Blog Archive

Thursday 28 February 2013

Optimism is a wonderous thing . . . .

I am starting to struggle to maintain my enthusiasm for this birding lark.

With cold grey and windy days week in week out I am starting to wonder when I will be able to leave some of the layers behind and look through the binoculars and telescope without my eyes watering (and not with the emotion of great bird sightings I might add!)

So, this week we started at Cliffe Pools, a really silly thing to do given the forecast, but you can't dodge in and out of cafes the whole winter long.    Around the car park we saw Robin, Wren, Magpie, Woodpigeon (surprise, surprise), a family of Long-tailed Tits flitted about in the holly and ivy at the end of the drive.   As we passed the cottages a Dunnock was spotted by Sally.

To change the format we went off towards Timber and Alpha pools and took the footpath leading through the farm which has just started to welcome the newly arrived lambs.   They were so cute it is hard to believe that they will end up in a butchers someday, but for now it was great just to watch them trying to run, jump and chase each other.

On to the birds seen in the fields around us, a dozen Moorhen enjoyed rummaging in the bottom of a hedge, whilst Starlings and Blackbirds were joined by Redwing and Fieldfares a little further out in full view.

In amongst the lambs more Redwing and Fieldfare were enjoying the food which had been provided by the animals.   Beyond the field we walked through the others were flooded and ducks had taken advantage of this with Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Mallard and Wigeon present.   Further back a Little Egret strutted along the rills looking for a tasty morsel.

Bird watching was put onto the back burner for a while as we continued along the footpath through the Bretts site, but once we got to the other side there were the two lakes to scan.   More Wigeon, Pochard and Mallard were joined by Coot, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe.  There were a couple of birds which looked like some sort of Pochard hybrid.   As I scanned with the telescope I noticed a bird moving along the reedbed - not on the ground but flying along in small "hops", at first I thought it was a Water Rail, but on a second view the wings weren't right for that species.   I thought it was a raptor of some type but given the split-second views it was hard to judge.   However when it eventually stopped in somewhat cryptic landscape it was obviously a bird of prey, but which?   Over to Malcolm who first thought it was a Merlin, but then as it turned the head confirmed Sparrowhawk.

As we continued it became obvious that the route was blocked with water, so we had to retrace our steps.
By the farm buildings we heard a couple of Jays chuntering away to each other making a racket, and then realised why as a Little Owl called out in alarm.   After several calls all went quiet and the Jays moved off.

Next stop Bromhey Farm, we had lunch watching the feeders with Lesser Redpoll, Chaffinch and Blue and Great Tit.   We soon moved off to get the blood moving in an attempt to warm up.   We headed off for the Heronry, via the Marshland Viewpoint.   The Scrapes were full and there were lots of birds on them - even the three new diggings were being enjoyed by the birds.   Shelduck, Shoveler, Mallard, Pochard, Wigeon, Teal and Mute Swan were the main species seen on the first two pools.   Lapwings were the most numerous by far on the new diggings beyond the CSA building.  They were flying up in huge flocks swooping around as they were spooked by other birds.

After a muddy walk in front of the Heronry and Rookery where we saw and heard very little we decided to call it quits and returned to base.

We had a good day out with Paul and Gill joining the usual quartet, but I can't wait to have a brighter milder day with some migrants - or am I being fickle?

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Bird Ringing

I spent the morning with two local ringers at a local reserve.

I always find it fascinating to get the opportunity to see birds close up and see how small, fragile and beautiful they are.   It makes their migration journeys seem even more amazing.

The species ringed were: Blue and Great Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Long-tailed Tits (my favourites), and the delightful Lesser Redpoll - the chance to see their pink blushed plumage so clearly was a real pleasure.

Can't wait to go again when the warblers are coming through.

Thanks to Roger and Steve for allowing me to accompany them, and letting me release some of the birds.

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Stoddie and Blean

So, after a lovely weekend, it was back to the reality of housework, hospital visits and meetings.   No wonder my head hurt!
One of the begging Robins

At least I had Wednesday to look forward to with the usual bird watching walk.   Although cold, it was bright - something we have not had the luxury of for a few weeks - and we decided to start off at Stodmarsh.   The weather forecast had said an easterly wind would be blowing up the Thames, so inland was the order of the day.   When we arrived at Stodmarsh the car park was full as a Penduline Tit had been reported there over the last few days.

Robin
We followed the duck boarded path from the car park, where we had seen Blue Tit and Great Tit, through the cleared area and into the woodland.   Having just mentioned that I expect to see a Treecreeper here, one appeared!   Malcolm suggested that I reel off a list of other birds to see if the magic would continue.   A couple of Robin cheekily begged for food and after some persuasion Irene gave up some of her cereal bar for the cause resulting in excellent views and photo opportunities.

Reedmace seed dispersal
There were many Blackbirds and Chaffinch, a few Wren and then Malcolm spotted some Redpolls high up in an alder, as we watched I realised that there were Siskin in with them.   The Redpolls were delightfully coloured, one male in particular had a bright pink/red front and showed off really well in the shady light of the trees.

As we moved out of the wood we found a group of bird watchers and photographers lined up along the boardwalk, presumably waiting for the Penduline Tit to appear.   We waited for a while, enjoying the Reedmace - it was great to see it in the sunshine as the seedheads were breaking up and clumps of seeds flew around in the breeze.   and the sunshine, then moved off towards the main path.  By now it was getting cold as we left the protection of the reedbed, so we scanned the water and found Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Coot and Shoveler.   Sally spotted a female Marsh Harrier on the far side of the reserve, a couple of Greylag Geese and several Cormorant flew over.

We returned to the car park adding Long-tailed Tit, Great-Spotted Woodpecker and Dunnock.   Malcolm also managed to track down a few galls including a Bramble Gall - perhaps he can tells us more on that one!

Blean Wood
Next stop M&S for some sandwiches as Malcolm and Sally (how appropriate!) needed supplies, then on to East Blean Wood.   As we lunched in the car we enjoyed the birds being tempted into the car park by the food on the fence posts.   Robin, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Jay all enjoyed the seeds and peanuts.

We set off on a very wet route with a stick to help us vault over the muddy pools there was a distinct lack of birdsong.   As is often the case, most of the life was attracted to the car park where food is provided.   Blackbird and Woodpigeon were added to the site list and Jackdaws were heard well before we saw any.

Throughout the wood there were dormouse boxes and piles of wood and leaves at the base of the trees, presumably to offer more natural hibernating places for wildlife.

Sunday 17 February 2013

Bristol

Today Carol, Kevin, Bob and myself started off at a park in the centre of Bristol where Kevin had been told you could get close to Grey Squirrels and Jays.   Obviously the Jays were my interest, and we made a quick stop off at the local pet food suppliers for peanuts.   Fat balls were cheap too, so I filled the boot of Bob's car.
Grey Squirrel

Within minutes of our arrival we had Grey Squirrels (literally) eating out of our hands.   Carol enjoyed the experience, and the three photographers, took the opportunity to hone their skills.   Mine are still sadly lacking in composition.

Although crocus and primroses were out, and Crows and Woodpigeon vied with the squirrels for the nuts, we had not even a whisper of a Jay.

Next stop was Severn Beach (after a quick stop off for lunch).  The tide was receding and the mud was giving support for Redshank, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Teal and Wigeon.   In the distance a large flock of small waders - possibly Dunlin - were swooping around.

Sunset over the Severn Bridge
 After a very soggy walk we drove to another area which we had visited last year, Aust Wharf and Cliff.   The bright sunshine was bringing lots of folk out and although we were sure this was where the Dunlin settled, they were no longer around, people and dogs probably gave too much disturbance.   Also as time went on the tide revealed more mud options for them away from view.

As the sun started to set we took the chance of a few shots, and then it was back for dinner.


Friday 15 February 2013

Starling Roost

Spending a few days with friends in Bristol gave an excellent opportunity to enjoy some new parts of the country.

A surprisingly mild and bright day.   We started in the Mendips overlooking open countryside - well we would have done if there wasn't a thick fog at that height!   Skylark were singing well, heralding the oncoming spring.   Crow, Dunnock, Magpie and Common Buzzard were all seen whilst we waited for the fog to clear.

Common Buzzard
Not to be defeated, we moved off to Glastonbury Tor - the skies were clear and with warmer weather we ascended without coats - my first venture out without five layers for weeks!

Jackdaws followed the grazing sheep flock, a well marked Common Buzzard flew overhead.   We gasped and staggered as we moved on up the steep path to the top where we had brilliant views of the Somerset Levels.   Huge areas are still flooded after all the rain recently.

Eventually we took the descent - far easier than the earlier journey.   No wonder the website says that everyone comes back down smiling and chatting - probably because they are out of breath and close to collapse on the way up!

Glastonbury Tor
The final treat of the day was a trip to try and see the Starling Roost at Ham Wall.   Bob was after photographs and I was after a great wildlife spectacle.

The Sky full of Starlings!
I won out - there were anything up to 2 million birds gathering.   As the light started to fade the sky turning a beautiful red, birds arrived from all directions - they cover many miles to find a safe haven for the night, and these birds had come from all over Somerset.   Rather too far away to photograph, the sky was black with birds, sadly we didn't get the dramatic patterns in the sky that make it into the news but I was absolutely delighted and moved to tears by it.

[Also saw Woodcock flying away from us over the reedbed - another great sight]

Thanks to Bob for a great day out.




Thursday 14 February 2013

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Over to Essex

After several weeks of being frozen we veered on the side of comfort this week and made for Rainham Marshes where there are hides to shelter in and an excellent cafe to provide some warmth and refreshment.

Dunnock, Robin and Collared Dove were joined by Blackbirds and all before we had left the car park.   I counted over 30 Collared Doves in the area, mostly utilising the easy pickings around the feeders and then perching on the fence and lights in the area.
Lapwing and Golden Plover

After a chat with the informative team inside the centre we were off in search of a cornucopia of species - all probably long-gone but nevertheless enticing.   From the ramp we overlooked the feeders and scrapes and quickly added Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Starling, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Carrion Crow at the feeders and Black-headed Gull, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Shoveler and Lapwing on the nearest scrape.

We did the usual circuit (anticlockwise from the visitor centre) and Song Thrush was found by Sally and Irene perched high in a tree some way off.   A Reed Bunting flew towards us as one of the reserve volunteers flushed it from the other direction.   First a female was seen and then a male appeared some while later.   A circuit of the old Cordite Store revealed little.   This area has been quite disturbed by work carried out recently.   Huge areas of buddleia appear to have been cleared and pathways have appeared through the brambles.

Wigeon
There were more Chaffinch and Tits at the reedbed feeding station, and here Coots and Magpie joined in, enjoying the bits dropped by other species.

By the fossilised wood we looked back at the treeline in an attempt to find a Barn Owl which had been seen in the area.  Although we could see the two boxes which had been described to us, there were no birds in sight.   We moved further along the path to get a better angle, but still no luck.   The scrapes along the northern side of the reserve had Tufted Duck, Mallard, Shelduck, and lots more Lapwing.   From the hide I found a Snipe - on the edge of a pool almost hidden in the reeds, but giving itself away as it preened.

More Lapwing (over 2,000 are estimated to be present), and a large contingent of Golden Plover stood on one of the raised banks in the scrape.   Greylag and Canada Geese were in the far fields beyond the pools.   As we had elevenses we watched Pintail, Great Crested Grebe and Moorhen.  On the way back to the centre for lunch we added Pied Wagtail and Wren.   I spotted a group of Linnet whilst scanning the bushes with the telescope but they eluded everyone else unfortunately.

Barn Owl well hidden
Warmed and with renewed enthusiasm we took the clockwise route in the afternoon and determined to try for the Barn Owl again.   A large flock of Black-tailed Godwits flew in off the river, along with a tight-knit group of Dunlin.   Common Gull was spotted by Malcolm, Curlew by Sally and Irene.   A Water Rail was heard by all, and spotted by Malcolm.

Marsh Harriers, Stock Dove, Kestrel and Pheasant were spotted, and finally, on our way back along the northern path we finally spotted one of the Barn Owls.   It was well hidden in the roosting box with just the face showing - but regardless of the quality of the view, it was delightful to see.

Wednesday 6 February 2013

When will we learn . . . . . .

. . . . .  that twitching is a waste of time and energy

Missed the Hawfinch at Barming, Smew and Bittern at Leybourne, the Shag at Chatham, and got rained off at Mereworth.   Not much to say about a wet cold Wednesday in February, but we made the best of it despite the wind and sleet.

Goldfinch feeding
So, after much discussion over the benefits of Blean and Barming, Barming won out as there was the possibility of catching up with Hawfinch.   As we arrived so did a party of four others.   The bird had been spotted at 8.30 am today, so we were probably two hours too late.   We did find a close Goldfinch, several Magpies, Chaffinch, Blue and Great Tit, and rather a lot of Woodpigeons, but the Hawfinch eluded us.   A Sparrowhawk shot through and spooked birds along the valley.

As we had stood about in the Churchyard in freezing conditions we decided to have a run over to Mereworth.   With our trusty "satnav" Malcolm, we were soon lost and heading into the depths of Kent.   Luckily between Irene and Malcolm they managed to trace our position on the map and after an 'about-turn' we were off down narrow lanes to find somewhere to park.   It started to rain so we sat and enjoyed a leisurely "elevenses" before admitting defeat and deciding to move on.

Leybourne Lakes was our next attempt at some birdwatching, with a walk along the lake.   Goldfinch flocks busied themselves feeding in nearby trees.   A rather pale looking female Blackbird came close and a cheeky Robin snapped up a few dried mealworms which I had taken with me.   Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Greylag and Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe and Mallard were battling with the heavy swell created by the strong wind.   A couple of Cormorant were balanced on buoys.   A tree on the other side of the lake had several Magpies in it, and more flew around calling noisily.   A Blackthorn tree was just starting to flower, absolutely loaded with buds, I managed to find this fully open flower.
Blackthorn Flower

We decided to wander to Abbey Meads, but as we negotiated the muddy footpath we realised that it would be hard to get a good view of the lake.  We still managed to find more Gadwall and Pochard, Kingfisher (thanks to Irene), Collared Dove and Dunnock were also additions on this part of our walk.

The afternoon was cut a little short when a rather sharp and cold downpour fell on us.    Near the car park we found a Mistle Thrush perched on a tree - just a little too far away for a decent photo, but then I'm no David Bailey!

The final stop was at the Canal Basin at Chatham.   Very little there for once as the weather was cold, windy and threatening to rain (again!) but we managed to see Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Mute Swan and Cormorant.
Perched Mistle Thrush

By now it was "home James and don't spare the horses" - we were freezing cold and the tea and biscuits at Malcolm and Sallys were very welcome.

Sunday 3 February 2013

Cliffe Pools and Northward Hill

Wandered around Cliffe Pools today with the local RSPB Group.  

Female Marsh Harrier
The reserve has always been a great place to see large numbers of water birds in the winter and today was no exception.   With huge flocks of Wigeon, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Coot, Lapwing, Shelduck, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail and Greylag Geese.   There were several Goldeneye females, with a very smart male showing well.   [later, on Flamingo Pool, we found another small flock of several females, with a male].  

On the islands in the pools there were roosting Wigeon, Black-tailed Godwit and Golden Plover.   As we watched, a huge number - possibly thousands - of Godwit flew in, several banks of at least 50 birds swooped in showing in huge bands in the sky.   We followed them in awe as they continued to arrive, flock after flock of delightful birds showing their white wing-bands as they turned and banked before landing on already crowded islands.  

Little Egret, Grey Heron and Cormorant stood around the edge of the pools, and occasionally they flew overhead to reposition themselves.    Amongst the many Little Grebe I found a Black-necked Grebe.

Scrape at Northward Hill
At Cliffe Creek Black-headed Gulls and Redshank were the only birds visible.    Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird and Dunnock were the only other additions.   On the far side of the pools two female Marsh Harriers disturbed both the Starling and Crows in the area.

On to Northward Hill for the afternoon, and although it was very cold, I managed an outdoor lunch albeit birding around the car park.   Again Chaffinch, Blue Tit and Great Tit were the mainstays here with a Green Woodpecker, Collared Dove and a couple of Blackbirds nearby.   Sadly the feeders were empty and there were no birds behind the screened area.

From the viewpoint we surveyed the new scrape areas and again large numbers of Teal and Wigeon, Coot and Greylag were present.   In the soggy fields large numbers of Fieldfare with a few Redwing thrown in either fed or bathed.

Two Grey Heron were found in the fields in front of the usual Heronry area, it can only be a matter of time before they are back on nests again.



Warley Place

A quick wander around Warley Place in Essex with Ken at the weekend gave me a great opportunity to see whether fat and peanuts smothered on tree trunks brings birds in.

We will have to wait and see what happens next, but after the first hour and a half there was no response.

Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Moorhen, Magpie and Woodpigeon were spotted from the first hide.   We decided to move on to the further hide and here found much the same, with the welcome addition of Goldcrest, Nuthatch (Ken's photographic muse) and (Yippee!) Firecrest.

No photos but good memories.