Brambling on the beach, Spurn (above and below)

Hot on the heels of the preceding day out to Dorset was a one night visit to East Yorkshire, we left early an arrived on the north shore of the Humber during mid-morning. The forecast looked great for arrivals from the North Sea. Unfortunately the sea mist and fog was getting denser, visibility reduced to the extent that birding mostly concerned calls. Tree Sparrows, Redpolls, Bramblings, Redwings and a few other species were heard flying over in the murk.

A reported Little Bunting and the long staying Arctic Warbler never appeared, the latter seemingly departed overnight. Another Little Bunting was seen at Spurn Point as well as Olive-backed Pipit and Shore Lark before the fog dropped so it was clear that things were happening, just not clear enough for us to see.

We carefully checked the hedges and scrub logging plenty of migrant Goldcrest, Robin and Redwing but decided to take a timely lunch break at the Blue Bell Cafe in hope that it might clear. Refreshed and watered we made for the sea breach in the gloom. Reaching the open sandy bank that kept the North Sea from the Humber visibility and our luck changed.

A few juvenile Gannets looked lost on the ‘wrong’ side of the sandbank, Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Redshank fed in the tidal pools. A Brambling dropped out of the sky and attempted to alight on Ian’s head opting to plonk down on the sand near him. This exhausted finch had just made it to land, it was in a sorry state but alive and feeding on tidal strand seeds. A Redwing did the same nearby, we began seeing flocks of these small thrushes arriving en masse, 100s of Blackbirds were in among them with a few Fieldfares.

As the afternoon progressed the migration tempo increased to phenomenal levels, 1000s of thrushes were arriving in off the sea, we began seeing numbers of Song Thrush and then Ring Ouzels. At least six were noted but I believe many more were involved. Four cracking drake Eiders flew along the Humber shore.

The thrushes were dropping into any berry bush, we even saw 100+ Redwing crammed onto one garden lawn with Song Thrushes and Blackbirds. A Short-eared Owl arrived overhead and dropped onto the salt marsh to rest, a few Reed Buntings were scrutinised and we had great scope views of feeding Ring Ouzels. A Stonechat and calling Water Rails added to the interest.

All the while the tide was coming in so we had huge flocks of Knot, Dunlin with Grey and Golden Plover, Curlew and a few other species of wader. There was so much to see. Another check of the Crown and Anchor pub car park gave us more views of Bramblings and Chiffchaffs, other than that we could only muster common birds.

We eventually ended up back at beach car park and conducted a little sea watch. Offshore were Little Gulls, a pair of Scaup flew by as did some unidentified auks. Gannets cruised about and a few scoter went through. Flocks of Teal, Wigeon, Pintail and more thrushes were logged, a few thrushes struggled over the sea only just making it ashore.

Finishing off our birding for the day we drove to our accommodation, the grand Royal Hotel in Kingston upon Hull to settle in for the night, a good meal included a ‘Hull pattie’ starter, a new one for those that tried it, a couple of drinks and an early night rounded off the day nicely.

A decent nights rest followed by a great breakfast and we were ready to go birding again, our first stop was at Weeton where we scoped a flock of 350 Pink-footed Geese, they were accompanied by 200 Greylag and a few Greylag x Canada hybrids, a rather unfriendly local let his German Shepherd dog run toward us and proceeded to ask what were up to, he wasn’t happy that we there, we must’ve looked so menacing. Later on it became clear that the goose flock that he hadn’t realised were there had been flushed, we guessed intentionally by him. Yellowhammers and Linnets could also be scoped feeding on the weed seeds nearby, at least they were cheering.

Moving on we stopped at Easington, the long staying Rose-coloured Starling arrived on time when Ian spotted it atop an aerial.

Rose-coloured Starling aka Rosy Pastor or ‘Pink Stink’.

Our next stop was at Kilnsea Wetlands where we saw Lapwing, 4 Whooper Swans (one juvenile), 4 Little Stints, a Ruff, a flock of Dunlin and a selection of wildfowl. Back at the seaside car park we tried another seawatch, flocks of Starlings were arriving, the dabbling ducks were still moving south and we had better views of a few passing Brent Geese and Common Scoter flocks. On the cliff top a Black Redstart fed which made a nice addition.

Wandering back along the lane seeing flocks of Tree Sparrows we stopped at Kilnsea churchyard where two Chiffchaff and a smart Yellow-browed Warbler gave intermittent views, the latter bird also called for us many times.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Kilnsea

Another check of the Crown and Anchor pub car park we saw a few common passerines but it was now getting breezy and harder to bird. After another lunch stop and short birding walk we loaded up mid-afternoon and set off for home getting back for 7pm.

Thanks go to Ian, Bettie, Roberta and Dot for your company, it was so good to catch Spurn on a good vis-mig day.

Martin

This day trip was the result of a change of plan, the night before departing. I had been keeping a close eye on the forecasts and migration news all week so with this in mind and knowing everyone had agreed to heading for ‘hot’ spots, it was great to have the luxury of flexibility.

Firecrest

2017 has been kind to Dorset, the county has been having a great autumn, a large variety of interesting migrants have been seen and this week was no exception. News of a little gem, a Two barred (Greenish) Warbler and weather conditions that could bring in more birds made Dorset a decent option.

Four of us left at 0630am with nothing too much to worry about traffic wise, on reaching Weymouth I decided to stop for a comfort/hot drink break before starting our birding but noticed a strange noise from my car. Pulling into Morrison’s (other supermarkets are available) to park up I found that I had picked up a large nail on my front tyre, it was flat.

Coffee and loos were the next priority then I set about changing the flat only to find a problem with the locking wheel nut, I had no option but to call out my breakdown service. Fortunately as we were adjacent to Lodmoor RSPB I suggested that my keen company walked the paths across the wetland reserve to start the day’s birding.

Back at the car I was towed to a nearby garage and was back on the road after an hour or so meeting up with everyone and began looking for birds. They’d already had the Marsh Harrier and a pair of Raven as well as a number of other bird species. We focussed on the waders and a showy Kingfisher from the shelter. Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, 40+ Snipe and three Little Stints were all watched, a smart Water Pipit joined the Meadow Pipits, the former giving great views.

Walking to the west side of Lodmoor we watched two very close juvenile Ruff and a variety of wildfowl, an adult Mediterranean Gull was welcome but our target bird gave itself up easily, a juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs fed along the back of the pool stopping to preen. The legs really stood out on this misty, dull morning.

Lesser Yellowlegs

Moving on we headed up to Broadcroft Quarry on Portland, our first bird was a migrant male Hawfinch, it was great to get on the invasion of this species to the UK this autumn albeit just the one. Checking the sycamores and scrub we saw Blackcaps, Goldcrests and Chiffchaff, one clump of trees held a Red-breasted Flycatcher which showed very well indeed as it flicked about in the canopy. A Robin chased it on a few occasions, another good autumn bird under our belts for the day.

Red-breasted Flycatcher

We moved on to Purbeck heading staight for St Aldhelm’s Head to look over the little quarry that was still being worked. Scanning the trees we had great views of up to five handsome Firecrests, another species that had arrived in huge numbers in the preceding days. A few Chiffchaff were also noted until we got views of the Two-barred (Greenish) Warbler. Giving it a bit more time we all got good views of this rare bird when the sun brightened things up bringing the birds into the open.

Two-barred Greenish Warbler

Other species noted in the vicinity were Yellowhammers, Stonechats and a variety of commoner passerines but the light was fading so we called it day and headed home. A good day out.

Thank you to Roberta, Bettie and Dot for joining me, it was good to get a ‘lifer’

Martin

Bar-tailed Godwit, Copperhouse Creek

The second of this autumn’s trips, this time a long overdue outing to the South West peninsula, everyone had an early start to ensure we could be on the road for 0600hrs, a good move as we got through the traffic only stopping the once for provisions and a comfort stop in Devon.

Our next stop was near Davidstow, as we arrived at the open, sheep grazed airfield we were stopped by a chap in high visibility clothing, he was operating a roadblock system due to a film crew taking over much of the area, he asked us not to go into the filming area,  it didn’t look good for finding our target bird. A scan from one vantage point proved the airfield was very disturbed, no sign of any waders but Colin spotted a Black Redstart flitting about on the derelict buildings before flying off to the south.

I decided to try another spot, whilst driving along the road a brief stop revealed where ‘our’ Buff-breasted Sandpiper was feeding. We parked and walked back to the section of runway, (viewing from the grass) and got great views of this little wanderer from its North American Arctic breeding grounds.  Preferring not be alone it’s chosen company happened to be two juvenile Ringed Plover. After enjoying this smart bird at one of the most reliable places to see this species in the UK we visited the nearby Crowdy Reservoir.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

The weather was glorious so the passerines were out in force, Meadow Pipits, 3 Wheatear, Pied and Grey Wagtails as well as flyover Siskins. On the water Mallards, Teal and a lone Wigeon joined the 6 or so Great Crested Grebes.

It was time to head down to Hayle where we stopped at Copperhouse Creek, Philps Pasty shop and the Hayle Estuary. At Copperhouse creek we enjoyed Black and Bar-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, Redshank, Curlew and large numbers of Herring Gulls. At the pasty shop Ian added Kingfisher to the list and the pasties were delicous (sorry Colin). For the coeliacs out there do ring ahead and they will bake a special for you.

Bar-tailed Godwit (above) and Black-tailed Godwit (below) showing the difference in wing markings.

Birding at Copperhouse Creek

A short distance away we parked at Hayle RSPB we walked down to the Carsnew Basin and then followed the road to the main creek before returning to the car, the estuary was busy, at the basin we saw a Rock Pipit, a Dunlin, 2 Little Grebe, more godwits and Curlew and an adult Mediterranean Gull plunge-dived for food. From the causeway we looked carefully through the Teal and Wigeon flocks and checked the Redshank, Curlew and godwits. Ryan’s Field from the hide was rather quiet so we moved on.

Next stop was Cape Cornwall where we walked to Kendijack, the views were amazing, Gannets and Grey Seals were offshore and pairs and small parties of Chough cruising up and down the valley. A Peregrine was noted as was a Kestrel and a few Stonechats. Ice creams were consumed by some, cold drinks by others as we sat on the wall taking the fine weather in.

Cape Cornwall and Kendijack

We moved on stopping to check a large field at Sennen and then headed down to Porthgwarra, it was calm and still so we systematically checked the trees and bushes in the valley, over 30 Goldcrests, one Chiffchaff, 8 Stonechats, 2 Raven and a few Great and Blue Tits were seen. This site has hosted many rare visitors but we couldn’t conjur a scarcity in the fading light, the very next morning an American Cliff Swallow was seen briefly which proves the point.

It was time to get to our hotel for the night in Carbis Bay and a quick turnaround saw us ready for dinner with a drink to unwind and chat about the day. We discussed plans for the next day, we decided to go to the Scilly Isles as the overnight winds and poor forecast didn’t bode well for birding in Cornwall but offered potential for seabirds and the Scillies. Purchasing a day return ticket in Penzance we were soon on the 0830hrs Scillonian III sailing, destination St Mary’s, the ship offered us sea-birding and it sure didn’t disappoint.

Soon after leaving Penzance Harbour we were watching seabirds, Shags, Gannets and Kittiwakes were the most numerous species but  4 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 8+ Balearic, 1 Sooty and 4 Manx Shearwater were also noted.

I had booked a taxi on St Mary’s so we got off the boat and into the bus for a short journey to Porthellick. A walk out to the bay to look for the  juvenile American Golden Plover rewarded us with great views as it was feeding on the bay at low tide. Turnstones and Ringed Plover also fed as well as a Greenshank. Two geese flew in calling, circled and flew off again, Pink-footed Geese!

American Golden Plover, Porthellick Bay

With a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk we checked the sallows and listened, a short stop at the hide overlooking Porthellick pool gave us a close flock of Snipe and Grey Wagtail. Swallows and a House Martin flew overhead. Resuming our search of the sallows gave up more Goldcrests until I heard a Yellow-browed Warbler call.

We spent over half an hour trying to get good views of this little warbler, it called and showed on and off but usually in deep cover but sometimes quite close. A Blackcap was also noted. Ian spotted a Scilly Shrew on the road, it wasn’t in the best of health so it was moved to a safer spot offering us the chance to study this tiny mammal.

Scilly Shrew

A walk back to the quay took us to Carreg Dhu gardens, a rest at Longstones Cafe, to Old Town Bay, through Lower Moors, past Porthmellon Beach to Hugh Town.  Plnety of birds were seen but the only new trip bird was Water Rail (calling and one seen swimming across a channel), we missed the Spotted Crake by a few minutes, we never had time to wait for the next appearance.

Back aboard the Scillonian III we settled in for another seawatch, sailing out on another route passing St Martin’s we picked up two Great Northern Divers off Watermill/Innisidgen before leaving the islands, in the open sea the following species were noted on the crossing 1 Puffin, 1 Manx Shearwater, 50+ Balearic Shearwater, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 8 Great Skua, 7 Arctic Skua, Guillemots and Razorbills, a confused juvenile Shag that circled the boat repeatedly as well as lots of Kittiwakes and Gannets.

The shearwaters were amazing, seeing rafts of Balearic’s and a close comparison of Balearic and Sooty Shearwater taking off in unison were notable but the Common Dolphin pod stole the show, a group came storming in and gave us a great show. An unforgettable and brilliant couple of hours.

After docking we walked backed to the car (some with chips, me included) and prepared for the drive back to Gloucestershire, a bit of poor weather was left behind in Cornwall and one brief stop was made at Exeter services  before we ended the journey and our birding trip.

Thanks to everyone who joined me, it was a fun trip.

Martin

Redshank on the Hayle Estuary

Five of us departed at 7am, we took a cross country route through some pretty awful weather that had been forecast, it was due to clear by mid morning which thankfully it did. The most notable ‘car birding’ species on the way was a Red Kite perched on a fencepost adjacent to the road. We arrived at Middlebere raring to go at 1045am and walked down the lane toward the hide.

The hedges and fields were buzzing with birds, plenty of Chiffchaffs were zipping about in the foliage with a few Goldcrest  among the tit flocks. Large parties of Goldfinch and Linnet were harvesting food from the dandelions, perhaps a last juicy meal before the dry seeds of winter dominate their diet. A Marsh Harrier hunted over the reedy areas with a couple of Kestrels for good measure.

At the hide we had missed the Osprey, it had caught a fish and was no doubt hidden away in a tree enjoying it’s meal, the programme to establish a population in Poole Harbour through releases is very encouraging.

We settled in at the hide, a call out of “alright Martin” led to an old birding/football playing friend Simon, he also joined us (WWT, Birds Russia) on the Spoon-billed Sandpiper expedition to Chukotka, Far Eastern Siberia in 2011 where we shared some amazing moments birding in the ice and snow and dodging Bears etc. A catch up and exchange of local bird information in the hide followed as Simon is also a wader enthusiast. As it happens the hide contained a variety of friendly, helpful  and informative birders with a sound knowledge of Poole Harbour making for a pleasant visit.

Out on the Middlebere ‘lake’ (actually a shallow estuary channel) we scanned the mudlfats and creeks with the autumnal heathland backdrop (of Arne RSPB). The birdy carrot that was dangled came in the form of a juvenile Stilt Sandpiper which had been seen earlier but was not present now. This stray had been seen at Lodmoor, Weymouth and Lytchett Pools proving how mobile it can be.

No sign of it but no matter as the creek was full of waders, Black-tailed Godwits, a couple of juvenile Ruff, flocks of Redshank and Avocets, 2 Dunlin, 3-4 Spotted Redshank, 8 Knot, Grey Plover and Curlew were all seen well. Plenty of Little Egrets and Grey Heron were also seen and a lone sleepy Spoonbill.

After a spell in the hide we decided to relocate. The walk back produced a bathing Dunnock with Chiffchaff for company, half a dozen Stonechat were fly-catching from the scrub and a couple of skulking Dartford Warbler were heard and briefly seen.

A short drive away was Arne RSPB where we had lunch in the car. A variety of routes were on offer but we chose the Coombe Heath trail as it offered views of the Middlebere channel. First stop was at a small pond to see the magnificent Raft Spiders, they looked superb on the dark water. Checking the gorse carefully revealed 100s of spiders and webs. Colin is going to do some research and hopefully report back on some of the species we encountered, I certainly wouldn’t want to be an insect trying negotiate my way through that silken ‘minefield’.

Raft Spider

Back up on the heath looking down into the channel gave us more views of the waders, many had moved up with the tide. A panic saw godwits and Avocet flocks flying up stream with no other species for company but returned with the Stilt Sandpiper as they headed downstream. We eventually relocated the godwit flock that contained 8 Knot and I picked up the Stilt Sandpiper on the shore.

Whilst talking everyone in onto the bird it walked in among the godwits and was hidden, we couldn’t see it at all, forty minutes checking the waders at our three favoured locations followed, it couldn’t be seen and I was the only one who had seen it, was I making it up!

One last look through the godwits on the dropping tide and there it was, out in the open, feeding with the Knot and finally giving everyone a decent view with favourable light. A little bit of relief for me to prove I wasn’t seeing things, this smaller North American wader was easily lost among its larger companions and was probably asleep during the earlier search. It was also great to watch five Little Egrets form a feeding co-op, all walking in a line to push the fish ahead in the channels.

Phone-scoped image of the Stilt Sandpiper among the godwits

A pleasant walk back to the car park offered another hide and seek Dartford Warbler, mostly hide,  at least the Green Woodpecker showed well in the same area earlier. Another short drive away and we checked some pools at a local boat year (that allowed temporary access) for a Red-necked Phalarope that had been present recently (at one stage it also had a Grey Phalarope for company). A few Canada and Greylag Geese were seen as well as Kingfisher and Reed Buntings, the highlight was a flock of 11 ‘Jackdaw bothered’ juvenile Ruff on the water meadows. See pics below.

That was it for the day, over 50 species seen, I was glad of a decent drive home and we were back by 7.40pm.

Thanks to Barbara, Anne, Colin and Ruth for joining me.

Martin

Broads, beaches and birds

An early meet and start to make our way through the traffic and heavy rain allowed us to reach our first natural birding stop of the day. The rain had eased but not the anticipation, this was more of a twitch as not a single one of us wanted to miss an opportunity to study a ‘trip’ of breeding plumaged Dotterel that had once again this year gathered on the fields near Choseley Drying barns, now a regular stopover.

We first spotted them as a Marsh Harrier flew over and flushed the party of eight, the birds flew about before disappearing into dead ground out of view. Patience and scanning was rewarded, Dot re-found the birds at the far end of the field so we all moved to a better spot near the road to watch them feed. The Dotterel looked marvellous, females being the brightest and in neatest plumages as this species has a role reversal, the males undertake incubating and tending the young.

What a great start, one of the reasons this trip was timed on these dates and hard to top despite some great days to follow  it turned out to be the highlight of the trip for all. We also noted Whitethroat and Yellowhammer along the hedgerows before a loo and brew stop at Titchwell RSPB.

The rain still fell but we walked out to the superb fresh marsh to see what could be found, a Bittern boomed, up to five Marsh Harrier could be seen over the reeds. Cetti’ Warbler blasted out song and a pair of Bearded Tits gave us rainfall forgetting views atop the reeds. Reed Buntings also ignored the wet stuff and sang on. The hide offered shelter and more good birds.

Two male Ruff in breeding plumage, small numbers of Dunlin, Sanderling, Ringed Plover with a Turnstone, Barwit and Redshank and larger flocks of Black-tailed Godwit and breeding Avocets. The Black-headed Gull/Common Tern colony also had a few Mediterranean Gulls hanging about. Red crested and Common Pochard were in the deeper water and a brood of bold or foolhardy Shoveler ventured from the reeds. Back on the seawall we saw a breeding plumage Grey Plover and Little Egrets on the salt marsh. A wander about the car park and wood was productive for birdsong but it was as we were leaving that a Lesser Whitethroat and Common Whitethroat sang,  the former showing well as we were in the car.

Moving on our next stop was at Cley next the Sea at the NOA watch point to search out an Iberian Chiffchaff, this subtle bird gave itself up immediately but was initially silent, it did decide to sing for us to confirm id. Singing Blackcap, Reed Warbler and Common Chiffchaff were also present. A short drive away was the Cley and Salthouse NWT reserve so we scanned over the marshes from the car park seeing a variety of typical wetland species before heading back to Hunstanton to check in and settle down for the night or have a drink and meal before retiring.

We all woke to a sunny and warm day, no rain. After a 0730 breakfast we loaded up and drove down to the Broads. First stop was at Potter Heigham for food supplies and soon after a long walk in the sunshine. We passed singing Whitethroats, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers along the hedges, woodland and broadland path.

One of our target birds for the day was a long staying Savi’s Warbler and it was singing nearby but sadly didn’t show for us. Looking over the Rush Hills scrape we abandoned birds for the magnificent Swallowtail butterfly that was showing off!

A brisk walk along the bank watching  plenty of Common Terns and Marsh Harriers were seen plus 2 Buzzard,  3 Hobby, 1-2 reeling Grasshopper Warbler and up to 5 bugling Cranes as they soared over Hickling broad. Another of the days target birds loomed into view, a giant Caspian Tern flew past.

Approaching Potter Heigham marshes we noted two Whimbrel, breeding Lapwing and got more great views of Marsh Harrier. The floods were busy with wetland birds,  a drake Garganey was pick of the ducks. A Black-winged Stilt made a short flight and came in to view briefly and the place was alive with Avocets. This new site warranted more time and exploration as reports of Spoonbills and Little Stints on the far marsh would have been a welcome addition. We retraced our steps at a slower pace seeing another Swallowtail and many other butterfly species including Small Copper, Painted Lady and Brimstone.

Once again the Caspian Tern appeared, this time it flew back and forth giving all good views over Hickling Broad, it was good to see this often difficult to catch up with species, they are well known for being mobile and heading off on long feeding forays. Another wait for the Savi’s Warbler simply proved it was taking a break. The Reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers could still be seen and heard.

Back at car we made the short drive to a busy broadside cafe for a break and sat out in the sun for a coffee and cake, one attendee also had an ice-cream. Refreshed we headed back toward North Norfolk stopping at Weybourne, Kelling Quags and Salthouse with another short scan from the Cley and Salthouse NWT car park. Plenty of birds seen. We tried our luck with drive-by listening on Salthouse Heath for Nightingale but they were having a rest, nearby at Wiveton bridge we watched a lovely Barn Owl hunting in daylight. A well timed stop for an early-ish evening meal at the Anchor at Morston provided a very good meal and allowed time to get to an evening session with Nightjars.

A short stop to watch a pair of Grey Partridge was a must but we arrived at Wolferton on time to walk out to Dersingham bog. We had over forty fly-pasts of Woodcock with many of them being close encounters, it was raining but it didn’t put us or the Woodcock off. The Nightjars weren’t flying but up to seven churred from the trees, it was still a wonderful experience before ending the birding day, we got back to the hotel late and probably fair to say we were all ready for bed.

Our final day arrived breezy and showery, after loading up we stopped nearby at Hunstanton cliffs, the Fulmars put on quite a show on the strong updrafts, a stalwart Whitethroat sang it’s heart out on the cliff top. We headed along the coast to Thornham Harbour where Curlew, Redshank, Grey Plover, Meadow Pipits and flocks of waders were out on the shore, a Peregrine harassed them briefly. It was nice to see flocks of Brent Geese still around, maybe sensibly they were in no hurry to get to the Arctic circle just yet. Gannets mooched about offshore.

Another stop of Brancaster beach was made hitting home how cold and strong the wind coming in off the North Sea was. A couple of Med Gulls flew over calling, more Dark-bellied Brent Geese were on the saltmarsh and a Great-crested Grebe was the best bird on the sea. It was sensible to leave the exposed coast so we headed toward the Brecks to finish of the day.

First stop was at an undisclosed site, Stone Curlew was nesting, Stonechats on show and Mistle Thrush quite visible. A short drive away was a chance to scan wires and explore the lanes for Turtle Dove without luck, a stop at another heath allowed time for a walk. Stonechats, Yellowhammers and Great -spotted and Green Woodpecker were all heard. Another pair of Stone Curlew was seen at the nest with a pair of Woodlark also giving great views. It was a great end to the birding before leaving for home and a drive back to Gloucestershire.

I’ve had great feedback from everyone who attended, thanks for the pleasing comments, it was a good trip with plenty of excellent birds.

Martin J McGill

Who’s hiding in the heather ?

A= Red Grouse

Having decided that a trip to N Wales could be of interest to an Anser group I began making some plans. A date was selected and after some adjustment to the original plans most of met at 2.30pm, with another along the way, this allowed time to reach the hotel and do a bit of birding before dark.

We stopped off just E of Telford along the way to listen out for an Iberian Chiffchaff, our visit was brief and the lost migrant was not in the mood to sing despite Willow Warbler and Common Chiffchaff singing away. Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel all soared or displayed over the wooded site, Little Grebe trilled from the pond but best of all was an incubating Mistle Thrush on the nest. This was spotted by Ruth who proved rather alert, calling out birds during the trip.

We left in the sunshine but some cloud was rolling in as we reached our final birding destination for the day. The western slopes of Cyrn-y-Brain gave us a few birds as the sun set, it was quite chilly though. What was probably a Red Grouse was seen in flight by some, there were plenty of Meadow Pipits and a couple of pairs of Stonechat in the heather and gorse. Best bird was a Goshawk that arrived from some distance away and flew along the hillside giving us glimpses as it went through.

A comfortable night with a pub meal at the Hand Hotel rounded off the night before bed as we had an early start. Up well before the lark in the dark and we had assembled to make our way to the Black Grouse lek site, this being the main focus of the trip. Passing below the Eglwseg mountain a Tawny Owl flew across the car and landed in a tree to give us all views albeit in silhouette.

Up on the moor it was only just getting light, we could hear the display calls of the Blackcock, taking great care we birded using the car as a mobile hide. A lek of seven males came into view but we heard more. Moving further up the mountain we settled on another lek where up to 17 birds gathered. This species is very interesting to watch and also listen to when displaying and battling for dominance. This wonderful experience is essential for all birders as long as it doesn’t disturb the birds.

It was zero degrees so a frost had formed but we were so lucky to have a sunny dawn, the birds looked superb. Everyone had decent views so we moved on to a spot where we could scope them from distance and look over the area. A Curlew bubbled in the distance.

Red Grouse were also calling and displaying among the heather but some also flew up and glided down. Male Red Grouse pursued each other through the heather with their combs blazing. Meadow Pipits were numerous and we had closer views of Black Grouse near our watch point. It was simply superb but we had a date with our breakfast. Taking in the lek once again we tore ourselves away to a decent full ‘Welsh’ and a hot drink or two. The breakfast room looked over the River Dee and up to the Castell Dinas ruins which was a bonus. Ruth saw Grey Wagtails and two Mandarin on the river.

After recharging with a good meal we headed back out to carry on birding up on the moor. The grouse still performed, both species giving us great views. Scanning from a watch point a female Hen Harrier came through giving us all excellent views as it hunted over the heather. A selfish but typical Ring Ouzel dropped in from high and disappeared into a valley without letting anyone else see it.

Hen Harrier

We carried on stopping and scanning from the car to the Eclusham mountain seeing more Grouse. Another good vantage point and grassier area near the farms gave us five ouzel imposter Blackbirds, three smart Wheatear and a selection of other birds. Ruth called out a raptor that whizzed through, it was a male Merlin hunting pipits but the view was brief.

Wheatear

Fortunately we had another encounter with the male Merlin as he had isolated a Meadow Pipit, the small passerine was looping and stalling to prevent capture by the raptor. It’s a technique often used by pipits and larks, the outcome wasn’t known but it was a close and spectacular encounter.

Moving down to the woods and valley we stopped to watch a Goshawk soaring before it dropped into the woods. A Redpoll was flying about calling. A few more stops were made in the warm sunshine with a near predicted Peregrine on the cliffs (the sixth raptor species of the trip) and pairs of Buzzards above Eglwseg. Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker were seen and heard with alternative views to the ruins of Castell Dinas. A Wheatear bathed in a puddle next to the car with another on the slope nearby. This ended a brilliant morning, just about perfect birding.

Bathing Wheatear

We called in a Llangollen and then began our journey home across country, it may have been prudent to keep up to date with news as a Night Heron was showing at the Venus Pool but even without this bird we had done rather well.

A great trip and thanks to everyone who joined me.

Martin J McGill

A cold and grey day dawned, all six of us were not put off in the slightest.

Our first stop of the day was at Powderham Church where the first bird of the day award went to two Cattle Egrets. This winter, especially late winter/early spring has seen an influx of this species involving record numbers in the SW. Our egret du0 had a couple of Little Egret and a flock of sheep for company. Walking down t0 the railway bridge we used the height advantage to scan the Exe at low tide. Flocks and small parties of Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Dunlin, Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Redshank, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Cormorants and various gull species were on show.

Next stop was nearby at Powderham park where c15 Sand Martin fed over the pools, Shelduck and other common wildfowl were also roosting or perhaps sheltering from the cold NE wind. We made a couple of stops at Cockwood/Starcross to scan the estuary. Highlights included 3 Greenshank, a drake Goosander, 2 Shag, 2 Slavonian Grebe and Turnstones among the wader flocks.

Moving on to Dawlish Warren we had a short lunch stop and then scanned the sea from the seawall. A party of 3 and 6 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a few Shag, two flyby Fulmar, Guillemot and a Red-throated Diver were noted albeit distantly. The six scoter flew in closer which gave us a better view. Parties of Meadow Pipit and an alba wagtail flew in off the sea. Turnstones did a tightrope walk act along the groynes.

A short drive beyond Teignmouth and we were able to park and then scan the clifftop fields at Labrador Bay RSPB, we located a flock of 25+ Cirl Bunting as they fed close to the hedgerow. It was great to watch them and listen to the contact calls. A nervous flock of Linnets proved why when Sparrowhawk went through. A few Chiffchaff were also grubbing about in the fields and hedgerows for insects, no doubt newly arrived. From the lower path we enjoyed listening to singing Cirl Buntings and watching a pair of Kestrel below us. Attention was drawn to the sea, a party of six Long-tailed Duck, 111 Common Scoter also harboured two larger and darker 2cy Velvet Scoters. A few Gannets streamed by and  Peregrine had a look at us before it cruised along the cliffs.

Back up at the car park we saw a Sparrowhawk over sea before it headed inland. A group decision was to reject plans to look for the Humpback Whale that was resident in Start Bay the preceding month. It had got itself tangled in crab pot ropes a couple of days before and needed a rescue party to cut if free. It wasn’t seen the day before so we stuck with the birding.

Our last stop of the day was at Bowling Green Marsh RSPB which also had c30 Sand Martin as well as 4 Little Grebe, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Black-tailed Godwit flock, Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper, Sparrowhawk and calling Cetti’s Warbler. At the Clyst viewing platform we had a large flock of Redshank but it was clear many of the wader species had departed for the summer, especially the Avocets, we saw none!

To top the day off the group saw their first two Swallow of 2017 in sunshine as I was off collecting the car.

Thank you to all who joined me, it was a very good day out. Some images of the day follow.

Martin

Cirl Buntings at Labrador Bay RSPB

Long-tailed Ducks in Labrador Bay

Velvet Scoters (1s male and female, top two) with Common Scoter