Paul's Birding Diary

Storks, Spoonbills, Orchids and Oversley Wood

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 05:40:00 +0000

Friday 15th June - Friday 6th July 2018

White Stork, Zwin Nature Park, Belgium

I'll start off with some photos of White Storks taken on my recent holiday in Belgium and the Netherlands. Based in Bruges, we encountered Storks nesting near the city in the pretty small town of Damme, and at Zwin Nature Park in Belgium, and also over the border in the dutch town of Sluis. Sluis is a picturesque town, and the Storks we saw here were clearly very used to humans.

White Stork, Sluis, Netherlands

Zwin

Nest with young, Zwin

Stork nest in Damme

This nest in Damme was on the historic St John's Hospital Museum, currently being renovated

I didn't see a Spoonbill during the whole of 2017, and hadn't seen one in 2018 until arriving at Zwin Nature Park and seeing one in flight over the centre. This was probably one of two I saw together from the main hide. This is a fantastic reserve with great facilities. Situated in the north-east corner of Belgium, just west of the dutch border, this is a large wetland habitat providing a refuge for large numbers of wintering birds and breeding birds in the summer. Anyway, the day after arriving back from Belgium, I saw two more Spoonbills at WWT Slimbridge.

Spoonbill, WWT Slimbridge

On returning from Slimbridge I had one of my most incredible garden sightings, that of a really fresh White-letter Hairstreak which floated down and landed for several minutes. It was like a dream and left me wondering where it had come from and wanting to search locally for Elms.

White-letter Hairstreak, Quedgeley (garden)

The following weekend on 1st July I visited Kenfig near Bridgend in Wales and the Fen Orchids and Marsh Helleborines were soon located in the dune slacks. A few dense-flowered rich purple spikes of Marsh Fragrant Orchid were looking good. The Fen Orchids were a bit past their best, and it started raining (a rare experience this summer), which curtailed further exploration and so a return visit next year is in order.

Fen Orchid, Kenfig

Marsh Helleborine, Kenfig

Marsh Fragrant Orchid, Kenfig

I noticed this striking pink female form of Meadow Grasshopper at Kenfig on the way to the Orchids

And then on Friday 6th July, I went for an early start before things got too hot, at Oversley Wood, Warwickshire. This is now essentially an annual pilgrimage which always offers the hope of sightings of Purple Emperor, of which I saw one, albeit in flight only. I always love seeing White Admirals but it was the Hairstreaks that were the real stars. I've never seen so many Purple Hairstreaks coming down low to rest, at least 40-50 and they were still giving good views when I left early afternoon. Six White-letter Hairstreaks were similarly obliging, and provided more photo opportunities.

Purple Hairstreak, Oversley Wood

Male Purple Hairstreak, Oversley Wood

Female Purple Hairstreak, Oversley Wood

Purple Hairstreak, Oversley Wood

Male and female Purple Hairstreaks, Oversley Wood

White-letter Hairstreak, Oversley Wood

Silver-washed Fritillary, Oversley Wood

White Admiral, Oversley Wood

The hoverfly Cheilosia illustrata, Oversley Wood

More Orchids

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 18:08:00 +0000

Friday 8th - Sunday 10th June 2018

Some Lizard Orchid photos from a (the) SW site I visited at the weekend showing the extraordinary flowers on these robust plants.

On Sunday, only a single Marsh Fritillary was seen at Strawberry Banks near Chalford - they seem to having a bad year here. The Lesser Butterfly Orchids were doing better. In nearby woodland I found a good group of Bird's-nest Orchids, the flowers going over now. Also a couple of presumably Broad-leaved Helleborine plants springing up.

Marsh Fritillary

Bird's-nest Orchid

Lesser Butterfly Orchid

I also caught up with Chalk Fragrant Orchids recently in the Stroud area, lots of them, along with some Fly Orchids and hybrid Bee x Fly specimens. Also lots of Adonis and Small Blues.

Chalk Fragrant Orchid

Adonis Blue

Adonis Blue (Chalk Fragrant Orchid behind)

Fly Orchid

Bee x Fly Orchid

Chiltern Orchids

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Tue, 22 May 2018 06:53:00 +0000

Saturday 19th May 2018

Monkey Orchid

On royal wedding day, I left Mrs M watching the telly and headed off east for the day. My first stop was Hartslock near Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. The Monkey Orchids were looking fantastic, and I counted getting on for 20. The single Lady Orchid was past its prime, but two or three flowers recalled its full beauty. The most numerous by far are the Lady x Monkey hybrids, tall vigorous plants numbering around a hundred give or take. Some of the Pasqueflowers were still in flower, some still in bud even - I was expecting them to have all gone to seed by now. Butterflies on the wing included Grizzled Skippers, Dingy Skippers, Green Hairstreakes, Orange-tips, Green-veined Whites, Small Whites and Brimstones. Also a Common Carpet moth. This is a beautiful reserve, affording wonderful views of the Thames and surrounding landscape. I also stumbled across George Michael's house in the village, complete with a plethora of tributes. I wonder if George was aware of the floral jewel on his doorstep? Ironically, a sign on the door asks for no floral tributes on the doorstep.

Monkey Orchid, Hartslock

Lady Orchid, Hartslock

Lady x Monkey hybrid, Hartslock

Pasqueflower, Hartslock

Grizzled Skipper, Hartslock

Green Hairstreak, Hartslock

Common Carpet, Hartslock

Hartslock

Mill Cottage, Goring, home of the late George Michael

It was then on to the Homefield Wood reserve near Marlow in Buckinghamshire. Here, the Military Orchids, were looking superb. Numbering around 30, these delicately-coloured robust orchids seem to be doing well. Virtually the whole time I was there, I was the only soul enjoying this peaceful spot. A single Fly Orchid was near the boundary above the soldiers, and numerous Common Twayblade was starting to flower. In the nearby Beech wood there were many more Fly Orchids in flower, and also several White Helleborines just starting to flower. A Reeve's Muntjac was deeper in the woods. I saw my first Common Blues of the year, and a Burnet Companion was near the reserve entrance.

Military Orchid, Homefield Wood

Burnet Companion, Homefield Wood

The meadow at Homefield Wood

Common Twayblade, Homefield Wood

Fly Orchid, Homefield Wood

White Helleborine, Homefield Wood

Cotswold Orchids and a Garden Hobby

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Fri, 18 May 2018 06:01:00 +0000

Monday 7th - Tuesday 15th May 2018

Sword-leaved Helleborine, Cephalanthera longifolia

Recently I have caught up with Fly Orchids and Sword-leaved Helleborines in the Cotswolds, the latter being a threatened and particularly scarce species in the UK. I have only previously seen Sword-leaved Helleborine, also known as Narrow-leaved Helleborine, in Switzerland, where it more common. Fly Orchid, a close relative of the Bee Orchid, are more widespread but with a localised distribution and not one I have seen before. Both are exquisitely beautiful and very special plants.

Fly Orchid, Ophrys insectifera

On 7th I had a Hobby fly over the garden and managed a couple of hurried record shots of this garden tick. A Coal Tit was a surprise garden visitor on 15th as I haven't seen one in the garden since the early spring.

Flyover garden Hobby, 7th May

Coal Tit, garden, 15th May

Forest Hawfinch in Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 17:33:00 +0000

Sunday 8th April 2018

As Hawfinches continue to visit my garden, I have had an email back from Jerry Lewis on a ringed male seen on 8th April (one of at least five different individuals seen): "this bird ringed by me [Jerry] (as an adult) on 08/04/2016, Nr Cinderford, so a decent movement. metal = NW76417 colour = orange IL. (First record since ringed)" fascinating stuff.

Lots of Garden Thrushes and another Hawfinch

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 07:54:00 +0000

Thursday 1st - Friday 2nd March 2018

One of 18 garden Fieldfares

A different male Hawfinch arrived on the garden bird table on Thursday morning at 8.20am just as I was leaving for work and as it was snowing.

The line of pale markings on the shoulder distinguishes this male from Tuesday's bird

Dwarfing this Chaffinch

On Friday I worked at home having decided not to venture out in the thick snow. The apples I put out created a frenzy among visiting Fieldfares, no less than 18 of them. Two or three of them, and one in particular, spent an awful amount of time trying to defend the apples and very very aggressive towards not only the other Fieldfares but anything else that posed a threat including seven Redwings, two Blackbirds, and a Song Thrush which were tolerated in the main as long as they sat quietly at a safe distant. Othe birds in the garden included a male Great Spotted Woodpecker, nine Wood Pigeons, 37 Chaffinches (but no Bramblings yet!), 14 Greenfinches and four Starlings.

Hawfinch in Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 21:22:00 +0000

Saturday 24th -Tuesday 27th February 2018

I was delighted to see this male Hawfinch on the bird table this morning at 7.40 this morning. I saw a male and female around the Fisher's Meadow/canal area (Quedgeley) on Saturday so I knew they weren't far away. I just love them.

Saturday was also a chance to look for Water Pipit at Saul Warth with Andy, and it duly obliged. A male Merlin was also present, although distant, and a Stonechat and a Peregrine were the other highlights.

Water Pipit, Saul Warth

Male Stonechat, Saul Warth

On Sunday I caught up with the drake Ring-necked Duck on pit 16 in the Cotswold Water Park west, with Andy and Mark.

Ring-necked Duck (right) with Tufted Ducks

Woorgreens and Crabtree Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 06:11:00 +0000

Sunday 28th January 2018

I spent the morning in the Forest of Dean on Sunday, with Andy and Mark, at Woorgreens/Crabtree Hill. The Great Grey Shrike showed well, for us and the nearby BBC Winterwatch team, and at one point flew to a perch quite near us. Other birds of note were a nice flock of mainly Lesser Redpolls by the lake with Siskins and Goldfinches, 12 Crossbills (groups of three and 12), singing Mistle Thrushes, and two (a male and a redhead) Goosanders on the lake.

Spiders and Some Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 08:06:00 +0000

Friday 5th - Thursday 18th January 2018

Male Lace Weaver Spider, Amaurobius similis, Quedgeley, 18th January

With the help of the folk on the spider ID Facebook group I have the identification of two Spiders seen in my house recently. A rather dehydrated male False Widow Spider Steatoda nobilis baffled me, I am familiar with females but this one initially struck me as False Widow but the more I looked through the guides the more puzzled I became. The other Spider was a bit more straightforward. I was pretty certain it was a male Lace Weaver, Amaurobius sp. and that given it was in my house it was most likely to be similis. However, when I read that microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to separate from similar species, in this case fenestralis, I turned to the experts. Luckily there is a good view of the palps which confirms it as Amaurobius similis.


Male Lace Weaver Spider, Amaurobius similis, Quedgeley, 18th January


Male Lace Weaver Spider, Amaurobius similis, Quedgeley, 18th January

Male Lace Weaver Spider, Amaurobius similis, Quedgeley, 18th January

Male False Widow Spider, Steatoda nobilis, Quedgeley, 12th January

The Great Norther Diver has continued its long stay at Sharpness marina / SARA into the New Year, and I couldn't resist another visit to study it recently on 5th January. Later at WWT Slimbridge I found a nice Spotted Redshank on the Rushy along with 74 Redshank, 14 Ruff and two Little Stints. I counted 52 Snipe on the edge of South Lake, seen from Hogarth Hide.

Great Northern Diver, Sharpness, 5th January

Spotted Redshank with Common Redshanks, WWT Slimbridge, 5th January

Spotted Redshank, WWT Slimbridge, 5th January

Ruff, WWT Slimbridge, 5th January

Snipe, WWT Slimbridge, 5th January

Penduline Tit at Longford

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 06:56:00 +0000

Monday 18th December 2017

Some photos here of the male PENDULINE TIT at Plock Court, Longford, I took during my lunch hour on Monday; a great find by Sarah Payne at the weekend. I have never actually strayed on to Plock Court before despite working only 9 minutes away. The bird is around the wetland area in the NW corner of Plock Court at SO837204.

Rock Thrush

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 06:34:00 +0000

Saturday 14th October 2017

The ROCK THRUSH at Blorenge was a welcome twitch, joined by Andy and Mark, after a relatively quiet autumn so far locally. Arriving on site around 8am in quite gloomy conditions, it was some time before the Rock Thrush was seen above the main quarry and then some time late when it was relocated below the main path beyond the second small quarry at 9.45am. It was fairly mobile, but always soon relocated after every flight by the numerous pairs of human eyes present, and provided some very good views near to the path.

Mainly Insects and Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 08:11:00 +0000

Saturday 24th June - Saturday 8th July 2017

White Admiral, Lower Woods, 8th July

A visit to Lower Woods yesterday morning with Mark produced seven White Admirals and c30 Silver-washed Fritillaries - these included a valezina female, too quick to photograph, but the first one I've seen. Other butterflies included three Purple Hairstreaks.

Silver-washed Fritillaries, Lower Woods, 8th July

Female Silver-washed Fritillary, Lower Woods, 8th July

Silver-washed Fritillary, Lower Woods, 8th July

This Lizard Orchid at a South Glos site had gone over; I'll have to visit earlier next year.

Lizard Orchid, S. Glos, 8th July

By contrast, the Barrow Wake Musk Orchids were at their peak last Saturday.

Musk Orchids, Barrow Wake, 1st July

A few Bee Orchids were in the area.

Bee Orchid, Barrow Wake, 1st July

I got good views of Purple Hairstreaks recently at RHS Wisley in one of the formal gardens and in the Oak Wood area.

Purple Hairstreak, RHS Wisley, 30th June

And finally, some wildlife from NT Coughton Court yesterday:

Roesel's Bush-cricket, Coughton Court, 8th July

Fully-winged difusa form of Roesel's Bush-cricket, Coughton Court, 8th July

Hoverfly Volucella inanis, Coughton Court, 8th July

Red-backed Shrike at Blakehill Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 07:39:00 +0000

Friday 16th June 2017

With news on a Friday afternoon of a species I've never managed to see, I had to head off straight from getting home from work. Just 43 minutes later, within 30 seconds of leaving the car I was looking at a cracking male Red-backed Shrike at the wonderful Blakehill Farm Wiltshire Wildlife Trust reserve. This former military airfield is being turned back into wildlife-rich hay meadow and pasture and is always a rewarding site to visit, but especially when there is a Red-backed Shrike. The Shrike was feeding and singing occasionally, not worried by cars or other passers-by using the farm track behind its chosen brambly hedge.

That's the Shrike's bush across the field

Information board

Cambridgeshire Visit and Local Sightings

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Thu, 18 May 2017 21:05:00 +0000

Sunday 30th April - Sunday 14th May 2017

Black Tern, WWT Slimbridge, 6th May

On 30th April I went with the West Midlands Bird Club to Cambridgeshire. The first stop was at RSPB Fowlmere where it was great to see and hear two Turtle Doves. By the time we arrived at the second stop, Paxton Pits, it was apparent that there had been an influx of Black Terns in the country, and one was reported at Paxton. There was unfortunately no sign of it, although the sight of up to 30 Common Terns was nice to see. I also dipped on Nightingale here but the numbers of warblers, especially the large number of Garden Warblers maintained interest. I eventually caught up with Black Term at WWT on 6th May.

Garden Warbler, Paxton Pits

A visit to Edge Common on 7th May produced three Duke of Burgundy butterflies and a few Dingy Skippers plus some Common Twayblade coming in to flower.


Duke of Burgundy, Edge Common, 7th May

Dingy Skipper, Edge Common, 7th May

Duke of Burgundy, Edge Common, 7th May

I had a mainly botanical afternoon at Siccaridge Wood on 12th May with the highlight being Lily of the Valley. I also noted lots of Sanicle and Wild Garlic plus a solitary Early Purple Orchid. I finished off my afternoon at WWT where a Spotted Flycatcher was showing from Stephen Kirk hide. An un-ringed immature Common Crane was present on the Tack Piece - not the 'Slim-chick' as it had an intact bill - it could be wild or from GCP parents, who knows.

Lily of the Valley, Siccaridge Wood, 12th May

Early Purple Orchid, Siccaridge Wood, 12th May

Sanicle, Siccaridge Wood, 12th May

Wild Garlic, Siccaridge Wood, 12th May

Spotted Flycatcher, WWT, 12th May

On the Saturday, 13th, I went to the forest with Andy and Mark where we had a good selection of woodland birds including a Wood Warbler and two pairs of Spotted Flycatchers. We had five Pied Flycatchers at Nagshead including four singing males and a female, a pair of Stock Doves, and heard a Firecrest. A Redstart was in the woodland opposite Woorgreens car park and a Dipper was at Wenchford.

Spotted Flycatcher, FOD, 13th May

Wood Warbler, FOD, 13th May

Stock Dove, Nagshead, 13th May

On Sunday, my BBS survey at SO7713 on a glorious sunny morning produced a good showing of Whitethroats, plus a Lesser Whitethroat, but I didn't hear a Cuckoo until I got back to my car outside of the square.

Whitethroat, Hardwicke, 14th May

Stilts, Ouzels and a Firecrest

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 18:42:00 +0000

Saturday 1st - Saturday 29th April 2017

Black-winged Stilt, WWT, 23rd April

Three BLACK-WINGED STILTS showed extremely well from Robbie Garnett hide at WWT on 23rd. They turned up during the week and I was glad they had the manners to stay until the weekend. A Little Gull on the Rushy and a Grasshopper Warbler at Middle Point completed a good morning.

Black-winged Stilt, WWT, 23rd April

Black-winged Stilts, WWT, 23rd April

Little Gull, WWT, 23rd April

Forward to today, Saturday - a redhead Smew remains on the Rushy, and was giving good views. The best birds at Middle Point at high tide was a Whinchat, three Wheatears, two Grasshopper Warblers, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper and a flyover Yellow Wagtail. It was quiet at Saul Warth earlier before the tide, the highlights being six Whimbrels and three Wheatears including a Greenland type.

Smew, WWT, 29th April

Yesterday after work I spent nearly two hours on Cleeve Common before finally tracking down Ring Ouzels - eight of them, including five spanking males.

Ring Ouzel, Cleeve Common, 28th April

During my search I came across a lovely patch of Early Purple Orchids which maintained morale,

Early Purple Orchid, Cleeve Common, 28th April

I first saw the WWT Smew earlier in the week, my first in the county since 2015.

Smew, WWT, 26th April

I had a lovely stay in Brixham at the end of last week. I wasn't birding but couldn't resist watching the tame Turnstones around the harbour. Oh, and there was a good selection of seabirds on the boat trip to Dartmouth including Gannets, Guillemots, Common Scoters and Red-breasted Mergansers. On the way down I enjoyed a Hornet harvesting wood for nest-building at NT Killerton.

Turnstone, Brixham, 21st April

Hornet, Killerton, 20th April

Notable garden insects of late:

Holly Blue, garden, 17th April

Dark-bordered Bee-fly, garden, 17th April

This fine second-summer Mediterranean Gull was on the WWT Rushy on 15th and the waders on South Lake provided another photo opportunity.

Mediterranean Gull, WWT, 15th April

Black-tailed Godwit, WWT, 15th April

Spotted Redshank with Black-tailed Godwits, WWT, 15th April

A co-opertive Orange-tip was at North Meadow, Cricklade, on 15th whilst I was admiring the Snakes-head Fritillary display.

Orange-tip, Cricklade, 15th April

I'll finish this post with some Cattle Egret photos from earlier this month, and a shot of the cracking jewel of a bird, a Firecrest, at WWT on 1st.

Cattle Egret, near WWT Decoy hide, 8th April

Cattle Egrets, Frampton north reed-bed flashes, 2nd April

Firecrest, from WWT Holden Tower, 1st April

Signs of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 21:57:00 +0000

Sunday 12th - Monday 12th March 2017

Garganey, Ashleworth Ham, 18th March

At least three Garaganey turned up in the county last week, and after dipping at WWT Slimbridge in the morning, I stopped off at Ashleworth Ham on the way back from Kempley to check out this fine drake above. My first Sand Martins of the year, c80, were at Frampton Court Lake earlier. I had been to Kempley in the afternoon with Linda for our annual fix of Wild Daffodils around Kempley. I don't think I have ever seen them looking as good.

Wild Daffodils on the roadside near Kempley

Haind Park Wood

Along the canal locally, Sweet Violets have been coming into flower. The white form predominates here over the 'standard' purple form.

Sweet Violet, Hardwicke

Sweet Violet, white form

On 12th March, a second summer Mediterranean Gull was on South Lake, at WWT, acquiring its black summer hood.

Mediterranean Gull, WWT

A Black Swan was also at WWT on 12th March, near the centre, and I have seen presumably the same bird twice sine at Frampton and locally on the canal at Hardwicke. I wonder where it has originated from!

On Swan Lake at WWT, 12th March

Court Lake, Frampton, on 18th March

20th March on the canal at Hardwicke

Late February Update

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 18:48:00 +0000

Sunday 12th - Sunday 26th February 2017

(American) Green-winged Teal, Ashleworth Ham, 25th February

I could spend all weekend catching up with birds found during the working week, but I really haven't got the time, having fitted in two Winter Random Square Surveys this month. On the way back from a random square near Lydney last Saturday with Andy, we stopped at Ashleworth Ham to catch up with the Green-winged Teal. The Teal was fairly close for much of the time, although often obscured by the roadside hedge. On Sunday I went to see the female/immature Black Redstart found by Mark at the settling pond in Chivenor Close at Kingsway, Quedgeley. I struck lucky and found it within about a minute of arriving.

Black Redstart, Quedgeley, 26th February

The previous weekend's highlights were the wintering Lapland Bunting at WWT Slimbridge and another look at the wintering Richard's Pipit at Arlingham.

Lapland Bunting, with brick, WWT Slimbridge, 19th February

Richard's Pipit, Arlingham, 18th February

The week before that I was at Chew Valley Lake for the afternoon enjoying at least five Scaup, a pair of Goldeneyes and a drake Common Scoter.

Scaups, Chew Valley Lake, 12th February

And finally, on the last day of the month, an Egyptian Goose in Hyde Park, London, not far from Marble Arch.

Egyptian Goose, Hyde Park, London, 28th February

Marble Arch

'Still Water', Nic Fiddian-Green, Marble Arch

Frampton and WWT

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 07:34:00 +0000

Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th February 2017

Cattle Egret, Frampton-on-Severn

Saturday's birding was spent at WWT hoping to locate a Lapland Bunting that has been seen recently. A long search across the Dumbles was fruitless as was a scan from Zeiss Hide for Spotted Redshank. The highlight was a male Goshawk which was seen from the Holden Tower over the Top New Piece flying over the Long Pool and the Tack Piece.

On Sunday at least three Cattle Egrets were in a horse paddock off Arlingham Road between Frampton and Saul.

Cattle Egrets, Frampton-on-Severn

At the red bed flashes north of Splatt Bridge four Green Sandpipers were present.

Two of the four Green Sandpipers, Frampton-on-Severn - rather distant

A Great White Egret was at Court Lake viewed from Court field in the reeds on the opposite side of the lake.

Great White Egret, Frampton-on-Severn

Waxwings

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 07:18:00 +0000

Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th January 2017

Waxwing, Quedgeley, 29th January

A nice museum of Waxwings arrived and settled in Quedgeley over the past week and I made a couple of visits to see them over the weekend. On Sunday morning I had them all to myself as they came to feed on Rose hips next the the footpath opposite the moat at Manor Farm. I counted 28 on Saturday and there were still at least 20 on Sunday.

Waxwing, Quedgeley, 28th January

Waxwing, Quedgeley, 29th January

The hedge at Kingsway, Quedgeley

With Andy on Saturday we finally caught up with the White-front flock, 180-strong, when they flew in to the Dumbles during the morning, illuminated by the sunshine.

Russian White-fronted Geese, WWT, 28th January

A Dunnock showed well next to the Holden Tower:

Dunnock, WWT, 28th January

Snipe, WWT, 28th January

And Snipe, Water Rail and Long-tailed Tits around the feeders at Willow Hide:

Water Rail, WWT, 28th January

Long-tailed Tit, WWT, 28th January

The previous weekend's birding with Andy saw us doing the rounds in the forest, picking up Hawfinches at Parkend (but no Dippers), Crossbills at Gorsey Tump, Siskins and Lesser Redpolls at Woorkgreens (but no sign of the GG Shrike), and nice views of birds coming to seed at Cannop Ponds (but no Marsh Tit):

Great Tit, Cannop, 21st January

Blue Tit, Cannop, 21st January

Nuthatch, Cannop, 21st January

The Sunday we went to Frampton, finally getting the Great White Egret at Court Lake:

Great White Egret, Frampton, 22nd January

We finished at the Splatt Bridge where a Water Pipit was at the north reed-bed scrapes. A confiding Redwing was encountered near Frampton church:

Redwing, Frampton, 22nd January

Pipits and Things

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 18:31:00 +0000

Monday 26th December 2016 to Sunday 15th January 2017

Richard's Pipit, Arlingham Warth

The wintering Richard's Pipit at Arlingham showed well, eventually, on Saturday morning, catching insects in the winter sunshine. This is undoubtedly the bird that was at Rodley in October, directly on the opposite side of the river.

Richard's Pipit showing how long its legs are

The Richard's Pipit site, on the bank of the Severn horseshoe

The Severn Bore heads upstream towards Priding

Occasionally a bird turns up in circumstances so surprising that its origin becomes the subject of much debate, rather than being regarded simply as a vagrant. The Stow-on-the-Wold Blue Rock Thrush is one of these, with dubious credentials, but nonetheless attracts a lot of attention. This adult male is certainly an attractive bird, although they are better shown off in the Mediterranean sunshine. Whatever its origin, I had to see it, and, just for good measure made a return visit in the new year.

Blue Rock Thrush at Stow-on-the-Wold

Glorious sunshine on 29th December

Duller conditions on 7th January

After Stow on 29th December I went to Blagdon Lake, Somerset, for the Blyth's Pipit, a bird with somewhat greater provenance. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and after some wait the bird showed nicely for some time at Holt Bay before flying off towards the far side of the lake. Well worth the permit fee for this lifer.

Blyth's Pipit, Blagdon Lake

Holt Bay, Blagdon Lake

A couple of birds at WWT on 7th January, both on the Rushy - Pink-footed Goose and Little Stint:

This Cattle Egret was one of at least three this week at Saul:

And finally, this Fieldfare was a nice sight in the garden late morning today:

Eastern Black Redstart at Tewkesbury

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 22:07:00 +0000

Sunday 11th December 2016

Eastern Black Redstart - photo: Mark Hobson

After two days of frustrated attempts at Ripple GP to get good views of Dusky Warbler - unsatisfactory views on Friday, and heard only Saturday - it was nice to see what is presumably another recent Ripple bird as it turned up in Gloucestershire. The Eastern Black Redstart on Tewkesbury Abbey is a cracker of a bird, and was pleasing a good number of birders as it flitted around the abbey and made a brief visit to nearby trees. A nice finish to the weekend.

The magnificent abbey

Masked Wagtail at Camrose

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 21:43:00 +0000

Saturday 3rd December 2016

Saturday morning saw a trip to deepest SW Wales with Richard, Mike and Paul to twitch the Masked Wagtail at Camrose, near Haverfordwest. It performed well for the small group of 20 birders, preferring to feed on the road (taking mealworms?), dodging the cars and occasionally spending time in gardens or on roofs.

Lapland Bunting at WWT

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 07:32:00 +0000

Saturday 26th - Sunday 27th November 2016

Lapland Bunting - phonescoped record shot

The highlight of the weekend was a Lapland Bunting at WWT Slimbridge on Saturday morning. First spotted on Friday morning it showed well around the Holden scrape in the sunshine, flying off for a period but returning later. An adult winter Little Stint was also on the edge of the scrape.

Cattle & Little Egrets, Frampton Court Lake

On Sunday, a short return visit to WWT in murky conditions didn't produce a repeat performance of the Lapland Bunting, which was reported later. I went back out later to Frampton for the Egret roost at Court Lake where four Cattle Egrets, four Great White Egrets and 17 Little Egrets were seen at dusk. The Great Whites flew straight in to roost over the back of the lake.

Redwing, WWT

Chew and Local Sightings

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 22:13:00 +0000

Saturday 19th - Sunday 20th November 2016

Great White Egret, Herriott's Bridge, Chew

I did the rounds at Chew Valley Lake on Saturday after leaving Mrs. M. in Bristol shopping with the youngest daughter. A total of eight Great White Egrets were at Herriott's Bridge, also a first-winter Mediterranean Gull. One of the GWEs sported a red colour ring on the left leg with an engraved white three letter alpha code 'AAF'. This bird was ringed as a chick this year at Ham Wall (bird in top photo). Two Goldeneyes were feeding off the dam from picnic area 1, and a Cattle Egret and three more Great White Egrets were at Heron's Green Bay. I finished the afternoon, before being recalled for duty, at Stratford Hide. Here, two Water Pipits were feeding in front of the hide, rounding the excursion off nicely.

Water Pipit, Stratford Hide

Common Gull at Picnic Area No. 1, Chew

Med Gull from Herriott's Bridge

Stratford Hide

Cattle Egret, with Little Egret, Heron's Green Bay

On Sunday, a Winter Random Square survey in my home square didn't turn up anything surprising. There are some nice berry-laden Rowans around just waiting for the Waxwings to arrive. I found a Holm Oak growing near the bypass bridge st Naas Lane - not native but I hadn't spotted any that local before.

Holm Oak, Quedgeley

After my survey duties - I don't enjoy walking around housing estates with a notebook and binoculars - I went home for lunch before heading out again. I stopped at Frampton Sailing Lake where the Siberian Chiffchaff was heard calling several times, but I couldn't get a clear view of its plumage features. It is in company with two Common Chiffchaffs and two Goldcrests were also in the area. Finishing at WWT Slimbridge, two European White-fronted Geese were on the Tack Piece brifley before flying over the hedge to the Ox Piece beyond. A Peregrine was sat in the Turkey Oaks and a Water Rail showed in front of Martin Smith hide. From the Holden Tower 40 European White-fronted Geese flew from the Dumbles edge towards the northern part of the reserve, probably also to feed on the Ox Piece.

White-fronts, WWT

Enjoying a Cappuccino in the restaurant Nick tweeted that two Whooper Swans had just gone over Frampton Pools heading towards the trust. I checked the Rushy and there they were. Also here, in the run-up to the late afternoon feed, were 28 Bewick's Swans and a single Mute Swan.

Whooper Swans, WWT

View over the Rushy, WWT - the Whoopers are asleep at the left back

Norfolk in November

noreply@blogger.com (Paul) — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 22:39:00 +0000

Thursday 10th - Friday 11th November 2016

Shore Larks, Holkham Gap

I spent a brilliant two days birding in Norfolk with Mark, connecting with many excellent birds. We started off on arrival in Nelson's County at Thornham Harbour hoping for Twite. After not finding any, it seemed like a slow start. A Spotted Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and Kingfisher in the creek were all good birds. Four Marsh Harriers over the reed-beds and salt marsh and Pink-footed and Dark-bellied Brent Geese were the first of many at various locations.

Thornham Harbour

Spotted Redshank, Thornham Harbour

Grey Plover, Thornham Harbour

Next stop was Holkham Gap where we soon connected with a 60+ flock of Shore Larks feeding on the salt marsh, This was an incredible sight and as if that wasn't enough the flock was supplemented by two Lapland Buntings. A small flock of Snow Buntings seen at long range couldn't be re-located.

Holkham Gap

Shore Larks, Holkham Gap

Shore Lark, Holkham Gap

On the way to finish the day in the Broads we passed through Holt, stopping off to see seven Waxwings feeding on Rowan near the church opposite the High Street / A148 junction. It was great seeing these birds again, and it looks like they are arriving in force. Hopefully we will get some in Gloucestershire.

Waxwing, Holt

We arrived at Hickling Broad car park as the light was fading to walk to the raptor viewpoint at Stubb Mill. Along the footpath we saw a Barn Owl hunting over the marsh and then spotted a Peregrine. Thirty Fieldfares were in the hedgerow, and four Cranes landed in a nearby field. At the mill viewpoint, a further seven Cranes were seen, and at least 20 Marsh Harriers came in to roost.

Stubb Mill

Cranes at Stubb Mill, an atmospheric (i.e. blurry) image

Friday was a cracking day and a stroll from our B & B in Cley next the Sea with clear blue skies gave us some good photo opportunities for capturing the windmill i all its glory; the weather was like this for much of the day. On the beach at Cley along the first stretch of Blakeney Point we found a mobile flock of 30 Snow Buntings. Five Red-throated Divers, 19 Common Scoters, 33 Eiders, a Wigeon and two Gannets were noted offshore. A Stonechat was along a fence-line behind the beach.

Cley Windmill

Turnstone, Cley beach

The start of Blakeney Point at Cley

Our next stop was Burnham Overy to walk out to the dunes. As we approached Gun Hill, the ISABELLINE WHEATEAR landed in front of us and bathed in a puddle for a couple of minutes before flying off over the dunes, It was later relocated on the beach. A single Waxwing flew over as did a flock of 110 Golden Plovers. Four Grey Plover, two Knot, 20 Dunlin and 45 Sanderling were along the tideline. In the fields to the east of the path back to the road we noted 900 Pink-footed Geese, 200 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 200 Starlings, a Marsh Harrier and a Snipe. In the field next to the road as we headed towards Burnham Overy we spotted two Egyptian Geese.

The Isabelline Wheatear:

First view as it dropped down right in front of us

Bathing / drinking in a puddle

We were very lucky to see it so easily

It gave us super views

Then perched up briefly before flying over Gun Hill towards the beach

It was a bit more distant on the beach

Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes

We ended our trip at Titchwell Marsh. A very long list of species included, on the fresh marsh a Jack Snipe, four European White-fronted Geese and seven Avocets. At the beach the highlights were two Velvet Scoters, four Long-tailed Ducks, a Red-breasted Merganser, two Eiders and five Red-throated Divers. On the walk back we paused to scan the marshes as the sun set. A Barn Owl was out hunting and several Marsh Harriers were seen. Two Chinese Water Deer were in the marsh - I have seen them here on the previous two visits. As the sky darkened and the moon shone, it was time to head for home after a very enjoyable two days.

Titchwell beach

Common Sun Star, Titchwell beach

Titchwell Marsh

Resting birds on the fresh marsh, Titchwell

Moon rising over Titchwell Marsh