Iceland 14-19 June 2012 Birds and Cetaceans trip report

Iceland 14-19 June 2012 Birding and cetaceans

Humpback Whale

A brief summary of what we saw, more images on the gallery on link below.

http://www.anserbirding.com/photos/svmanager/g7/

Summary of areas covered (does not include stopping for the odd bird here and there).
14^th Landed at Keflavik, stopped for food outside Reykjavik, headed for Seltjarnarnes and birded the Bakkatjorn lake area, headed for the north stopping on the estuary at Borgarnes, Blonduos (river mouth, sea, coffee shop and bakery), Akureyri (airport lagoons and mudflats) until reaching destination of Laugur where we were stay for two nights.
15^th Headed to the River Laxa and Lake Myvatn for pre-breakfast session, explored Bardardalur valley, Husavik midday departure for Whale watch, checked a few pools at Nes, viewed the Godafoss waterfall,
16^th Pre breakfast 0500 start for visit to Lake Myvatn and view the volcanic active areas. Back to Lake Myvatn post breakfast for a full tour around the lake, time on the River Laxa, drove to Varmalhid for refuel, Blonduos and then on to Hellnar on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, arrived at 7.30pm where we stayed for two nights.
17^th Up early for 0630 breakfast, on to Stykkisholmur, refuel at Vegamot, picked up two Germans who had a puncture, ferry Baldur to Flatey Island, back to Stykkis for Pizza lunch, drove out along the north shore of Snaefellsnes stopping at Kolgrafafjordur, Grundarfjordur, Olafsvik, Rif and Onverdarnes lighthouse, back to hotel for 7.00pm.
18^th Left after breakfast followed the road around the tip of Snaefellsnes to Hellisandur, stopped at bakery in Olafsvik, crossed over the peninsula to south side, on to Borgarnes to look over the estuary, back to Seltjarnarnes, had and evening meal in central Reykjavik on to Vogar where we stayed for the last night.
19^th Left after breakfast to Gardur to refuel and head for morning flight, arrived back in Luton early afternoon.

The Cetaceans/mammals
HUMPBACK WHALE-one feeding in the bay off Husavik on 15th

where we were able spend some time watching it from our boat.
MINKE WHALE-at least five maybe ten feeding in the same area as the Humpback on 15th
HARBOUR PORPOISE-two feeding in a fjord on the N side of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
KILLER WHALE (ORCA)- a pod showed very well on both nights from Hellnar 16th and 17th and another pod were off Onverdarnes on 17th.
WHITE-SIDED DOLPIN-a few off Hellnar on 17th.
ARCTIC FOX– one was spotted by Theresa in the valley of Bardardalur on 15th and another spotted by Tim at the west end of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Orca

The Birds
WHOOPER SWAN– seen at many sites from central Reykjavik, river valleys and adjacent meadows to remote highland pools, many pairs had cygnets and were fairly well grown.
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE– flocks noted moving inland over Lake Myvatn on 15/16^th , nervous flocks seen on the Myvatndheidi with a few closer individuals to study on 15^th. Best of all were the 50 or so broods many in formed crèches along the river Heradsvatn. Most memorable were one close crèche involving a lot of goslings battling the rapids near the bridge (Solvellir).

GREYLAG GOOSE– A very common bird in the lowland coastal areas, large parties of non-breeders and creches of goslings were a delight to see near towns, homesteads and farms. Fairly confiding birds and certainly used to living near humans, these birds migrate to Britain for the winter.
CANADA GOOSE– at Laugarbrekka, Beryl Smith spotted the head of a Canada Goose peeking over when we stopped briefly on the road to look at the Red-throated Diver pair on a small lake. After a quick look at the nearby monument we returned to view this bird.

LIGHT (PALE) BELLIED BRENT GOOSE– a few straglers that has not made it yet to Canada seen at Bakkatjorn and Seltjarnarnes.
SHELDUCK– small numbers seen on the estuary at Borgarnes
MALLARD-noted at many sites, no counts made.
GADWALL-seen at Lake Myvatn, often among the Wigeon flock.
PINTAIL-seen on the pools around Nes and Lake Myvatn.
SHOVELER-recorded at Lake Myvatn.
EURASIAN WIGEON– large flocks of hundreds noted at Myvatn and seen at a variety of sites. An aberrant, very pale headed male was noted here.
AMERCIAN WIGEON-two males were among the Wigeon flock along the west shore at Lake Myvatn.

TEAL– seen commonly.
GREATER SCAUP-seen on many pools and lakes, very common especially at Lake Myvatn.
TUFTED DUCK– thousands seen at Lake Myvatn and noted at many sites.
EIDER– common around the coast, thousands noted along the north shore of Snaefellsnes peninsula where we scanned for King Eider. Also noted in large numbers at Akureyri and Seltjarnarnes with many ducklings.

COMMON SCOTER– a dozen or more seen along the west shore of Lake Myvatn.
LONG-TAILED DUCK– seen every day at most wetland sites, some males were still in full non-breeding (winter) plumage, most were in breeding plumage allowing comparison and for you to decide which is your favourite. I have to go with non-breeding.
HARLEQUIN– the target bird for most people and the highlight of the trip too. We had to drive on past the first that were sighted (bad place to park/weather) but special time was set aside to be in the company of this splendid duck in its natural habitat. They were noted from all the streams and rivers around the Myvatn area and the River Laxa. This tough little duck was also seen along the seafront at Akureyri and taking in the violent rapids and falls at Godafoss like it was a millpond. Some of us scoped a male from the outdoor hottub below our accommodation, others watched, the duck that is from their rooms.

BARROW’S GOLDENEYE– another spectacular duck with its European breeding presence represented in Iceland, we observed them very well on the River Laxa and Lake Myvatn.

GOOSANDER-a female was seen with two ducklings along River Heradsvotn. It was seen from the bus on a roadside pool. Chris Stone saw a male from the bus on a stream near Dalur (Snaefellsnes).
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER– commonly seen at most sites, all the males ahd begun the eclipse moult so none were in pristine plumage.
ROCK PTARMIGAN– The first was spotted on slopes (Midvikurfjall) above the N1 by Theresa Stone, it was not a good place to stop though. Twenty minutes later she found another in a more convenient place near Godafoss so we walked up to it and got great views. We also watched two males scrapping with the victor showing off atop a rock at the west end of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

RED-THROATED DIVER– seen on many roadside pools and rivers, notable birds were a close one on the Laxa bridge, a non-breeding plumage bird at Olafsvik, pairs with young on Snaefellsnes from Road 54 and a trio at Rif Pools.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER-these magnificent birds were enjoyed at Flodid and Lake Myvatn.

SLAVONIAN GREBE– again seen from many roadside pools but the best views were at Lake Myvatn where it is common.

FULMAR-commonly seen whilst travelling around the country on inland breeding cliffs and breeding on coastal cliffs.

GANNET-seen from the Whale Watch boat and off Hellnar.
CORMORANT-seen around the coast.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE-an adult seen perched and soaring around the estuary at Borgarnes on 18^th.
MERLIN-unbelievably we never connected with this bird as a group, only seen once from the bus by Beryl adjacent to Vatsnhlid.
GYRFALCON-two were seen, excellent views of perched in the valley of Bardardalur on 15^th and another perched and mobbing Raven at Lake Myvatn on 16^th.

OYSTERCATCHER-noted at several sites.
RINGED PLOVER-noted a few sites, broken winged displays aimed at a dogwalker at Blonduos was notable.
GOLDEN PLOVER-lovely to see them daily in most places or at least hearing them, often feeding in the meadows allowing views next to the roads and breeding on the hills and slopes. Some noted on roundabouts, at the foot of peoples driveways and at Keflavik airport.
RED KNOT– seven were seen on Flatey Island on 17^th.
SANDERLING-one at Bakkatjorn, Seltjarnarnes on 14^th, a breeding plumaged bird entertained us at Husavik.
PURPLE SANDPIPER-a few seen on Flatey Island, two at Olafsvik and one at Bakkatjorn, all in breeding plumage.
TURNSTONE– noted at Bakkatjorn.
DUNLIN-a common bird, seen in aggressive and competitive flights over the Laxa, at Myatn and small flocks on the flats at Akureyri.
REDSHANK-delightfully common in lowland areas.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT– also very common in lowland areas, lots of display flights witnessed.
WHIMBREL– another common wader seen in most areas.
SNIPE-a very common bird in the lowland areas, seen daily in display, a parent led two chicks across the road in front of us a Laugar on 15^th. We made sure they got into cover.

RED (GREY) PHALAROPE– at least two females and one male on Flatey Island on 17^th, possibly four individuals in total. The females were squabbling, maybe territorial, we saw a female settle on the nest probably to lay with her and the male spending time on guard or feeding in the grass nearby. They had chose a spot near the Arctic Terns possibly for protection.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE-seen daily, very common and delightful birds to be with as they are so confiding.

GREAT SKUA-seen on the Whale Watch on 15^th.
ARCTIC SKUA-a fairly common bird, seen just about everywhere and every day.
BLACK-HEADED GULL-we searched the Husavik flock for a recent Bonaparte’s Gull without luck.
COMMON GULL
HERRING GULL
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL
LITTLE GULL– a first summer was found on Rif Pools by Chris Stone

KITTIWAKE– a common bird around the coast, often being chased by Arctic Skuas.
GLAUCOUS GULL– noted at Blonduos, Husavik and Snaefellsnes.
ICELAND GULL– seen at Blonduos and Husavik.
ARCTIC TERN– the ‘Kriaa’ was everywhere.

PUFFIN-common around the coast.
BLACK-GUILLEMOT-seen from Blonduos, the Whale trip from Husavik and on Flatey Island and Stykkisholmur.

GUILLEMOT-good views of bridled and unbridled birds with Brunnich’s at Onverdarnes.
BRUNNICH’S GUILLEMOT-seen very well on ledges at Onverdarnes on 17^th.

RAZORBILL-seen at Onverdarnes.
SHORT-EARED OWL-singles noted just after leaving the tunnel at Kuludalsa and another during the day en-route to Laugar. One at Laugar in the evening, all on 14^th.
MEADOW PIPIT-common.
WHITE WAGTAIL-common
PIED WAGTAIL– I saw one well as I was driving, it was flycatching from on a fence next the road and next to a pool between Langaholt and Glumbaer on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Despite stopping and reversing back it had flown off toward a farm and could not be refound. Only nine accepted records for Iceland.
WHEATEAR-a total of about 12 birds noted during the visit.
REDWING-a common bird, a few were in song at Laugar and heard at the airport.
WREN– One seen by Roberta.
RAVEN-seen daily.
STARLING– seen around Reykjavik.
COMMON REDPOLL– a few flew over us at Laugar on 16^th.
SNOW BUNTING– singing and displaying males on Flatey Island, seen at Rif also.

August 9, 2012 0

June to July 2012 Blog and sightings

31 July 2012 Day one of a visit to Cadiz Province in Andalucia Spain. A stop or two on the way to Sanlucar de Barrameda included time at the beach for my family, the jellyfish swarm put paid to swimming in the Mediterranean sadly. A stop at Laguna de Medina was also of interest…more to come in August blog and trip report.

13-30 July 2012 A good end to July locally, the adult waders arrived, most still in breeding plumage and the first juvenile Dunlin and Whimbrel for me. Yellow-legged Gulls arrived as usual on the Severn, I saw at least nine probably eleven adults on 28th. I also saw what appears to be a Cape Shelduck female and a female Argentine Red Shoveler about the WWT scrapes.

Pick of the bunch has to be the Long-billed Dowitcher that James discovered among the wader roost on South Lake as we have not had one locally in recent decades. Another welcome bird for Glos birders and a reminder that WWT scrapes are well worth searching any time of year.

Long-billed Dowitcher images by MJMcGill

Ruff centre, Lapwing top and Redshank below MJMcGill

Curlew Sandpiper and Golden Plover

Yellow legged Gull
One of at least nine adults present on the banks of the Severn.

28 July 2012 A day out with Graham Clarkson, Jubs Squire and wildlife buddy Maisie McGill. We visited the Forest of Dean and Coombe Hill meadows among other sites. Meeting up with Paul and Truan Taylor we searched for an eventually located (well done Jubs) the male Red-veined Darter at Woorgreens. At another site we quickly located another target species (well done Tay) Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly, both species were county lifers for me. The day was highly productive for odonata with Blue-tailed, Large Red, Azure, Common Blue and Emerald damselflies, Brown, Souther and Migrant Hawkers, Ruddy and Common Darter, Broad bodied Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer and Emperor dragonflies noted.

A flock of 17 Crossbill were as always a welcome sight, displaying Lesser Redpoll and a few Siskins were seen aong with Tree Pipit and Jubs saw a Wood Warbler.

Red-veined Darter MJMcGill

Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly MJMcGill Location witheld

12 July 2012

Common Scoter 1st summer male off Middle Point, Severn Estuary.

Red Knot, Dunlin and Redshank on WWT South Lake.

Reeve with the Redshank, WWT South Lake

7-10 July 2012 No blogging for a while but a few birds noted over the continuing wet summer. Some images of birds I have taken below. Plenty of wader variety about the Severn and WWT scrapes, I have seen 18 species since last Sunday with some in full breeding plumage such as male Bar-tailed Godwit, the 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, Wood Sandpiper and 17 Red Knot. Juvenile Little ringed Plover, Golden Plover and Ruff were all new returning birds as was Sanderling and 6 Ringed Plover today (10th July).

5 July 2012
Garganey Two drakes in eclipse on the South Lake, one bird still retains the ‘ghosting’ remnants of the head pattern. I have seen this species often until June when the eclipse moult begins and in late July/August when they are fully in eclipse moult but do not recall seeing them in this stage.

A Greenshank and Red Knot were fresh returning migrants on the Top New Piece.

1 July 2012

Short-eared Owl This is the first July record for me in the county of Gloucestershire.

Little Egret MJMcGill

Iceland 14-19 June 2012 Trip report to come, a few digi images for now, better to come.

Harlequin MJMcGill

Slavonian Grebe, Lake Myvatn MJMcGill

Barrow’s Goldeneye

9 June 2012 I was forced to go to the estuary by my daughter who wanted to go birding! Scoping the still breezy Severn estuary at high tide produced a Storm Petrel, three Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 5 Oystercatcher, 12 Curlew and a Great Skua.

The Summer storm-8 June 2012

Saul Warth gets a battering, if you were stood on the shore the plumes would have been about 10 ft above your head.

A forecast of gale force winds and a high tide was an attractive propsect as it often provides a chance of sea-birds we rarely see in the county. I settled in out of the strongest of winds and watched. Three Dunlin were on the mudlflats along with 6 Oystercatcher and 6 Curlew before the tide moved in at a scary pace. I was scanning for more calidrids when a Storm Petrel passed me close by, it carried on along the shore toward Saul Warth swinging side to side into the wind and over the huge spindrift topped waves. It passed by Hock Ditch when I lost it to view. Soon after two adult Gannets swung into view and moved up and down the shore before heading for the Awre peninsula.

Gannets look for a way out

The Swifts were feeding over the waves, often brushing my head as they crusied over

Sanderling plough South

Sanderling with a Dunlin

4 June 2012 An early morning out to watch the tide and check the waders that were present yesterday. 30 Sanderling, 80 Ringed Plover, 110 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone and a Grey Plover were present. A Peregrine ruined it and repeatedly attacked them leaving nowt left. Forgot to mention the Red Kite over A38 Frampton junction and then drifted across Whitminster.

Ringed Plover MJM

Sanderling (a range of plumages on show, this one moulting into breeding plumage)

Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and can you find the Turnstone.

3 June 2012 At WWT a flock of 40 Sanderling, a Grey Plover, 1 Turnstone, 80 Dunlin, 80 Ringed Plover and 13 Curlew were on the estuary and I saw at least 8 Crane today, 13 were reported.

June 8, 2012 0

Sardinia and Corsica-24-28 May 2012

Introduction
I had been asked and was keen to organise a birding tour of Corsica for a group of friends from NCOS (D and B Dine, K Wills, D Pearce, G Watson, M and Jo Jones, A Jayne). I think I had better join the elite and will send off a membership form soon. The trip was put together with the endemic specialities in mind. My investigations led my to encourage a visit via Sardinia as it was only really possible to go to Corsica on charter flights, a week at a time. It seemed a good way to do it and take in both these Italian and French governed islands although both islands are very independently minded. This way I could put together a shorter trip, take in N. Sardinia and have two ferry crossings to seawatch from. I booked flights from London Luton to Alghero and hired a minivan for us to travel in. We arrived in the evening in Sardinia and were soon at Villa Barbarina near Fertilia where we were to stay for the night. AJ picked up on a calling Scop’s Owl and we also added Nightingale. After checking in and settling down with a drink. Some of us were up a bit later ‘unwinding’ and it was a pleasant place to be in evening.

25 May 2012
We woke to a misty start but the sun burnt through rapidly. The hotel grounds provided a variety of habitats from weedy fields, vineyards and olive groves so a variety of birds were enjoyed. Italian, Spanish and even Tree Sparrows showed off on the lawn or rooftops, not a House Sparrow in sight! Hooded Crows were much in evidence, a common bird here as well as in Corsica but not so densely populated on the latter island. Woodlarks sang and those that strolled around returned with a list of Mediterranea birds. The Spotted or (unspotted) Flycatchers were very bold. After breakfast we loaded up and headed to Lago di Baratz, a natural lake set in the hills. Wandering around here we saw many emerged dragonflies and butterflies, a flyover Purple Heron, distant Tawny Pipit, Sardinian Warblers, Cirl Buntings, Firecrest and more. On the lake a pair each of Black-necked, Little and Great Crested Grebes. A party of four Ferruginous Duck were also notable, a male with three females. Everyone looked closley at the Lizards, Gecko’s, plants and insects at this site, endemic species are always on offer on such an island.

Cirl Bunting MJMcGill

Moving on from here with the sun warming things up we set off for the fery port at Santa Theresa de Gallura for a 1500 departure. We arrived in good time and caught the supermarket before it closed. The deli counter sorted out fresh bread rolls and cheese for us and we took it to the harbour to eat on the wall. After boarding the ferry we got into a seawatch position at the back of the boat away from the noise and so we had a good view. A Mediterannean Shag flew by close and began fishing, it was a juvenile and appeared so pale, white necked like a grebe. Duncan Dine spotted a Blue-rock Thrush as we left the natural harbour mouth and we were soon seeing Yelkouan Shearwaters. A party of 25 dispersed from the surface as the boat moved into open water.

Juvenile Mediterranean Shag (desmarestii)

Yelkouan Sheawaters

During the crossing more Yelkouan Shearwaters were seen and I saw at least one Cory’s (Scopoli’s) Shearwater, I think more were seen by the others. It was difficult to communicate sightings to each other when spread out searching and the wind and engine noise drowned us out. Only 40 minutes later and we approached the waved limestone cliffs of Bonafacio, Corsica. Again we were road mobile and I set off for the Etang du Urbino to fit a little more birding in. I dropped the gang off for a stroll along a lane to the shore where Shelduck, Quail, Bee Eaters, Sardinian Warbler, Turtle and Collared Dove, Yellow-legged Gulls, Little Egret and Red Kite were seen/heard. Another short drive and the seaside scrub adjacent to Etang du Diane was searched, a Woodchat Shrike, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers and Stonechat were all seen and heard. We ran out of time here and did not reach the lake shore as we needed to reach our hotel in the Restonica Valley. After less than an hour we arrived, unpacked and searched the stream next to the hotel, Grey Wagtail and Dipper were seen and heard. I drove everyone to Corte to my favourite restuarant U Museu. The grub here was a hit as were the friendly, helpful and tolerant staff, as ever we made things hard for them to understand but Becky Dine got us sorted and kindly took the lead on ordering in French for all. Thank you for all your help Becky. We all relaxed and enjoyed the rather showery evening under cover of awnings and remained warm. After the meal we heard Scop’s Owl calling in the town, the shower had stopped. Back to the hotel for bed.

26 May 2012
0800 start for an excellent breakfast and out birding by 0900 to head high up the Restonica Valley. Most of the group headed out earlier to birdwatch around the hotel so had a few extra sightings to add to the list. We stopped at one site I have seen a pair of Corsican Nuthatch before but it was very quiet so we moved the the end of the valley, paid and parked and set off on foot to climb up to a good viewing area close to Lac de Melo. Setting up our ‘viewing camp’ here everyone was soon chipping in with sightings, Water Pipits singing and carrying food, more Grey Wagtails, Mistle Thrush, Kestrel, Buzzard and then the smashing Corsican Finches. A male performed display flutters showing off yellow flashes as the four moved about the rocks, bushes and trees giving us good views. Parties of Alpine Chough remained stubbornly high above the peaks and crags although a few came to scope distance. The views and scenery were excellent. A couple of hours passed by and we descended back to the cafe for lunch with Chaffinches for company.

Heading back to the forested zone I dropped everyone for a wander through the forest downhill to the next parking spot where I would wait and wander back up toward them. As soon as I got out the van I could hear a Corsican Nuthtach calling. I followed the sound up the slopes and located a bird which dissapeared again. After a fifteen minute wait I heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker calling and then three of the endemic Nuthatches repsonding. The ‘pecker’ arrived in a reaby tree followed by one of the Nuthatches, it was shadowing the pied intruder. I tripped back down the slope to get near the road and keep an eye out for the group who arrived as the Nuthatches were calling again. Singles were calling either side of us so those on the road could hear and see one below the road and others hearing one above the road in the canopy. We waited 40 minutes but not more calls were heard and no sightings made so I used short and reduced sound playback. Nothing responded or appeared. We stopped and searched more areas but did not locate any ‘hatches’. Back for a change and out to the restaurant again for another great meal.

27 May 2012
A pre-breakfast start at 0700 to try for the Corsican Nuthatches was arranged, we arrived at the sunny spot and waited for a sound. Nothing came our way but the Firecrests and commoner passerines in song. A short playback and an instant repsonse from the Nuthatch who appeared in the canopy overhead, it flitted between trees and dissapeared again. Back at the van Keith spotted a party Alpine Swifts as we watched a Buzzard lift on the rising thermals. We watched these white-bellied boomerangs visit the cliff and chase an scream over the valley. Time for breakfast.

After our morning meal I took everyone off to Vivario to a spot where I have seen plenty of good birds before. Driving along we saw many Red Kites floating above the villages. We arrived at a decent spot and looked out across the valley and to the distant cloud covered peaks and soon spotted Golden Eagle. On the Maquis below everyone was seeing Marmora’s and Dartford Warblers pop up on the low bushes every so often. Duncan, Graham, Jo and Mick made their way down the track and saw Corsican Swallowtail and had great views of the birds. We also saw Corsican Finches, heard Woodlark, Great Spotted Woodpecker and enjoyed the butterflies too. I led everyone to where I had breeding Red-backed Shrikes before and AJ spotted a female on the slope in the bracken and brambles. We got into a better position to view the area and watched the pair.

Female Red-backed Shrike

After enjoying these class birds we headed back to the viewpoint to search for raptors, another Golden Eagle was seen but the highlight was seeing a young Bearded Vulture soar out of the cloud, circle mountain before flying along the cliff and was lost to view. Plenty of Red Kites were seen on the wing too. We also had Alpine Swift blast low overhead, Crag Martins and I saw a single Red-rumped Swallow with the House Martins. Moving up the mountain to a side road that takes you to the Col de Sorba we stopped for butterflies, Scarce Swallowtail was watched and a Cuckoo (we saw it on the way down too). A walk along a track to another familiar spot for me we saw Corsican Finches (a male landed very close), Corsican Nuthatch, good views and heard a Scop’s Owl call four times in the middle of the day!

Time for a lunch stop and then more mountain birding. We stopped in the town of Porto Vecchio and had a snack and drink, then move on to try the Tortoise re-introduction centre on the way to Asco, it was shut and opened on 29 May! Moving on we drove all the way to the Haut Asco ski station and were soon watching Red Crossbills, a party of c8. Another climb up the slope to settle for a search and DP picked up two Mouflon feeding on the cliffs high above.

Birding Haut Asco

Mouflon

KW spotted a Golden Eagle crusing through the clouds. A coffee at the cafe and further searching of the peaks did not reveal the hoped for adult Bearded Vulture. A long descent back down the valley for a final stop in some likely scrub gave us Woodlarks and a roost of at least 27 Red Kites.

Golden Eagle

Woodlark

Back to change and head out again to a restaurant, a wander around Corte to look at the bulidings, statues and a bit of history and the excellent viewpoint was enjoyed. The Swifts were magic as they chased about the town. We had to eat at a different place as U Museu was closed, the service at the adjacent retstuarant was not great here but it did provide two Nightjars that DP heard first then discovered flying just above the buildings. They were using the clock tower to perch upon and were seen mating in the lights. Just wonderful birding and we were so pleased that a few folk had brough their bins.

28 May 2012
Up, packed and on the road by 0745, I needed to get to Bonafacio for the midday ferry and time was tight, we breakfasted en-route, I was looking for a seaside hotel or cafe and found one at Solenzara. In the harbour Med Shags fished, I spotted a gorgeous Audouin’s Gull and KW picked up on a close pod of 4+ Bottle nosed Dolphin. After bread roll, croissant and coffee/tea we once again loaded up and reached the ferry at 1120. Back on the boat for another seawatch a Peregrine flew along the cliff as we left Corsica, more Yelkouan Shearwaters were seen c6 in total and a few Cory’ (Scopoli’s) Shearwaters. One followed the boat and allowed great views as did the mob of Yellow-legged Gulls.

Back on Sardinia we made a lunch stop and then headed for Stagno di Pilo, a brackish coastal lake on the N coast. Birds seen here included Great White Egret, Little Egret, Shelduck with a brood, Coot, 2 Purple Heron, Cetti’s Warbler, Nightingale, Sardinian Warbler, five noisy squabbling Stone Curlews, 2 Turtle Doves, Marsh Harrier and displaying Tawny Pipit.

A further stop on the way to the airport gave us great views of 3-6 Lesser Kestrels, I was trying to explain the differences when a female Common Kestrel landed on wires next to them for comparison. A couple of Marsh Harriers floated about the area. We were soon at the airport where we bid goodbye the Becky and Dunc who were staying on to continue their holiday. The rest of us flew home, we said bye to Keith at Luton and arrived in Gloucestershire in the early hours.

Thanks to all of you on the trip, I really enjoyed your company and you were all so helpful, understanding and flexible to make it easier for me to plan and evolve each day, the birding and of course meals. You were all so sharp in the field and everyone made a discovery or two.

MJMcGill

The following compilation of images are from Graham Watson, thanks GW. Spotless Starling, Spanish Sparrow, Purple Heron, Corsican Finch and Corsican Nuthatch x 2.

June 6, 2012 0

12 May 2012 Half day birding trip to the Forest of Dean

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.

May 31, 2012 0

5 May 2012 Anser birding event

Whinchat

Four of us gathered for an Anser birding session, it was left open so I could make a call on where we would head for the night before. It had been so good locally all week and the tide was favourable so I suggested searching the Severn. It was a good move. Parking up and walking the Severn Way footpath we enjoyed the benefits of Spring and the birdsong which included a showy Mistle Thrush. The hedgerow gave up a singing Lesser Whitethroat and a large flock of hirundines (Martins and Swallows) fed all around us at ground level, the sheltered spot providing insects. We saw a few local birders out and about, thanks to Greg Mabbett for pointing out a male Whinchat, one of the birds I was looking out for the group. At least three Wheatear fed nearby.

The waders began arriving, three Whimbrel, two of which headed inland. At least 20 were present. 12 Curlew and a distant Bar-tailed Godwit were noted but closer flocks revealed 14 Grey Plover (a few in stunning breeding plumage), 35 Red Knot (lots of fully red birds), 340 Dunlin, 210 Ringed Plover, 4 Sanderling, 3 Turnstone, 2 Oystercatcher and a Curlew Sandpiper in breeding plumage (not the bird seen last Thursday). A couple of Yellow Wagtails flew by. Swifts were feeding and moving overhead, Blackcaps, Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker added to the commoner passerines. Three Common Gull were on the estuary. The wader flock panicked and dispersed when a Kestrel flew across the river.

Moving on to Townfield Lake we noted a Common Tern and more Sand Martins and Swifts, a Nightingale was heard, Common Whitethroat seen displaying, Garden Warbler sang but remained on the move. A pleasant morning out with some stunning birds. Thanks to Ruth, Colin and Jeanne.

May 5, 2012 0

1-31 May 2012 sightings and blog

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.

May 1, 2012 0

14 April 2012 Anser Birding outing

The overnight forecast looked good for a fall of migrants so I thought it best to head for Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham to search for Ring Ouzels. Only Roberta was up for todays outing so we both headed for the Cotswolds leaving a damper Severn Vale. First stop was at Dowdeswell Reservoir where the Osprey was circling the lake. Tom Mabbett had been watching and reporting this bird for a few days, thanks for his updates, this bird may well be visiting Witcombe Res too. It was searching the lake for a fishing opportunity but gave up and drifted off at 0840 as it harried by corvids.

Heading up to Cleeve Common it was nice to see a few Yellowhammers flitting across the road. Windy but dry conditions were found on the common and a walk across to the central part of the hill and valley we saw Meadow Pipits and Skylarks as well as a leucistic Rook. Stopping at a good vantage point I spotted a party of Ring Ouzels. They were feeding on the slopes among the gorse and at least eight were present, my first scan revealed what appeared to be six males, a female and a plainer bird with a shadow of a gorget, maybe a 2cy (second calender year) female. We bumped into Paul Masters who had seen six nearby. Studying the birds from the gorse it appeared that at least two female were present, a full census was not possible as walkers, dog walkers, power walkers horse riders etc were dispersing the birds. Six flew over us and across the valley, seven were seen perched up in tree tops but I think that more were present.

Not a bad morning, quality birds. Returning back down to the vale for a quick look at Townfield Lake, Frampton we watched over 100 Sand Martin and a few Swallows feeding high above the lake. The female Common Scoter was still present. This concluded the morning out.

April 14, 2012 0

1-28 April 2012 sightings and blog

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

April 13, 2012 0

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker search 24 March 2012

A small group of us gathered at 0630 and we began our birding day at a very foggy Highnam Woods RSPB. A walk through the woods to the highest point delivered many common woodland birds in full song. Most notable were a few Blackcaps and 6 or more Chiffchaffs. Lots of Redwing were also seen but they were highly nervous and hid in the tree tops as they do on the breeding grounds in Scandinavia. A single Nuthatch called and at least five Great Spotted Woodpeckers were ‘drumming’. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker called a number of times near the track but moved away and down the hill.

Giving up with the ensuing silence we moved further along the track, a few Goldcrests were calling, one seen. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker began drumming (tapping a resonant branch rapidly to produce a far carrying sound), more calls were heard and drumming nearer to us. High up in the canopy one called but the briefest of movement the only reward as the fog cheated us out of a sighting. It was quite chilly in the mist and the calls were now not heard and from commoner species a subsidence in the effort. On the way out a pair of Marsh Tit were seen and heard next to the track. We decided to head for the Cannop Valley in the Forest of Dean where we parked and walk the stream. It was now clear, a very sunny day and so still. The Mandarins, Greylag and Mallards were all we saw on the water, tits, finches and Nuthatches in the trees. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen and drummed, a distant Lesser Spotted Woodpecker called, still no sighting. We covered a large section of the valley and as it warmed and became busier with people we gave up. A quick stop to look and listen for Firecrest was made but no luck, it was time to finish for the morning. We were unlucky that the fog was so thick on this particular day, it was a smashing morning when it cleared. A pair were noted on the same morning at Nagshead RSPB.

March 26, 2012 0

1-27 March 2012 blog and sightings

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

March 2, 2012 0