Rio Botanical Gardens - Oh yes, in the Rain!

Today we ventured to Rio in search of drier weather - if we were thwarted then at least we had some different scenery, and it gave us a new venue to get a soaking!

Cocooned in our ponchos

We travelled for a couple of hours to the Botanical Gardens and although we passed through some drier weather by the time we arrived it was absolutely bucketing down (again!).   We had arranged to meet Nicholas, Raquel, Michaela and Robert at the gate, and soon after we arrived Nicholas came bounding towards us, cap in place and with his usual effervescent personality brightening our day.

We decamped from the bus for coffee and restrooms, although I was pretty much soaked before I even got to the door!   After a lengthy catch up and introductions to new friends we decided to make a break for the shop – for some much-needed bigger brollies – and when we arrived they were selling plastic ponchos for R$7, so we bought 8.   I have to say that once you were ensconced it felt like being encased in some giant cocoon, but it was dry and warm and we were all buoyed up with our new purchases.

Inside the Orchid House

We started off our tour with the native trees and then the Gunpowder fort – the whole reason for the gardens' creation in the 1800’s.  The town needed an area to be kept as a buffer zone in case any of gunpowder explosions, so the gardens were railed off and left.   Until a few years ago the whole area was overgrown, but it is great to see it coming back to former glories and it provides a safe haven for both people and wildlife in a busy, noisy city.

The spectacular fountain

We pretty much had the place to ourselves, unsurprisingly!   We splashed through the orchid and bromeliad houses and then chased after some Rusty Margined Guan, Slaty-throated Wood-rails, Channel-billed Toucan and the occasional marmoset.   As we continued around the garden we marvelled at the lovely plants and flowers, and could recognise some from our walks in the forest.

We ended our visit with a walk down the Avenue of Palms and then raced back to the bus and shelter.

Within minutes we arrived at a restaurant just off the Cococabana beach where we enjoyed steak, chips, salsa and manioc.

After lunch we took a walk along the edge of the bay to a fort where you can walk out towards the sea with waves crashing in.   It was bracing with Brown Boobies, Brown-hooded Gull, South American Tern, Cabot Tern and feral pigeons flying around.   We stood the wind and spray as long as possible, having a fit of hysterics before we took our leave from the Locke Family and returned to the peace and tranquillity of Regua.   Sadly it was still raining!!

Copacabana in the rain

Will it ever stop??

Rain, Rain and more Rain . .

Today we should have been going to attempt the Waterfall Trail, but as it rained all night and was still throwing it down over breakfast we decided to take an easy morning and relax.     Neotropic birding is such a trial!

Roadside Hawk

We did some birding in the garden through the showers, and saw Social Flycatcher, Bananaquit, Yellow-headed Caracara, and Claire spotted a White-rumped Swallow.   Violet-capped Woodnymph and Rufous-breasted Hermit fed on the sugar water when the Swallow-tailed would let them.   A Reddish Hermit buzzed around the heliconia flowers on the far side of the garden.

Around 10.00 am the rains stopped and some of us wandered to the wetland whilst others took the main driveway to the nursery and then down the road towards Guapi Assu.   After a detour to see the Canonball tree,  we stopped to see the Tropical Screech Owls – only one roosting this morning.

On the wires two Southern Rough-winged Swallow perched.   In one of the mature trees laden with bromeliads, lichen and mosses Red-rumped Cacique cackled, Chalk-browned Mockingbird preened, Saffron Finch and Brazilian Tanager fed.

In the nursery we saw several butterflies, one like our Tortoiseshell, and a small yellow butterfly with black edges to the wings.   Several 88 butterflies were around, one in particular liked Jim’s camera, glasses and hat!

A slightly worn but beautiful butterfly

Masked Water-tyrant and House Wren were seen by some.   A Roadside Hawk sat high up on an arching bamboo stem.   As we moved along into the more open countryside, cattle grazed in the long grass and Smooth-billed Ani perched on the fence posts.   Blue-and-white Swallow swooped over the distant reeds.   A White-browed Blackbird hid in the top of the long grass some way off.

As was becoming a well worn habit this year, the rain started when we were at our furthest from the lodge so, with lunch calling, we returned to the lodge.   Marmosets came down to the bananas on the bird tables, and the only birds still braving the weather were the Swallowtails.   Claire created a new species, a Vibrating Euphonia – probably the highlight of the day.

A caterpillar in the nursery

As the rains continued to fall we began to wonder about this dry season in Brazil, when would it end?   How far would we have to go to avoid it?   Questions, questions.

Maybe tomorrow we would have some answers . . . .

Waldenoor's Trail

After our soaking of yesterday we decided to try a trail in the opposite direction in the hope that the rains wouldn’t follow us.

Once again the 4X4 truck was our transport.   As we passed through Matumbo Village and moved into the open countryside a Burrowing Owl was spotted on a branch next to the track.   As the photographers snapped away, we noticed a second bird further back which was well camouflaged against the bark.

Burrowing Owl

Three White-eared Puffbird were sitting on a telegraph wire nearby, a group of Saffron Finch gathered further away.   Blue-black Grassquit bobbed about in the long grass on the bank of the track.

Yellow Butterfly

Once we started our walk, Surucua Trogon was our first sighting, and we eventually had three birds flying around us giving excellent views.   Green-headed Tanager, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Boat-billed Flycatcher and Plain Parakeet all appeared.   Crescent-chested Puffbird sat beautifully for us in a rather dark spot, then 

appeared to oblige further by moving into a great 

spot with the dark leaves behind it showing off the plumage to perfection.   A Squirrel Cuckoo perched in a tree to the side of the trail.   White-eyed Parakeet flew overhead, and Streaked Xenops showed itself briefly to some.   A Tropical Pewee caught flies from a nearby perch.   Unicoloured Antwren shot past us, whilst Ochre-bellied Flycatcher gave lengthier views.   Green-headed Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Violaceous Euphonia, Golden-crowned Warbler and Yellow-Olive Flycatcher arrived in a mixed flock.   A Saw-billed Hermit buzzed around several times but gave the scantiest of views.

An order had been put in for woodpeckers and our first of the trip was a Yellow-throated Woodpecker, closely followed by Yellow-fronted and later by Yellow-eared – with the REGUA guides you only have to ask . . .

Frog

Grayish Mourner, Black-capped Becard, Red-crowned Ant-tanager and Thrush-like Woodcreeper were next, as we continued to the higher part of the track.   In the clearing near the top of the trail Green-backed Becard, Cliff Flycatcher and Bananaquit were seen.   Two Ferruginous Pygmy Owls responded to Adilei’s call.   Streak-capped Antwren showed briefly, a pair of Grey-rumped Swift flew overhead.   Rufous-bellied Thrush was our final addition on this part of the trail.

Birding in the Rain

As rain fell yet again we descended back to the village.   Limpkin perched in a tree looking suspiciously like a branch, and proving hard to spot initially.   Laughing Falcon and Cocoi Heron shared a tree nearby.     As we watched Yellow-headed Caracara in the field,  John spotted a couple of caracara on the ground and gave directions to them via a nearby cow, however as the four-legged beast was a horse, endless ribbing begain which continued for the rest of the trip, creating much mirth!

After lunch and for the rest of the day the rain fell persistently, so we had no option but to relax at the lodge and catch up on our birdlists and a few Zzzzzzzzzz’s – it’s a hard life!

The Waterfall Trail in the Rain

As we prepared for our first excursion, Cattle Egret were leaving their roosting trees around the wetland.   The Swallow-tailed Hummingbirds continued to defend their respective feeders and the Violet-capped Woodnymphs and Glittering-throated Emeralds did their best to avoid attack.

We took the 4X4 vehicle along the road from the Lodge and Yellow-headed Caracara sat in the trees and fields nearby.   An American Kestrel sat on a wire, whilst Burrowing Owl and Yellowish Pipit gave great views.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar

We drove as far along the trail as possible and then started our walk.   Channel-billed Toucan called and Adilei pointed out five sitting in a distant tree.   Scaled Antbird started to call and with some playback came close in.   Blue Manakin were lekking, and as we watched and waited we gradually found them perched deep in the forest behind some large trees – not great views but at least we managed to see a whole bird occasionally.   Chestnut-vented Conebill and Eye-ringed Tody-tyrant were our next sightings, and then we started a rather long section with no hint of avian distraction.   Claire, however, decided to amuse us and as she followed along behind the group, she spotted a snake which the rest of us had passed.   It was lying over a boulder in the centre of the path – any one of us could have stepped on it, and some of us must have stepped over it!   A Bothrops jararacucu, not a good type to meddle with, but at least it was a small example.   We took our photos from a distance before our guide gently removed it with a stick into the undergrowth on the side of the forest for safety.

Bothrops jararacucu

Scaly-headed Parrot flew noisily overhead.   A few spots of rain soon turned into a downpour and after about 20 minutes we decided that our birding for the morning was over, so we returned to the vehicle and then the lodge.

After another excellent lunch some of us decided to take a walk to the Wetland again.   We were rewarded with White-chinned Sapphire, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Violaceous Euphonia, Savannah Hawk, Roadside Hawk, Smooth-billed Ani, White-faced Whistling Duck, Short-crested Tyrannulet, Hooded Tanager, Chestnut-capped Blackbirds coming into roost in the reedbeds, brilliant views of Striated Heron which flew into a tree immediately in front of us, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Crested Becard, Least Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant, Ringed Kingfisher.  Then we added two non-avian species, Capybara and Caiman.

Just part of the Cattle Egret Roost

As darkness fell we returned to the lodge and as we approached the garden Ken signalled for us to stop as a Rusty-margined Guan was on the bird table eating bananas.

Over dinner the drinks flowed as Ron was leaving us in the morning and had a bottle of red wine to share, then the gin, Bacardi and brandy appeared - on top of the delicious Caipirinha it was all a bit much!

The Wetland

Tropical Screech Owls

Before breakfast a Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture circled over the garden, dipped its wings and then soared away.   After a leisurely breakfast with Swallow-tailed hummingbird bumping all contenders from the feeders in the garden both Glittering-throated Emerald and Violet-capped Woodnymph trying to outwit the bullies, we were off to the wetland for a gentle stroll.    Reddish Hermit was feeding on the nectar rich flowers along the drive, Tropical Kingbird sallied out from the treetops feeding on passing insects.   Kiskidee called its distinctive song.

White-faced Whistling-ducks

Near the office our guide, Adilei pointed out a pair of Tropical Screech Owls, roosting under cover in a broad leaved tree.   [On previous visits they have been in the area, but different trees and branches – just to keep us guessing].

Behind the volunteer accommodation Chalk-browed Mockingbird and Creamy-bellied Thrush showed well.   Nearing the wetland, Campo Flicker flew from the trees in typical woodpecker style.   Black-legged Dacnis were spotted in the top of a tree, a flock of about seven birds were present.   Not an easy bird to see, but seemingly on the increase here.   Saffron Finch, Swallow Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, and Brazilian Tanager kept us busy as we wandered along towards Amanda’s hide.   Blue-winged Parrotlet mingled with the Swallow Tanager and Blue Dacnis – adding to confusion.   Red-legged Honeycreeper and Yellow-headed Caracara took attention high whilst Ruddy Ground Dove brought us back down to earth.

It's not all birds!

From the hide where we spent some time Social Flycatcher, Common Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, Picazuro Pigeon, and Wattled Jacana entertained us.    House Wren called from just outside the hide, giving great views.    Continuing along the edge of the wetland we made very slow progress due to the number of birds we encountered.   Yellow-lored Tody-flycatcher, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Euler’s Flycatcher, White-bearded Manakin, Chestnut-vented Conebill were all flitting in the trees along the edge of the path, whilst Masked Water-tyrant, Muscovy Duck, Rufescent Tiger-heron and Black-crowned Night Heron were taking advantage of the trees around the water.  

Further along the track Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Smooth-billed Ani, White-winged Becard, and Fuscous Flycatcher were added and then a Capped Heron flew in, joining several others in a tree on the opposite side of the water.   Noisy Red-rumped Cacique squabbled in the tree tops, as black vulture soared overhead.

Dragonfly

A White-headed Marsh-tyrant gave us some entertainment – mainly as we had about 20 attempts at the correct order for the four words and two hyphened name – we got there eventually!   More flycatcher confusion arrived in the shape of Planalto Tyrannulet which eluded us for some time before finally admitting that we were worthy of its presence.

Great White Egret, Striated Heron and Snowy Egret were much easier to sort out, but then back to the challenge of White-flanked Antwren.   White-tipped Dove flew up ahead of us, and Social Flycatcher bewildered some as they tried to sort out these yellow-fronted and brown-backed flycatcher group.   A male White-bellied Seedeater made identification of himself and more importantly its mate, easy.   By now we were reaching a point where we needed to turn back, but as we had just decided to do so Rufous-sided Crake called.   As we played the tape several responded, and with patience and skill our guide brought four birds out to the edge of the reeds for us all to see.   Not easy to spot initially, as we watched they moved stealthily about and we gradually pieced them together.   Whilst we stood watching the Crakes, Wing-banded Hornero were flying across in front of us going from left to right and back again between perches.

The Wetland

Looking across the top of the reeds a Black-capped Donacobius called.   Maroon-bellied Parakeets flew overhead, and Yellow-browed Tyrant was spotted by some.   A Fine-barred Piculet pecked away on a small tree in front of us, giving a great acrobatic display.   Short-crested Flycatcher, Rusty-margined Flycatcher and Southern Rough-winged Swallow completed our pre-lunch session.   Not a bad start.   On the journey back to the lodge we stopped to inspect the footings for the new viewing platform - another great addition to this ever changing reserve.

New platform going in

After lunch we decided to relax around the pool, and a Rufous-tailed Jacamar fed in the garden, taking advantage of flies and insects resting in the heat of the day.

Some decided to go back down to the wetland in the afternoon, whilst others relaxed at the lodge.

On our Way

Five friends and I were travelling to my favourite place in the World, REGUA, an Ecological Reserve deep in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, near Guapi Assu, RJ State.   We spent our first day travelling on the non-stop BA flight from Heathrow to Rio, and then by road from the Airport.  

Alcenir, our driver, expertly guided the new mini-bus along the newly metalled road and in just over an hour and a half we were there.

Once installed in our rooms the very welcome fruit juice and sandwiches were devoured as we discussed our day and planned for tomorrow.

A lie in was everyone’s request, so breakfast was set for 7 am.

Rye Harbour

Little Egret

Yesterday I led a walk for my local RSPB group at Rye Harbour, one of my favourite bird watching haunts.   Luckily for me a local expert was on hand to steer us around.

As we walked along the footpath towards Lime Kiln Cottage there were herring gull, black-headed gull, little egret, house martin and swift.   After we had given our donation to the "Friends" and signed up two new members, we moved off to the first hide.   Here there were oystercatcher on nests, meadow pipit and skylark sang as they did their display flights.   On the scrape great black-backed gull and herring gull stood in rafts, whilst at least 30 ringed plover ran about in the damp edges.   Little, common and sandwich tern flew overhead carrying fish and calling as they neared the nesting colony areas.   Black bellied dunlin looked great in their smart summer plumage, a few turnstone and lapwing joined them.   A lone grey plover fed in the shallows.

Nesting Sandwich terns

As we moved along the metalled roadway sea kale, yellow horned poppy and bittersweet edged our path.   From the next hide mediterranean gull shared nesting islands with black-headed gulls and common tern.   The sandwich tern colony had taken over one whole island and a section of the bank.   The rest of the lagoon held cormorant, tufted duck, mallard, coot, moorhen, redshank and great crested grebe.

Redshank

By now we were all getting hungry, so we moved to our next hide which was right in front of the largest gull colony, as we dined in style their squawks rang in the air.   Several avocet were on nests, and mute swans sailed gracefully in their pairs.

As we moved towards Castle Water we flushed linnets ahead of us, dunnock and cetti's were singing and a cuckoo called its distinctive salute.

Garganey

Our next avian delights were whitethroat, lesser whitethroat and sedge warbler, whilst a well spotted cream spot tiger clung to the grass sheltering from the breeze.   In the more wooded area great tit, blue tit and a pair of treecreeper were seen.   Chiffchaff called as we approached the final hide.

After a long walk we were delighted to find teal, gadwall, green sandpiper, a male marsh harrier, shoveler, little gull and an excellent drake garganey - a brilliant end to the day.

Holborough Marshes and Leybourne Lakes

Holborough marshes lies beside the River Medway in Snodland.   We started by the Church and followed the river through a small housing estate where house martin nests were clinging to the eaves - we counted seven nests just in the area we walked.   I really have a soft spot for house martins as they nested on my house twenty years ago.   Sadly they have not been back in recent years - in fact I rarely see them at home.   Repairs were taking place in some, whilst others were flying back and forth with food.

Long-tailed Tit nest

Opposite the houses were fields with shelduck and canada geese.   As we neared the reserve itself goldfinch, wren, dunnock, swallow, and song thrush were spotted.   In one tree we found a long-tailed tit nest with lichen, feathers and moss.

In the woodland area there were wood avens, goatsbeard and ransomes, whilst we were looking at these chiffchaff and cetti's warbler were singing.   A group of rather interesting longhorn moth were dancing about a nearby tree.   Unlike the ones we saw last week, these had a bronze iridescence and a gold stripe across the wing about two thirds from the head.

White Campion

The path running alongside the river opens out and you get a great overview of the reserve meadows on one side and reed beds and the Medway on the other.   Over the river swift and hobby flew and in the shrubs and trees edging the meadows we had greenfinch, whitethroat, a pair of pheasant, blue tit and wood pigeon.   The reedbed held at least three singing male reed buntings - vying with each other over territory, and reed warblers.   Common blue butterfly were also flying.

Holborough Marshes

A cuckoo called, as grey heron and cormorant followed the line of the river.   Black-headed and mediterranean gull were circling.   Malcolm heard lesser whitethroat.   Eventually it was time to turn inland and follow the path between flower meadows and lined with scrub and hedges.   Scarlet pimpernel, wild rose, foxglove, forget-me-not and stonecrop grew on the edge of the path.

Within minutes we heard the distinctive purr of turtle dove, we heard a second as we continued on our walk.   Willow warbler was heard and then seen.   Brimstone, small copper and orange tip were joined by holly blue on our increasing butterfly list.

The final delight was man orchid and maiden pink - courtesy of Stephen and John - and a great tit nest in a metal fence post beside the footpath.

Maiden Pinks

We took lunch at Leybourne Lakes, and as we picnicked by the lake we heard nightingale, in the end at least four were calling in the first few hundred yards that we walked.   Greylag were stalking all the visitors for food, teaching the youngsters the art of begging and intimidating in equal measure.   On the lake were mallard, coot and great crested grebe - sharing the water with enthusiastic (or maybe insane) swimmers and divers.

Banded demoiselle and hairy dragonfly were hawking along the small streams and blue damselflies were travelling in pairs as the male protected their female whilst the eggs were laid.

A couple of cuckoo were calling nearby, and with magpie and collared dove our walk was complete and we got back to the car as the rain started to fall.

Wicken Fen

My local RSPB Group had a coach trip to Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire this weekend, and what a great day we had - that £2.00 good weather supplement was well worth it as we basked in cloudless sunshine all day.

Hairy Dragonfly

We had a speedy journey, arriving before 10.00 am and after we had checked in we were off.     There are two halves to the reserve with the smaller area accessed through the visitor centre leading to a boardwalk trail and paths through the marshy fenlands.   The larger area is on the opposite side of the lode running alongside Lode Lane.    [Lodes are usually the larger of the water courses. They tend to 'sit' much higher than the surrounding land and carry water from the high ground across the sunken open country to the river system. Many have historic origins, some dating as far back as the Romans].

Barn Swallow

Within a few minutes we were going our separate ways, some to enjoy a relaxing tea or coffee others browsing in the shop and the majority dispersing around the reserve.   Several of us decided to do the boardwalk and nature trail area first.   On the feeders greenfinch greedily pecked at peanuts and sunflower hearts.   Swallow swooped over the water, but our attention was soon taken by 4 spot chaser, hairy dragonfly and azure damselfly along the Drain [Drain is a significant channel that conducts water directly to the river system. Unlike the lodes they lend to be at ground level].  

Common Spotted Orchid

Yellow flag, white comfrey, bugle, herb robert and ragged robin were flowering amongst the reeds with the distinctive meadow thistle dotted around in the marshy ground alongside the trail.  Blackcap, sedge warbler, cetti's and chiffchaff were singing from nearby willows.   At the first hide we sat watching the feeders where chaffinch and great-spotted woodpecker took advantage of the easy pickings.   A mallard with six chicks appeared on the edge of the pool and the family swam across our view - annoying a moorhen in the process, as goldfinch came to one set of the feeders, a muntjac deer foraged near another.    A cuckoo called in the distance, and swallow perched on nearby tree tops waiting for us to leave - their nest being affixed to the inside roof of the hide.

Brimstone were our most numerous butterfly and we also saw several orange tip during the day.   As we moved around the trail large red damselfly were also seen along with Jay, dunnock. meadow pipit and skylark.   Terry spotted a cormorant perched high in a tree top.   In the first of the tower hides we had lunch and several other members of the group came along on either side of the reserve, all enjoying the sedge beds, reed beds and fen meadows.   Willow warbler were singing, but remained unseen - they were heard throughout the whole day, a lovely sound of spring and summer.    At the second tower hide we negotiated two sets of steep steps to emerge in a lovely breezy eyrie, just what we needed after the heat of the midday sun.    As we listened to the willow warblers, Malcolm noticed green hairstreak butterflies on a nearby alder.    Then a group of hobby flew into view, they gave us a great performance catching dragonflies in mid air then eating them on the wing.   As they swooped and dived they almost stalled as they grabbed their prey, then continued flying at high speed with beak and feet co-ordinated to get the edible parts consumed whilst shedding the gossamer wings which have no nutritional value.   A brilliant show which we thoroughly enjoyed.   From this hide we overlooked one of the pools on the other side of the reserve, but only saw coot on the water from our vantage point, grey heron and cormorant were in nearby trees however.

Water plant

We continued back to the visitor centre, spotting Stephen and John on the way - they had a newly emerged dragonfly on the opposite side of the lode and were busily snapping photos.   When we got to the same point we realised that the dragonfly was in a bad way with the wings having dried in a rather mangled mess - presumably the hot weather hadn't given it time to get the wings fully open.

Dragonfly with mangled wings

After a reviving ice cream we continued onto the other side of the reserve where the Adventurer trail is - here are several more hides, but we only had time to visit two today.  The first was rather disappointing and as we dragged a by now flagging Sally to the second I began to wonder if we were making a big mistake.   Happily not.  

From this point we were first met with a lovely refreshing breeze which immediately lifted our spirits, then the birds came into view.   First coot, moorhen and tufted duck, then we noticed a shoveler, great crested grebe and cormorant.   Hobby continued to fly overhead, a wood pigeon (one of our most numerous birds in Kent) flew across the pool away from us.   As we were joking about the lack of wood pigeons in the area, a kingfisher shot across at speed to land in a nearby willow.   Within minutes Malcolm and Sally simultaneously spotted a bittern flying towards us, we watched as it crossed the scrape and then dropped into the reeds some way off.  Long-tailed tit flew to join the kingfisher in the willow and after a short while the kingfisher gave us another great view as it crossed in front of us a second time to return to its earlier perch out of view.   House martin, common tern, blackbird, black-headed gull, lapwing and swift all added to the days list.   What a great idea that route march was!

Sallys shoe repairs!

My last memory of the journey home was the huge swathes of ox-eye daisy along the side of the motorways - a reminder that it will soon be time to commence the annual trawl through them for galls!

Oare

Back in the swing of my usual Wednesday walks and we decided to go to one of our favourite venues, Oare.   We had a full quorum as Paul was back with us and with lovely sunny weather we were expecting a great day.

David Bailey eat your heart out!

Our first encounter was of the audio kind - a rich clear call of cetti's warbler from a willow on the edge of the car park.   We have had this welcome many times before and it is a good herald of things to come.   Greylag with young, little egret, grey heron, redshank, and black-headed gull were all seen from the car park area, but one of the spots of the day was a yellow wagtail initially seen by Malcolm.   The bird was some way off and initially disappeared as the telescope was set up, but eventually it showed well perched on the top of a bush.   Later in the day we found a couple more - flitting from tussock to tussock in the fields around the feet of cattle.

Red Kite

At the jetty a couple of whimbrel fed in the marsh grass, well camouflaged, but in the same spot as on our last visit.   Along the western seawall, tufted duck, avocet, mute swan, shelduck, and reed bunting added to our pleasure, with mallard completing that part of our day's duck count.   Skylark soared above us singing away in display, as did lapwing.   Three marsh harrier were hunting over the fields, and as we watched stock dove on the concrete block-houses Malcolm spotted a short-eared owl, which immediately disappeared behind a reed bed never to re-appear (what did they say about one man or three women?!).   Irene and Paul were some way behind us, but the call went up "Raptor" immediately followed by "Red Kite", sure enough the raptor initially spotted by Paul was indeed identified by one woman - Irene!   [sometimes there is justice in the world].   We watched as this magnificent bird flew over our heads scanning the field for carrion, its forked tail and beautiful plumage showed well in the bright sunlight.   As we continued to watch a group of walkers asked if there was anything special about - for once we could impress them.   The duly looked skywards and watched with us as the bird flew over the seawall and down the Swale, before turning and repeating the process.   By now we had quite a group watching, suddenly a second bird appeared a lot higher than the first, the two gradually neared each other, showed a display interaction and then gained height before flying off towards Elmley.    [We later heard that there had been a large migration of red kite that day and we had seen just two of over 40 individuals counted near the south coast - migration happening before our eyes].

Sedge Warbler

Continuing our journey back to the eastern part of the reserve and linnet were calling, confusing sedge and reed warbler were both calling, but separating them was a challenge - the more we listened the more confused we became.   Finally we had a view of both species which confirmed our deductions, but it was quite interesting to realise how uncertain we had become since last year.   More homework needed I fear.

Common tern were feeding in front of the hide at the end of Faversham Creek, as we took lunch.   Minutes later Malcolm was telling us that Castle Coombe had been known for little tern in the past and it was worth checking for them.   With that he took over the telescope and as is often the case when Malcolm issues an edict within minutes he had a potential little tern in view.   It flew up the  Swale  heading right towards us then veering off at the last minute.   Malcolm got great views with the telescope from about five miles away - the rest of us had to wait until it came within binocular sight, but then we had a great time watching as it fed with it's distinctive yellow bill and frantic wing flapping.   Another great gift from Oare!

Grey Heron

Around the East Fleet pochard, a very late wigeon, avocet, moorhen, coot, more greylag families, cormorants all joined in the throng.   Some avocet appeared to be on nests whilst others already had young exploring their new surroundings.    The highland cattle were panting in the heat and trying to gain as much shelter from the sun as possible, pressing themselves up against the hide.   They were not impressed when we opened the flaps and disturbed them.

We finished with a trip to the West Fleet Hide, and on the way nightingale was heard near the stables.   As we crossed the field to the hide a group of around 70 starlings - many juveniles - flew around chattering as they moved from tree to tree.   Unfortunately we didn't hear the grasshopper warbler which had been reported there, nor did we see little owl, but we had a fantastic day.

Northward Hill

Following on from the success of our dawn chorus at Northward Hill on Saturday, my local RSPB Group had one of its summer daytime walks last Tuesday.

Cinnabar Moth

As we drove into the car park a cuckoo called, wood pigeons were joined by chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch and house sparrow around the feeder area.   We moved off towards the Marshland viewpoint, chiffchaff singing in nearby bushes.   In the distance a couple of us heard willow warbler, so we decided to veer off towards the Ernie Hemsley viewpoint, as the group moved towards the willows where the bird was heard it moved further in and eventually we lost track of it.   Blackcap, great tit, linnet, dunnock and wren were singing around us.   Swallow flew through low over the trees.

At the viewpoint there were rooks and jackdaw in the fields, and three lapwing were seen - one possibly on a nest.   Retracing our steps, swift and more linnet gave us great views.   Long-tailed tit fed in the willows, and a cetti's warbler sang nearby.   As we got into more open land a cuckoo flew through.

Grizzled Skipper

From the Marshland Viewpoint we found a single redshank, a dozen black-tailed godwit, five avocet,  little grebe, shelduck, tufted duck, canada geese, greylag, grey heron, little egret, mute swan and mallard.   Following the path beyond the orchard and onto the heron trail we heard more cetti's warbler and a green woodpecker called as it flew ahead of us.   Cinnabar moths were newly emerged looking bright and clean in the grass, and longhorn moths, the males with long anntenae, danced around the may blossom.

With herons, little egret and rooks noisily circling overhead a garden warbler started to sing.   After several minutes a couple of us found the bird in a nearby bush, but the others were too far ahead to call back luckily with a bit of patience and some good spotting the birds was refound on the way back and everyone had good views.

We moved slightly up one of the paths and had a distant view of  a small hawthorn with little egret nesting in it.   Rooks were by far the most numerous birds around, but there were herons on the nest too.

Nameless Funghi (the feet are Trevor's)

Back on the trail and a grizzled skipper took our attention for a while, the second time we had seen this species on the reserve recently and in two separate locations.   Their favoured food source is apparently potentilla and bramble.   We also saw several orange tips, comma and peacock butterflies during the day.   We also added a funghi to our interest - unfortunately nameless so far.

On our return journey we added oystercatcher to our list of seen species, along with two mediterranean gull overhead showing their pure white wings beautifully in the sunlight, and heard a nightingale - although not in full song it was unmistakeable.   A brilliant end to a great walk.

Great Tits - Great Performance!

So, what have I been up to recently?

Well during the last few days I have been at my local garden centre with Irene helping Malcolm and Sally with the Spring Birdwatch event.   This time with a photographic competition for those who wanted to take part, and a colouring activity for the children over the weekend.

Once again a great success with lots of old friends calling in to see what we were up to.   The Sampson family called and spent several hours taking some great photos which were then put on show near the cafe and in the hide.

The main stars of the show - as always - was the wildlife itself.   With the breeding season in full swing there were several song thrush and blackbird nests around the site, with robins also finding the oddest places to build their nests.

In the wildlife area itself the feeders were busy with chaffinch, dunnock, great tit and blue tit being the most numerous species, but great spotted woodpecker and greenfinch were occasional visitors as well.

The instinct of the parent birds drove them to constantly visit the feeders, and we were lucky enough to have a great insight into how hard they work by watching a nearby great tit nest.   The family were situated in a nest box near the hide and with the live pictures being shown in the hide we could watch the adult feeding on the seeds and nuts and then follow the feeding progress inside the nest box.   Seven eggs were hatched on Friday 4th May, and on my first visit on Thursday 10th the remaining six showed a massive growth and development with the tiny wings starting to show feather-like markings.   At this stage the hatchlings were blind and basically comprised a huge gape wobbling on top of a rather unstable body.

By Sunday 13th they had sprouted small downy feathers and looked like little punk-rockers, still a bit wobbly but there was a definite dominance starting to show.   Wings were being preened, and the occasional wing-flap took place.   It was only when the parents came back with food that all six were visible - a couple seemed to be permanently at the bottom of the heap.   The parents seemed to feed the young almost constantly until around 2.00 pm then one or other would take a few minutes to do some spring-cleaning of the nest and then settle down on top of their offspring for five minutes rest.   They looked exhausted, but after only a short break they would be up and off again, until the process was repeated perhaps an hour or so later - presumably by the other parent - but in all the time I watched, I only saw them settle three or four times.   Who'd be an avian parent!

Such was the interest in the young family we had people calling in several times during the week to check on their progress.   Given the opportunity, people love wildlife and birds in particular and our great tit brood were more than playing their part.

We spoke to nearly 350 people over the course of the week tiring (even for me) but very rewarding.   All had stories to tell of their own gardens, their successes and failures.   Much of the conversation was around keeping troublesome species out of the garden - feral pigeons and magpies being the most topical subjects.   Sometimes it is hard to persuade people that everything has it's place.    Others wanted to share their ideas and designs.   It is amazing what people are doing to support nature, one lady has three wildlife ponds and over 20 nest boxes in her garden with at least 12 of them being used currently.

The garden centre and Graham in particular, have done a great job in showing us all how we can make space for wildlife in our gardens.   With a little thought and a little less "management" we can all provide a haven for many species.   The more we treat our garden as an extension of our front room; the more we tidy up, the less space we allow for other species.

The week was a great success.

As for our Great Tit family, by Sunday 20th they were down to five young, but they have turned into handsome sleek youngsters, with fine feathers and just a hint of the down they were covered in a week ago.   There was much fanning of wings and it won't be long before they are off out of the safety of the nest box and exploring their new world.

For the parents I suppose it could well be another brood for them to raise.   They have been extremely successful to only lose two of the chicks so far, especially given the heavy rain and cold weather from when the eggs hatched.   Nature's way is to exploit every opportunity to maximise breeding success, so watch this space.

What no diesel??

Trust me, there are Armenian Gulls in that group!

Our last full day in Turkey and a quick tick before we left the town of Birecek for the day - there were some Armenian gulls on the mud flats of the Euphrates near the hotel - it seemed churlish not to pop over and take a look.   There were several juveniles, but a couple were in adult plumage and one in particular showed the distinctive bill colouring with the yellow/black/red combination.  

Little Owl

Blue-cheeked Bee-Eaters

Then we were off to the blue-cheeked bee-eater colony.   On the way we had a couple of stops to make as we drove west towards the Kurdish area of Turkey, an area of barren-looking scrub, no trees and lots of rocky outcrops ideal for birds to shelter in.   We didn't have to wait long for our first species, Finch's Wheatear were everywhere,

kestrels, long-legged and common buzzard, a montague's harrier, several chukar, little owl, common and pale rock sparrow, short-toed and lesser short-toed lark, short-toed eagle, marsh harrier, hoopoe, magpie, starling and hooded crow were all seen during the morning but the stars of the show were the bee-eaters with european appearing everywhere and blue-cheeked at their usual nest area - a small bank behind a settlement of several mud covered houses.   The birds gave us a tremendous show.   A little owl perched in a nearby tree watching us with fascination as we tried to get close enough to the bee-eaters to photograph them without disturbance.

Diesel Delivery

After our picnic lunch we move off to a new site north of Birecek but as our fuel was low we intended to call in at the first service station.   After a short while our car indicated that fuel was low but Mitko explained we had 50 kilometres left in the tank.  Unfortunately the car knew otherwise and after around 20 kms (and before we got to a service area with petrol) an alarm went off and the engine immediately cut out!   Trevor guided the car as far into the side as he could, but that still left

us half in the slip road and half on the carriageway with lorries bearing down on us.   I radioed for emergency fuel to be brought to us (luckily we were only a couple of minutes from the service station by now) and we decided to push the car as far as we could off the road, and then bird watch from behind the crash barriers until Mitko arrived with fuel.   Unfortunately this meant that I ended up at the back of the car, with my derriere facing the oncoming lorry drivers which hooted in derision as they saw a pair of pale female legs pushing a car down the motorway - hazard lights flashing on either side of course - not sure that the Turkish drivers were quite expecting such a shocking display.

Within minutes, the minibus came into view - coming the wrong way down the slip road!!   Mitko had a water bottle with fuel to get us to the garage.   After a quick pit stop and a celebratory ice cream we were soon on our way again.

We got back to the hotel and several of us sat on the roof terrace overlooking the Euphrates, drinking beer and mulling over a great trip.   As we enjoyed the sunset over the Euphrates river we laughed about the day, and our luck in excellent timing - if you have to break down anywhere, with a service station and Trevor and Mitko on hand is the best way to do it!

Mitko and Team to the Rescue!

The day of "The Unnecessary Walk"

Euphrates in early morning sunlight

With the hotel right by the Euphrates River it was too tempting not to do a pre-pre-breakfast walk. I started out on the hotel roof terrace overlooking the riverside with pygmy cormorant, pied kingfisher, immature yellow legged gulls and two northern bald ibis starting the day's list.  

Down at the waters edge the early morning sunlight made the nearby bridge and accompanying reflections a delight. Soon we were off on our official pre-breakfast trip to Birecik Gravel Pits - another reminder of North Kent! Similar species too - mallard, reed warbler, chiffchaff, house sparrow, sand martin (here there are two large nesting colonies), moorhen, coot and little grebe. 

Bald Ibis

Then the similarities start to diverge with graceful prinia, great reed warbler, golden oriole, red-backed shrike and menetries warbler, not to mention more northern bald ibis. This rare species which only occurs in this small area of Turkey and neighbouring Syria is highly endangered and as often the case these scarce birds choose the most insalubrious surroundings, they were feeding on the local rubbish dump alongside a dirt track with ramshackle buildings all around. The birds were happy though, finding plenty to feast on. We watched as they flew in and out of the area. A hive of activity.

Lilac-breasted Roller

As we moved around the gravel pits two male black francolin were calling, their plaintive song providing an ethereal air to the early morning light. One of them appeared to have been successful as a female pecked about nearby. She was far more attractive in the flesh than the book with her scaly feather pattern showing well.

One of the target species for this early morning jaunt was Iraq babbler and it wasn't too long before Mitko had found a pair, as we watched them perch high up in the reeds a little bittern flew in. Some briefly spotted a marsh warbler, but it was only a fleeting glimpse. Menetries warbler was another star of the day, singing from the back of a tree and proving how challenging birdwatching can sometimes be!

Soon breakfast called and we made our way back to base. Fed and watered we decided to give the owl another go on our way out. The park warden had prepared himself well and armed with his binoculars he pointed straight at the owl perched mid-height in the first tree we had checked the day before. As we watched, a small group of locals started to gather and then starling and buntings began to mob, forcing the owl higher in the tree.   We decided the owl had had enough attention from man and birds for one day and left for our next port of call.

Pallid Scops Owl

Birding side-tracks alongside the Euphrates River we caught up with dead sea sparrow, and their nest.   Golden oriole showed well to some of us and not at all to others!

Birecik reservoir was next - we walked along the gravel bank getting great views of red-crested pochard female and seven chicks, two pied kingfisher hovering and feeding - there appeared to be an exchange of a small fish at one stage. Pygmy cormorant, ferruginous duck, common sandpiper, wood sandpiper, temminck's stint, willow warbler, great crested grebe, rufous bush-chat, and a flock of slender billed gulls were seen. Many spotted flycatchers were around, in fact they were numerous throughout the day. On our way back into town we stopped at the bald ibis centre where they are provided with a safe haven for them to come and go as they please, but where food and nesting sites have been provided.   Our enthusiastic guide explained how few there were and how they are being supported both in Turkey and Syria.   Unfortunately the person heading up the Syrian project had recently been killed in the unrest, and no up to date information was available on the birds there.   

See-see Partridge

In the surrounding area we also found eastern olivaceous warbler, garden warbler and to complete our set a delightful wood warbler. After a restaurant meal we were off in search of cream-coloured courser and grouse. Along the way we found Spanish sparrow, European bee-eater, roller, another female black francolin which ran out in front of the minibus, several common buzzard, jackdaw, and one off our wish list, see-see partridge. A lovely specimen sitting on a rock outcrop well camouflaged from all but our eagle-eyed guide's gaze. As we precariously negotiated the trip down to the telescope, the tripod legs were sliding away on the edge of the cliff - an interesting experience to say the least.  


During the course of the afternoon we arrived at an area that was supposedly good for coursers and partridge.   We wandered up a steep incline, looked at wild flowers, the occasional insect, admired the view but all decided that this had been an "unnecessary walk".   Time to move on and find a rather more necessary destination!

The Unnecessary Walk

All safely back on the bus, we raced ahead of a thunder storm with sand martin, swallow and house martin in huge numbers ahead of the storm taking full advantage of the insects which were being pushed along. There were literally thousands of them - an amazing sight to behold. 


We got back to town with a few drops falling and just had time to check the cliffs one last time for little swift. Sure enough, Trevor spotted some alpine swift ahead of us and as in previous years the little swift were with them. It was great to see the comparison between alpine and little - both size and shape with the little swift blunt tail showing well against the ever-darkening sky. We just got back to the hotel in time as the heavens opened and the daily afternoon clearing up shower took it's hold. Dinner in the restaurant, and then off to bed before our last full day in Turkey tomorrow.