a few geese and duck on an area of 30 feet square open water next to the bridge. A few Smew and White-fronted Geese were among the gathering and I noticed a Reed Bunting feeding on phragmites seed heads. Another bird caught my eye, rufous and blue…it was a male Bearded Tit, one of those birds you always enjoy watching and this one fed in the open and for the whole time we were with it. This was in sunny, calm conditions. Across the bridge a female Smew and male Goosander fished close by.

Bearded Reedling

Goosander male and Smew female

 

Sound start but we had to ignore the goose flocks as best we could but a stop and search of yesterday’s White-front flock gave us three Tundra Bean Geese, lots of Pinks and of course excellent sunny views of the other two common species. We had to head onward to Anjum and the Lauersmeer, an hour or more driving further North up the coast and we arrived at the heavily frozen lake. It was pretty clear that the harsh weather had an impact on the birds, goose numbers were in the thousands but not as many as expected, no sign of White-tailed Eagles, only Buzzards on the ice and around 30 Hooded Crow, Fieldfares, Sparrowhawk and Hen Harrier were all we could muster. We headed for the coast and harbour of Lauerswoog, a good move as coffee, loos and birds were all on offer even though the cold wind had to to be braved. Large numbers of waders gathered at the ice free area at the port, many looked to be be struggling. Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, Redshank, Turnstone, Oystercatcher and 1500 Brent Geese were found as were large numbers of Dutch folk out to photograph the frozen sea.

The icebergs and floes had 3000 Pintail, 1000 Shelduck and more duck species roosting upon them, open water Eiders, Goosanders and Smew and around 40 Goldeneye were also seen. Back in the car and a short drive to the Brent Geese. Amazingly close views of them were achieved as they grazed the grassy banks. A couple of Light-bellied Brents were feeding among the commoner Dark-bellied.

We used the coast road passing through many villages (Paesens, Wierum and Holwerd) and stopping for birds. 1800 Barnacle Geese and possible Twite were seen as well as 70 Skylark. At Holwerd ferry terminal we saw a flock of 45 Tundra Bean Geese on the ploughed fields and over the dike to the coast the sight of so many clsoe birds. Flocks of waders and Shelduck fed in the one open area. We, along with the many Dutch folk walked down onto the thick ice and found the birds to be totally tame, they were oblivious to our presence at they searched for food.

Amazing experience to be with the waders but we were here to look for passerines, we did see 15 or so Scandinavian Rock Pipits and scanning the saltmarsh two Merlins. It was time to head back to Makkum for the night, a hot shower and beer by the fire.

12 February 2012

Packed and ready to go in the morning we had a hearty breakfast and got going. The previous nights plan was to try and see Lesser White-fronted Geese and if time allowed look for a wintering Gyrfalcon near the Belgium border (not possible in the end). Our extensive search on the Petten/Camperduin area proved to be very goosey. A flock of 1300 Brents were found and one field held 4000 geese, in this gathering we had Pink-footed, White-fronted, Barnacle, Tundra Bean, Dark-bellied Brent, Greylags and BR located a small Canada Goose. A nice piece of scope work, well done Bob. Studying the bird it was accompanied by a Barnacle partner and a Canada x Barnacle hybrid. The canals had Smew, Goosander and diving duck, flocks of Wigeon and Teal all thanks to the icebreaking barge. The ‘levels’ had hunting Hen Harrier and a flock of Grey Partridge. We tried to get close to a distant flock of geese but were flushed by a dog walker on our arrival.

Canada Goose sp

Checking the clock, it was time to go, a four hour drive ahead with thousands of geese seen en-route, in Alkmaar a Woodcock flew across the road not far from the AZ Alkmaar stadium. We drove through a few snow flurries and arrived at the Channel Tunnel mid afternoon, boarded thus ending our birding. A magic trip, so many birds and great views.

MJM

A link to Tom Mabbett’s blog, includes a great shot of the Red-breasted Goose.

http://www.mabbettbrosbirding.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

29 February 2012 A hectic but mostly enjoyable day at WWT thanks to Kingfishers, singing Blackcap and lots of general Spring activity to put a bounce in the step.

28 February 2012 Some new birds have arrived at work, more Black-tailed Godwits and Ruff were present today. Only 85 E White-fronted Geese were left on the Dumbles with 100 deciding to head off to begin migration even though it was cloudy.

“Spectacled” Wigeon female Albanism again.

Redshank showing albanistic line on back of head.

Mandarin
A stunning duck, as a kid it drew me in immediately providing plain wonder at the intricate plumage. A small ‘influx’ of them to WWT Slimbridge this week. Not enough females around, this one has paired to a female Mallard and was showing aggression toward male Mallards.

Jack Snipe
This bird remained in the open so I managed a quick snap and better quality video here.. http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge/sightings/

19-24 February 2012 Departing birds from WWT Slimbridge has been a feature this week. I have been kept busy on various pre breeding season jobs which allowed a few sightings of quality birds. I guided some prize winners around the reserve seeing two Bitterns from the Zeiss Hide on Sunday, also Bittern views on Monday and Wednesday in the 100 Acre. One flew over us twice on Monday and a single landed on the reeds near us whilst working on tern/gull rafts on Wednesday. Trilling Little Grebe, barking Great Crested Grebe, lots of songbirds all suggested spring. Whilst mowing/topping juncus I noted at least 70 Common Snipe and 9 Jack Snipe. I have uploaded the trip report and some images from the Netherlands trip on 9-12 February 2012.

18 February 2012 My first Reed Bunting of the winter was in the garden, I spent a bit of time re-arranging House Sparrow nest boxes in the garden. They are already looking at them.

Geese leaving the IJseelmeer roost, Makkum, Netherlands

9-12 February 2012 A short goosetastic trip to the Netherlands via France and Belgium. A full trip report covering this trip will follow soon.

1-11 February 2012 A very busy period spent preparing for the Festival of Birds at WWT Slimbridge or helping out on it. Great to see so many people braving the harsh weather to support it and to see so many familiar faces. A cold and frozen period with a dash of snow.

29 January 2012 All day spent preparing slides for DBWPS tommorow.

28 January 2012 Spent the afternoon with R Taylor counting gulls at Purton. This was for the Severn Estuary Gull Group (SEGG) and county database. We logged over 5000 gulls, most were Common with a few hundred Black-headed, Lesser and Great Black backed and Herring Gulls. 25 Pied Wagtail, 18 Meadow Pipit, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and 32 Cormorant were also noted. Rich spotted a Little Owl as we returned through the lanes.

27 January 2012 A visit to Oldbury Power station to see the small party of Twite, I saw three of the four. Also plenty of Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer. I also called in at Sharpness Dock and saw a couple of Black Redstart.

 

24-26 January 2012 Nothing extra noted at work, a small flock of ten Ruff now roam the WWT floods and fields. Two male Blackcap at home in the garden.

 

22 and 23 January 2012 I caught up with a visiting Pomarine Skua to WWT, it had bathed in front of hides but I was doing an SBS talk at the time so missed this show. I caught up with it on the sandbanks off Middle Point where it roosted overnight and suspected it could be seen the next day. As predicted it caused a stir among the waders as it headed out in the morning, apparently flying downstream to Purton. A good bird for WWT, not too many records and only the third I have seen. I can again dream of seeing the ‘light and bouncy’ one on the Severn….adult Long tailed Skua.

21 January 2012 A morning in the Forest of Dean, see trip reports page followed by a fine afternoon at Cheltenham Town’s Whaddon Road ground…Bristol Rovers away, three points in the bag.

Lesser Scaup, female

Egyptian Geese (they try their best but a quality Anser they are not)

15-19 January 2012 Nothing new birding wise back to work at WWT Slimbridge, the 2 Egyptian Geese were a novelty, post frozen bird numbers began to rise again. I did miss a Short-eared Owl over the Rushy on 19th..I was feeding at the time, the birds not me.

14 January 2012 Day trip to Hampshire/Dorset, see trip reports.

12-13 January 2012 A rather boring couple of days with piles of paper, receipts and spreadsheets…yes, it is Tax return time again. Graham Clarkson stayed over and we discussed potential trips for 2012, a few ideas banded about depending on WWT work shedules etc. Blue Tit checking out one of my nest boxes and Collared Doves exploring possible nest sites in the garden.

Andy Jayne has messaged me with news of a male American Wigeon at Coombe Hill Meadows from Grundon Hide.

8-12 January 2012 Some new species for year included, Chiffchaff plus a female Stonechat in the WWT 100 Acre. The birding remains very good at WWT but still much the same as over Christmas. Colder weather is coming so new birds will arrive.

Bittern WWT Slimbridge

7 January 2012 A day trip to the Forest of Dean. Details on the trip reports page.

6 January 2012 I met up with Bob Radford and we headed for the high Cotswolds with a mission, to search through the Linnet flocks for Twite, none were found. We sifted through 1000 Linnets, 30 and 40 Yellowhammer, 60 Chaffinch, 20, 30 and 30 Greenfinch. A single Corn Bunting, 29 Golden Plover and lots of released Red-legged Partridge were also seen. During our route a total of 13 Kestrel were noted, over 50 Buzzards, two Hen Harrier, 3 Short-eared Owls and 12 Red Kites. Chips and mushy peas on the bridge in Bourton on the Water was followed by a quick look at the pits, 93 Coot, 2 Wigeon and small parties of Tufted Duck were the reward, a Coal Tit was new for the year. Off to the Forest of Dean tommorow.

5 January 2012 A brisk hide round with the 100 Acre Marsh Harrier scopeable from Holden Tower.

4 January 2012 A morning water level check at the 100 Acre provided the female Marsh Harrier, 2 Peregrine and 2 Buzzards plus a couple of Redpolls.

3 January 2012 An appointment at Frampton Surgery plus taking time off in lieu allowed for an hour around the pits, a few Little and Great Crested Grebe, some Tufted Duck and Coot flocks and a Little Egret were all eclipsed by an adult male and first winter male Goldeneye. Very smart birds and only regular in the CWP locally, Nick Goatman passed on news of these birds. I also explored some floods adjacent to the R Frome with another Little Egret seen.

1-2 January 2012 I recorded 76 species at WWT on 1st with a Barn Owl pick of the day as I left work at 7.42pm. A search of the north end of the reserve on 2nd gave up Short-eared Owl, Snipe, Marsh Harrier, 13 Grey Plover and Meadow Pipit.

Some bird highlights of the 2011 autumn, most are taken at WWT Slimbridge but one or two exceptions are my rare birding moments away from the Trust. I have hardly got out birding from October to late December due to working on the house but here are my favourite bits, at least the ones I managed to capture on memory card.

Semipalmated Sandpiper and Dunlin

Cetti’s Warbler
Often quiet from July-September. Much easier to locate in October and November when they begin calling again.

Pallid Harrier, Black Down, Somerset
Made a last minute decision and dash for this bird when I got the spare time. Also saw the Spotted Sandpiper at Chew Valley Lake.

Common Scoter
This male was briefly on South Lake but soon flew off South, I saw another, a female on the Severn in November. They have been rather scarce in recent years.

Pied Wheatear
One of the best local finds of the autumn. This bird was at Thornbury Sailing Club

Ruddy Shelducks over the Top New Piece

Chiffchaff sp
Always worth studying the late Oct to February Chiffs, this may be an example of abietinus

Brent Geese on the Dumbles

Great Crested Grebe South Lake

Bittern
It is great to have this bird back in front of the Zeiss Hide at WWT, even better that two are showing daily from November to the end of the year.

Lesser Scaup female
This bird arrived last winter in late December 2010 appearing in front of me when just about to feed the Rushy, this time in December 2011 I spotted it without binoculars to hand as it was getting dark in almost the same place.

Ferruginous Duck x Pochard
I always find these wild hybridisations of interest, the fourth I have seen at WWT over the years. It flew in to the Tack Piece on 29 December.

 

17-24 September 2011
Another good week locally, Sunday 18th September being very memorable for the variety of birds around and yet another North American wader…juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper. A large number of birders were already enjoying the Dotterel and Buff-breasted Sandpiper so JSL and I headed off a short distance to count the wader roost. We were viewing from slightly different places as the flock were strung out and this bird stood out immediately. It was feeding on the wet mud with other waders and allowed some images/video to be taken even though it was raining and overcast. This should, if accepted constitute the second county record after JSL discovered one in 2006 (another bumper year for SPS in Britain).  It is likely that it has been seen before and since then but close or prolonged views were not attained. One possible was noted in the 1960’s but other encounters included brief but close views of a bird in the early 90’s, me included and I had distant views of a possible on two dates in Sep 2008. It was accompanying Little Stints. No such doubts over the 2006 and 2011 birds though.

Semi-p (the greyer bird with Dunlin)

7-16 September 2011
The seabird sightings continued near daily, I missed out on the best bird, an adult breeding plumage Sabine’s Gull and the juveniles seen on other dates around the Severn. Cannot play cricket and watch birds. I did spot an adult Grey Phalarope on one of the incoming tides and was present with a group when the Buff-breasted Sandpiper arrived in front of us all on 10th. This bird re-appeared and has shown daily to 16th at least, with a Dotterel as well. I have been on the other side of the estuary today (16th) with JSL watching a juvenile Spotted Sandpiper, a county first and good find for J Phillips.

Spotted Sand

Arctic Tern over the Dumbles
Around a dozen have been on show daily on the Severn

Sanderling
Lots of small waders have been in the estuary, up to 27 Curlew Sandpiper, a few Little Stints and flocks of Sanderling among the Dunlin/Ringed Plover. Also Whimbrel, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot and Little ringed Plover notable on the scrapes.

6 September 2011
Since last week I have been looking forward to what the forecasted gales would bring in to Severn waters. Severn beach had a very good day but we also had a run of seabirds at lunchtime. Sadly the Manx Shearwaters are victims of these gales as young birds leave the Pembs Islands nest burrows. We saw at least two killed today, one by gulls/Raven and the other by Peregrine. JSL and I saw three Fulmar, 2 Gannets, 4 Arctic Terns but missed the juvenile Sabine’s Gull spotted by JK and JP. A Guillemot also went upstream from Sharpness and was seen off Hock Cliff. A good day for seabird watching. Also the Marsh Harrier was hunting over the reserve again this afternoon.

Gannet off Middle Point MJMcGill

5 September 2011
Spent lunchtime watching the high tide (not very high) but no seabirds. A juvenile Marsh Harrier spent much of the day around the Dumbles and Top new Piece.

Marsh Harrier over the seawall

1-4 September 2011
The showers have deposited many Wheatears locally. We have had counts of double figures daily along the Severn shore. Plenty of Yellow Wagtails too…70+ among the cattle. The hedges are full of warblers but the estuary was very much quieter for waders.

Northern Wheatear MJMcGill

22-30 August 2011
During this period locally I have seen a number of migrants and offspring from the breeding season. The wader variety has increased and highlights have been my first juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and Sanderling on 26th with up to five of the former and nine of the latter by 29th. It is a great time of year with so much to see. Anything can show up and does…a juvenile Marsh Harrier on 23rd hunting the Maize crop at WWT was a nice start. I went and had a quick look at Dave Paynter’s Wryneck at Sharpness on 29th and on the morning of the 30th the first bird I saw from the Zeiss Hide was an Osprey flying down river. Other notables from 29th was a juvenile Cuckoo and 2 juvenile Hobbies.

Red Knot over the Severn
Most are not red, only the one in this image but there is a range of subtle juvenile plumages.

Green Sandpiper

Redstart
A good run of records from the trust during the whole period.

21 August 2011
Lots of birds seen whilst unlocking the hides and two Landrover safari’s. The Cuckoo was a good late record, juvenile Spotted Redshanks are very smart birds and three Little-ringed Plovers. See http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge/wildlife-sightings/todays-sightings-20110821-162400 for the roundup.

20 August 2011
A Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler in the garden this morning…nice. A day at the British Birdwatching Fair…nice to catch up with so many of you.

17 August 2011
Two Chiffchaffs spent all day feeding my garden, they breed locally but these are passage birds.

15-16 August 2011
I have been beating the garden into shape, I have to catch up with lots and may be doing lots more this week. A juvenile Robin and juvenile Sparrowhawk are the only obvious birds about. A good breeding season for many birds that nest at my home but they are spending more time in the adjacent fields of wheat and hedges.

13-14 August 2011
A weekend!!! two days of playing cricket for Whitminster CC with the wrong results…lost both.

9-13 August 2011
A trip to stay in East Dorset near Wimborne to spend time as a family. We did lots of fun stuff but I also got to have a brief look and walk around some new wildlife sites. Ibsley Water was packed with birds, I saw at least 40 Egyptian Geese here, I did not realise they were this common  in West Hampshire. A male Red-crested Pochard was also present with a few Common Pochard and lots of Little and Great Crested Grebe. A Black-necked Grebe and Great White Egret had been reported too. We had a stroll around Holt Heath in Dorset, excellent site with some of Britain’s rarest reptiles such as Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard. Dartford Warbler also present and the only site in Dorset with breeding Curlew. A walk up onto Bindon Hill near Lulworth Cove was breezy but worth the climb, lots of Chalkhill Blues but a little late for Lulworth Skipper. A cycle ride around Moors Valley CP was also much enjoyed but the wrong time of year for really productive woodland birding. Some old favourites were also taken in from this lovely part of England…Stonehenge, Mudeford Quay and Bournemouth beach. A visit to a Lebanese restaurant called Retro, Bournemouth was the foody highlight, excellent grub.

8 August 2011
An afternoon at WWT Slimbridge to attend joint celebration of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper project so far. Nice to see so many WWT staff present.

31 July-4 August 2011
A week back to work at WWT Slimbridge. The Spoonbill, 2 Garganeys, Wood Sandpiper and flocks of waders on the scrapes all very welcome.

 

Spoon-billed Sandpiper chick MJMcGill

Spoon-billed Sandpiper, adult MJMcGill

28/29 July 2011
Still just spending time at home and feeling the strains of a cricket practice session on Wednesday night, stiff from bowling. I have not been away from the garden but have to say that the Swallows and House Martins are a pleasure to watch and listen to. I have been seeing Swifts daily until 28th at least, they will dissapear soon.

27 July 2011
I spent most of the day out with my family, we visited the magnificent Forest of Dean for a picnic and a walk. I checked out a dragonlfy pool first at Edgehill, Emperor, Southern Hawker and Emerald Damselflies all seen. A Whitethroat scolded me. Our picnic spot at the Speech House arboretum was very quiet for birds as adults are moulting and juveniles are not wanting to attract attention. A walk around Cannop Ponds was productive. The water was attracting a lot of birds to bathe and drink. Blackcaps were calling, juvenile Marsh, Blue, Great and Coal Tits all seen. At least 4 juvenile Grey Wagtails, three juvenile Siskins, a GSWoodpecker, male Bullfinch, c20 secretive, moulting Mandarin, a Silver-washed Fritillary floated by. Pick of the lot was three juvenile Crossbills that had come to drink.

21-26 July 2011
My time has been spent trying to get back on track, catching up with sleep and spending time at home. A Hobby over Whitminster school was a bonus on 21st.

20 July 2011
I have returned from what has been a succesful expedition to Chukotka, Russian (Far Eastern Siberia) to collect and hatch eggs of the critically endagered Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

For more info see

http://www.wwt.org.uk/support-us/please-help-us-to-save-the-incredible-spoonbilled-sandpiper

or to follow the blog see..

http://sbsproject.wordpress.com/

15 May 2011 Arrived in Moscow at 0430 and was picked up by taxi. We (Nigel Jarrett and I) met up with two members of our team travelling to Chukotka. We had 3 hours sleep and will be attempting to fly out this evening to Anadyr.

14 May 2011 Off to Far Eastern Russia today, the Chukotka Autonomous region on a joint expedtion. I will be accompanying Nigel Jarrett and joining a team to explore 500 sq km of tundra. Not sure when the next update will be but have a great wildlife filled Spring and early summer. I hope we can arrange a book signing session with Kate Humble in late August or early September. WWT Slimbridge will have the details in due course.

12-13 May 2011 I am making a lot of last minute preparations in readiness for the trip to Far Eastern Russia (visa permitting) so no birding at all, highly irregular for May. Thanks to everyone that has supported the Watching Waterbirds book, it is raising funds for conservation work that WWT is involved in.

Dunlin on the Severn MJMcGill

Racial and plumage variation in Dunlin MJMcGill
A greyer bird on the left that lacks the rich chestnut/ginger markings, streaking on throat, neck and darker marks such as ear coverts. Also the bill and leg length is shorter.

Ringed Plover spies a predator above MJMcGILL

Wood Sandpiper MJMcGill

9-10 May 2011 A couple of Wood Sands were nice, one colour ringed and I await details of where it was marked. A few waders were still on offer on the falling tides, much lower numbers than of late but all looking smart.  

8 May 2011 Lots of spring migrants on offer in the Severn Estuary and around WWT Slimbridge. On the estuary Grey Plover, Red Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Dunlin and Ringed Plover all in breeding plumage, the water levels on the scrapes had gone up with lots of much needed overnight rain. A Wheatear,  Blue-headed Wagtail and c10 Yellow Wagtails were all seen, female Yellow Wagtails collecting nesting material and making nests. A 0330 start to get in by 0400 for a Dawn Chorus event was met with rain, this did not stop the birds, Cuckoo, 6 Lesser Whitethroat and 9 Common Whitethroat were highlights. A male Broad-bodied Chaser was noted.

Marsh Harrier flying toward Saul Warth, 8 May 2011

7 May 2011 A walk around Frampton Townfield lake with J and R was fairly productive, a Common Tern, 200 Sand and House Martin and Swallows. A party of 4 Commic Terns and an adult Little Gull flew through heading NE, c 50 Black-headed Gull did the same. A Garden Warbler sang with a Nightingale nearby.

Garganey, South Lake MJM
Up to three have been around the reserve this week.

Blue-headed Wagtail male, 5 May 2011 MJMcGill

  

Broad-bodied Chaser MJM

Turnstone and Dunlin MJM

Common Sandpiper MJM

Wood Sandpiper, Dumbles/Holden scrape MJM

  

Arctic Terns heading up the Severn

2 May 2011 Another excellent day….totals for some what I have seen between 0700-1830 include..Greenshank 16 (6 Centre scrapes, 2 100 Acre, 2,5,1 North estuary), Turnstone 3 off Dumbles, 4 N, Sanderling 20 on mud off Fretherne, 11 on mud off Dumbles, singles and small parties N, Dunlin c60 on mud, flocks N, Ringed Plover 16 on mud, small parties N, Whimbrel 1 N and on mud later, Curlew 9 on mud, Bar-tailed Godwit 250 on mud off Dumbles, c300 on mud Fretherne, small parties through N am, possibly 80 N pm, Red Knot c15 on mud, Common Sandpiper 3 (1 South Lake, 1 Holden, 1 Knott Pool, Wood Sandpiper 1 on Holden/Dumbles scrape at 0730 and 1800 when I looked, Grey Plover 13+ on mud, with Black-tailed Godwit,  Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and 3-5 Little ringed Plovers around too. 17 species of wader. 2 Common Terns on the estuary, 1 on South Lake, 2 Black Terns estuary, 4-6, 6 Arctic Terns-more were seen further up and 60 at dusk, Whinchat 3 males-one 50 Acre, two Bottom New Piece, Wheatear female Dumbles, Greenland female 50 Acre, Yellow Wagtail-6 territorial birds, 3 N, Blue-headed Wagtail male in Bull Ground briefly. Swift 11, 4 N and c20 over 100 Acre pm inc pairs, Sand Martin c30, Swallow 100 N all day. Pochard 3 males-1 in 100 Acre yesterday, 2 on Rushy, Garganey male-South Lake.

Broad-bodied Chaser 1st of year, 3 Four spot Chasers, 20+ Hairy Dragonflies.

1 May 2011 An excellent day of visible migration on the Severn. MLK recorded Little Tern earlier and a large selection of waders of Fretherne. Between 0740-0920 NRS and myself noted a pale phase Arctic Skua, 400 Bar-tailed Godwit, 16 Red Knot (MLK had 23), 3 Ruddy Turnstone, 5 Grey Plover, 3 Sanderling, 60 Dunlin, 15 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew and I watched a Whimbrel fly up river and land on the rocks on the Awre side which had a dark rump. Although distant views were had it can only be a Hudsonian Whimbrel or an abberant bird. I did not get away from work until 1800 and am at work tommorow, I hope Fretherne and Awre birders are vigilant tommorow as it is likely to hang out locally whilst the NE winds are blowing. I did see two Whimbrel today on the Landrover safaris, both hardly moved all afternoon spending all their time sleeping regardless of the tidal state, clearly they were knackered and in no mood to continue North.

On top of this great haul an Arctic Tern, 25 Swift, 500+ Swallow (passage all day), 30 Sand Martin, 40 House Martin, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 400 Lesser-black Backed and 200 Herring Gull were all noted going N. A Little-ringed Plover was in the 50 Acre, 2 Wood Sandpipers (thanks Darren), 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 51 Black-tailed Godwit, Garganey, Yellow Wagtails and more were all on the scrapes. I heard a brief burst of Nightingale song from the 100 Acre hedge this afternoon but my group were a little too noisy for it to show and an apparent female Greenland Wheatear was on the Dumbles. Other birders on site also noted 2-3 Whinchat and 6 Arctic Terns.

Barwits and Red Knot

30 April 2011 After a getting to bed at 0200 and hearing the dawn chorus at 0430 I woke at 0730 in the Forest of Dean on a family/friends camping trip. The lack of sleep wrote off any energetic birding today and all League 1 Football results did not go the way of Bristol Rovers despite a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Weds. Too many injured players. Looks like they are down.

29 April 2011  An exciting day for me on the Severn, a visible passage of Bar-tailed Godwits was excellent to watch in action, at least 180 were about on the morning tide and 203 in the evening. Others went through heading NE, most of the males were in full breeding plumage. 2 Common Terns were present on both tides, probably one of the WWT 100Acre breeding pairs, a party of 5 ‘Commic’ Terns, probably Arctic went through in the evening. NPG had 50 Arctic Terns through the Frampton Pools in the evening. Other highlights were 6 Whimbrel, a Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Dunlin and I picked up a dark phase Arctic Skua in the bins/scope that went through low N before climbing over Hock cliff and heading inland.

Barwits

23-28 April 2011 Similar birds this week, a second male Garganey was about the trust.

Gadwall and Garganey

22 April 2011 A walk out to the Severn Estuary this am produced 5 Common Tern on the estuary mud with BHGulls, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Dunlin, 4 migrant (they were in non-breeding plumage and roosting) Oystercatcher and a few Yellow Wagtails. A male Yellow Wagtail seems to be territorial in the WWT 100 Acre. I also discovered my first Hairy Dragonflies of the year, a female and male in the Green Lane between platforms. A Cuckoo sang near the canal towpath at Splatt Bridge, Frampton and the five Common Terns were on Townfield Lake. Two Yellow Wagtail were around my house, perhaps looking at the crop next to us as a breeding site.

Female Hairy Drag MJM

21 April 2011 A male Whinchat (first in Britain this year, the other was with a Spectacled Warbler on the Belen plain) and male Yellow Wagtail near Middle Point were stunning in the sunshine. A further 5 Y Wagtails flew over North. A high tide collection of waders included a Sanderling, 3 Grey Plover and 6 Bar-tailed Godwit. A Peregrine dispersed the roost on the ebb tide. Two Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper remained on the scrapes.

Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail MJM

 

20 April 2011 A dragonfly flew ahead of me in the 100 Acre and was probably a Four spot Chaser, my first 3 Blue-tailed Damselflies, 5 Azure Damselflies  of the year and 30 Large Red Damselfies were also in the 100 Acre. Two Greenshank were in the 100 Acre and a Lesser Whitethroat was singing.

17-19 April 2011 At WWT a few migrants around, a few non-breeding plumaged waders on the estuary and falls of Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler. A couple of Green Sandpipers have been around the scrapes which are rather scarce in spring, the more expected Common Sandpipers are also around.

Green Sandpiper, South Lake MJM

Little Egret MJM

16 April 2011 At home all day so far, lots of butterflies about, Swallows and House Martins. NPG reports Nightingale at Frampton. Not going down to the South coast but BRFC have Southampton away this afternoon and we need 3 points.

Some more Extremedura images.
Rich Ford supplied these stunners to keep us ticking over, more of his shots are viewable on http://richardsbirdingdiary.blogspot.com/

Bonelli’s Eagle and Alpine Swift Richard Ford

Griffon Vulture Richard Ford

14-15 April 2011 A few days off at home, I have Collared Dove and Woodpigeon on eggs, fledged Blackbird chicks in the beech hedge (cats kill them every year) two occupied House Sparrow boxes, an open box with something in there (Robin) and a Wren nest. I still intend to get even more boxes up and my roof has a few pairs of House Sparrow too.

13 April 2011 A similar set of birds to yesterday, a period of low cloud and light rain brought 20 Swallows and 20 Sand Martin down. The estuary was rather quiet.

12 April 2011 The Garganey, 123 Blackwit, Lesser Scaup, Spotted Redshank, 19 Redshank and a Knot were all notable at WWT but the Green Sandpiper was new for the year for me, a Tree Pipit near the Martin Smith Hide was of note and a few Dunlin and a Grey Plover were on the estuary. A White Wagtail was near the Holden Tower and a Yellow Wagtail over the Zeiss Hide.

11 April 2011 Did not get to bed until 0200 and up at 0630 to start a Spring Landrover safari at WWT. One of the first birds was a female Redstart, my first of the year. A variety of good birds about but best of all was a Brent Goose that I picked up distantly in the 100 Acre. It was a misty morning and had the low sun illuminating it but I thought it to have extremely white flanks and a distinct neck sock. I discussed this with my group and about the effect of strong light in determining which race it was. We relocated to the viewing platform for better light but the goose had gone. Later in the day at lunch I refound the bird at high tide flying around with Shelduck and Oystercatcher. It was a Light-bellied Brent, my second record of the year after the two in March and only my third ever WWT and Glos record.

Light-bellied Brent Goose MJMcGill

In addition a male Garganey, the Lesser Scaup, a Dunlin and a Spotted Redhank were all present today.

6-10 April 2011 A great trip to Extremadura, a full trip report will appear soon. As we had a few DSLR-heads (digital slr camera users) with us some quality images should be on offer, thanks to all who came with Graham, Neil and myself, we all enjoyed your company very much.

Hoopoe MJMcGill

5 April 2011 Best of today was displaying Little ringed Plovers on the South Lake, also a pair of Goldcrest doing the same. A party of Canada Geese wandered into Lapwing territories on the Top New Piece this afternoon, four pairs swarmed them and drove them away. Oystercatcher pairs are also facing up to each other, heads down and getting very agitated. A few Swallows and c60 Sand Martin were about.

4 April 2011 A first summer Little Gull flew down the estuary at 1600, first of the year for me. A spring record 194 Black-tailed Godwits were around the WWT scrapes.

3 April 2011 At WWT Slimbridge a few migrant waders were around, the Lesser Scaup remained.

2 April 2011 A couple of Small White butterflies were the only new sighting of the year for me , they were in Gloucester.

Lapland Bunting, Dumbles Scrape.  MJM

1 April 2011 After hearing earlier in the day from the finder  Geoff Moyser I was finally tempted by tales of a breeding plumaged LapBunt feeding around the Dumbles scrape. It was still present at midday but not in full glory plumage wise, nice bird though. The six White Wagtails were also a treat, perhaps all heading the same way? A Red Admiral at home was a first of the year.

Steller’s and King Eiders MJM

30 March 2011 Not many new arrivals on show around the New Grounds/WWT today, I did see and hear my first 4 Swallows of the year, plus 30 Sand Martins, a Golden Plover in the 100 Acre and 15 Ringed Plover and 2 Grey Plover on the estuary.

Steller’s Eider, Vardo, Norway MJMcGill
What a bird……

29 March 2011 A few Swallows seen heading through WWT Slimbridge today, I noted c40 Sand Martin, a pair of Little-ringed Plover on the 100 Acre central flood, 144 Black-tailed Godwits with 120 of them on the South Lake, a Spotted Redshank (1st of year), 2 Knot (1st of year) with 4 Grey Plover and 5 Oystercatcher on the estuary as well as a GC Grebe. The Lesser Scaup was on the Rushy again. I saw a male Orange Tip Butterfly in the 50 Acre this afternoon, 1st of the year and possibly my earliest ever?.

28 March 2011 At least 9 Willow Warbler were singing, 27 Chiffchaff and two Blackcap, one of the Chiffs had a very interesting song which I recorded and will investigate. A male Red-breasted Merganser was seen on the estuary at 1600, late news of a pair for last Thursday too.

22-23 March 2011 A visit to Arctic Norway and Finland with friends, it has to be said that left Gloucestershire rather underwatched for the week. Was no coincedence that no Ring Ouzels have been seen when many of  the most active NCOS (North Cotswolds Ornithological Society) members were with me. One in particular beat me to one of my usual Spring finds, a Bourton on the Water Sedge Warbler fell to Duncan Dine’s binoculars before a WWT record. I blame my tired, snowblinded eyes!!!!!

A full trip report will follow soon. We spent our time around the Varangerfjord with a night spent in the Taiga zone for forest birds and a night ‘in transit’ near Oslo. Although not offering a large list of birds it rewarded us with quality with Steller’s and King Eiders, Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Pine Grosbeak, Siberian Tit, Siberian Jay, Arctic Redpoll, Gyrfalcon and Brunnich’s Guillemot to name a few. Great trip, fine company and testing conditions.

More Steller’s Eiders M.J.McGill

Peregrine Falcon from the Zeiss Hide, 17 March 2011, WWT Slimbridge MJM

21 March 2011 A few migrants from yesterday, the Little-ringed Plover was on the island that was ‘developed’ to entice them to breed on the Rushy. One Avocet remained on the TNP, the Cattle Egret was seen again and a Great White Egret hung about before hopping N up the reserve and heading on, I caught a sight of it before it left. A male Wheatear, some migrant Meadow Pipits and more Shoveler were around.

20 March 2011 Back to work at WWT Slimbridge with a pleasant bang…the 2 male Greater Scaup looking better every week, a prediction of Avocets as I entered the Holden Tower with NRS, three Brent Geese were moved off the water by the tide and flew around the estuary, a last close fly by revealed two rare Light-bellied and a Dark-bellied Brent. The former having only 6-7 previous records with only one other of two as the rest were singles. JK picked up two Avocets in flight, there eventually turned out to be three and they spent the whole day on the Top New Piece, the pair becoming agressive by the end of the day. The Cattle Egret was on the Top New Piece and then moved to the South Lake, the Pink-footed Goose was on the South Lake too, the day ended with the female Lesser Scaup on the Rushy. Lots of nice birds on my WWT travels.

18-19 March 2011 A weekend off but no birding!

17 March 2011 My first Wheatear of the year, a male was at WWT. Best of all was the outrageously close views of an immature Peregrine at the Zeiss Hide, I did take many pics and hope to share them soon.

15 March 2011 Most notable birds for me today were three Siskins on the bird table at home and at WWT the nine grounded migrant Pied Wagtails and parties of 8 and 6 Sand Martins through N. My first of the year.

14 March 2011 At WWT Slimbridge at least 5 Brimstone and a Small Tortoishell were on the wing in the glorious sunshine.  A Coal Tit was a notable passage migrant as well.

13 April 2011 A rainy start to the day cleared to a sunny and warm afternoon. I saw my first local Stonechat of the year, a male on the 100 Acre fences. Also whilst driving the tractor N up the reserve I had a lovely male White Wagtail (first of the year, although I had three alba/yarrellii flyover last week which I though were White)running along the track flycatching. Only one White-fronted Goose remained, the Pink-footed Goose still, a female Smew on the Top New Piece, an intermedius Lesser Black back and adult breeding plumaged Mediterranean Gull on the estuary. A party of five Bewick’s joined the last three. The female Lesser Scaup and three Greater Scaups cheered me up as they always do. NRS and NPG both scored with Sand Martins at Frampton.

12 March 2011 A BRIMSTONE butterfly flew through the garden, first of the year for me. Also 2 Siskins came to my feeders another first as they usually are flyovers.

1-11 March 2011 A period dominated by departures of wildfowl and waders locally, I have noted some Spring migrants such as Shoveler, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, Grey and Ringed Plover at work, WWT Slimbridge. Raptors have been in evidence with the Marsh Harrier still showing daily and a first experience of seeing this and Red Kite together on my birthday on the 8th. A Jack Snipe on the 9th was of note and I am looking forward to seeing new birds arriving daily from now.

19-27 February 2011 Images to come

18 February 2011 A ‘raid’ on Chipping Norton for the Oriental Turtle Dove, just three hours spare today but it was enough to see this Far Eastern visitor. Only just over the border in Oxon, an hour from home and it was showing on arrival. I chatted with a few birders at the site as well as some of the residents, a nice atmosphere. One chap let me view it through his scope and couldn’t be more helpful, a bit of fun with local residents perhaps bewildered by the attention but interested nontheless. They are opening up the gardens today but will be closed Sunday.

10-17 February 2011 Generally wildfowl numbers have been dropping in line with the usual exodus of early Spring. Bramblings, Reed Buntings and singing territorial birds have been keeping things going. Shelduck are now using the hide and barn roofs to engage in displays.

9 February 2011 I completed my last square for the BTO atlas this morning, it takes in part of the reserve at WWT and I ‘scored’ with some great birds. First of all a flock of 18 Dark-bellied Brent were present on the estuary, I watched the E. White-fronted Goose flock head out to grit and picked them up on the main channel, they were distant but one had brighter flanks, was big with a good throat slash,  they took flight a few times as the bore came in and settled a bit closer but it was murky and they were not close so it could have been a gander in top nick. Next top bird was a Marsh Harrier, the immature female was hunting and resting on the ground in the 100 Acre, next a Water Pipit perched for a few seconds before dropping out of view, a Redshank alarmed and ahead of me a Short-eared Owl was being mobbed over the estuary. I continued counting and was finally rewarded by a Bittern flying over the reeds near to the platform. It dropped in somewhere around that area. A good set of birds in 2.5 hours and a fair walk.

8 February 2011 A Little Owl sunning itself was notable along the canal at Frampton on Severn.

1-7 February 2011 Will add images asap for this period.

The 18 Dark-bellied Brent Geese on 9 February MJM