A morning in the Forest of Dean was planned as the weather was perfect. We departed Whitminster at 0630 to make the most of the morning and arrived at Walmore Common. A Purple Heron had been seen here a couple of days before so it was worth a stop. The common was in flood and had a lot of birds feeding and roosting including Little Egrets, Shelduck and Shoveler but no Purple Heron. We carried on to Yew Tree Brake and were soon hearing and glimpsing Firecrest in the firs, the views were of birds high up. A Tawny Owl was discovered at day roost and was being mobbed by smaller passerines. After an hour with the Firecrests we moved on to Nagshead RSPB. A short walk and we were watching the first Pied Flycatcher, at least seven mnales were noted singing on a stroll around the paths. The highlight here was a male Wood Warbler in full song in the sun.

Pied Flycatcher

Wood Warbler

Our next stop was at Woorgreens where management work has re-created some excellent habitat. Following the lake we soon found a Garden Warbler, it showed for us low down in the gorse. A Crossbill flew over. Moving out onto the heath the first of seven Tree Pipits were seen, a very tame and close bird that gave us great views.

Tree Pipit

Other warbler species were noted, a Willow Warbler was heard, lots of Blackcaps, Chiffchaff, displaying Common Whitethroat and another Garden Warbler. The parachute display flights of the Tree Pipits were great to watch and hear. A female Goshawk appeared overhead and circled in the thermals, a nice addition to the Buzzards. I could hear them arriving and announced that Crossbills were on their way when three flew low overhead and dropped in the pines. A large party of Redpoll and Siskin were feeding in birches, quite late for such a gathering but perhaps delayed breeding by a week or two.

Goshawk

Heading back to the car a smashing Willow Tit began calling and gave us all amazing views as it fed in the alders. The Garden Warbler was out in the open and singing again, more good views. The common woodland birds such as Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker and Nuthatch added to the outing but it was just one of those perfect days where so many birds gave themselves up, right place, right time. Thanks to all who attended.
MJM.

 

30 May 2012 A Painted Lady at WWT Slimbridge.

24-28 May 2012 Sardinia and Corsica, full trip report soon.

21 May 2102 Was tempted and took the afternoon off to yomp up Bradnor Hill, Hereford for this stunner.

 

18 May 2012 I saw three pairs of Common Tern, a Whimbrel, 24 Sanderling, 3 Grey Plover, 76 Dunlin, 3 Knot, 16 Curlew, 42 Ringed Plover and a Short-eared Owl out on the WWT reserve/estuary tonight.

14-17 May 2012 Highlights were the female Red-necked Phalarope and hatching Avocets at WWT Slimbridge. The latter a special moment in time as it is a first for the county. A party of 15 Sanderling on 14th were of note.

13 May 2012 Up at 0330 for a Dawn Chorus event at WWT Slimbridge. Again, perfect weather for singing birds and the misty start was very atmospheric. A party of four Great Crane Project Eurasian Cranes made it very special. A Redpoll over was unusual, Cuckoo welcome and plenty of songsters.

12 May 2012 Trip report soon, a very good morning out in the Forest of Dean, weather was great, the birds fell into place.

10 May 2012 Got up and ready for work, opened the door and u-turned, back to bed for the day. Some sort of fever, a birdless day save the fledged Starlings and delightful constant communications from sparrows.

9 May 2012 Woke up feeling groggy but pressed on to do a full breeding wader survey of Saul Warth, not a single territorial bird found only migrants such as 27 Whimbrel and four Bar-tailed Godwit, Four Lesser and seven singing Common Whitethroat were nice. Carried on into work until lunch and headed home feeling pretty awful. An afternoon in bed with a temp and I had to get going, dosed up to do a Spoon-billed Sandpiper talk for the Friends of Slimbridge. It semed to go OK so I hope no-one noticed the hot flushes, sweats and light headed bouts!

8 May 2012 I saw the male Garganey again this morning.

7 May 2012 A new bird for the year came in the form of a Wood Sandpiper that Dave Paynter found on the Bottom New Piece, it was not obliging only giving occasional glimpses from distance.

6 May 2012 Some torrential rain prduced some interesting reactions from species such as Swallow. They clearly did not enjoy the ‘monsoon’ and did their best to avoid the heavy downpours. A few more waders were about the estuary but in low numbers. At least 2 female Whinchat were notable, four were seen at Middle Point, WWT yesterday!

5 May 2012 See trip reports

4 May 2012 No birding but good to see Steve Dark at the birders meet at the Old Forge and some of the usual crew.

3 May 2012 An interesting morning yet again, five Common Tern headed upriver on the tide but bumping into Pavlo Zaltowski in the Holden Tower he informed me of a wader he saw on the mud off Saul Warth and thought it to be a phalarope, his verbal description sounded perfect for Red-necked Phalarope. I headed up with JSL as he was going that way with our electric 4wd and sure enough it was out on the mud with hundreds of waders including a Curlew Sandpiper, Turnstone and 100 Red Knot, 22 Grey Plover and 15 Bar-tailed Godwits. 2 Sanderling were also present.

Dealing with a flood problem near the Zeiss Hide I spent most of the day in a digger or in a drainage trench but a Common Tern did fly by on the Top New Piece. On the way out I saw a male and two female Blue-headed Wagtails with an intermediate bird and 10 Yellow Wagtails at the end of the day. An evening walk along the canal at Frampton with Graham Clarkson was productive. Two Short-eared Owl, Cuckoo, Water Rail, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit 8 Curlew and 41 Whimbrel.

Red-necked Phalarope, non-breeding plumaged but just beginning moult

and with a Dunlin (right)

2 May 2012 A female Blue-headed Wagtail was with 15 Yellow Wagtails at WWT Slimbridge on the Tack Piece and near Middle Point at the Goose House.

Blue headed Wagtail female next two images with female Yellow Wagtail flavissima (3rd image)

1 May 2012 A cold, wet start to the day with strong NE winds gradually morphed into a SE light breeze and sunshine. Many migrants were around the Severn today, it would have been great to have the whole day off to just sit and watch.

Garganey- a pair in the Bull Ground Channel, then flew to 100 Acre puddles and fed. My first of the year>
Bar-tailed Godwit 17 in the morning and c30 by the end of the day.
Grey Plover 5 off Saul Warth and 5 arrived with a Turntstone S of Mid Point 1350hrs.
Turnstone- 1 arrived lunchtime
Sanderling-7 in the morning, c30 by early evening
Dunlin-250
Ringed Plover-120
Black Tern-one fed on the Tack Piece scrape where I was working, two more flew over low.
Little Gull- an adult and first summer flew upriver at 1305hrs and an adult fed on the Tack Piece scrape and roosted in the floods.
Short-eared Owl- up to three around Middle Point 1300-1800hrs.
Little Tern-4 flew downriver, another single flew down and one was off Saul Warth 1610-1640.
Arctic Tern-37 flew upriver at 1340hrs
Mediterranean Gull- a first summer with the BH Gull flock and two adults/second summers calling and flying around over the Goose House/Middle Point.
Wheatear- 25 when the sun came out!
Yellow Wagtail- 25 arrived at the end of the day after hearing c 10 N during the day.
Blue-headed Wagtail- a pale headed bird with the above.
plain Yellow Wagtail- an interesting female with the above.
Swallow-1000’s N
Swift 100’s N
House Martin-100’s N
Sand Martin- 300+

Black Tern and Little Gull
Amazingly feeding over the scrape we were working on! It was pouring with rain and they both picked flies from the surface.

 

Little Tern

Short-eared Owl

Wheatear

A very plain, almost colourless female Yellow Wagtail

 

A typical bird that was nearby for comparison.

 

 

 

Most daily sightings are from WWT Slimbridge where I work unless stated. I do not really year list but am always interested in seeing a decent number of birds each year to keep sharp! All images mine unless stated.

28 April 2012 A shorter visit to the Severn foreshore resulted in 16 Whimbrel, c35 Ringed Plover, c75 Dunlin and a Knot.

27 April 2012 I ventured out for a visible migration watch session, to just sit and see what passes by on the foreshore and marsh between 0930-1230. Also some birds from the canal towpath, Splatt birdge and viewing platform at the WWT 100 Acre.

Whimbrel 11
Curlew 20
Grey Plover 1
Little ringed Plover 1 N
Mandarin male
Hobby 1 hunting over WWT 100 Acre, seen twice (1st of the year for me).
Kingfisher- saw the male, heard a nest swap take place
Whitethroat 2 males
Cetti’s Warbler 2 males
Willow Warbler 1
Chiffchaff 2
Blackcap 6
Sedge Warbler 8
Reed Warbler 4
Yellow Wagtail 3 N
Knot 1 N, 1N with 40 Dunlin,
Dunlin 100, 40, 1
Sanderling c10 with the Dunlin
Ringed Plover 1 with single Dunlin N
Arctic Tern 1 N
Great Skua 1 N higher above estuary, flew toward Newnham.
Osprey 1 crossed the estuary and headed NW
Wheatear 4 on foreshore, 8 in 100 Acre on the fences
Whinchat 2 males on 100 Acre fences (1st of the year for me).
Swift up to 30 over reedbed
Swallow-light passage total 120 birds
Sand Martin 10
Hosue Martin 6

At Splatt Bridge
Common Sandpiper 2 (1st of the year for me)
Siskin 2

Extra news…DBP had many Wheatears at Middle Point and TM texted with Black Tern on South Lake.

When I got home I picked up a weeny fledged Robin in the garden and moved it to a safe bush near the house…now to stay on Cat alert!

26 April 2012 Highlight was a female Red-breasted Merganser I scoped from Holden Tower-WWT,  flying in and joining two Great Crested Grebes on the estuary. It flew off upriver after ten minutes off gull hassle. Also the 2 DB Brents remained. A male Redstart and excellent selection on warbler including Whitethroat from the tower.

This Willow Warbler was singing it’s heart out despite the weather.

25 April 2012 I took time out at work to watch the tide, it looked good on the forecast and sure enough it was. I looked from 0815-1030. I saw a flock of c10 Little Gulls and c9 Arctic Tern go through N at 0820 then 6 ‘Barwits’. Many parties of Bar-tailed Godwit passed through N, 75 at least. A total of 300-400 Arctic Tern passed through with some large flocks of over 100, 80, 60. GY noted more Little Gulls, a Little Tern and 61 Arctic Terns after 1100hrs. The 2 DB Brents were still present. A Ruddy Shelduck flew S, I also saw it on the Tack Piece earlier. My first Swifts of the year passed thru…c14 in total. 6 Tufted Duck went N.

24 April 2012 A quick lunchtime search from Middle Point produced two Iceland Gulls, two Dark-bellied Brents, 2 Peregrine and Yellow Wagtail N. Pics of Brents and the two Iceland Gulls below.

 

20 April 2012 A day at London Wetland Centre, thanks to all who packed the theatre for Kate Humble and my Spoon-billed Sandpiper presentation. No birding save the amusement of invasive Ring-necked Parakeets. The centre was having a very birdy day though, Iceland Gull, Greenland Wheatear and Turtle Dove to name a few.

19 April 2012 I headed for the tower as a pale phase Arctic Skua had been seen by JSL, the reward was a dark phase and pale phase Arctic Skua heading N upriver, I also got a radio call from JSL and saw the Kittiwake going downriver before heading back to a partly office bound day.

18 April 2102 I welcomed back some more ‘new for 2012 migrants today. A pair of Common Scoter at 075o off Middle Point, flew up channel after being hassled on the water by a Herring Gull. These were probably seen last Saturday (14th) as a report of a pair were in the diary during high tide. Also  I heard first then saw Turnstone plus single Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot and Grey Plover. 10 Curlew, 5 Oystercatcher and 5 Ringed Plover by 0800 but it was time to go to work for the day. Coming back from fixing up barbed wire in the BNP I heard and saw a Grasshopper Warbler-another 1st of the year. At lunch I had a look on the river and saw two Whimbrel. A few migrants passed over me, Yellow Wagtails 2 and Swallows 10. Another first of the year included this Common Tern that was roosting on the shore and hanging around Middle Point until 0800 at least.

 

Common Scoter off WWT, they were a long way out!

17 April 2012 New for the year for me on the Severn were two Dark-bellied Brent Geese on the tide, floating and flying off Middle Point. A Swallow passage was on today, I noted c 400 with 40 Sand Martin and 30 House Martin. A male Wheatear was in the 100 Acre. Only 28 Curlew were on the estuary basin 0730-0800 but a flock of c50 were present off Middle Point at 1630, these appeared to be migrants. The Cackling Canada was on the spartina island and I saw it fly low with c30 Canada toward Frampton Pools at 0930.

Nice garden bird for Neil Smart-a Wryneck that showed for a short while on the path.

16 April 2012 A few more Reed and Willow Warblers, Sand Martins about today, a Greenshank and 2 Little-ringed Plovers. The undoubted highlight was the Curlew flock. I see a flock of 30-100 migrate from the estuary or over my home every year in early to mid April but today it was a swarm. A flock of 300-400 lifted from the sands as the tide came in and headed high into the sky. All were calling which made it even more spectacular. The majority of the flock formed up into waves and headed NNE a few returned to the estuary where 84 were still present on the sands. At least two Bar-tailed Godwit left too. About half a mile to the S another flock of 120 Curlew were resting on the sands with one Bar-tailed Godwit. One of the Curlews looked to be darvic ringed but the incoming flood pushed them off. I have been seeing c60 Curlew daily around the estuary all week and these are rather quiet, the increase are clearly migrants, perhaps from the Severn/Bristol channel catchment. The N winds have stalled migration so the change during the day to the S winds may well have opened up the opportunity to head off, hence the larger number. I was also very pleased to see the Avocets still very attentive to the S Lake nest and have added a lot of material to it.

15 April 2012 The Avocets have begun building a nest on the South Lake, male passing sticks and small stones over his shoulder to the female who throws it on the the nest. A Red Kite, 3 ringed Plover, two Redstarts, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 100 Swallows and a Grey Plover were all notable migrants and the Black-tailed Godwit flock increased to 142.

Three House Martins were back over the garden in Whitminster.

14 April 2012 A morning in the Cotswolds, see trip reports page.

13 April 2012 Mistle Thrush still singing daily near my home as well as Chiffchaffs. Spent a couple of hours with my daughter looking for the Hoopoe seen by one of the WWT gardeners flying along the foreshore and heading N.

12 April 2012 The Avocets are still looking good at WWT Slimbridge, some nest building and lots of copulating. We added a small island for Avocets to nest upon on the South Lake wader scrape.

11 April 2012 Saw the first Greenshank of the year for Glos and WWT.

9 April 2012 A wet and rainy day, much needed but difficult to do much in. My first House Martin of the year looked like it was having a bad time of it in the rain. A dark phase Arctic Skua was seen heading upriver at 0945, this would be the first of the year. Best of all the 4 Little-ringed Plovers on the Dumbles scrape, another 1st of the year for me. Six Avocets remain on the reserve and Bob Radford had a female Redstart on the summer walkway.

8 April 2012 Never ventured out much except for a look at the Common Scoter that Nick Goatman found at Townfield Lake, Frampton. Alway’s nice to see one close, this bird appears to be feeding happily and avoiding the sailing boats. They do not appear as much as they once did, the population is declining.

Common Scoter, female MJM

7 April 2012 Nice to see Great spotted Woodpecker in the garden again today.

4-5 April 2012 A few waders about the estuary, Ringed Plover, a Knot and Grey Plover. First Tree Pipit of the year  N over South Finger WWT Slimbridge.

Male Pallid Harrier WWT Slimbridge 100 Acre 3 April 2012 MJMcGill

3 April 2012 It was a cold and showery day at work (WWT Slimbridge, 100 Acre ) with a bit of a duff job to get on with. The task was to smash up and remove a large block of concrete from around an old broken metal gatepost. My broken finger from the previous Sunday evening’s cricket net session made it even grimmer. It was only the fact that I had dragged JSL out with me to suffer the same fate and a party of 10 Sand Martins that offered any spring cheer, the hirundines were heading south!

We took it turns to smash the concrete and to scan the sky when resting for Ospreys and the mooted and hoped for Alpine Swift. A heavy downpour saw us running to the tractor cab to sit it out. After it cleared and around 1610hrs a Herring Gull began yelping, it was having a go at a raptor but we could not see it. JSL mentioned that an Osprey must be on the way and we looked around frantically in the sky..the gull appeared and then low over the Bull Ground a very pale male Harrier. It flew past us and lifted over the hedge holding the pose that showed me a full and very pointed black diamond shape on the primaries. It changed it’s wing shape as it passed showing both upper and underwing and still only showed the same feature, the inner part of the diamond protruding far into the inner hand and a very pointed wingtip (hand). It was also so pale and never had a dark trailing edge to the underwing, clean white only. I was expecting the ‘dipped in ink’ hand of a Hen Harrier. The bird was an adult, no brown or worn feathers were apparent only a hint of browner or ginger barring on the undertail, I never saw the uppertail too well but JSL did.  This all happened so fast but I called out the main features and said ‘Pallid’ whilst running for the camera. We watched it cruise over the 100 Acre and drop down near the seawall, I was trying to get a shot of it and asking JSL to keep a close eye on the bird, talk me in so I could get a pic under the electric 4WD roof cover keeping the camera dry. It went over the seawall and despite pressing the button knew the pics were no good. It came back over briefly and I got a few shots as it flipped back over the bank. We waited a minute expecting it to recover from the gull attention and despite the crows being agitated, it did not appear. We drove to the seawall in the electric 4WD and scanned the area, no sign of it at all in any direction despite having a reasonable view and it spotting with rain. We had good views for just over a minute. The light was not great but was ‘on’ the bird and behind left of us so all the detail could be seen, it was not hooded, just appeared fairly uniformly pale grey, reminiscent of a Black-winged Kite.

I recounted the features to JSL and mentioned Pallid again but he was just so pleased to have seen an adult male Harrier at WWT Slimbridge he was in ‘7th heaven’. He had already sent out the news of Hen Harrier via Twitter (I think it is commendable as it is probably better to have news out and incorrect than not at all, perhaps not for some,  if  it is wrong you get shot down for wasting peoples time, cannot win..catch 22) .We packed up and headed in. Back in the office I pointed out the features in the Collin’s Bird Guide for Pallid and really wanted to get my images on a screen, I looked at them in the car and rang JSL to say the features on the pics tallied with Pallid and then went home to have a look at what they were like. After downloading and having a good look at them I thought it best to just get a pic out for all to see so whoever can make their own minds up. I had rang Neil Smart to discuss the bird. I did not want to undermine JSL over the ID as it was a 50/50 observation but I thought it a Pallid so I Tweeted a pic of it with the main features on show, although it was grainy after blowing it up, it showed the bird. Rather than me trying to convince anyone best to just put it out there. Next step for me was to have a shower and meet a couple of cricketing friends from the village for a pint. My thoughts were now with making the 2nd 11, bowling, batting, banter and beer. After an hour JSL rang I guess he had recounted the features after the dust had settled and penny had dropped and rang me to say he could not believe he did not pick up on it when watching it in the field. He was a bit stressed but there were no worries it is only a passing bird and was not like the wader breeding season has failed for the year.

The Rare Bird Alert team had rung him saying they had seen my pic and thought it Pallid, he had been busy trying to raise opinion with local birders, all that replied went for Pallid despite the pic not being perfect. All good fun. It was a shame it did not stick for more to see. Male Hen, Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers are very popular birds with many birding friends and colleagues, they are smart and brighten any day, certainly did on the 3rd April. I will submit the record to the County Records Commitee for review as it would be a county first.  JSL will of course have to add some notes.  MJM

 

 

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.