tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3021904573293110922024-03-16T18:51:07.807+00:00Birdwatch Britannia<br>“In order to see birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence." ― Robert Lynd<br><br>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.comBlogger533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-73121945150575927452024-03-08T21:27:00.001+00:002024-03-08T21:27:58.215+00:00Holkham Gap :: 03 March 2024<p>With Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> away in Ayrshire with his wife Karen, primarily to see the Myrtle warbler in Kilwinning, I decided to give birding a miss on Saturday as the weather forecast wasn't looking great. Instead, I decided to travel over to Holkham on Sunday to catch up with shore larks - there are frequent reports of sightings, so I thought it'd be a good chance to see them without risking disappointment.
<p>Holkham Gap offers a fantastic opportunity to watch shore larks against the backdrop of the Norfolk coastline - it is part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve which encompasses a variety of habitats including sand dunes, salt marshes, and intertidal flats. The presence of a roped-off area serves as a reminder to beachgoers of the importance of responsible coastal stewardship. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails and observe posted guidelines to minimise their impact on sensitive habitats and wildlife.
<p>Shore larks, also known as horned larks, are birds that mainly inhabit open, barren areas such as sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, and tundra. In the UK, shore larks are mostly seen during the winter months, especially along coastal areas. They are small songbirds, about the size of a sparrow, with distinctive black markings on their faces, a yellow throat and chest, and a black bib. They also have small "horns" or tufts of feathers on their heads (just visible in the second photo below), which are more prominent in males during the breeding season.
<p>They are known for their ground-feeding habits, often foraging for seeds and insects in open areas, so patience is often helpful when trying to locate and observe them.
<p>Strolling along the beach, I watched for any birds flying overhead. Reaching the roped-off area, I met another birder approaching from the opposite direction, but pausing to scan the surroundings with his scope. He had been searching for a while and had yet to spot any shore larks but mentioned spotting 22 velvet scoters on the sea amongst rafts of common scoters. There were two ringed plovers and a few meadow pipits in the grasses nearby, but no sign of the shore larks. After a wait, I decided to venture down to the water's edge.
<p>Offshore, large rafts of common scoters were visible, and with the help of a scope some of the velvet scoters could be identified, though they were too distant for a photograph. Walking along the water's edge and then through the dunes, I hoped to find a snow bunting, but no such luck.
<p>Returning to the dunes, I scanned the roped-off area from the opposite side and spotted a flock of around a dozen small birds flying through. On closer inspection, I confirmed they were indeed shore larks. They descended in the distance, prompting me to circle back to the other side for a better view. Before making it back I caught sight of the flock once more, this time confirming all members of the flock were shore larks. They landed beyond the roped-off area, and despite my efforts to locate them on the ground, they eluded me. Meanwhile, the number of meadow pipits seemed to be on the rise.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-q4R9gYafsdjzsEol8nm_lA0eU1fan_kTY08BmYGP2TCaTiN0WUvVBMdVk1w_mqNZCY7kjj3nWpfMLq_SvlAIx9VITy6CtknWjzmSkfYs2CaIScpW1kwhyLfyU2PLPyxWNsk6L4s4O0vs7YwuIiabwiRfO0giwVaKDBmRLRkqbjyMvLTjr49yG9w8cJd/s4005/shore-lark-1_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Shore lark" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-q4R9gYafsdjzsEol8nm_lA0eU1fan_kTY08BmYGP2TCaTiN0WUvVBMdVk1w_mqNZCY7kjj3nWpfMLq_SvlAIx9VITy6CtknWjzmSkfYs2CaIScpW1kwhyLfyU2PLPyxWNsk6L4s4O0vs7YwuIiabwiRfO0giwVaKDBmRLRkqbjyMvLTjr49yG9w8cJd/s600/shore-lark-1_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>A few other birders arrived, and I let them know the larks were around - a couple stopped with me - I strolled around and after quite a time suddenly the larks were up in the air again and circling round. We all stood still, and they dropped close to begin with but were soon up and off into the roped off area. I worked around but views didn't improve, and I was eventually talking more and more of the same photograph.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMljrF9WNF-8Z4cUcalwNXmjL6j76qh30rYdO5igfa1F8ane__Dx_B5KhWrDYz8VD73bRd9oMwzq9xuqCibwU6zBXIPbpwJb6ue-e5eX2LRSzbeWlC_fdjcJSgyJPmMwAIxCbcSUugtL4ezEO1hn5xyYKV70OaJvyd-g6kJGA2pmpldEaurWA2So19HRZ/s3008/shore-lark-2_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Shore lark" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMljrF9WNF-8Z4cUcalwNXmjL6j76qh30rYdO5igfa1F8ane__Dx_B5KhWrDYz8VD73bRd9oMwzq9xuqCibwU6zBXIPbpwJb6ue-e5eX2LRSzbeWlC_fdjcJSgyJPmMwAIxCbcSUugtL4ezEO1hn5xyYKV70OaJvyd-g6kJGA2pmpldEaurWA2So19HRZ/s600/shore-lark-2_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z6kZiUrpGZscDOLX76NTCpVugFaD0QphhyphenhyphengD8ycoSVKkno-rX6Ju6vG8BjghF2MASzIKlY57bv2jgl7-UFjQd_CzBSHPn_e4Ed9ME0rU8qVmM16KhfXtIVXDzyVMkc0SKg5p16YxjV4XHQ6VYit43EzUauv4jZEuuYR6DcDsDqDYzxDPjRLgJWPPBpCZ/s3008/shore-lark-5_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Shore lark" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z6kZiUrpGZscDOLX76NTCpVugFaD0QphhyphenhyphengD8ycoSVKkno-rX6Ju6vG8BjghF2MASzIKlY57bv2jgl7-UFjQd_CzBSHPn_e4Ed9ME0rU8qVmM16KhfXtIVXDzyVMkc0SKg5p16YxjV4XHQ6VYit43EzUauv4jZEuuYR6DcDsDqDYzxDPjRLgJWPPBpCZ/s600/shore-lark-5_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I thought I'd get back to the sea and walked with a chap that had been stopped with me for the larks. Watching we picked out a couple of velvet scoters but not as many as earlier; they were still very distant. Velvet scoters are usually identifiable by their striking black plumage with contrasting white patches on their wings. They have a distinctive white patch on their forehead and a yellow knob at the base of their bill, which is more prominent in males. They are migratory birds, breeding in northern coastal regions such as Scandinavia and Russia. During the winter, they migrate south to warmer waters, including coastal areas of the UK. It was a bit tricky viewing at this distance with binoculars, and I was glad to have the opportunity for scope views. A female common scoter bobbed about a bit closer in, but slept constantly with the occasional opening of an eye.
<p>Oystercatchers flew through but there were none by the water - mostly in the sea grasses - perhaps as there were quite a lot of people/dogs out walking.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWFmPhuVdYMpFFPl0ctaXSR1FqoyfhsXBTA2eOtALMdH96XjKTQ22DocktaeugBZ9JxAksKQGUH0UqJM-ObKYIzFA0M1Tv1I3G9gjlLjkl75fwHg1LzxyOUgI0Kw03-avxLU7rJUj0KZmeG1jt4V39szQgREZKlp3nGJdYvDiHNUfeQhPrC4JKQAKqRqI/s3008/scoter_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common scoter" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWFmPhuVdYMpFFPl0ctaXSR1FqoyfhsXBTA2eOtALMdH96XjKTQ22DocktaeugBZ9JxAksKQGUH0UqJM-ObKYIzFA0M1Tv1I3G9gjlLjkl75fwHg1LzxyOUgI0Kw03-avxLU7rJUj0KZmeG1jt4V39szQgREZKlp3nGJdYvDiHNUfeQhPrC4JKQAKqRqI/s600/scoter_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcafaStBRgMVyN50Cx9Qsoqx2Yoe-bNfHlRiZMBLE2VdX3c9jPEQh_4cEBf175PkDzopWL4cyRkRgTpqozsMGK2Nz0YteVXbdKpMJpw9dVh3zxiH3gCm4h5Xk2twKrsmPc3tMcIThX9wLvnbyOeh7SkEDTwKdDHRp-R__h3NCRf5SvnUuQeBpiIhXD38oS/s3008/common-scoter_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common scoter" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcafaStBRgMVyN50Cx9Qsoqx2Yoe-bNfHlRiZMBLE2VdX3c9jPEQh_4cEBf175PkDzopWL4cyRkRgTpqozsMGK2Nz0YteVXbdKpMJpw9dVh3zxiH3gCm4h5Xk2twKrsmPc3tMcIThX9wLvnbyOeh7SkEDTwKdDHRp-R__h3NCRf5SvnUuQeBpiIhXD38oS/s600/common-scoter_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJt02AV9XO8lndrbbEWXF_eWEoHnElTFASZztHIWyzTWGNIeG2itPN3c9wojD7f0ULSaEZ9FTdWZcEKO84GXqPbC1GQAV9StXiM85AN0-kolgAtMUC8QwKT21pGw1bdLcnn_Qno3qw501D80TXi1HM8r8gVmpXjGExjkUepgasj9uDtDDNe4xsPZN5buYX/s3008/oystercatcher_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Oystercatcher" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJt02AV9XO8lndrbbEWXF_eWEoHnElTFASZztHIWyzTWGNIeG2itPN3c9wojD7f0ULSaEZ9FTdWZcEKO84GXqPbC1GQAV9StXiM85AN0-kolgAtMUC8QwKT21pGw1bdLcnn_Qno3qw501D80TXi1HM8r8gVmpXjGExjkUepgasj9uDtDDNe4xsPZN5buYX/s600/oystercatcher_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Before I knew it, lunchtime was upon me, so I headed back to the Visitor Centre to grab a sandwich. While there, I took a moment to check BirdGuides for any local sightings, spotting a report mentioning white-fronted geese on the Freshmarsh so without hesitation, I jumped into the car and drove to the layby said to provide views. However, there I found a different assortment of geese - Canada, greylag, barnacle, and Egyptian. I spotted a brown hare sitting on its hind legs, leisurely preening its fur - I'd wait ...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tay05USMt4RY7i0F7ozJ3uUdenZSs8p5oFK7DmQsGWFXK7DwDpFiDpOnZ4pbccNGs5WdXn4-TjRyUonjPBJ3hYell9V1Gd1iMT3nS9gQdeQ1x2tPT4Rm7J65_zhFbDQHlMKucSPkOfVrX4BIfWmbrHi3Al5K8bZB69eRDbg_ST5U9s7m7cLzMkmmU1Qw/s3007/egyptian-goose_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Egyptian goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tay05USMt4RY7i0F7ozJ3uUdenZSs8p5oFK7DmQsGWFXK7DwDpFiDpOnZ4pbccNGs5WdXn4-TjRyUonjPBJ3hYell9V1Gd1iMT3nS9gQdeQ1x2tPT4Rm7J65_zhFbDQHlMKucSPkOfVrX4BIfWmbrHi3Al5K8bZB69eRDbg_ST5U9s7m7cLzMkmmU1Qw/s600/egyptian-goose_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyQ6pSi-ZiSj7h6cxZQ2Qr6hsxSIuQiQOzFgxtIHBz_CyJQoKEomFIpjJ2QQlDXpLyxRmU7KnJBzCYLcYXGVVWXqPXKkOyDXjdh7hov0fY4ZGpmcYJw0nCC48zv8NEiF6Y_edReyyXKEDuCgkQi_Cugj0068gw-keQax-b1YocHl_5pojhio_vTOOXNMW/s3008/barnacle-goose_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Barnacle goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyQ6pSi-ZiSj7h6cxZQ2Qr6hsxSIuQiQOzFgxtIHBz_CyJQoKEomFIpjJ2QQlDXpLyxRmU7KnJBzCYLcYXGVVWXqPXKkOyDXjdh7hov0fY4ZGpmcYJw0nCC48zv8NEiF6Y_edReyyXKEDuCgkQi_Cugj0068gw-keQax-b1YocHl_5pojhio_vTOOXNMW/s600/barnacle-goose_HolkhamGap_0324_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>I waited and waited hoping for a return, but eventually I had to set off for home - stopping when passing what appeared to be a grey partridge. Once out the car it was obvious it was yet another red-legged partridge. I'll find one this year somehow.
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<p>Year List: 150
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-12441304713501833002024-02-28T21:48:00.001+00:002024-02-28T21:58:16.467+00:00RSPB Middleton Lakes & Stubber's Green :: 24 February 2024<p>Seeing lesser spotted woodpeckers is a great experience for birdwatchers, although their small size and elusive nature can make them challenging to spot - measuring around 14cm (5.5 inches) in length and about the same as a great tit. They have experienced declines in recent decades, mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation. However, they are still locally distributed and typically found in deciduous woodlands, particularly where there are mature trees with plenty of dead wood for foraging and nesting.
<p>They are agile climbers, using their strong bills to probe for insects and larvae under bark and in crevices of trees. They also drum on trees as a form of communication during the breeding season and are more often heard than seen due to their small size and tendency to forage high in the tree canopy.
<p>Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev0771</a> and I have tried to see them twice at Acres Down (Kev three times) this year without success. We considered going again, perhaps meeting up with his sister Karen and her partner Dean but decided to give RSPB Middleton Lakes a go instead. There have only been a handful of sightings at Middleton this year and not in the regular spot by the car park - I tried there three times last year and failed to see one at all. Nothing like persistence.
<p>We pulled into the car park just after 7.00am and were surprised it was open and that two cars were already there. We jumped out and chatted with a volunteer and a visitor, confirming that sightings had not included where we stood. We'd give it a go anyway as there was a frost and mist across the fields and we couldn't yet hear any drumming in the distance in any case. The RSPB volunteer called a barn owl behind us, and we were soon on it as it quartered the far hedge line. I took a few photos despite the early hour and distance - I could probably fix the high ISO noise if nothing else.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqr5N8NC7dM-kSlTvxUF36r90inHASzkvwaoYsJraghMRGh3g24gXbY6etjDBDH9O5EGqMGE83nJWk6yO4LWdDLFZqUKQvjDzWR_c9e0CWnHmSt8dFOd1TuaS3zOippBWuuz6FDQguPdBAFfSEzB7WIB3Z7vTveK1bifh9cpyw3PXDGBtRYtf4repzQGi/s3008/barn-owl-1_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Barn owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqr5N8NC7dM-kSlTvxUF36r90inHASzkvwaoYsJraghMRGh3g24gXbY6etjDBDH9O5EGqMGE83nJWk6yO4LWdDLFZqUKQvjDzWR_c9e0CWnHmSt8dFOd1TuaS3zOippBWuuz6FDQguPdBAFfSEzB7WIB3Z7vTveK1bifh9cpyw3PXDGBtRYtf4repzQGi/s600/barn-owl-1_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmRe-FCxiwiBYSux0TtNIiOsLNn-y-Bkh6ioaDd-vZ1vj3KcxBq8tKe-BMmAKxmxtZATc9eo3SuiB5d6hMDElsKdq-_GbaWKG96cqDvga99zmMrpxeN0lCA8hyW1N2gbuoYsRmntDH8aCdqBzI4XIzU8W_e6osMLlMHNQPFmfe4DaFuiNmdIIZIMwl-zn/s4005/barn-owl-2_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Barn owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmRe-FCxiwiBYSux0TtNIiOsLNn-y-Bkh6ioaDd-vZ1vj3KcxBq8tKe-BMmAKxmxtZATc9eo3SuiB5d6hMDElsKdq-_GbaWKG96cqDvga99zmMrpxeN0lCA8hyW1N2gbuoYsRmntDH8aCdqBzI4XIzU8W_e6osMLlMHNQPFmfe4DaFuiNmdIIZIMwl-zn/s600/barn-owl-2_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaAQElkWBrY3meS40VMWrJZKyGvvhkEQKA_zfAvhPoWqvtDXtq8ePIMzX9wE_V4finvkqwU0M0slf7h8ves6S2xS1lifNaCJPdvQId35E5nm9DX1lGdR4n3j9yyP5ajuIgjbaySnPB2uMNr7DjtKq1vq2tzgVHpHPZmb-2KCnbsjXZKgQLaRPJwGjOr-o/s4005/barn-owl-3_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Barn owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaAQElkWBrY3meS40VMWrJZKyGvvhkEQKA_zfAvhPoWqvtDXtq8ePIMzX9wE_V4finvkqwU0M0slf7h8ves6S2xS1lifNaCJPdvQId35E5nm9DX1lGdR4n3j9yyP5ajuIgjbaySnPB2uMNr7DjtKq1vq2tzgVHpHPZmb-2KCnbsjXZKgQLaRPJwGjOr-o/s600/barn-owl-3_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Egrets roost in a variety of habitats, including trees, reedbeds, and shrubs, often choosing roosting sites near water bodies, where they forage during the day. Little and cattle egrets are known to sometimes roost with grey herons, particularly in communal roosting sites and heronries. While they may not interact extensively, they tolerate each other's presence and benefit from the collective protection of the group.
<p>Egrets and herons usually leave their communal roost shortly after dawn, although the exact timing can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions. Despite the mist we could see little egrets and grey herons passing overhead and then a couple of cattle egrets - a new tick for the year.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99mwmZB1SsqXG7lK4L5VyvppRg9b-fnsq3vTfsFugQURFrKkx9LhXmD0FZm01vkA5DX7jqY_MU_DR3O0KQJrqbRJcpXTGG4y9T6Nz8Srcq8kAakX1p1DRT-xKm9aEwV0fnkncZgbvM873QxiseMiLA5TiWxe3YxuwzA6wXcnZxyFR7qUaE3Xxor5_wLjp/s3008/cattle-egret_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Cattle egret" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99mwmZB1SsqXG7lK4L5VyvppRg9b-fnsq3vTfsFugQURFrKkx9LhXmD0FZm01vkA5DX7jqY_MU_DR3O0KQJrqbRJcpXTGG4y9T6Nz8Srcq8kAakX1p1DRT-xKm9aEwV0fnkncZgbvM873QxiseMiLA5TiWxe3YxuwzA6wXcnZxyFR7qUaE3Xxor5_wLjp/s600/cattle-egret_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>After spending an hour or more, we decided to try and spot the lesser spotted woodpecker further down the track, near the two bridges within the woods where there had been a report. As we walked along the track, the distinct drumming of our target bird emanated from the trees towards the back of the copse. Despite scanning through the trees, we failed to locate it. Meanwhile, the calls of great-spotted woodpeckers echoed around us, and we had better luck spotting them. Nuthatches flitted through, and above us we saw siskins feeding on alder seed cones. Anyone who has watched these entertaining birds feeding knows that they are agile acrobats, stretching their necks and contorting their bodies to reach all available cones.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzr63ddMati_XRIQb8PCRBg1AZOo-MF6caOV0BCWJVJWnHv8qHoFZX1KnMQjnnj1QcDGINJNc5yOj-pNowkpIatyX3TgM2Dsiv4eBwr2_rqnfoGBVVcyFNIdBKoDh8xu39h-oTtp2ILbwHHDhEz7v_YLqltnbluBXeY8J_-DYF5_d44qS4uM13IOV8tCy/s3008/great-spotted-woodpecker_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Great spotted woodpecker" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzr63ddMati_XRIQb8PCRBg1AZOo-MF6caOV0BCWJVJWnHv8qHoFZX1KnMQjnnj1QcDGINJNc5yOj-pNowkpIatyX3TgM2Dsiv4eBwr2_rqnfoGBVVcyFNIdBKoDh8xu39h-oTtp2ILbwHHDhEz7v_YLqltnbluBXeY8J_-DYF5_d44qS4uM13IOV8tCy/s600/great-spotted-woodpecker_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMWlfl-0mW36VbbXvFY6dhg8SFk1GkGjHd49uDEKFDJhBdMnms_Ul7ATFqLhQwqpmvt29x9qs5_GlOvO9_J8EUr8V5oqbrEvg79jKIn92o_im75qIQPSIur-Rg4yLEJI3zomRto4Blo1ao0xcglHrYB1yX0HdApgvSWIlBfzRICtQq61c-Jvn3flS5r5c/s3008/siskin-1_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Siskin" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMWlfl-0mW36VbbXvFY6dhg8SFk1GkGjHd49uDEKFDJhBdMnms_Ul7ATFqLhQwqpmvt29x9qs5_GlOvO9_J8EUr8V5oqbrEvg79jKIn92o_im75qIQPSIur-Rg4yLEJI3zomRto4Blo1ao0xcglHrYB1yX0HdApgvSWIlBfzRICtQq61c-Jvn3flS5r5c/s600/siskin-1_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We heard the calls of our elusive bird on numerous occasions, which kept our hopes high. However, after another hour of searching, we found ourselves still empty-handed and the lesser spotted woodpecker falling silent. Undeterred, we decided to make towards the bridges as planned earlier. Just as we were about to depart, our bird called out from high to our left. I managed to spot it perched high in a tree, foraging on the uppermost branches. I attempted to guide Kev to it, but the bird took flight into a closer tree, albeit unfortunately obscured from view. We trained our binoculars on the area and had good views but as I readied my camera, it darted from branch to branch, along a slender bough, but turned away from us the entire time. Kev stepped aside to fetch his scope, but just then, the bird dropped out of sight and vanished. Despite our waiting in the area, the woodpecker didn’t make another appearance. Reluctantly, we opted not to wait any longer and instead set our sights on another potential sighting for the year.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ircxGRif0xt_3NXDFtD3IhHVfXJnNGVwpc0wLiEANDP-uuf88TUd5AVxJeYgvJTxJQeHt2PtFh4RBLuF6dguFvdwTEPCCUwqEbiuMGpWyR8JZ7Fz7c0spvyJD8uerLNk7LYQXQpXORzl21pq2T_FOFk-2tGiDivtFiqb234ybkRklP0weRKXJo1aBK_m/s3008/lesser-spotted-woodpecker-1_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Lesser spotted woodpecker" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ircxGRif0xt_3NXDFtD3IhHVfXJnNGVwpc0wLiEANDP-uuf88TUd5AVxJeYgvJTxJQeHt2PtFh4RBLuF6dguFvdwTEPCCUwqEbiuMGpWyR8JZ7Fz7c0spvyJD8uerLNk7LYQXQpXORzl21pq2T_FOFk-2tGiDivtFiqb234ybkRklP0weRKXJo1aBK_m/s600/lesser-spotted-woodpecker-1_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli-NjwG5A1xsJbq1cIOJc07Yl3AZdg_fzgSK-7gUQvBY0K-j4aWFJaQHENq2jTYavWecHIztbWH4hA11yRf1Gd9ua-BJE_8RDGfrofCqno1cCRVv-C9ukE6VX1FTLDudvnIAmS_ltze0hdn7hBqrjPzJ6odkLjsOP0Vi-ifiLbmjvhk-2trBZQg1SGFM8/s3008/lesser-spotted-woodpecker-2_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Lesser spotted woodpecker" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli-NjwG5A1xsJbq1cIOJc07Yl3AZdg_fzgSK-7gUQvBY0K-j4aWFJaQHENq2jTYavWecHIztbWH4hA11yRf1Gd9ua-BJE_8RDGfrofCqno1cCRVv-C9ukE6VX1FTLDudvnIAmS_ltze0hdn7hBqrjPzJ6odkLjsOP0Vi-ifiLbmjvhk-2trBZQg1SGFM8/s600/lesser-spotted-woodpecker-2_RSPBMiddletonLakes_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>On the way back to the car we passed the usual flock of house sparrows around the barns and in the morning sun, even the little brown jobs (LBJ) can look special.
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<p>Iceland gulls are large, white-winged gulls that breed in the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, and Iceland. They are known for their distinctive appearance and are rare visitors to our shores during the winter months with sightings typically occurring between October and March. In the UK, Iceland gulls can be observed along coastal areas, estuaries, marshes, and landfill sites, where they feed on a variety of food items, including scavenged waste.
<p>At Stubber's Green, Walsall, sightings of this species had been reported in recent days, although not yet that morning. Given its proximity, being just about 15 miles from Middleton Lakes, we decided to venture there, parking in a layby adjacent to a good viewing spot well before the usual sighting window. It's been noted that the Iceland gull is most commonly spotted around lunchtime and early afternoon, although it may also be present at other times. At this location, gulls gather to bathe and rest at the north-western end, typically foraging at the tip just to the north, and often roost at Chasewater.
<p>There was no sign of our gull and as I looked over the road to another pool, a couple of little egrets circled and dropped into the trees; after a short while, numbers increased to five. They roosted for quite a while.
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<p>Spring marks the onset of the breeding season for dunnocks. Male dunnocks become more territorial, defending their territories through singing, and chasing away intruders. They may also engage in courtship displays to attract mates. They are primarily insectivorous, foraging for insects, spiders, and other invertebrates among leaf litter and in low vegetation. Next to us a single dunnock was ever present and presumably staking a claim to the nearby bramble patch. It was quite insistent that I take its photo - I'm ready for my close-up ...
<p>The mute swans cruised in front of us and in groups left the pool and walked up to and over the road, cars stopping to let them pass. On one occasion one of the birds decided to stop on the road and contemplate the meaning of life, testing the patience of the drivers.
<p>In the distance a couple of buzzards were mobbed by crows, one flying by and crossing the road behind.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiesrmGAd1xG0B6c-zXbDiOXblOo8SKJq3z4gD6uksXQWk-_wfMMAPlNjvE5EnGQoeZHepb0FXGGciR_Qg6nzUTfBr1c7b766yEakyIiQoSCtrz6wqHdSp2Ty1dXV-5AUAnlu_Zd8-HdnJKEZDsLa2DPoj1CHJziqOJOzYq_H_6cwWofkvl3Q8W8Am0Pe8/s5500/mute-swan_StubbersGreen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Mute swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3664" data-original-width="5500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiesrmGAd1xG0B6c-zXbDiOXblOo8SKJq3z4gD6uksXQWk-_wfMMAPlNjvE5EnGQoeZHepb0FXGGciR_Qg6nzUTfBr1c7b766yEakyIiQoSCtrz6wqHdSp2Ty1dXV-5AUAnlu_Zd8-HdnJKEZDsLa2DPoj1CHJziqOJOzYq_H_6cwWofkvl3Q8W8Am0Pe8/s600/mute-swan_StubbersGreen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>We continued to wait and gradually a few larger gulls joined the black-headed and common gulls - lesser-black backed and herring gulls. A few of the cormorants resting with the larger gull flock flew over in front of us, one (likely sinensis sub-species) landing on a post and looking rather majestic. I couldn't resist.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYcquUkL_EGWOpBkPG6XlJphaTGEGco84F-feBeSmqFZV_0mh35reuTin1dCPTM20Uegb80XEzFmY8_Q_vaqdeTQo2I2IP5GY-DAjKzGtzeCEWTrtskAobPe283ElzvADwj0aAt8-Op43bxAQu0MdAmou9E-qcwSA71Qpta1nQXwIyGpyAnSDF3cidFzm/s3008/cormorant-1_StubbersGreen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Cormorant" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYcquUkL_EGWOpBkPG6XlJphaTGEGco84F-feBeSmqFZV_0mh35reuTin1dCPTM20Uegb80XEzFmY8_Q_vaqdeTQo2I2IP5GY-DAjKzGtzeCEWTrtskAobPe283ElzvADwj0aAt8-Op43bxAQu0MdAmou9E-qcwSA71Qpta1nQXwIyGpyAnSDF3cidFzm/s600/cormorant-1_StubbersGreen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>There was a shift in the line-up of large gulls, but unfortunately, the Iceland gull was nowhere in sight. As a couple of paddleboards and a kayak departed from Aldridge Sailing Club, they approached the gulls resting along the water's edge, causing them, along with the lapwings and ducks, to take flight. The gulls scattered in different directions as the boards and kayak splashed around them. With the disturbance caused, it seemed unlikely that our bird would make an appearance and settle. We decided to call it a day and head home, especially since I was on a tight schedule – Charlotte and I had plans to attend a show in Birmingham that evening.
<p>Year List: 148.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-7844947243385914972024-02-21T21:48:00.001+00:002024-02-21T21:48:11.659+00:00RSPB Titchwell Marsh :: 17 February 2024<p>Situated along the scenic North Norfolk coast, RSPB Titchwell offers a range of diverse habitats, ranging from freshwater lagoons to saltwater marshes, and a beach; giving opportunities to observe a wide array of bird species and other wildlife. These habitats support a diverse range of invertebrates, fish, and plant life, which in turn attract numerous bird species, including waders, waterfowl, and seabirds.
<p>Situated along the North Norfolk coast, Titchwell benefits from its proximity to both the sea and inland areas. It serves as an important stopover site for migratory birds, particularly during the spring and autumn migration seasons. The reserve's coastal location and diverse habitats offer essential rest and refueling opportunities for birds traveling long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
<p>With "weather" coming from the southwest during the day, traveling east seemed like a good plan. Water pipit, twite, black-necked and Slavonian grebes had all been reported in recent days and would all be year ticks.
<p>After our customary stop for breakfast in King's Lynn, we arrived a little after 8.15am and opted for wellie boots as Kev had seen pictures of diggers and paths submerged in mud. Those getting out of the car just along from us were just in walking boots - oh how they'd regret that we thought.
<p>We made our way along watching and listening but intent on getting to the beach while there was no mist or rain - to our left, a bank of low cloud or mist loomed in the distance. Through the scope, Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> spotted a Chinese water deer feeding and working to our left but at distance. Meanwhile, I noticed a spotted redshank in a nearby pool. When we switched positions, the deer had ventured too far for a clear photograph - as it walked away I managed only a photo from behind. Returning to the spotted redshank, I took the opportunity to take a few photos as it foraged and waded around the small pool.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg-nf99mCYgh5i_PUmhJMTvFyl7tbxKmLQxyfO8gwEGHbU7OYKAwt3dXRxysfH_1xbakmsLptNsVV0f8Ic2X6fWXDMz6s3GejgoygTSP762CxhBHMurBkW_MNP7VIWNIYT-z8fkDI6NCLqgDlUHRS7YOscmyoLKGZdXlunaF0DrUOla4N1Ixs-7ESb8Au/s3008/spotted-redshank-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Spotted redshank" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg-nf99mCYgh5i_PUmhJMTvFyl7tbxKmLQxyfO8gwEGHbU7OYKAwt3dXRxysfH_1xbakmsLptNsVV0f8Ic2X6fWXDMz6s3GejgoygTSP762CxhBHMurBkW_MNP7VIWNIYT-z8fkDI6NCLqgDlUHRS7YOscmyoLKGZdXlunaF0DrUOla4N1Ixs-7ESb8Au/s600/spotted-redshank-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitp2AfHlwt0NIEFZaH6nTvGrORrwywrizxwRiufotuPsNAdiRwgsFpKY4lxElBfVfmEsFgWHHZGGZ1qUbw1ECy0X2qPW1721mkqFUCgUuZ9wNY01HE1InDe7nHvKvb7WUvYXqy3-eKa_LvNpbgah7LXfBqndJUcooZTNdvpi69HL16JP8s8mDbQKH2t6jE/s3008/spotted-redshank-2_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Spotted redshank" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitp2AfHlwt0NIEFZaH6nTvGrORrwywrizxwRiufotuPsNAdiRwgsFpKY4lxElBfVfmEsFgWHHZGGZ1qUbw1ECy0X2qPW1721mkqFUCgUuZ9wNY01HE1InDe7nHvKvb7WUvYXqy3-eKa_LvNpbgah7LXfBqndJUcooZTNdvpi69HL16JP8s8mDbQKH2t6jE/s600/spotted-redshank-2_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwTmMhVuuNacIMgZK6plSwmtqpnZW9VwxrUsNX67T4ycxgSFwNT89QdCfJ2z9246PajMuc1IE5PWNyvPQx1qFFpwdEPBfKK8ajiOWjQbGOcUiyj52QJzX7WaorlfmKz2vVXFCs0veB_jefuVwHWDAEUG81G1qyFO-8sGvJ12NUbeuMXjHOP5szN2XEREd/s3008/spotted-redshank-3_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Spotted redshank" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwTmMhVuuNacIMgZK6plSwmtqpnZW9VwxrUsNX67T4ycxgSFwNT89QdCfJ2z9246PajMuc1IE5PWNyvPQx1qFFpwdEPBfKK8ajiOWjQbGOcUiyj52QJzX7WaorlfmKz2vVXFCs0veB_jefuVwHWDAEUG81G1qyFO-8sGvJ12NUbeuMXjHOP5szN2XEREd/s600/spotted-redshank-3_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Across the water and in the reeds a Cetti's warbler called and I managed to pick it out as it worked through the reeds. Kev picked out another in a large bush in the reedbed, hopping around under a stonechat. There would be more calling Cetti's but no more views.
<p>We continued down to the beach and searched through the linnet flock for the twite reported over recent days, but without success - one or two people suggested the report the day before may have been erroneous. We couldn’t locate a water pipit either.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhkA5kLvF2vIz2hPjh1fZXiaprIhecDgd4h4LrIQdoUK1HbBZ_hRNyuf1VepIdZps9e9URszKMhyphenhyphen7OuilNCXliP2mYk3L9YMuVttSye6w5mlWQEPBAvkZVLm37cNGY1RWbHWwWALBOwaEB5THkxzNDlpkJtsN3rc32Y-FWdyqfqShk1pgHPPRZTXpuGRD/s3008/cettis-warbler_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Cetti's warbler" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhkA5kLvF2vIz2hPjh1fZXiaprIhecDgd4h4LrIQdoUK1HbBZ_hRNyuf1VepIdZps9e9URszKMhyphenhyphen7OuilNCXliP2mYk3L9YMuVttSye6w5mlWQEPBAvkZVLm37cNGY1RWbHWwWALBOwaEB5THkxzNDlpkJtsN3rc32Y-FWdyqfqShk1pgHPPRZTXpuGRD/s600/cettis-warbler_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqhwiY90p6y4qWbBcLEcQFZmnN7tmSWV4929o4HZC3L9_BTJtX4ZSt5dy3kY3XpOL4SitpvP8Nhf6Lllck-XuuPHPqmDk222jwTRhdqCzc8w2Uyy9QXWsFwwyv2GrkWnsOAbS80O7teNueo8pJVcnewLqD4d8b3zJOdrw3PoNOAk9g88gBbAayl7qhwVX/s3008/linnet_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Linnet" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqhwiY90p6y4qWbBcLEcQFZmnN7tmSWV4929o4HZC3L9_BTJtX4ZSt5dy3kY3XpOL4SitpvP8Nhf6Lllck-XuuPHPqmDk222jwTRhdqCzc8w2Uyy9QXWsFwwyv2GrkWnsOAbS80O7teNueo8pJVcnewLqD4d8b3zJOdrw3PoNOAk9g88gBbAayl7qhwVX/s600/linnet_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We bumped into a couple of birders who mentioned finding a black-necked grebe out at sea. Excited by the prospect, we hurried towards the beach to catch a glimpse. However, upon arrival, we found the water rather quiet, occupied mainly by a raft of common scoters, a few individuals, and pairs of the same,; also a red-breasted merganser and three great-crested grebes. Despite our best efforts, we couldn't spot either of the Slav or black-necked grebes. Nonetheless, the beach was busier as dunlins, turnstones, sanderlings, bar-tailed godwits, grey plovers, and oystercatchers scurried along the water's edge, probing for food among the exposed seaweed. Eventually we decided to head back to the Visitor's Centre for a well-deserved lunch.
<p>On the way we stopped at the Parrinder Hides to check out the pipits, hoping for a water pipit but found only meadows. In the distance we saw gulls preening on small sandy islands and amongst them found a few Mediterranean gulls - a year tick for me. Behind was a grey plover.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFTVsdTatP_V3yqT9sFN3SDurNTW0D5QaRHvWIQloLRtm5jNEBkbI-yZorsV-GEWuVyyd_gUFiPtiBWk6za914vB8RphiXQjMN7vs2IWhJSNPlQEgdnjGtDh3ru_6D05N6ZSHc5c4tKucvhJOAQ0d4J0-rIZ7gsW4uvYell6INi9ygAQ7svydUOPnNKdD/s3008/mediterranean-gull-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Mediterranean gull" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFTVsdTatP_V3yqT9sFN3SDurNTW0D5QaRHvWIQloLRtm5jNEBkbI-yZorsV-GEWuVyyd_gUFiPtiBWk6za914vB8RphiXQjMN7vs2IWhJSNPlQEgdnjGtDh3ru_6D05N6ZSHc5c4tKucvhJOAQ0d4J0-rIZ7gsW4uvYell6INi9ygAQ7svydUOPnNKdD/s600/mediterranean-gull-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MfN-Iv3TyRUUFTrOOK6-PTLRC4Ja9eNMhs37bQ_5qqpgJnCKaDhlkatF31l5PwOmLuBZOU06koUI5qtqRJyv3f978yv7tteYjGH95w7nKaw5GDn3Pd0nlJch5AR-DKXObl8gczO0GFeC9SvxoYn5HRzqFeQajejKPxdN9M_hPlWZww5Xvrhywzoj-FaZ/s3008/grey%20plover_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Grey plover" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MfN-Iv3TyRUUFTrOOK6-PTLRC4Ja9eNMhs37bQ_5qqpgJnCKaDhlkatF31l5PwOmLuBZOU06koUI5qtqRJyv3f978yv7tteYjGH95w7nKaw5GDn3Pd0nlJch5AR-DKXObl8gczO0GFeC9SvxoYn5HRzqFeQajejKPxdN9M_hPlWZww5Xvrhywzoj-FaZ/s600/grey%20plover_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>As we returned to the main path, we came upon a flock of brent geese taking flight, some heading off into the distance, others settling back onto the marsh, and a few landing on the water; a delightful sight, with their striking deep black plumage adding to their charm.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jrVccP7HE5-WIjMU4wJeLF56GoIqidRlaal-XMxPrDHnKRgPjNmvCeyPg6CU7EjpSDPsJMSj9jR2jHlao1FUf8wGywzxI4K4aaVC-VN1koZDLSaG1ZeHiuwT3lUKC1twtygMdOruP6XRhXWYyGRineudoARkQARKavvSdRjslEa3fCJtqF645ZuUUyEi/s4004/brent-goose-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Brent goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jrVccP7HE5-WIjMU4wJeLF56GoIqidRlaal-XMxPrDHnKRgPjNmvCeyPg6CU7EjpSDPsJMSj9jR2jHlao1FUf8wGywzxI4K4aaVC-VN1koZDLSaG1ZeHiuwT3lUKC1twtygMdOruP6XRhXWYyGRineudoARkQARKavvSdRjslEa3fCJtqF645ZuUUyEi/s600/brent-goose-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEvOPsw44qMdb4VkMY11RqYKUbwZS9z9XsEBX4jiApKlH6INouS6Z5F_XwFnW4SjfikIaGke5NUxrBFKvAbX3OXqlew6WDvQF_BqTEbgDhtIy2KWzk9YlzH3BZHW9qlr0undVl7zQBLdIK8FG8bTCNXucYGkmTKZAN-Ss65sbTWe8AmJssZpAD_2l1QIs/s3008/brent-goose-2_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Brent goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEvOPsw44qMdb4VkMY11RqYKUbwZS9z9XsEBX4jiApKlH6INouS6Z5F_XwFnW4SjfikIaGke5NUxrBFKvAbX3OXqlew6WDvQF_BqTEbgDhtIy2KWzk9YlzH3BZHW9qlr0undVl7zQBLdIK8FG8bTCNXucYGkmTKZAN-Ss65sbTWe8AmJssZpAD_2l1QIs/s600/brent-goose-2_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We came across a group of birders, keeping an eye on a strip of land and wondered if they might have spotted the water pipit. But no such luck, they were just watching a distant Mediterranean gull and a nearer lapwing. I spotted a single golden plover and soon after the others were on it too. We were surprised by the lack of golden plovers, especially since we'd seen large flocks of them on our last visit.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfh8c8zggvnikXJhVPXqLRSjVTw-eErIZS2zIfoaF1YBrwwTYcuuFqBvXMrJietG919jpwAEk3NbYUaGtp2wT9z3vK1Vjx9LgF3Md-uU3rzpTqVPcVJ4W3ZPnS1aj0A9UkW4I8aBS5oIqrH8owG-VYpv_7vMB0icXyioxu3cp1LEc9yTEZjeJRcna6HxS/s3008/mediterranean-gull-2_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Mediterranean gull" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfh8c8zggvnikXJhVPXqLRSjVTw-eErIZS2zIfoaF1YBrwwTYcuuFqBvXMrJietG919jpwAEk3NbYUaGtp2wT9z3vK1Vjx9LgF3Md-uU3rzpTqVPcVJ4W3ZPnS1aj0A9UkW4I8aBS5oIqrH8owG-VYpv_7vMB0icXyioxu3cp1LEc9yTEZjeJRcna6HxS/s600/mediterranean-gull-2_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUC2n6XluHUBiIeo2BQQAyxISCJO3KpcKAxTHSkEul6RN1t42Q6HLWZxFFv_sHKP1LH3mqqw8YV8L1Kt9woDPWovUueJQECfUevUDQjPCEmrGXQpQJcXKNXY6YHOOgaXciurIFsdHX8Xr6S07wMBpy9O4_5CJeH4mZA5EEvjGjwc8Qfp_BV5Gcn2keMzo3/s3008/lapwing_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Lapwing" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUC2n6XluHUBiIeo2BQQAyxISCJO3KpcKAxTHSkEul6RN1t42Q6HLWZxFFv_sHKP1LH3mqqw8YV8L1Kt9woDPWovUueJQECfUevUDQjPCEmrGXQpQJcXKNXY6YHOOgaXciurIFsdHX8Xr6S07wMBpy9O4_5CJeH4mZA5EEvjGjwc8Qfp_BV5Gcn2keMzo3/s600/lapwing_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtNd9VOf9YcHFrJ7eBdI47dPePZgvuycVnso89qxktVwjXKixlQRuWPrfaivFee3zHwoREV6fKNK8rbPlhob-9_bX3GobZmy74SS1h1SM_IIjEUchA_mUohYjQBz_rwuWrjY-ouvYyJgkKEYPDujguu0RXQ9_ZFXAieRSR8hnZVhstzL3NXLfzPcTku2R/s3008/golden-plover_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Golden plover" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtNd9VOf9YcHFrJ7eBdI47dPePZgvuycVnso89qxktVwjXKixlQRuWPrfaivFee3zHwoREV6fKNK8rbPlhob-9_bX3GobZmy74SS1h1SM_IIjEUchA_mUohYjQBz_rwuWrjY-ouvYyJgkKEYPDujguu0RXQ9_ZFXAieRSR8hnZVhstzL3NXLfzPcTku2R/s600/golden-plover_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>In the bushes near the Visitor's Centre a dunnock called from the depths of a bush - it was never going to be a great photo but the bird was insistent that we pay attention. I quite like the detail.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ-4w6P2BT98_hjMpaHD6ISOEC-pKNgaik6jUMaz4BeK2JwcnahfbhZZyVfVuOH27aUJsZbhZ0JxvEv5Bq-1KV1k5ZQqmSsWtkuxqZAlVGr06XoRlJpLBrIlNuzTEuBDoQ0cdBlTct12noWGVruust6A9f0kFdTmu3mNIz6eSMkAxV_X2-F_o0fqOZzfk/s4005/dunnock_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Dunnock" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2669" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ-4w6P2BT98_hjMpaHD6ISOEC-pKNgaik6jUMaz4BeK2JwcnahfbhZZyVfVuOH27aUJsZbhZ0JxvEv5Bq-1KV1k5ZQqmSsWtkuxqZAlVGr06XoRlJpLBrIlNuzTEuBDoQ0cdBlTct12noWGVruust6A9f0kFdTmu3mNIz6eSMkAxV_X2-F_o0fqOZzfk/s600/dunnock_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>At the cafe we ordered sausage baps and had planned to sit round the other side of the Centre to see if we could locate a brambling that had been reported. As we waited a report came in that the water pipit had been seen back up the track and so we collected our food and headed back onto the reserve. We spotted a Chinese water deer and waited to show it to a couple who had stopped to find out what we were looking at.
<p>The Chinese water deer is a petite and sturdy deer, typically sporting a pale fawn coat with distinctive large rounded ears and striking button-black eyes. Unlike other deer species, the males lack antlers but boast elongated tusk-like canines. Standing slightly taller and notably lighter in color compared to muntjac, they also lack the hump-backed appearance. They exhibit a preference for wetlands adjacent to woodland areas and fen, occasionally venturing onto nearby farmland and are particularly evident in regions such as the Norfolk Broads and coastal wetlands. Interestingly, many have remarked that the facial features bear a resemblance to that of a teddy bear – a comparison that certainly holds true I think.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw037W1dfcWQZelNdMRzl4NG4Aep2OigYePEkql9MOAWLboVlnzernieEkinSO3FX6cML_lCVuZVhdD9AgKNBdvP5bkBDp4EEsWvb6V5baDim8MSOyzO5HCjpeWa0ctmHtbnzReMT_H8b3SVrq-R1e8payf8McddkcDe6Noxb5hFQr0oE7m3VuxoAPfPie/s3008/chinese-water-deer_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Chinese water deer" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw037W1dfcWQZelNdMRzl4NG4Aep2OigYePEkql9MOAWLboVlnzernieEkinSO3FX6cML_lCVuZVhdD9AgKNBdvP5bkBDp4EEsWvb6V5baDim8MSOyzO5HCjpeWa0ctmHtbnzReMT_H8b3SVrq-R1e8payf8McddkcDe6Noxb5hFQr0oE7m3VuxoAPfPie/s600/chinese-water-deer_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We walked on and spotted a handful of pintails coming in over the reedbed. I'd seen some nice photos of pintails recently and made a conscious effort to capture these in flight, hopefully showing the tail. In flight tthe tail of this sepcies is distinctive and striking, characterised by its long, slender shape and pointed ends. When viewed from a distance, it appears noticeably elongated, extending beyond the bird's body. Male pintails have striking plumage with a long slender neck, chocolate-brown head, white breast, and distinctive white stripe running down the sides of their otherwise gray bodies. Female pintails have mottled brown plumage for camouflage.
<p>During the winter months in the UK, pintails are a common sight in wetland areas, estuaries, and coastal marshes. Many pintails migrate to the UK for the winter from their breeding grounds in northern Europe and Russia as we have milder winter conditions and abundant food sources, making it an attractive destination.
<p>I couldn't help thinking of plates on a wall, with mallards in flight ...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88xGkfLazktameFut_ia5qrirOkM-02fbRnFxai9Afi2_sIQ5sC2hLkdO-TmDpzLKRU5z4vHGNP6uUPxga8xOZmu9lqPDXYb1KONVEdNGxVSVUeXs1itQ2-itJ-AIru795AqpLMw8u1JrKnCwhK-l4qdmxtO6gOk33YYoL8bxgAwjS8E2c-fCRHvMHTgy/s3450/pintail-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pintail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2298" data-original-width="3450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88xGkfLazktameFut_ia5qrirOkM-02fbRnFxai9Afi2_sIQ5sC2hLkdO-TmDpzLKRU5z4vHGNP6uUPxga8xOZmu9lqPDXYb1KONVEdNGxVSVUeXs1itQ2-itJ-AIru795AqpLMw8u1JrKnCwhK-l4qdmxtO6gOk33YYoL8bxgAwjS8E2c-fCRHvMHTgy/s600/pintail-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Bb_rFYMM32Y_AiuDfJSLcAyBW8KpzkQBvG0y0t4JPpKE6uDp8wncLICBaT_v1MJwSA0DKtFlWTOX1e1nXFYfd-mRwQs8cXc8h0-j5y7qrVRo-D5OTD8VVcLKmrT-uctICopgSNvLOF-Wo9kUirP-k2-0USd3MV9zOooIY0Y0beoemnyULWq5SnG8zXSr/s3008/pintail-2_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pintail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Bb_rFYMM32Y_AiuDfJSLcAyBW8KpzkQBvG0y0t4JPpKE6uDp8wncLICBaT_v1MJwSA0DKtFlWTOX1e1nXFYfd-mRwQs8cXc8h0-j5y7qrVRo-D5OTD8VVcLKmrT-uctICopgSNvLOF-Wo9kUirP-k2-0USd3MV9zOooIY0Y0beoemnyULWq5SnG8zXSr/s600/pintail-2_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdIHdIVhgtvJumQsCMEbil-NXGqiPvsUFyRSAftfgVPog-8PO337GpVe4es30TS43JpS-MmYssd4BljZdMqHA3ckxe0BD3Ckw2igzIv6tIlxRN7FMlaspyOWBWiuyWF7A9cYPlIwV0NEkgkjV4ZNVrhGxZIQREu8rGkg2rozwc-tqL80mW5oioNONE9j_/s3008/pintail-3_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pintail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdIHdIVhgtvJumQsCMEbil-NXGqiPvsUFyRSAftfgVPog-8PO337GpVe4es30TS43JpS-MmYssd4BljZdMqHA3ckxe0BD3Ckw2igzIv6tIlxRN7FMlaspyOWBWiuyWF7A9cYPlIwV0NEkgkjV4ZNVrhGxZIQREu8rGkg2rozwc-tqL80mW5oioNONE9j_/s600/pintail-3_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi29qgIWrZM3Ssg_9de4plwu0zgVWanLOGxmgibzQCJ-u5mwWowoCvRk4YK4Ric_LhlZkCjc4ia3C7a2_lnnW0FgYgK9whYoxQHHwYJSxrJSRv66nIU1x4q6ubP97fn1g5QvHm4FnIAfN8fivSVJwjNGkLIhphAtEDjX2DaeazlbmmqU7rypWTe37LlUW/s3008/pintail-4_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pintail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi29qgIWrZM3Ssg_9de4plwu0zgVWanLOGxmgibzQCJ-u5mwWowoCvRk4YK4Ric_LhlZkCjc4ia3C7a2_lnnW0FgYgK9whYoxQHHwYJSxrJSRv66nIU1x4q6ubP97fn1g5QvHm4FnIAfN8fivSVJwjNGkLIhphAtEDjX2DaeazlbmmqU7rypWTe37LlUW/s600/pintail-4_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedWwm1V1DQciVDlsM0kdS-eWJeRbPETtd-zHYW7J6D7o80_VtEFbI7zBdtChtrCvfeb1QGudtYScQNOjIaK0T46ozG5AH12S5kAfSg3JHr3fF6-lmHBOkvs4efcyJfC8LHOZGMnbRVQWhBuWoT6A9YC7Q9Y1HnVdTE5YtMQSZd_Lx2hsNpL_JxkoZ24P5/s3008/pintail-5_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pintail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedWwm1V1DQciVDlsM0kdS-eWJeRbPETtd-zHYW7J6D7o80_VtEFbI7zBdtChtrCvfeb1QGudtYScQNOjIaK0T46ozG5AH12S5kAfSg3JHr3fF6-lmHBOkvs4efcyJfC8LHOZGMnbRVQWhBuWoT6A9YC7Q9Y1HnVdTE5YtMQSZd_Lx2hsNpL_JxkoZ24P5/s600/pintail-5_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We undertook a sustained search around the area where the water pipit had been reported but only managed to find meadow and a rock pipits. Onto the beach again with the hope of finding something new but the same birds were all in view. Eventually, I gravitated towards the water's edge, drawn to photograph the bar-tailed godwits. Amidst them, the sanderlings caught my eye, their antics reminiscent of clowns. Meanwhile, Kev couldn't resist capturing a moment of me "flushing the birds" by the shoreline.
<p>Seeing bar-tailed godwits is always a highlight, especially since I often come across large gatherings of their black-tailed cousins at RSPB Frampton while my sightings of bar-tailed godwits are less frequent. These birds are renowned for their remarkable long-distance migrations, typically arriving in the UK during late summer or autumn from their breeding grounds in the Arctic. They follow specific flyways, covering extensive distances, sometimes spanning thousands of miles. Their plumage undergoes noticeable changes; in winter, it becomes paler with more greyish tones, while during the breeding season it displays a vibrant array of rich chestnut and cinnamon hues on the underparts.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqC3XEoB_cSK6pJigLysnTXjBbRDpX6-3CnSBDaYDiJnklHAkmfac1pCRTAVyNI7aN9HULWEhOUnuV7iAc8dCf5lbzOvlfgu-cI48rw5iYdRrq0p5y1Zav7nIik1lZBzUP8U4-eTg7Bpz22AL9ny4HkLOoVehKSrmX_s7sN4-2sd51Nfcuu3NSx_39Ug5/s3008/bar-tailed-godwit-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bar-tailed godwit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqC3XEoB_cSK6pJigLysnTXjBbRDpX6-3CnSBDaYDiJnklHAkmfac1pCRTAVyNI7aN9HULWEhOUnuV7iAc8dCf5lbzOvlfgu-cI48rw5iYdRrq0p5y1Zav7nIik1lZBzUP8U4-eTg7Bpz22AL9ny4HkLOoVehKSrmX_s7sN4-2sd51Nfcuu3NSx_39Ug5/s600/bar-tailed-godwit-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>In the closest pool to the beach we picked up a pair of red-breasted mergansers feeding reasonably close. They were showing well and deserved their photo call.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW_b2aQt8PfDvXVj591TG1o6-u0VID1kCj9A0JXqvgZgOGJLvavgrDkpnYYq4DEokkn-fyAqMlPIPUrWXVn11znqiw0v34-mwLHcERVAfiSECi8F0rqM_RbnNv7Ohu1djd-QGhov6QgbY6fucUAhtbxiJEZKTXbVKyo5k83xECJaE_10tgHjqe8az7QMb/s3008/red-breated-merganser-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-breasted merganser" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW_b2aQt8PfDvXVj591TG1o6-u0VID1kCj9A0JXqvgZgOGJLvavgrDkpnYYq4DEokkn-fyAqMlPIPUrWXVn11znqiw0v34-mwLHcERVAfiSECi8F0rqM_RbnNv7Ohu1djd-QGhov6QgbY6fucUAhtbxiJEZKTXbVKyo5k83xECJaE_10tgHjqe8az7QMb/s600/red-breated-merganser-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Returning to the Visitor's Centre, we headed to the feeders at the back. There, we joined a father and daughter observing the finches and tits gathered on the feeders and on the ground. About five minutes later, Kev spotted a female brambling. It foraged around the base of a feeding table before moving closer, directly in front of us under another table. I struggled to focus on the bird in the grass, and the colour reproduction seemed off. I adjusted it as best as I could. It won't be long before they begin their northward migration back to their breeding sites in Scandinavia, Russia, and parts of northern Europe. A muntjac deer strolled in and joined in hoovering up the spilled bird seeds and nuts.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmwnI1-4sux28DeBbe57aa53uWKDIHdydMqeG7aUi2JKA6cncbrP7W_DnLbrv6LeOig4hPYWufZ4iQDO_HmC33CPUchPLa7pKGQcVKwOcBWhBr5RTx6W_k4pI-LQ7gGA76J2VXv8mKJqk4nKMjQqwwuSfWl6n6XczqQqVdLXadAzkYVOEgEWi019Afelm/s3008/brambling-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Brambling" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmwnI1-4sux28DeBbe57aa53uWKDIHdydMqeG7aUi2JKA6cncbrP7W_DnLbrv6LeOig4hPYWufZ4iQDO_HmC33CPUchPLa7pKGQcVKwOcBWhBr5RTx6W_k4pI-LQ7gGA76J2VXv8mKJqk4nKMjQqwwuSfWl6n6XczqQqVdLXadAzkYVOEgEWi019Afelm/s600/brambling-1_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtiI5C2LDv2KMmgaMAbBfhBeEw60XAkgV2Spn_IbQpaVncRdSNJUEiYEziJSp3W_UyrLb1QP7pcx_O-58c-m92A3-9q3vTxaVDe9itFVkr9BCMDc8O6JkTWzQCvlIDSdAYI6bHnBEgQMIEBRwzccqOPr1tct8Em30CWjxddnWVpIiFsxGoFdO0XSDd1GO/s6533/muntjac_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Muntjac" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="4355" data-original-width="6533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtiI5C2LDv2KMmgaMAbBfhBeEw60XAkgV2Spn_IbQpaVncRdSNJUEiYEziJSp3W_UyrLb1QP7pcx_O-58c-m92A3-9q3vTxaVDe9itFVkr9BCMDc8O6JkTWzQCvlIDSdAYI6bHnBEgQMIEBRwzccqOPr1tct8Em30CWjxddnWVpIiFsxGoFdO0XSDd1GO/s600/muntjac_RSPBTitchwellMarsh_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We'd notched up 59 species but missed a number of target birds. A nice day out but a little frustrating.
<p>Year list: 146.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-51779482684083193822024-02-15T20:26:00.000+00:002024-02-15T20:26:23.081+00:00Lisvane / Llanishen Reservoirs & Slimbridge :: 10 February 2024<p>We initially intended to go to WWT Slimbridge but decided to make a detour to Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs in Glamorgan first. Our friends Adrian and Bryan had recently been and seen a red-necked grebe and ring-necked ducks there, so we wanted to check it out - the ring-necked ducks were a pair. Kev's <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> sister Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/hobbylovinglife" target="_blank">@hobbylovinglife</a> and her partner Dean <a href="https://twitter.com/worlebirder" target="_blank">@worlebirder</a> planned to visit early doors and so we met them for breakfast in Newport before continuing to Cardiff.
<p>Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs comprise two designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognised for their significant ecological importance. Lisvane Reservoir SSSI specifically highlights its role as a habitat for overwintering wildfowl. The site boasts an impressive Visitor Centre equipped with a café, complimentary WiFi, an activities hub, and rentable rooms. Other amenities include a boathouse, bird hide, education centre, nature trails, biking facilities, and extensive parking - parking fees apply. We arrived to find only a couple of cars already there and made our way to the water's edge. We scanned through the ducks, and it didn't take more than a couple of minutes until we were on the ring-necked ducks.
<p>Ring-necked ducks are a species of diving duck not native to the United Kingdom and are primarily found in North America, where they breed in freshwater marshes and ponds across Canada and the northern United States. Males have a striking appearance with a glossy black head, neck, and chest, a white vertical stripe on the side in front of a grey/white flank, and a distinctive chestnut-coloured ring around their neck, although this ring is often difficult to see in the field. Males have a resemblance to tufted ducks and sometimes take time to separate at distance. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates and as proficient divers, they are capable of diving to considerable depths in search of food.
<p>We watched the pair diving but all too soon the male began to swim away and eventually took flight, disappearing towards the far end of the reservoir. The female slowly drifted further away, prompting us to decide to begin our search for the red-necked grebe. Before we left, we were treated to the sight of a couple of grey herons landing on the bank.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNGegrWQPuwh54f-7GG6X-X9bwHmTpjh2xumqRvfIjA2Y2IzyUZfPgBqP_v59zISh6j5r1UWAq6LR4HZNv4niHctaBvA5a0R0QwlrEIbZZ2qemi__uMg4Ywp-yy-yt1ORzx6KuzBKgZLQ2B-tcmghxqXx-CilGJmCDVExnrirgrHki-geGGllKDQCBuck/s3008/ring-necked-duck-1_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ring-necked duck" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNGegrWQPuwh54f-7GG6X-X9bwHmTpjh2xumqRvfIjA2Y2IzyUZfPgBqP_v59zISh6j5r1UWAq6LR4HZNv4niHctaBvA5a0R0QwlrEIbZZ2qemi__uMg4Ywp-yy-yt1ORzx6KuzBKgZLQ2B-tcmghxqXx-CilGJmCDVExnrirgrHki-geGGllKDQCBuck/s600/ring-necked-duck-1_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVsqpHoO-QighKcZu9Hs65LccPnnmQ1hBfbE2v2xbhhB8Z2sneMtyB3LFDch-w9HcH_VbF0DOI1NyyeiwcLWCHiF_lNV7RJ9JX_pyrhHTWBtDGdm5j9TopfaAsPHHdSKqS9oolxx66lY4YgYN8A4-F1yn73mmjtk_zAtcdqwgoowaw2yi0RD_g3woouF-/s3008/ring-necked-duck-3_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ring-necked duck" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVsqpHoO-QighKcZu9Hs65LccPnnmQ1hBfbE2v2xbhhB8Z2sneMtyB3LFDch-w9HcH_VbF0DOI1NyyeiwcLWCHiF_lNV7RJ9JX_pyrhHTWBtDGdm5j9TopfaAsPHHdSKqS9oolxx66lY4YgYN8A4-F1yn73mmjtk_zAtcdqwgoowaw2yi0RD_g3woouF-/s600/ring-necked-duck-3_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCKXtQVQf_sqqi0Cb-szavfv6GPfXIBlwvR1WL7eJUjK_oqjL_bm0qMQfxX-uhlXfJX4YL-E4sSQYtpndX8OuxV7xnDWTrj6SsQZa22r8a3yyMegmG1Fr4LV-EfqgjeHw2_VwtR_CTpP4fouTBVY9Tdesl3hYnAzT-FNhl7twzRorUL7sU_KALe2yyLGI/s3008/ring-necked-duck-4_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ring-necked duck" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCKXtQVQf_sqqi0Cb-szavfv6GPfXIBlwvR1WL7eJUjK_oqjL_bm0qMQfxX-uhlXfJX4YL-E4sSQYtpndX8OuxV7xnDWTrj6SsQZa22r8a3yyMegmG1Fr4LV-EfqgjeHw2_VwtR_CTpP4fouTBVY9Tdesl3hYnAzT-FNhl7twzRorUL7sU_KALe2yyLGI/s600/ring-necked-duck-4_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtIC4a45F_k7slZM5ujUto3S_r962GTq0z5Hhy1L_MnAyVeBw9w3uCGaFAjwpYhBA4YVTp-bhR3ngKbzwtpY2CWO5uPm6hfK5e2ppieuO6WqdnNo_9smJ9Jdf-bDAGnnIhzi_CBB04UUPTUX6R3NGU47ChyphenhyphenXI04iBhuqXbVoGHZ7A2-kTvL-WLSLgks_Y/s3008/ring-necked-duck-2_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ring-necked duck" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtIC4a45F_k7slZM5ujUto3S_r962GTq0z5Hhy1L_MnAyVeBw9w3uCGaFAjwpYhBA4YVTp-bhR3ngKbzwtpY2CWO5uPm6hfK5e2ppieuO6WqdnNo_9smJ9Jdf-bDAGnnIhzi_CBB04UUPTUX6R3NGU47ChyphenhyphenXI04iBhuqXbVoGHZ7A2-kTvL-WLSLgks_Y/s600/ring-necked-duck-2_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInyX8osyxvfUK5LPfG7k0AnZBaHYrlw0xn5L289TKa-AZ5PYlZqPluVFBIm0z0ZvB76z1G1Ke7Gu-qEmWDynI2lBW4e4Ef3GeR_a3zHfEnI9BzkI_AcLi3UagXyZHMbXNFLGSDPpJnn3oae0GZbPw28YQoxIkD2f5sTeOgiOOEWvVhthsVubXkdKERxjx/s3008/ring-necked-duck-8_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ring-necked duck" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInyX8osyxvfUK5LPfG7k0AnZBaHYrlw0xn5L289TKa-AZ5PYlZqPluVFBIm0z0ZvB76z1G1Ke7Gu-qEmWDynI2lBW4e4Ef3GeR_a3zHfEnI9BzkI_AcLi3UagXyZHMbXNFLGSDPpJnn3oae0GZbPw28YQoxIkD2f5sTeOgiOOEWvVhthsVubXkdKERxjx/s600/ring-necked-duck-8_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVDtfFSX3V9K1WpmUqjcoLFOnMCnsXYZbpunWZIOy7ZsVWSs4Ce9f6Ud9QtmutU9pxpfNRHhPhQ39Q5quGoOxS43ZoCuBvgy0BVKaxjfZuW3HciqUn3_WMVLBGYcI4IwfmLde_YP5GTj83gX6RniGkY60SR106cDeYg6byuw17JN-O3Z6iYj2kgl34sq_/s3008/grey-heron_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Grey heron" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVDtfFSX3V9K1WpmUqjcoLFOnMCnsXYZbpunWZIOy7ZsVWSs4Ce9f6Ud9QtmutU9pxpfNRHhPhQ39Q5quGoOxS43ZoCuBvgy0BVKaxjfZuW3HciqUn3_WMVLBGYcI4IwfmLde_YP5GTj83gX6RniGkY60SR106cDeYg6byuw17JN-O3Z6iYj2kgl34sq_/s600/grey-heron_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We dropped down onto the lower path running between the two bodies of water and looked back to see at least 21 little grebes, a common sandpiper, and a grey wagtail. We saw grebes out in the water behind (Llanishen) and eventually we resolved that they were all great-crested and not our target bird. We were standing near the hide/screen when a birder strolled across to tell us that the red-necked grebe was showing just round the corner in the bay.
<p>Red-necked grebes are native to the UK and are primarily found in Scotland, especially in the northern and western areas, although they are also spotted in England and Wales. These birds prefer freshwater habitats such as lochs, reservoirs, and larger ponds during the breeding season, while they may also occur in coastal waters during migration and winter. They are medium-sized diving birds with striking plumage and have a long neck, a slender body, and a pointed black bill. During the breeding season, their plumage features a distinctive rusty-red neck, which contrasts with the dark upperparts and white underparts but outside the breeding season, their plumage becomes duller, with the red on the neck fading. This is what we expected today in February.
<p>We rounded the corner and easily picked out the re-necked grebe, preening on the water and at middle distance - at least it wasn't feeding in the middle. Scope views were very good.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5Qmf22D8cqxmlcqYwU0GS_U-F0potNXZ_3esmp2PZlyK-YTHKxkg_O_ASPWiNEEGH9dgozOFUoRqzcNQIGtf8Y-kiBLzjTRUMtl_y4cWdQg6wpFxqoB9A4JGEM-x_BZ9Qvt5bMOhXM2W5ELsX6J8r-am0HLu8Y8D3EbMnVk1e4_DlLmBVDto39lqkSkI/s3008/red-necked-grebe-1_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-necked grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5Qmf22D8cqxmlcqYwU0GS_U-F0potNXZ_3esmp2PZlyK-YTHKxkg_O_ASPWiNEEGH9dgozOFUoRqzcNQIGtf8Y-kiBLzjTRUMtl_y4cWdQg6wpFxqoB9A4JGEM-x_BZ9Qvt5bMOhXM2W5ELsX6J8r-am0HLu8Y8D3EbMnVk1e4_DlLmBVDto39lqkSkI/s600/red-necked-grebe-1_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTatgXky1zaxr48b15Rd25chyi07caDeKAuVGySoTMGgthR3yWqDQeT10vFdVmsiimwy7GalRKrTR74fCoq_ifQsqBU8tA31TW0pWaKS6d7gahvJ8Dd6z9ZH-GLdCA-0Ljdoih9fuYK22d_KpiP4aWmDQTOxcGs-kR3Af7f5_0iqQolp86n_72zwnN9So/s3008/red-necked-grebe-2_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-necked grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTatgXky1zaxr48b15Rd25chyi07caDeKAuVGySoTMGgthR3yWqDQeT10vFdVmsiimwy7GalRKrTR74fCoq_ifQsqBU8tA31TW0pWaKS6d7gahvJ8Dd6z9ZH-GLdCA-0Ljdoih9fuYK22d_KpiP4aWmDQTOxcGs-kR3Af7f5_0iqQolp86n_72zwnN9So/s600/red-necked-grebe-2_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uNlodmCsdR7vl9vyf2GcT96eS7H9J4lShHnkH8Da93WAi8Nck1m_0zeEEsnfuM86I6_OrpK4Gk2MPaKpFSBPxCIWXpCgUTA-XHknKgVvLhRWD_NuLgoEZ2x-_xaKaKgHD6h7PLjpQ306zTHfvfKnZPkDXAM8d2PkQ70qvNW8LLsM-m95HFnMjRTjIjrL/s3008/red-necked-grebe-3_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-necked grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uNlodmCsdR7vl9vyf2GcT96eS7H9J4lShHnkH8Da93WAi8Nck1m_0zeEEsnfuM86I6_OrpK4Gk2MPaKpFSBPxCIWXpCgUTA-XHknKgVvLhRWD_NuLgoEZ2x-_xaKaKgHD6h7PLjpQ306zTHfvfKnZPkDXAM8d2PkQ70qvNW8LLsM-m95HFnMjRTjIjrL/s600/red-necked-grebe-3_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzYFkXN5vYfRxA0W4CiyZw2RHFyVorYZRSlxZCKnu5J76ncpgNBinsEja-JwTAhBQAAzeLPi_I0YAmlHyF6I_j19YVK0DxynzCpbzn-yEIsfEctFSYe2MsZoH32rQXzbT9PDV-MQClL91i0UNrmxinahMWQyVrL-nmagHZD960HciEPU6JFs8vDpOz8HB/s3008/red-necked-grebe-4_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-necked grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzYFkXN5vYfRxA0W4CiyZw2RHFyVorYZRSlxZCKnu5J76ncpgNBinsEja-JwTAhBQAAzeLPi_I0YAmlHyF6I_j19YVK0DxynzCpbzn-yEIsfEctFSYe2MsZoH32rQXzbT9PDV-MQClL91i0UNrmxinahMWQyVrL-nmagHZD960HciEPU6JFs8vDpOz8HB/s600/red-necked-grebe-4_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We scanned the gulls but didn't find anything - behind in the trees a jay called as it was harassed by a handful of magpies. A nuthatch called and flew out of the trees and away. We eventually made our way back to the car and had more views of the ring-necked ducks; the male had motored from the end of the reservoir back to the female and both were easily viewable between dives. Karen got ahead of us and when I caught her up, a grey wagtail dropped onto the slope down to the water; amazingly this was the first I'd seen in 2024.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYVclp7BhOvvcXtk7kh3a2JpYjBR33pxrQZJI2h-czYx14wDsbGCbNH_s2f361Xb396Z8qvUsK1Tb7GKiv5dVsoGSqNNTq6CRPxXY8CGSXiTHHc1ViCoX4vFBZbar8X8zjBhbIOKpAC1ikbXzx4Sp9YW86yWQVBTV1tlZKTaJ5GI18UA2sgwQ3INpzS2o/s3008/grey-wagtail_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Grey wagtail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYVclp7BhOvvcXtk7kh3a2JpYjBR33pxrQZJI2h-czYx14wDsbGCbNH_s2f361Xb396Z8qvUsK1Tb7GKiv5dVsoGSqNNTq6CRPxXY8CGSXiTHHc1ViCoX4vFBZbar8X8zjBhbIOKpAC1ikbXzx4Sp9YW86yWQVBTV1tlZKTaJ5GI18UA2sgwQ3INpzS2o/s600/grey-wagtail_LisvaneLlanishen_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We stopped and chatted and while Karen and Dean decided to go to the Visitor Centre for a coffee, Kev and I decided to return to the car and head to Slimbridge so that I could see the Bewick's swans before they leave in the spring. It would take us just over an hour and we'd arrive early lunchtime.
<p>Bewick's Swans are migratory birds that visit the UK during the winter months, typically arriving from their breeding grounds in Arctic Russia. They undertake one of the longest migrations of any swan species, traveling thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in Siberia to their wintering sites in Europe. They follow a well-established migration route, flying over Scandinavia and into western Europe before reaching the UK. They are smaller than the more familiar mute swans, with a distinctive appearance characterized by a small, triangular yellow patch at the base of the bill. Bewick's swans are often observed in family groups or small flocks during their winter stay in the UK and here at Slimbridge there are reportedly up to about 150.
<p>It didn't take long before we found them from Peng Observatory and Rushy Hide.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwYQlU09u09NbQyXXjfCMX_lf40Mxsgi15Wg3AO7afyMZaKVAhYZpWchOZmK08ZinQAHfwA3YlozaHlRNqyBmx6Nbbd6UXgzLJSgMpo-bTZi5QWST8wd_0_8Cn7AS8V1BUYj5kip4a2NYz0QnmmziC5R5XybCQ-BBdwYkvOQ0lGxsCNyAu3FWZqXS-L-t/s5241/bewicks-swan-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bewick's swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3494" data-original-width="5241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwYQlU09u09NbQyXXjfCMX_lf40Mxsgi15Wg3AO7afyMZaKVAhYZpWchOZmK08ZinQAHfwA3YlozaHlRNqyBmx6Nbbd6UXgzLJSgMpo-bTZi5QWST8wd_0_8Cn7AS8V1BUYj5kip4a2NYz0QnmmziC5R5XybCQ-BBdwYkvOQ0lGxsCNyAu3FWZqXS-L-t/s600/bewicks-swan-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixksh4cWesLacBJ5n8BFy7cCJCN7p9xnv6oGZznffBeIHLxfjdE186yVr0zeLzwWnbGtrtSvl3EEYHudc22Gpp8E91IuIyFC9MMK1r7LvE6sZGK5KgJIrIuZeMeKxeX0iSN3c2tV3hkSJ4y_rfgayFKQ4Mn9Cbp1MgxdyfPHak0KHD9vioFZagnK6-lIni/s5241/bewicks-swan-2_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bewick's swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3494" data-original-width="5241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixksh4cWesLacBJ5n8BFy7cCJCN7p9xnv6oGZznffBeIHLxfjdE186yVr0zeLzwWnbGtrtSvl3EEYHudc22Gpp8E91IuIyFC9MMK1r7LvE6sZGK5KgJIrIuZeMeKxeX0iSN3c2tV3hkSJ4y_rfgayFKQ4Mn9Cbp1MgxdyfPHak0KHD9vioFZagnK6-lIni/s600/bewicks-swan-2_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>In general, Bewick's Swans begin their northward migration in March or April. Some swans may depart earlier, while others may linger in the UK until later in the spring. Adult birds often depart earlier than younger birds or families with cygnets. Additionally, weather patterns and environmental conditions can influence the timing of migration, with favourable winds and weather conditions facilitating faster migration.
<p>Happy to have seen the birds, we moved on towards Willow Hide and where water rails have been showing well this winter. We stopped at various vantage points and as we scanned the reeds Kev called a Cetti's warbler working low to the water but in the reeds rather than on the front. I managed to follow it along from left to right and to catch it as it paused briefly. Although I’ve heard Cetti's multiple times this year, including on New Year's Day, this was the first I could get a look at.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGgouVmB47Z9gXp-MQxfAUisZZPRvFRv7xFQG1MbGfN8OqAbi992eVYjx8X4wduxmoawX0CSak4so2jMgUCGetQdfXq3Qlv0Bh5-p02_ue390vjULZ50uV_il2wPGLXhjazw9_23ZpGmMLPa-olx4yJylh1v2KaJVomkPo6HVWo6FRTSV4lUk1TdCu8yK/s3008/cettis-warbler-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Cetti's warbler" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGgouVmB47Z9gXp-MQxfAUisZZPRvFRv7xFQG1MbGfN8OqAbi992eVYjx8X4wduxmoawX0CSak4so2jMgUCGetQdfXq3Qlv0Bh5-p02_ue390vjULZ50uV_il2wPGLXhjazw9_23ZpGmMLPa-olx4yJylh1v2KaJVomkPo6HVWo6FRTSV4lUk1TdCu8yK/s600/cettis-warbler-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>The heavy rain has flooded much of the area where they have been seen and so after a short wait with no sign, we moved on to the Robbie Garnett Hide where we stumbled upon a single spotted redshank, in winter plumage. During the summer season, its appearance undergoes striking changes acquiring a distinctive breeding plumage; striking black coloration that extends from the bird's head down its neck, breast, and upperparts. This black plumage contrasts sharply with the white underparts, creating a striking visual impression. The black coloration is glossy and may appear iridescent in certain lighting conditions. We will look forward to seeing these later in the year.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjc4tXjIXSvnYed0oTF2-a4iqGkXyIQluooLSap9fHp8DL01BP9MOC4i-qHzr8UrAMSmlvjThYfoL-9HXtAU92PLfBK8FjxGJfdczDsKdJNX0t4kaA4GLB_mYl8g3E-LWuH2PsWjzKAk998LtcYY8sxfv3-OdZZvVUDLk7RE2zRAClAxSrXDrxQJ13W0Cq/s3008/spotted-redshank_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Spotted redshank" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjc4tXjIXSvnYed0oTF2-a4iqGkXyIQluooLSap9fHp8DL01BP9MOC4i-qHzr8UrAMSmlvjThYfoL-9HXtAU92PLfBK8FjxGJfdczDsKdJNX0t4kaA4GLB_mYl8g3E-LWuH2PsWjzKAk998LtcYY8sxfv3-OdZZvVUDLk7RE2zRAClAxSrXDrxQJ13W0Cq/s600/spotted-redshank_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Onwards to the Estuary Tower and up onto the second level, looking out across the Dumbles and Tack Piece. From here we could see many of the geese: barnacle, Canada, greylag but also Ross's, bar-headed, snow and lesser white-fronted. The lesser white-fronted goose of unknown origin was with Canada geese on the Tack Piece while the snow goose, of unknown origin, and the long-staying Ross’s goose were on the Dumbles.
<p>There was a single distant crane but not much else we hadn't already seen - there were a few ruff (year tick) a bit closer so I snapped a couple of them - a wigeon took flight in the direction I was pointing and I snapped that too.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilth5kEFw_J3nq3Yo2xTz14NY3ffOwkyaT3C7kQndAVZMbOzP4JJoGgfR3Zj8WdIWvVzJ0GOWiOE9zf0Bgx8GZopAd76Qg6Y_Sl-gIhRGzqnQ2QRoZfCcgAz2KSBwYnGft6arAFU_TYEZk1KArGDNIlNhQ2Pj0y3ej6SS1pNf3IwPkYGDdPo9RzDf_1uQm/s3008/bar-headed-goose-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bar-headed goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilth5kEFw_J3nq3Yo2xTz14NY3ffOwkyaT3C7kQndAVZMbOzP4JJoGgfR3Zj8WdIWvVzJ0GOWiOE9zf0Bgx8GZopAd76Qg6Y_Sl-gIhRGzqnQ2QRoZfCcgAz2KSBwYnGft6arAFU_TYEZk1KArGDNIlNhQ2Pj0y3ej6SS1pNf3IwPkYGDdPo9RzDf_1uQm/s600/bar-headed-goose-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXo3X3TgxWS5Usj9k0YK2SJC9xgmYLBiYjghFWmqxpRsV7e-YG28c4GGB_Y9g73Xn6LXCPHrQm_DD26rx92S3JVGLNrm6c-a9kVSrcrmqr2sMs0rTH7tfQCdCRRlbOZ_7FGaGWY5-qSLWXdzq2cWK1AAWKWe3HquAohCD9SMh5Cgyp_XB7VGZdA8O3wztC/s3008/bar-headed-goose-2_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bar-headed goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXo3X3TgxWS5Usj9k0YK2SJC9xgmYLBiYjghFWmqxpRsV7e-YG28c4GGB_Y9g73Xn6LXCPHrQm_DD26rx92S3JVGLNrm6c-a9kVSrcrmqr2sMs0rTH7tfQCdCRRlbOZ_7FGaGWY5-qSLWXdzq2cWK1AAWKWe3HquAohCD9SMh5Cgyp_XB7VGZdA8O3wztC/s600/bar-headed-goose-2_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38t-gllddVZudD6z6O24BW47zjpoHKJS_jFPLZBXk5ReyHV0qmNciCUvKDp6laEXrQfYrC-DXKxAQF8BgoEW7faOcffWQFr_JIJw4x3g0yjmG4RGfN9W4GrPlyN4jajFrPdXh8EHc_ph-EjhPQU1Rx2YebI_7TF2VzcgLAPf3epJcYA45Kx6-QqnAIUTh/s3008/lesser-white-fronted-goose_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Lesser white-fronted goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38t-gllddVZudD6z6O24BW47zjpoHKJS_jFPLZBXk5ReyHV0qmNciCUvKDp6laEXrQfYrC-DXKxAQF8BgoEW7faOcffWQFr_JIJw4x3g0yjmG4RGfN9W4GrPlyN4jajFrPdXh8EHc_ph-EjhPQU1Rx2YebI_7TF2VzcgLAPf3epJcYA45Kx6-QqnAIUTh/s600/lesser-white-fronted-goose_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HFOT8Tb2Cl8YovO4SIZxt-NS8abQ5RWAzIXINKz4WwbvhnEeEABUAEc_VSy29efmmAgj7kc6ONOT3FSFKHQOoF9UOKh0pih1BYJSyfi6oFxro0wGCJUdGs9xKDj4Fl_f15cwmyomrCssgEDGWGe1c-uCUNoO5Ake7GjU4GaJr7zdF7pm4sFvI8KxuGN6/s3008/ross%27s-goose_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ross's goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HFOT8Tb2Cl8YovO4SIZxt-NS8abQ5RWAzIXINKz4WwbvhnEeEABUAEc_VSy29efmmAgj7kc6ONOT3FSFKHQOoF9UOKh0pih1BYJSyfi6oFxro0wGCJUdGs9xKDj4Fl_f15cwmyomrCssgEDGWGe1c-uCUNoO5Ake7GjU4GaJr7zdF7pm4sFvI8KxuGN6/s600/ross%27s-goose_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccYmAhGP0B5FxA3-uuzmIB-uvqQlZvUtYfSXsSwrxdTkDdtZcDFyplSb5uXicVoWuR4nxBPMfX2fIOB-ynecqEzB6wazpWnICuWClPpy7bf7aKc0aTWjb8w81KqLDkOqDDy65HNgo_BS1f-2jlbQhVDtUHmd02IbfGI4qIR153erTC3I47nnIEtkjSprS/s3008/ruff-wigeon_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ruff and wigeon" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccYmAhGP0B5FxA3-uuzmIB-uvqQlZvUtYfSXsSwrxdTkDdtZcDFyplSb5uXicVoWuR4nxBPMfX2fIOB-ynecqEzB6wazpWnICuWClPpy7bf7aKc0aTWjb8w81KqLDkOqDDy65HNgo_BS1f-2jlbQhVDtUHmd02IbfGI4qIR153erTC3I47nnIEtkjSprS/s600/ruff-wigeon_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy8bx7D3OkOuiFnc2J4jDeNPp3JdexmsaM0wc5QWpN4ac3N6G54LGQgJnG_kQ1bjvww0NI1YBhyjlZOPnC1zc6IbzRRF-GUlNfXQnfw9Mbrorr7POnsyLmftD8n-fAzmxBvJKILFloRBUw1dv-7wYmiZNiCyM02dzhkKcNh_cXVT_ZqEZG2JQD5WfDKdp/s3008/wigeon_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Wigeon" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy8bx7D3OkOuiFnc2J4jDeNPp3JdexmsaM0wc5QWpN4ac3N6G54LGQgJnG_kQ1bjvww0NI1YBhyjlZOPnC1zc6IbzRRF-GUlNfXQnfw9Mbrorr7POnsyLmftD8n-fAzmxBvJKILFloRBUw1dv-7wYmiZNiCyM02dzhkKcNh_cXVT_ZqEZG2JQD5WfDKdp/s600/wigeon_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>There was no sign of the usual peregrine and after a while we decided to make our way to the Zeiss Hide and see if we could locate any white-fronted geese. We arrived to find there were only a few greylag geese in the area and no white-fronts - Kev continued to search and I returned to the front of the hide as I could hear water rail calling. To my left I saw a water rail dart through a gap in the reeds and I got myself ready in case I could catch it out in the open - as luck would have it, I then heard two calls and both burst from the reeds into the open, one chased down the area of cut reeds and back out of view. One had stopped long enough for me to fire off a few photos and thankfully was stationary long enough to allow something in focus.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHj9fZfckofx_HsnT0mZ0l4JPDN5qFN0dXOfFxPmlT_1VXyvU9Wpla505f80nu_rQcKFjfDnSuCb10oeYdzQucNkaI1d0bSOHMoz4NYfHeTi3H03tRx6lBZaf2yavpjgK_P1GBn4citqO1zDM5zAOMS58dSI9ijRn9YdpmrsV5JvxOnNkp08VtM8E-zPZ/s3008/water-rail_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Water rail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHj9fZfckofx_HsnT0mZ0l4JPDN5qFN0dXOfFxPmlT_1VXyvU9Wpla505f80nu_rQcKFjfDnSuCb10oeYdzQucNkaI1d0bSOHMoz4NYfHeTi3H03tRx6lBZaf2yavpjgK_P1GBn4citqO1zDM5zAOMS58dSI9ijRn9YdpmrsV5JvxOnNkp08VtM8E-zPZ/s600/water-rail_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We continued down to Kingfisher Hide with a couple coming the other way reporting that three kingfishers had been showing. We arrived and watched with a couple beside us manging to pick up a kingfisher in a bush out front - from our angle it wasn't visible. We waited, hoping that they might perch on a post, branch, reed, or indeed visit the nest holes in the bank where they have been seen excavating in recent days. Instead, two kingfishers dropped out of the bush and away up the water channel. No photo opportunity here. We opted to visit Hogarth and Discovery Hides passing some trees where a handful of siskin and lesser redpoll were feeding.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRanCmNppfoQx6bIwGcYvhQ09jhVcf3njtos18m-xvCX6ek6tf0pm-n38u3JEQ1nSfA2Dgr2U9cJfOSAVd2qrCoxvRGVGES7Oq4DOQSqP9Ax0wAsibD2FhZTcnlssJ-4JKP1f1feXkFRLEpwgDtABNtxZcc3oPZBgN660O-QYITfRrmr3-IplNcbYzgMy2/s3008/siskin_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Siskin" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRanCmNppfoQx6bIwGcYvhQ09jhVcf3njtos18m-xvCX6ek6tf0pm-n38u3JEQ1nSfA2Dgr2U9cJfOSAVd2qrCoxvRGVGES7Oq4DOQSqP9Ax0wAsibD2FhZTcnlssJ-4JKP1f1feXkFRLEpwgDtABNtxZcc3oPZBgN660O-QYITfRrmr3-IplNcbYzgMy2/s600/siskin_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg7Jp9uXtKrrPVRhJC2dWhh-S2BbRhx5PO23ws0Ocuk11608QYvT2Nficvd5WHWqk4E-BKvYoyjFUixSHTOKm_7BD0XoWfORQP_MVnZ9sW-sBDUbMizvKT1QmMmOU3tNVvtpsWIBWtCDKZAblxtFnranBQUlJeM9y3mi0aY0tHscKT3FgxZRhlD3lnDfz/s3008/redpoll_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Lesser redpoll" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg7Jp9uXtKrrPVRhJC2dWhh-S2BbRhx5PO23ws0Ocuk11608QYvT2Nficvd5WHWqk4E-BKvYoyjFUixSHTOKm_7BD0XoWfORQP_MVnZ9sW-sBDUbMizvKT1QmMmOU3tNVvtpsWIBWtCDKZAblxtFnranBQUlJeM9y3mi0aY0tHscKT3FgxZRhlD3lnDfz/s600/redpoll_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>From the hides we could see a range of teal looking rather splendid, and my first avocets of the year. Looking as if they would like to settle and nest were a pair of oystercatchers. One came reasonably close, and I just couldn't resist.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnCF8R4AOG8VJHcQ5CYcE3rsBgeB2oJutJhA2OpOwaE4IFuk6kGSIWOJhyui6xDD7JhZtxHG1RLkgyylKGA8ntLTeiqKquuAVFI0WLxdaeK4pie35oXChQjBDPcEMscUV3iNBrtOXfn0dJJCODwUb5AU4oSlFNn1dzT9g7_Afr_VZ-7mcX-EBt-uJCNlU/s4264/teal-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2841" data-original-width="4264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnCF8R4AOG8VJHcQ5CYcE3rsBgeB2oJutJhA2OpOwaE4IFuk6kGSIWOJhyui6xDD7JhZtxHG1RLkgyylKGA8ntLTeiqKquuAVFI0WLxdaeK4pie35oXChQjBDPcEMscUV3iNBrtOXfn0dJJCODwUb5AU4oSlFNn1dzT9g7_Afr_VZ-7mcX-EBt-uJCNlU/s600/teal-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4qYKXFhqRailQOjL0_H9ZRp4nRDmGu3eKAKvVoDSfGXoJhiFj4njzfwhI9rwtKfqzsgY2mvYa0nq5cLRiDpLR3fniHuRMVaz-peJKwb8_wdzZglV7_lbjLuGwB8IU6RXC8cuZLzvE_t1yNZwTiEqn8onlbZDd1KCdr2odn3NZH1KAuIRxS0hHulBA7z0/s3749/teal-2_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2497" data-original-width="3749" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4qYKXFhqRailQOjL0_H9ZRp4nRDmGu3eKAKvVoDSfGXoJhiFj4njzfwhI9rwtKfqzsgY2mvYa0nq5cLRiDpLR3fniHuRMVaz-peJKwb8_wdzZglV7_lbjLuGwB8IU6RXC8cuZLzvE_t1yNZwTiEqn8onlbZDd1KCdr2odn3NZH1KAuIRxS0hHulBA7z0/s600/teal-2_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUF3t0S3e-8bf1-DYBta27RTP2L8z0hpo2l61Mc-7dWNiebaSwwQgkO8H5EGa15PoMZthovQqWsnUNpWQAtm9xiJItaMGiD0lqMeAubt_mhXth5HA9zb7foN4Jj_gjX-qc6BOpKG0zWAZNorUGHBhwQcOxBdu5JqKjzAO_G973MXfrZbdw1X70Sx5kgh/s3749/teal-3_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2497" data-original-width="3749" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUF3t0S3e-8bf1-DYBta27RTP2L8z0hpo2l61Mc-7dWNiebaSwwQgkO8H5EGa15PoMZthovQqWsnUNpWQAtm9xiJItaMGiD0lqMeAubt_mhXth5HA9zb7foN4Jj_gjX-qc6BOpKG0zWAZNorUGHBhwQcOxBdu5JqKjzAO_G973MXfrZbdw1X70Sx5kgh/s600/teal-3_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwRGda-6aqn2jxicvIx5SYn1MPCl8ZYRtc5IfKctWucLx4Uq3YStO02rF6KA0-hn5vGK_p6oKjhBmj1Tm5SWzxssipj-gBgTUZoseMV6VRdYGUQzRq1Co9TZNKGHEVFu7HNPkkaN6O_s_hQ34dFtUzHeVcaW6Od_kzj1cDSNlQxlwGKxYxITDgU6DffNB/s3008/avocet_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Avocet" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwRGda-6aqn2jxicvIx5SYn1MPCl8ZYRtc5IfKctWucLx4Uq3YStO02rF6KA0-hn5vGK_p6oKjhBmj1Tm5SWzxssipj-gBgTUZoseMV6VRdYGUQzRq1Co9TZNKGHEVFu7HNPkkaN6O_s_hQ34dFtUzHeVcaW6Od_kzj1cDSNlQxlwGKxYxITDgU6DffNB/s600/avocet_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRCae0MQMNoCk4_1mSwZL7bhD28m8X8yp_-OB9xpDPOwf5epyHP5A7O2eChPcDEGzHzy90WAhJq29f2knj9cA06i3tV_OhlauJqiSwHomv84rVjp14n38D4lohblPokqCjtkv80tSeSuqkk4W6zHrWwxuZCA8lUKjNwIOdXiR25c50COZ35HsPP0o5VHI/s3500/oystercatcher-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Oystercatcher" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2332" data-original-width="3500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRCae0MQMNoCk4_1mSwZL7bhD28m8X8yp_-OB9xpDPOwf5epyHP5A7O2eChPcDEGzHzy90WAhJq29f2knj9cA06i3tV_OhlauJqiSwHomv84rVjp14n38D4lohblPokqCjtkv80tSeSuqkk4W6zHrWwxuZCA8lUKjNwIOdXiR25c50COZ35HsPP0o5VHI/s600/oystercatcher-1_WWTSlimbridge_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>Kev recently visited Farmoor Reservoir and took some photos of cormorants which were rather stunning - <a href="https://x.com/kev07713/status/1755360769749790734?s=20" target="_blank">he posted these photos here on X</a> - formerly known as Twitter ... As he said, cormorants are not his favourite birds, but could not deny they looked pretty stunning – the sinensis subspecies. This subspecies typically exhibits subtle variations in size and plumage compared to others. In general, it has a glossy black plumage with some greenish or bronzy sheen, especially on the back and wings during the breeding season. Out on an island were a number of cormorants with some exhibiting some breeding plumage or also being part of the sinensis subspecies - regardless, it looked rather beautiful. I had to take a photo.
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<p>We stopped for a coffee in the Visitor Centre before making the journey home, now under 1&fract12; hours away.
<p>Year list: 145.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-71580203905048984472024-02-06T22:12:00.000+00:002024-02-06T22:12:36.905+00:00Acres Down :: 03 February 2024<p>We decided on a return trip to Acres Down, aiming to tick a few species we had missed on our previous visit. Reports of lesser spotted woodpecker had been sporadic since our last trip, and we hadn't yet tried to spot goshawk or woodlark.
<p>On arrival, the car park was busy once again, but as we approached the favoured tree of the lesser spotted woodpecker, we noticed fewer birders compared to our previous visit. Perhaps some visitors had ventured on walks, some accompanied by their dogs.
<p>While crossing the car park, we heard the calls of firecrests and once again managed to spot and track an individual in the holly across from us. I attempted to capture a photo, but the early morning light and the shade under the trees made it a challenge.
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<p>We waited for a while watching the tree and hearing occasional drumming to our right and behind but no signs of any woodpeckers passing through. I eventually saw a coal tit, having listened to them repeatedly on our last visitt and not seen them. Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> wandered off and watched a flock of finches and picked out a couple of bramblings which I thought I'd pick up when we went in that direction - they were gone when we looked later and I’d lost my chance.
<p>No one had seen the woodpecker all morning and so we decided to take a chance and go for a walk and make use of our time here - it may never show. We'd heard some drumming from some distance behind and headed in that direction to look for likely locations. Unfortunately, none of them held our woodpecker although we did see marsh tits, treecreepers, a firecrest, and on the return a pair of goldcrests.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaxwHwbezZn4S-8HuBcL5GHTPvHo6z2B3GJBkMp2xJ7WvPLwJjGjp8CiF8Ss6rNZItQhspwk26-eNpy5-Pw5ztlVXDWKkQnsT1_L9hNFYXPa5FAZaskUjTpyFQFWDU7bKZMXEwBTJzxuNnQtVcvURs2l52vqx3s9FMTd1r-SKBraBcYWLEFjgzPPIk0hx/s3008/treecreeper_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Treecreeper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaxwHwbezZn4S-8HuBcL5GHTPvHo6z2B3GJBkMp2xJ7WvPLwJjGjp8CiF8Ss6rNZItQhspwk26-eNpy5-Pw5ztlVXDWKkQnsT1_L9hNFYXPa5FAZaskUjTpyFQFWDU7bKZMXEwBTJzxuNnQtVcvURs2l52vqx3s9FMTd1r-SKBraBcYWLEFjgzPPIk0hx/s600/treecreeper_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IW5fdFiXFL-xtDJviKed7z9Jo6MV1W-v-unB9fYcCi55BjsHsB1FewpZsDSwcnIkytkGyN4LqLlemI0KQ9M5tgscA-pBAEPMFmJFGegAaRKV-rPV4ouiW96vKpAmHEht62S7tQ5Uvli_hn-xtiX1HGo6S2umDSk_AFEoVYnknoZSObZzez-vxCSWSs5f/s3008/goldcrest-1_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Goldcrest" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IW5fdFiXFL-xtDJviKed7z9Jo6MV1W-v-unB9fYcCi55BjsHsB1FewpZsDSwcnIkytkGyN4LqLlemI0KQ9M5tgscA-pBAEPMFmJFGegAaRKV-rPV4ouiW96vKpAmHEht62S7tQ5Uvli_hn-xtiX1HGo6S2umDSk_AFEoVYnknoZSObZzez-vxCSWSs5f/s600/goldcrest-1_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eszKtBoiGJtdY8hzu7IlgOnXojHybVnW14qr8gWykuoQEy1vVzxoti6Atb9W06OQIvhj5Z8Mn8AcJZYJ0iW4P5L7z1CtUvxGxkNIjYseqH5Gk3rkBXB52Xw3bFZtzFJgyCV4dXCNZcmb7-3OQgVyYeQzFTroueiOaQhXYPR2yGeVcmNp0-mG6ZoBHL-S/s3008/goldcrest-2_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Goldcrest" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eszKtBoiGJtdY8hzu7IlgOnXojHybVnW14qr8gWykuoQEy1vVzxoti6Atb9W06OQIvhj5Z8Mn8AcJZYJ0iW4P5L7z1CtUvxGxkNIjYseqH5Gk3rkBXB52Xw3bFZtzFJgyCV4dXCNZcmb7-3OQgVyYeQzFTroueiOaQhXYPR2yGeVcmNp0-mG6ZoBHL-S/s600/goldcrest-2_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We stopped to check if any woodpeckers had been seen but none had so we went back towards the car and out onto the heath. On our last visit we had looked from here but ventured no further but now walked round to the point and overlooking heather clad slopes. Three birders were ahead of us, and we stopped near to them, listening to woodlarks.
<p>Before long, our first woodlark appeared high in the distance behind us. Several more and one-by-one followed suit, taking flight and soaring into the sky above. Though often distant and silhouetted against the grey sky, their song betrayed their presence. The woodlark is a diminutive ground-nesting bird renowned for its melodious and intricate song and has a surprisingly powerful song despite its size. Their calls resonate across large distances, particularly in expansive habitats like grasslands, heathlands like that we were on, or open woodlands.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSnkINTlEixx0oyze4YrkD3jhn9KkF9fMng8a-WN6nzPHQsrP3annWgoK3FlICfwn_V-e9qNYmySXaqQzdoIKm_TUrgTtsTG8n7Wz6IumzqFcKbUYEbQs3XZNPNhNSx75Ii-WlIz0Mw31t733kmSagis0NuMTm-DJfKHhQ0y6uYJXL3sso5vZGvrojOsM/s3008/woodlark-1_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Woodlark" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSnkINTlEixx0oyze4YrkD3jhn9KkF9fMng8a-WN6nzPHQsrP3annWgoK3FlICfwn_V-e9qNYmySXaqQzdoIKm_TUrgTtsTG8n7Wz6IumzqFcKbUYEbQs3XZNPNhNSx75Ii-WlIz0Mw31t733kmSagis0NuMTm-DJfKHhQ0y6uYJXL3sso5vZGvrojOsM/s600/woodlark-1_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkyuZXBy38G7P5scsFtIEbYBJHdkQAy5DTJdZYE6qrtAh3JUIAjkkxKsYZg7qGNKIZxASpBndz8XnqBja4rZWHxyFUKCOaohVvecgLixjgx5wW82__BwmYCXXa6A-kUcqqTLoz4DsyusTv_dd09jledQYpjwIjqkdrollUREQooDaHcdm5ssVrl7KiBrk/s3008/woodlark-2_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Woodlark" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkyuZXBy38G7P5scsFtIEbYBJHdkQAy5DTJdZYE6qrtAh3JUIAjkkxKsYZg7qGNKIZxASpBndz8XnqBja4rZWHxyFUKCOaohVvecgLixjgx5wW82__BwmYCXXa6A-kUcqqTLoz4DsyusTv_dd09jledQYpjwIjqkdrollUREQooDaHcdm5ssVrl7KiBrk/s600/woodlark-2_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>At this time of year you can also observe buzzards engaging in various displays and behaviours as they prepare for the breeding season. This can involve calling, chasing off other buzzards, or even engaging in aerial conflicts. We counted more than five buzzards out front and another couple to our left - while the five were mainly soaring, the two to our left were engaging in some territorial disagreement.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUJllh8GRWQM2D8KMNoNJWOQQGILnizet4_SDVg7rtzfQoeMlASqKwPax2lNl5NHFVCMz7d-nr-YyTCLz_vprimhratOSDbX5jMF_zTs30xWNNzi7DeouAv4knpcmHFX1uK379viFn5hNOIyO54V5yuJxssK93kKI3i7Oqu0gAjt8QSC1XlcyOysDCieC/s3008/buzzard_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Buzzard" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUJllh8GRWQM2D8KMNoNJWOQQGILnizet4_SDVg7rtzfQoeMlASqKwPax2lNl5NHFVCMz7d-nr-YyTCLz_vprimhratOSDbX5jMF_zTs30xWNNzi7DeouAv4knpcmHFX1uK379viFn5hNOIyO54V5yuJxssK93kKI3i7Oqu0gAjt8QSC1XlcyOysDCieC/s600/buzzard_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Like buzzards, goshawks exhibit territorial behaviour, especially during the breeding season. So, in February, they are often diligently defending their territories against intruders or competing goshawks. Goshawk males seeking mates stake out territories using aerial acrobatics and vocalizations, make it an opportune time to observe them. Luckily, we managed to spot an individual beyond a distant line of trees, though its presence was discernible only through Kev's scope.
<p>We set off across the heath to see if we could find a Dartford warbler, a birder having reported seeing one around the gorse on the heath on our last visit. We searched back and forth but came up with nothing. While searching we saw ponies and two brought the Dr Doolittle 'push-me-pull-you' to mind.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl1dFe5n51Uygtp1ZyzkqOBgMOKbysNE9tJK2s9Muyz8Vf2vVjaeDlm8q4qO7of9Bg6s-IqODU_bjYoAsi8yCR-WmrpM51jUgIQ2pF2kTbCXbIzvmr6SRTMpioyHoRg9FJaKGXK0aBFNir8LLC31Z9M3VE8O5TIam1dkCUyjBmU3JFTmmZKGGYhj74_6y/s4585/ponies_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pony" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3054" data-original-width="4585" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl1dFe5n51Uygtp1ZyzkqOBgMOKbysNE9tJK2s9Muyz8Vf2vVjaeDlm8q4qO7of9Bg6s-IqODU_bjYoAsi8yCR-WmrpM51jUgIQ2pF2kTbCXbIzvmr6SRTMpioyHoRg9FJaKGXK0aBFNir8LLC31Z9M3VE8O5TIam1dkCUyjBmU3JFTmmZKGGYhj74_6y/s600/ponies_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Eventually we returned towards the car and stopped as we encountered another marsh tit and views of firecrest in better light.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7u8A3LmJnZ4HKdHnJtii7GBCd_gfNRWzUue4yhfNmMlKqknLRWenDCr_yXw5_-JYDeK2fMhDo_BmimJ_pdz4snwhXywWngDTdZoY1p3Psc-XmZEb8ri0WeBr-ceaVV8h67lZSGcgqfJxv71CAJYlS7G9a_Ou9D_NehLbI8ZPQwh7TPX_roPdXxZFBLMk/s3008/marsh-tit_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh tit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7u8A3LmJnZ4HKdHnJtii7GBCd_gfNRWzUue4yhfNmMlKqknLRWenDCr_yXw5_-JYDeK2fMhDo_BmimJ_pdz4snwhXywWngDTdZoY1p3Psc-XmZEb8ri0WeBr-ceaVV8h67lZSGcgqfJxv71CAJYlS7G9a_Ou9D_NehLbI8ZPQwh7TPX_roPdXxZFBLMk/s600/marsh-tit_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9Mhz-y1gF6Wu-J21P2M0zE66VShF1nnljSW6EZLoZ_JoR_66q4eCQMJDY07CE-emR-tXAMDAmWS725vQzcaNK2DYqrK6qqQTNQAqkRVbQVpdhs8dqXdU6st9tJZPpUWWR4SE_Rq3nkPLeXrtsjsa9TsoMYoSwQZwHyCneCvPxwuaIrCkZGoJ2lHjrt_i/s3750/firecrest-1_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Firecrest" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2499" data-original-width="3750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9Mhz-y1gF6Wu-J21P2M0zE66VShF1nnljSW6EZLoZ_JoR_66q4eCQMJDY07CE-emR-tXAMDAmWS725vQzcaNK2DYqrK6qqQTNQAqkRVbQVpdhs8dqXdU6st9tJZPpUWWR4SE_Rq3nkPLeXrtsjsa9TsoMYoSwQZwHyCneCvPxwuaIrCkZGoJ2lHjrt_i/s600/firecrest-1_AcresDown_0224_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Year list: 131
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-86797237412609619942024-01-31T22:55:00.046+00:002024-02-01T22:05:33.992+00:00Nene Washes, Deeping Lakes & Gloucestershire :: 27/28 January 2024<p>The RSPB Nene Washes reserve is renowned for being a significant breeding ground for black-tailed godwits. However, during the winter season, it becomes a hub for various other bird species. Every year, Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I embark on a visit to spot short-eared, long-eared, and tawny owls, along with common cranes, lapwings, and numerous winter ducks.
<p>Kev and I drew up in the car park located at the end of Eldernell Lane, and from there have a perfect vantage point to observe the flooded grasslands that stretched into the distance; our primary focus though would be on the owls.
<p>Setting out along the elevated track, we scanned the hedge for any indication of short-eared or long-eared owls. These two species seldom choose the same roosting area - according to past experiences, the short-eared owls tend to be in the hedge nearest to the car park, while the long-eared owls are usually found farther along, typically just before the hedge branches off from the main track.
<p>A pair of birders were lingering in the vicinity where we anticipated spotting the short-eared owls roosting, and as hoped, one was present but partially hidden by branches and twigs. One of the birders said there were two owls, prompting both Kev and I to begin searching for the second bird. Scanning around we found the second bird was initially concealed behind the first, and not immediately noticeable. We viewed through Kev's scope, and I snapped some photos in the hope of extracting clear images where the twigs and branches wouldn't pose a significant obstacle - I was partly successful.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOT8JOtCkKgCC_MqXDJRfJZFwxB6-9eavG9Ugt-U6uPKxepo_kT9rAXjoRy3S07keCzF__psRwadXk4hxvRNxW1KpYkMAKyKA1kU-TDo0Rgs7X-qgk7yPu6vZczkAslR3HoxJNG1HWaM6kdXTcIfyQnydkKflbZb1NWcRcEywkiaAx-NIOoUzbNqcA_f6/s3008/short-eared-owl_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Short-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOT8JOtCkKgCC_MqXDJRfJZFwxB6-9eavG9Ugt-U6uPKxepo_kT9rAXjoRy3S07keCzF__psRwadXk4hxvRNxW1KpYkMAKyKA1kU-TDo0Rgs7X-qgk7yPu6vZczkAslR3HoxJNG1HWaM6kdXTcIfyQnydkKflbZb1NWcRcEywkiaAx-NIOoUzbNqcA_f6/s600/short-eared-owl_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Short-eared owls are known for their distinctive facial discs and striking golden eyes, typically gracing the British Isles during the winter months as they hover and hunt over open moorlands, marshes, and coastal habitats. Some are resident all year round, but numbers are boosted by visitors from continental Europe.
<p>The number of short-eared owls visiting the UK each year can vary based on factors such as weather conditions, prey availability, and overall population dynamics. This year seems to be a good one for shortie numbers. Short-eared owls stand out for their daytime hunting habits, although they also pursue prey at night. Their peak activity occurs during dawn and dusk hours, when they gracefully glide low over the ground in their quest for food.
<p>A few more people passed, and we helped them locate the birds and view through Kev's scope - he's a good egg. We proceeded along the track, vigilant for any additional signs until we arrived at the cluster of brambles where the long-eared owls seem to prefer roosting. And indeed, we spotted one - it was nestled deep within the foliage but still visible. After observing for a few minutes, I shifted my position along the track, attempting to see anything else within the bush from this different perspective. As I'd hoped, a second bird was visible, affording a clearer view from this elevated position - the sun was directly behind making photography difficult.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggY7ZRNt-e4zw7f0AlCHiGQMeA7evKnMFFwppZQYg8PzJVBAYN503rlqf_IyfMB_UKbjFTdYlAWpIg77EARBw3R7BGMVqdJ8jvACacMEn13x1WQRIhd2TiXxEfSbbIpQCMROLJF0DVjFhbYmB2OwIiIshp-G-u-C77sYaHYSsZV78tmQDOyuxyrYs7h8Le/s3008/long-eared-owl-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Long-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggY7ZRNt-e4zw7f0AlCHiGQMeA7evKnMFFwppZQYg8PzJVBAYN503rlqf_IyfMB_UKbjFTdYlAWpIg77EARBw3R7BGMVqdJ8jvACacMEn13x1WQRIhd2TiXxEfSbbIpQCMROLJF0DVjFhbYmB2OwIiIshp-G-u-C77sYaHYSsZV78tmQDOyuxyrYs7h8Le/s600/long-eared-owl-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>These enigmatic and secretive owls, recognised for their unique elongated "ear" tufts and cryptic plumage, are inclined toward dense woodlands, coniferous forests, and marshy locales. These owls are uncommon, and there are reports of a decline in their numbers. They can be found as year-round residents but are rarely observed or heard outside the breeding season. Their primary hunting activity takes place at night, as they fly close to the ground, capturing predominantly small mammals; additionally, they may also target small birds, amphibians, and insects.
<p>After enjoying the views, we decided to descend to the woods, a location where a tawny owl is frequently spotted basking in the sun. Fellow birders confirmed the owl's presence, and we were eager not to miss the opportunity in case it retreated into its tree and disappeared from sight.
<p>True to expectations, the owl was perched with its eyes either closed or slightly ajar – although I've seen photos featuring two birds in the hole, we 'only' observed one. Two birders with sizable camera lenses were patiently waiting for some activity, but they had yet to capture any noteworthy photos after around 45 minutes - the bird had been almost motionless.
<p>The tawny owl is widespread in Britain and is recognisable by its distinctive hooting calls; the tawny owl is a medium-sized owl with a rounded face and reddish-brown plumage, providing effective camouflage in wooded habitats. They are predominantly nocturnal and are commonly found in a variety of environments, including woodlands, parks, and gardens. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects. Tawny owls are known for their adaptability, often nesting in tree hollows but also utilising nest boxes or even the abandoned nests of other birds. Our bird blended in with the tree beautifully.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryA01MC6vlQNZbnAH46Qny9DPY_fDB3PU4Oo8gA-ECFXzpvx4fDUZKgi5c8Tj14STNDEI_ev4nO1nC_b81nJBo8tPNbsW-hHqJsPzDECfYE9rhv9kpntDFs7JSsIe7yYt916IZHkHo3HBGlzGG5Qw-26UdB1-LNpcdFtBnpqPwhKrf8yLLFneL8DzCQnj/s3008/tawny-owl-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Tawny owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryA01MC6vlQNZbnAH46Qny9DPY_fDB3PU4Oo8gA-ECFXzpvx4fDUZKgi5c8Tj14STNDEI_ev4nO1nC_b81nJBo8tPNbsW-hHqJsPzDECfYE9rhv9kpntDFs7JSsIe7yYt916IZHkHo3HBGlzGG5Qw-26UdB1-LNpcdFtBnpqPwhKrf8yLLFneL8DzCQnj/s600/tawny-owl-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDzAHAOBAtd6yvjK9G2Vs8C1xRuePtWKXspB7zwy2hBmPPLwCwRbFKakpmf1FS9tJOIPLAPoywoUPk8VrMvl-eioEP2WUoWRM7brtf6Y19cGt6DOK1UN6d-xOQLFI6DgwJqBMawTATikSOv92kI0GvbCoEFjIbE3SDeOY3zWhNN5ETW3nI1oUYTSezQSV/s3008/tawny-owl-2_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Tawny owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDzAHAOBAtd6yvjK9G2Vs8C1xRuePtWKXspB7zwy2hBmPPLwCwRbFKakpmf1FS9tJOIPLAPoywoUPk8VrMvl-eioEP2WUoWRM7brtf6Y19cGt6DOK1UN6d-xOQLFI6DgwJqBMawTATikSOv92kI0GvbCoEFjIbE3SDeOY3zWhNN5ETW3nI1oUYTSezQSV/s600/tawny-owl-2_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Having obtained good views, Kev ascended the slope and scanned the area to our left - over the flood - while I wrapped up. By the time I reached Kev he had located a couple of whooper swans on the far water's edge. Lots of wildfowl were on the water or on the edge: moorhen, coot, gadwall, mallard, teal, wigeon and more. Later, a small group of whooper swans flew by.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcUivKtXfu4wjvzP93nrx4ogPNKLYgkS53VP_FWohOmAI4SNLC62WVcxeVhnUD_ZJU8jkHpMx9UaXkKyvmJB7G9zWiDapoL3dpN2Xq8ZKgi5el0gEGyg0Nu6Io3HIHz3oYFmfwwQebBTEXgFPStQ4X8LHmtWMEGL-vfewBSKVNuD1vljhOGIDcosXMCrX/s3008/whooper-swan_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Whooper swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcUivKtXfu4wjvzP93nrx4ogPNKLYgkS53VP_FWohOmAI4SNLC62WVcxeVhnUD_ZJU8jkHpMx9UaXkKyvmJB7G9zWiDapoL3dpN2Xq8ZKgi5el0gEGyg0Nu6Io3HIHz3oYFmfwwQebBTEXgFPStQ4X8LHmtWMEGL-vfewBSKVNuD1vljhOGIDcosXMCrX/s600/whooper-swan_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We observed buzzards, a kestrel, and numerous marsh harriers, but unfortunately, no hen harriers were on show – perhaps they would emerge later in the day. Opting to revisit the owls, a fellow birder joined us as he had initially walked past the owls without spotting any. Although the sun had shifted, producing improved conditions for photos, the foliage remained a significant obstruction to capturing the long-eared owls. Walking on a mixed flock of small birds worked along the water's edge, and I picked out a couple of chiffchaffs. So many more now overwinter in the UK.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-z4-SpRfzxFaPHUIByoewUrcg5EuBcI36kwoWydEwHqoSRblmmg9gZRb_9jiYM6Jnap4gGfRHI2Q2tKQMmb8E9GucPaeB9g1gZEV0jCHRj644nxkm99FFDGNmvZjMIWKgCGk-PxzaKkW-OPNLvLHUjglSYkf_k876IPqzeEy52BaiJBcxleT0ywwEYSe/s3008/long-eared-owl-2_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Long-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-z4-SpRfzxFaPHUIByoewUrcg5EuBcI36kwoWydEwHqoSRblmmg9gZRb_9jiYM6Jnap4gGfRHI2Q2tKQMmb8E9GucPaeB9g1gZEV0jCHRj644nxkm99FFDGNmvZjMIWKgCGk-PxzaKkW-OPNLvLHUjglSYkf_k876IPqzeEy52BaiJBcxleT0ywwEYSe/s600/long-eared-owl-2_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkYsl__-fQnVTJB8zLaQsYUcDUad6o_fjuixB66PmXzgdGrNnjT5hBbIlFpIxJD64QYr5_TFe1ucSh8XiaAA0JLhwa1ez6VNWW0fHCDPeRSleVl25AOlsO_ljwiC6ZrZveh5eoX-IZ_3Y9PRZxtoXxYQb02oHd5LWrmdxb43j_BBrcgVSVgxvwkaqQaum/s3008/long-eared-owl-3_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Long-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkYsl__-fQnVTJB8zLaQsYUcDUad6o_fjuixB66PmXzgdGrNnjT5hBbIlFpIxJD64QYr5_TFe1ucSh8XiaAA0JLhwa1ez6VNWW0fHCDPeRSleVl25AOlsO_ljwiC6ZrZveh5eoX-IZ_3Y9PRZxtoXxYQb02oHd5LWrmdxb43j_BBrcgVSVgxvwkaqQaum/s600/long-eared-owl-3_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJOZV_krqjqURgrfXVUgHqRIp5gMB543UIM8B8eh47DC6OjwJ1VtuSkbMDZ_2Awpjk8VraxJNLhCb1z6drmKP-Aj-q_dh7TuDXUv6Vm8LrKSQoL7tPjbnV7AVghY06G77yhAPwF3EcHU4BxojflywgsKDRSn0htTbvmSp8s1Pzx_xXdU361QE6EnkRzt4/s3008/chiffchaff-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Chiffchaff" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJOZV_krqjqURgrfXVUgHqRIp5gMB543UIM8B8eh47DC6OjwJ1VtuSkbMDZ_2Awpjk8VraxJNLhCb1z6drmKP-Aj-q_dh7TuDXUv6Vm8LrKSQoL7tPjbnV7AVghY06G77yhAPwF3EcHU4BxojflywgsKDRSn0htTbvmSp8s1Pzx_xXdU361QE6EnkRzt4/s600/chiffchaff-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We paused at the location of the short-eared owls and glanced back along the track. There we noticed a photographer standing by the fence line, aiming their camera at the long-eared owls. It was apparent that they wished they could get closer for a better shot 😖 – a somewhat disappointing situation. After reaching the car and taking a coffee break, we observed someone else engaging in similar behaviour in front of the shorties.
<p>I'd never explored the reserve along the track to the east and so we headed off hoping for views of other species of raptor or wildfowl. A handful of stonechats entertained perching on the scrub or dropping to feed on the ground.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuemp_Met_Ujr5qhSHI92cJ0J-FgeOqQra6ZUNsqku6yJ8iYO6cwjrpcVE73I-HgVF3l6Ym2eicdaHraRcJQdJHiMNMP4cn0Vln_6njBp5PqPi-_D1fzM8kwmYE1A4SC0skb7lZiEOMmMG6RReHi3p_JUqduBDMhhz3ivLJ1VOr2cGs8q8HtGu3TY40Pty/s3008/stonechat-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stonechat" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuemp_Met_Ujr5qhSHI92cJ0J-FgeOqQra6ZUNsqku6yJ8iYO6cwjrpcVE73I-HgVF3l6Ym2eicdaHraRcJQdJHiMNMP4cn0Vln_6njBp5PqPi-_D1fzM8kwmYE1A4SC0skb7lZiEOMmMG6RReHi3p_JUqduBDMhhz3ivLJ1VOr2cGs8q8HtGu3TY40Pty/s600/stonechat-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXknoyLuk6pQoJbVGGfOrzb9uWm1rBrpJMsqToQbbQTarKGgtJTLv3FBUxlqSkYc-Zblj3yKoZ91rr7SVRKQCdl49EMemPr122sV5pb211d0poqUR-oWVRphW1XGeNo338JiuoP0l81JoJVZUT4GAwoOIyo6aOe93gWBH_xB8JvFDPhhlkIqGDeDshXKW/s3008/stonechat-2_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stonechat" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXknoyLuk6pQoJbVGGfOrzb9uWm1rBrpJMsqToQbbQTarKGgtJTLv3FBUxlqSkYc-Zblj3yKoZ91rr7SVRKQCdl49EMemPr122sV5pb211d0poqUR-oWVRphW1XGeNo338JiuoP0l81JoJVZUT4GAwoOIyo6aOe93gWBH_xB8JvFDPhhlkIqGDeDshXKW/s600/stonechat-2_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Kev picked out numbers of pintails on the flood and as I watched them, I saw a common crane creeping through the reeds behind - soon we were able to pick out four. Above and at distant a flock of birds passed, flashing white as they turned and weaved. I snapped a photo and confirmed they were black-tailed godwits and not golden plover as first thought.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCcTSopD_sHiFdcirvMwfArSDJB8WdYE8kzZ1FFQXj1DqgMrAzhQfNFUzOjms2VYvP_5b-Go5q2PB6V39xsuvpP0n_cl_-ftO3x38tHVJNkr7kTx4s_KkolfIvYH8T2ao7g-rEEb8sBErUhf-2lyMudDppKl2KpgudTmgufGKpZUz1CM1j4ceJ04S1gnj/s3008/black-tailed-godwit_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Black-tailed godwit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCcTSopD_sHiFdcirvMwfArSDJB8WdYE8kzZ1FFQXj1DqgMrAzhQfNFUzOjms2VYvP_5b-Go5q2PB6V39xsuvpP0n_cl_-ftO3x38tHVJNkr7kTx4s_KkolfIvYH8T2ao7g-rEEb8sBErUhf-2lyMudDppKl2KpgudTmgufGKpZUz1CM1j4ceJ04S1gnj/s600/black-tailed-godwit_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We chatted with a couple of birders and soon after we'd left them I noticed the cranes coming over some trees, landing in the water and walking into the reeds. Kev heard some cranes call to our left and the three more joined the original four as they all took to the wing and flew off to our right - another year tick.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A6JsRLh2PAmo8huEkVES_9UstzmJ-dBY6fsWkxL6jzY3bZRnYF12e62GVLBiz9aq7hYsnkCi8h1Zz2prhiZzI_5xHBjMvg0KsQbrjQaY9QnmLxNAfvlqvqg68P2sSTwq7IhO1aNo1Mo3KqYlmkGRvIgHPJtWaxW34FY1PS-5HOww7yEgHRBxxJpauwuy/s3008/crane-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common crane" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A6JsRLh2PAmo8huEkVES_9UstzmJ-dBY6fsWkxL6jzY3bZRnYF12e62GVLBiz9aq7hYsnkCi8h1Zz2prhiZzI_5xHBjMvg0KsQbrjQaY9QnmLxNAfvlqvqg68P2sSTwq7IhO1aNo1Mo3KqYlmkGRvIgHPJtWaxW34FY1PS-5HOww7yEgHRBxxJpauwuy/s600/crane-1_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ubEzlX1MbHk3zwJS7P2pDw45hRsxHwWkBJuvGtKB5KGW-13HTttk0veZm16Ln-zQyZVWt8RJ7Qq-nd00Of81q8izZm53UQF7jz2qEdhaAxguzp4t15I5aIIIcWqy9Qn-78pAaXe94soEOoYlVnUxpInQzMPlxt4-cuEN22fbXKSK__AbkcqzKHgtL0Nl/s3008/crane-2_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common crane" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ubEzlX1MbHk3zwJS7P2pDw45hRsxHwWkBJuvGtKB5KGW-13HTttk0veZm16Ln-zQyZVWt8RJ7Qq-nd00Of81q8izZm53UQF7jz2qEdhaAxguzp4t15I5aIIIcWqy9Qn-78pAaXe94soEOoYlVnUxpInQzMPlxt4-cuEN22fbXKSK__AbkcqzKHgtL0Nl/s600/crane-2_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuRyrIRVi4Y5n1xEfwDfyB_E_ifOtgPKbZsju5901subjAJnE0fp0e3juzDC4xt5ERVkJkjKUczqfumLk8dVAMK0ktucjvUI_CD8hL4CksUBoIC6dTZo1WYtmN5obqRWhlshMTiwH3Cv3t_m-hzbnJjqS9ZVWSMbBElRIWiSFIfx8p6ZH_hoN1tSO366M/s3008/crane-3_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common crane" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuRyrIRVi4Y5n1xEfwDfyB_E_ifOtgPKbZsju5901subjAJnE0fp0e3juzDC4xt5ERVkJkjKUczqfumLk8dVAMK0ktucjvUI_CD8hL4CksUBoIC6dTZo1WYtmN5obqRWhlshMTiwH3Cv3t_m-hzbnJjqS9ZVWSMbBElRIWiSFIfx8p6ZH_hoN1tSO366M/s600/crane-3_Eldernell_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>On our previous visits, we continued onto LWT Deeping Lakes in pursuit of long-eared and little owls, and with recent reports also mentioning a glossy ibis in the area we repeated the exercise. With a sandwich lunch from a corner shop picked up enroute, we ate as an Egyptian goose glided by. Once finished, we ventured onto the reserve, pausing to scan the water from a screen to where the glossy ibis had been recently observed - no immediate sign. A lone pink-footed goose stood on an island. A few passing birders inquired about the ibis although didn't linger but just minutes after their departure, the ibis made an appearance along the island's edge, feeding constantly as it traversed the front.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFEbcnpCuqxBEFOldEPjkBeYeShAchursEwrcaAPY6hgY1SOK66jQXlpS-OBovBMlYBo2B5NmmPPtrxxvxAhjktVpOjGJ5ZV6iw8JJfhX4zyqOCCz4Z6tTvVnuEZsvt-xEPeyTA3nNCFqvncPpcFe9l1WkswSIvgxJEcaKche0egUkYw7bGfzkAng2WkM/s3008/glossy-ibis_DeepingLakes_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Glossy ibis" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFEbcnpCuqxBEFOldEPjkBeYeShAchursEwrcaAPY6hgY1SOK66jQXlpS-OBovBMlYBo2B5NmmPPtrxxvxAhjktVpOjGJ5ZV6iw8JJfhX4zyqOCCz4Z6tTvVnuEZsvt-xEPeyTA3nNCFqvncPpcFe9l1WkswSIvgxJEcaKche0egUkYw7bGfzkAng2WkM/s600/glossy-ibis_DeepingLakes_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>The glossy ibis is a wading bird that has been expanding its range, and sightings in the UK have increased significantly over the years. Conservation efforts and habitat protection might play a role in creating environments that are conducive to glossy ibis populations but changes in climate and temperature may also be influencing migration patterns and distribution.
<p>We stopped at the gully we'd seen long-eared owl previously but didn't spot one. From the next hide we did see one after a birder pointed it out - he really had to as it was almost completely obscured - apparently this was a favoured roost. We got talking to a local and he joined us to where little owls resides - one of the trees has fallen and so we searched up and down the row hoping to catch sight - nothing. I did add a green woodpecker to my year list though. After quite a time we had to admit defeat and returned to the car for the journey home, seeing a great white egret as we did so, another green woodpecker, and seven Egyptian geese.
<p>Charlotte and I had friends round on Saturday night and I didn't rush to get up on Sunday morning - just in time thought to watch the men's final at the Australian Open tennis. At lunchtime Charlotte left to play in a tennis match in Mapledurham while our girls announced they were going to the cinema to see "Mean Girls" - I declined their invitation to join them. Instead, I travelled over county lines into Gloucestershire to try and catch some better views of short-eared owls hunting. A barn owl would make it a four owl species weekend.
<p>On arrival I found there were a lot of people already there - very popular birds, having been absent last year. I joined a group with large lenses and scopes - the birds had not yet been seen. I talked with Alan McCuskie <a href="https://twitter.com/AlanMcCluskie" target="_blank">@AlanMcCluskie</a> as we waited. A birder found a shortie sitting in the grass and alerted us to its position - I took a photo - the bird made some hunting flights but at extreme distance. A chap with a major lens arrived and set up, and about ten minutes later called a barn owl behind us and further along the road. I took a few photos but didn't venture far from my position, while others strayed along the lane to get better views and photos.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYx0VOUBUK0DtHwlycdW_ao_yqsRDk2EAFiZMXlNvV_Nam8fW_kVq52dIkGfapkSQNQ-UKBnMcuMCfNihQeWu0y6sp0Oq28weRi7wQ1zy6bcxc2Hj6DdJunRsb6vQW3ocsZK0vrd2e5HW1ow77BlBpFI004hFCHxHWZRZ5y5ELTyNSKmmPGwygDTwDG_6/s3008/barn-owl-1_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Barn owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYx0VOUBUK0DtHwlycdW_ao_yqsRDk2EAFiZMXlNvV_Nam8fW_kVq52dIkGfapkSQNQ-UKBnMcuMCfNihQeWu0y6sp0Oq28weRi7wQ1zy6bcxc2Hj6DdJunRsb6vQW3ocsZK0vrd2e5HW1ow77BlBpFI004hFCHxHWZRZ5y5ELTyNSKmmPGwygDTwDG_6/s600/barn-owl-1_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3jZKJR83UpFB2lH0P3ARvyyDCB8dgz_hOj_dLR7ccHalpNxqigetTvHHdUUZlUJo7ev5GTa_70WvNTbSzlg7_Qzsk6gYdCnlojr3ExB4XxTpU9G_z2mGfN0Zj1_MENQIDPLgpfgIB8ahdk6JRerUStlZFxm08YK-bxYMSkBfX5YMTRpFvmjqVdzdeBaz/s3008/barn-owl-3_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Barn owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3jZKJR83UpFB2lH0P3ARvyyDCB8dgz_hOj_dLR7ccHalpNxqigetTvHHdUUZlUJo7ev5GTa_70WvNTbSzlg7_Qzsk6gYdCnlojr3ExB4XxTpU9G_z2mGfN0Zj1_MENQIDPLgpfgIB8ahdk6JRerUStlZFxm08YK-bxYMSkBfX5YMTRpFvmjqVdzdeBaz/s600/barn-owl-3_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Staying where I was turned out to be a great decision as one and then two shorties showed at reasonably close quarters. Three of us enjoyed the best views that would be provided today - I was happy with the views and resulting photos.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyAlxtcBXVL9kyK4grWCuwtRfrsoHyV7Fn01T1_heInAX3vHQKLMamVdbfqSZCMMSStdZf60ifZ4MXYQKp4V73-7QwnsFATSM2f5f5nvuQwCP5D50UfdBlToYQHLUSz67jYWPwPeWetDhbmzKi5U5kLAXf3bmg-PEQ04I47jqkXMCZLa6sUoUBR3VYnyF/s3008/short-eared-owl-1_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Short-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyAlxtcBXVL9kyK4grWCuwtRfrsoHyV7Fn01T1_heInAX3vHQKLMamVdbfqSZCMMSStdZf60ifZ4MXYQKp4V73-7QwnsFATSM2f5f5nvuQwCP5D50UfdBlToYQHLUSz67jYWPwPeWetDhbmzKi5U5kLAXf3bmg-PEQ04I47jqkXMCZLa6sUoUBR3VYnyF/s600/short-eared-owl-1_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuhyphenhyphenhCLtU39DgjUoTggy4F_5o5XCSLRIue9UOGRgnC-PwGYOqUc6ud3_UbDu0La9IMxQrBXs4nRVv_Tp3D97aomHMIAX1eFocCtrBzF59O_rIUrykWwfc9LRo6XVPS4Dn0BvYoGKR9Ey4VuTZWzjArllh-Gf9IhaVWio17HjQHAgfxOQhQQNi8slJ-DXs/s3008/short-eared-owl-b_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Short-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuhyphenhyphenhCLtU39DgjUoTggy4F_5o5XCSLRIue9UOGRgnC-PwGYOqUc6ud3_UbDu0La9IMxQrBXs4nRVv_Tp3D97aomHMIAX1eFocCtrBzF59O_rIUrykWwfc9LRo6XVPS4Dn0BvYoGKR9Ey4VuTZWzjArllh-Gf9IhaVWio17HjQHAgfxOQhQQNi8slJ-DXs/s600/short-eared-owl-b_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpNm1sCJ7-0spQlPSb8agVbdKwm8TqTuxpZeZ2ErCCIgszfV5YzM3xaLJ55mkGxwmKS6ruaYkX4g67mBBWrR47vj_IEKYFWNf9r1feJSsPd-mutJQLjGyndt6MXlfqqqOd9P3QUzCdsK0tg3ymy5znuiHplBk8YNwzBmZhdiLgDpTnJWk_ztNIcJnI9u2/s3008/short-eared-owl-d_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Short-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpNm1sCJ7-0spQlPSb8agVbdKwm8TqTuxpZeZ2ErCCIgszfV5YzM3xaLJ55mkGxwmKS6ruaYkX4g67mBBWrR47vj_IEKYFWNf9r1feJSsPd-mutJQLjGyndt6MXlfqqqOd9P3QUzCdsK0tg3ymy5znuiHplBk8YNwzBmZhdiLgDpTnJWk_ztNIcJnI9u2/s600/short-eared-owl-d_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Final views were of one of the short-eared owls having a bit of a ding-dong with a kestrel. I've seen several images recently showing conflict between these species, mostly when a kestrel tries to steal food from the owl. Unfortunately, the action was very distant.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63q43E2ESleF4CXn-NFxRP5himkwGzt-1S_WQWVtApdWPtD6HqeDaAW9oBRCPROSDMTvsVTTKnEnT4X8zq3EoqBEgZIYluA4-l3-zOJ7FDGhntaHecW5rBCgzZnUy31ozDlbz0kCc_-91LlpzkK0oA-5qx0vVTF09Dph-rv9rGOZlepBi90bFeXAyn7D4/s3008/short-eared-owl-kestrel-1_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Short-eared owl and kestrel" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63q43E2ESleF4CXn-NFxRP5himkwGzt-1S_WQWVtApdWPtD6HqeDaAW9oBRCPROSDMTvsVTTKnEnT4X8zq3EoqBEgZIYluA4-l3-zOJ7FDGhntaHecW5rBCgzZnUy31ozDlbz0kCc_-91LlpzkK0oA-5qx0vVTF09Dph-rv9rGOZlepBi90bFeXAyn7D4/s600/short-eared-owl-kestrel-1_Gloucestershire_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>It would be a return journey of about 45-50 minutes, and as the light was now falling, I made for home.
<p>Year list: 128.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-41746215897444699182024-01-28T08:21:00.004+00:002024-01-31T22:39:17.390+00:00Acres Down :: 20 January 2024<p>On Friday night Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I made arrangements for Saturday but noted that there was little in the way of lifer opportunities and elected to have a day out with no specific target. We chose to visit Acres Down as we ‘don't do enough woods’ and given the prevailing weather, many inshore water bodies would likely be iced over - perhaps reducing the birds available.
<p>We stepped out of the car having had to park on the road verge due to the number of cars already in the main car park. I'd seen a treecreeper just before arriving at the car park, but Kev hadn't managed to get on it - it was a year tick today for us both - perhaps we would look again later.
<p>We were listening and scanning the hedges when another birder rocked up; we recognised him from visits to Normandy and Pennington Marshes - Kevin of Lymington (Kev II). We walked along the track together and soon a bird flew up from the ground and into a group of trees - against the sky it was largely a silhouette but with some exposure compensation and correction I could get a photo - a lovely lesser redpoll, but on its own.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7Ts8uj-GZi9l4v3ETQflS7CCl40n6oIwqXTqsLrpGznTZiosQEf8UF8ujQENoLSQ4DyvWp6pp4bX5dHm6LcFO_o5hsnu3LnbC61XsmEClk5pzagq_MlF_KtGpy65cNQSf7Cfff8rkXHU-1eriNCUkb6X4LF6sRZINy0RD0rGD3sAQjndwPCXWm0ZEdEB/s3008/lesser-redpoll_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Lesser redpoll" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7Ts8uj-GZi9l4v3ETQflS7CCl40n6oIwqXTqsLrpGznTZiosQEf8UF8ujQENoLSQ4DyvWp6pp4bX5dHm6LcFO_o5hsnu3LnbC61XsmEClk5pzagq_MlF_KtGpy65cNQSf7Cfff8rkXHU-1eriNCUkb6X4LF6sRZINy0RD0rGD3sAQjndwPCXWm0ZEdEB/s600/lesser-redpoll_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We wandered further down the main track and came across a group of birders standing opposite a tree, favoured by a lesser spotted woodpecker - an individual had been reported at 10.50am the day before and this explained how busy the car park was. People out to get a view of a rather elusive species - I'd not seen one at all in 2023 despite making a few attempts at Middleton Lakes, while Kev had when he visited with his wife Karen. We watched and waited … but no dice - I picked out a brambling amongst the finches landing on the main tree and feeding down in the leaf litter.
<p>Eventually we decided that waiting for a sighting of a single bird was not crucial today so moved on, catching up with Kev II. We'd seen some people stop further up the track and heard of a roosting tawny owl - like them we saw no sign. However, there was another finch flock and in this we managed to pick out two more bramblings; one female and a male (only Kev saw – “it’s on the left side of the tree, halfway up” was not the most helpful comment of the day - in dense woodland! - we've all done the same 😂).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1d1X6KOSnUWYyEAjoDs_ON1uqJXdYnnMVJT82IrtqlWT9pLeh-iI6iG9lrHaIgaNSfVEgH8WSixvtxlhaf9emFyopzqcmLoHZsNxMnopB2zvVVI0F51OK7QkVv3k88H7jtCw0V8nAQm6KbZ495BxU8ATgI94x5FCm9_HYtgJuizeeM_ZiihYt26lsEhK/s3008/brambling_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Brambling" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1d1X6KOSnUWYyEAjoDs_ON1uqJXdYnnMVJT82IrtqlWT9pLeh-iI6iG9lrHaIgaNSfVEgH8WSixvtxlhaf9emFyopzqcmLoHZsNxMnopB2zvVVI0F51OK7QkVv3k88H7jtCw0V8nAQm6KbZ495BxU8ATgI94x5FCm9_HYtgJuizeeM_ZiihYt26lsEhK/s600/brambling_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We continued and could hear calls from a marsh tit - we found it through our bins high in the canopy; it did eventually drop down low enough for me to attempt a photo. Really nice to connect with one – and it wouldn't be the last of the day.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYUIsVmnv-ZOgCUgvHs3UnCpGxOfG7mEf-Lobr3ZvgDuYOn77xRO1kCcnnptjearOM8KYUBpilOp-Db70lKAB8LTm9GcXYE7wvHHHqwXiXRwkJvx15Q9ZswZCOQoQVDR93j1D5QuKJccz1lI7aj7jfKuaKmcdPBMfPV4uHKjXQj30kGjjET4x-ZQClb2T/s3008/marsh-tit-1_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh tit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYUIsVmnv-ZOgCUgvHs3UnCpGxOfG7mEf-Lobr3ZvgDuYOn77xRO1kCcnnptjearOM8KYUBpilOp-Db70lKAB8LTm9GcXYE7wvHHHqwXiXRwkJvx15Q9ZswZCOQoQVDR93j1D5QuKJccz1lI7aj7jfKuaKmcdPBMfPV4uHKjXQj30kGjjET4x-ZQClb2T/s600/marsh-tit-1_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CsZgtC9a7DLX-fAni7uBsQoR5ER-cGKaAIAETVjHL5GcMm3839W70fNfAqOI4AAiHmbHz_hIGMqMIFpXxeafptHpJoG9LqzQNpKmM0IVAPP0HEGYgHuzYOoXmb2p4s46gcW8ACN2lBHdDsRZrcZpaq0lgs5Pl38nl7Y8B2-vxRH6esXihxB08X75GcNa/s3008/marsh-tit-2_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh tit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CsZgtC9a7DLX-fAni7uBsQoR5ER-cGKaAIAETVjHL5GcMm3839W70fNfAqOI4AAiHmbHz_hIGMqMIFpXxeafptHpJoG9LqzQNpKmM0IVAPP0HEGYgHuzYOoXmb2p4s46gcW8ACN2lBHdDsRZrcZpaq0lgs5Pl38nl7Y8B2-vxRH6esXihxB08X75GcNa/s600/marsh-tit-2_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIzYxNUuoIX0URk5Y3WSdBc02m6Nd4QOev_OYETFCLDUTYm_-yILJC4y2H0hGUv6Ff_n0hsroPJrLT9rxRZHAX3j3YKWC3ORXNtNbfSOXBLeOwIao9h-5at9kJ7OWVZMt2k0X2wyha4MsXOSCVl7vtemnMxBBD2VLPpUZe3wAiFbqEo0iwAlea2n0wSdV/s3008/marsh-tit-3_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh tit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIzYxNUuoIX0URk5Y3WSdBc02m6Nd4QOev_OYETFCLDUTYm_-yILJC4y2H0hGUv6Ff_n0hsroPJrLT9rxRZHAX3j3YKWC3ORXNtNbfSOXBLeOwIao9h-5at9kJ7OWVZMt2k0X2wyha4MsXOSCVl7vtemnMxBBD2VLPpUZe3wAiFbqEo0iwAlea2n0wSdV/s600/marsh-tit-3_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We met a couple of birders coming down the track and they mentioned that there had been successful in locating crossbills and that they were showing quite well. We had planned to go that way anyway and so we set off hopeful, meeting another birder who said much the same. Stopped and looking across the heathland we saw a couple of mistle thrush, fieldfare and several meadow pipits feeding on the ground. Behind us a crossbill called. I located it before it left - a female but no chance of a photo.
<p>We searched along this stretch and then a track on our left. Only after 15 minutes or so I spotted a male crossbill landing on top of a distant tree - I alerted Kev I and Kev II. We watched as it perched high and distant, eventually leaving and flying away parallel to us - another three then flew over. Considering comments of 'loads' and 'showing well', we was robbed! (though happy to have had views).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-x6P-MfUr5WnHvVtlhwXCdeLHOqVB-bPPIWNRDBChzIKGpt86PtSBvUY8ipbQrWCz67raD9rWxXeMj113FpIaI5Vvtfhht-mJdfJIY_vCIeVBsU7Sa4Q-LojEJiWCiAltF6_9X41Ntz6FBS3chRWhk2irXw_bCgnJkNRJTiRSmlKCXFe84h4C_XNTJTw/s3008/crossbill-1_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common crossbill" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-x6P-MfUr5WnHvVtlhwXCdeLHOqVB-bPPIWNRDBChzIKGpt86PtSBvUY8ipbQrWCz67raD9rWxXeMj113FpIaI5Vvtfhht-mJdfJIY_vCIeVBsU7Sa4Q-LojEJiWCiAltF6_9X41Ntz6FBS3chRWhk2irXw_bCgnJkNRJTiRSmlKCXFe84h4C_XNTJTw/s600/crossbill-1_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gOvc7qUMIdDY0RRO9RWF8vFL6OGokv5DCR1WPh9euB_rSuC4nyD-FimhN-0kmFnobQv8gMx5uxYcjt-Vh9c9brz_Ok3OKr9EbHOI0mHc-yF1ZMgMbKt4HFAZHmOTh_mnx7jp1CnJAxNtqSxkZjL9UWxykMUErjhSZh1NWmMDhEtl8TVjFtQoQ1dicSgU/s3008/crossbill-2_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common crossbill" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gOvc7qUMIdDY0RRO9RWF8vFL6OGokv5DCR1WPh9euB_rSuC4nyD-FimhN-0kmFnobQv8gMx5uxYcjt-Vh9c9brz_Ok3OKr9EbHOI0mHc-yF1ZMgMbKt4HFAZHmOTh_mnx7jp1CnJAxNtqSxkZjL9UWxykMUErjhSZh1NWmMDhEtl8TVjFtQoQ1dicSgU/s600/crossbill-2_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We circled back around to where we’d waited for the lesser spotted woodpecker to find only a couple of people remaining - we hadn't missed anything. A passing firecrest pair didn't stop, but at least gave us a view; goldcrests were more considerate and stopped to feed. We walked back to the car park and Kev went in search of the treecreeper I'd spotted earlier.
<p>I hung around the holly hoping for a better view of firecrest - and there one was, right on cue. It fed along the front of the holly, occasionally low and almost in the bracken. I had good views and called Kev back and he got to see the bird as it worked back in the opposite direction. Firecrests were first recorded breeding in Hampshire in 1962 but have since extended their breeding range northwards through southern, central and eastern England and into Wales. They are not as easy to encounter as their cousins (the goldcrest) but like goldcrests, they can often be found combing trees and bushes, especially conifers and holly, for small invertebrate prey.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWB0g9cJ9PfpmX_ctGkQl4HKaU6QTCt2GPUhKaXrXuIL-fQrFNVJoEMg2XnZDh2bS1ym1W6TfdWJePmAmrAzEKC8J0oPkxwOjZ0RzeSsI-VB6wi_580SGD_0k4veXDH6H0SCSFpwCPqwKGNZGeWNZXSRY7f75HjcONgQMCVEzPil0qtdPmsyrcZyZBnjO/s3008/firecrest-1_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Firecrest" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWB0g9cJ9PfpmX_ctGkQl4HKaU6QTCt2GPUhKaXrXuIL-fQrFNVJoEMg2XnZDh2bS1ym1W6TfdWJePmAmrAzEKC8J0oPkxwOjZ0RzeSsI-VB6wi_580SGD_0k4veXDH6H0SCSFpwCPqwKGNZGeWNZXSRY7f75HjcONgQMCVEzPil0qtdPmsyrcZyZBnjO/s600/firecrest-1_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbEBr5CQjgMvh9feWduIu2rTRvH91Rl8-b8R3aMdUhFYC5MIG2zXtbpM5oH73NEQa2TlZIzOgnn-uPd115EtGpSNthkQe0vltaFi0eJJwy2zvIh3SdN4GiOfhva6Sq6daUx8JlOgDonHXVug286HTj1Dp3Nx0FJsNMLeMCXttvavshnU82YRAZQPo5r3A/s3008/firecrest-2_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Firecrest" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbEBr5CQjgMvh9feWduIu2rTRvH91Rl8-b8R3aMdUhFYC5MIG2zXtbpM5oH73NEQa2TlZIzOgnn-uPd115EtGpSNthkQe0vltaFi0eJJwy2zvIh3SdN4GiOfhva6Sq6daUx8JlOgDonHXVug286HTj1Dp3Nx0FJsNMLeMCXttvavshnU82YRAZQPo5r3A/s600/firecrest-2_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGJfvLQPS5DXUU9aV8zPSaOI916I98Y4G7DgTZp7pgHK7pNcEHet_Iq_SW6yBIe32VUQRmst11T_BOqPnHg_gpWFQTkfQ3N6h3vu6dxj_3UEtv2qecavGXP-6kzP0MS6Jjh4xM7CLQR7EQlaLWWfxgkXyiYEaAFmBc8W1rP52WesTyAkSauqePGO1P8nq/s3008/firecrest-3_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Firecrest" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGJfvLQPS5DXUU9aV8zPSaOI916I98Y4G7DgTZp7pgHK7pNcEHet_Iq_SW6yBIe32VUQRmst11T_BOqPnHg_gpWFQTkfQ3N6h3vu6dxj_3UEtv2qecavGXP-6kzP0MS6Jjh4xM7CLQR7EQlaLWWfxgkXyiYEaAFmBc8W1rP52WesTyAkSauqePGO1P8nq/s600/firecrest-3_AcresDown_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We hovered around the area I'd seen the treecreeper and soon saw it fly back, and under a fallen tree. Within a few minutes Kev was on it, and we watched as it fed, eventually scaling the trunk of a nearby tree, and then departing across the road and behind a wall of holly. We climbed to look over the heathland beyond the car park for goshawk but no such luck - though Kev did spot another firecrest dancing around the base of some holly bushes and apparently feeding in the bracken.
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<p>We walked back down the track to see if we could spot a nuthatch - quite a few had called but none had showed. Again, we had calls but no view. We strolled back towards the car and who should we see but Adrian Sparrowhawk <a href="https://twitter.com/sparra1959" target="_blank">@sparra1959</a>, Bryan Manston <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanManston" target="_blank">@BryanManston</a> and Mark Crockford <a href="https://twitter.com/markcrockford3" target="_blank">@markcrockford3</a> coming the other way. Hide as we might (😂) they spotted us, and we had a good chat - they'd been down to Pennington Marshes to see a few birds reported the previous day but from the target list they reeled off, they had only been able to locate the Slavonian grebe - still a nice bird and lots of other species seen no doubt.
<p>Overhead we had a sparrowhawk, I picked out another firecrest, we had another brambling, Mark picked out another marsh tit, and at last a nuthatch high in the tree canopy. We'd heard that someone had seen goshawk earlier and while Ady, Bryan and Mark went off to try and find that (and some crossbills), Kev and I went to try for the lesser woodpecker once more. Although we didn't find the woodpecker, Kev did locate a hawfinch - my view was somewhat fleeting as it was turning to leave by the time I had my bins on it. I also had a jay over - noisy little beggar.
<p>Other than searching for an elusive goshawk there was little else we could reasonably expect to see and we called it a day and headed for home. Wonder what next week will bring?
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-16100671421633608762024-01-24T08:30:00.002+00:002024-01-31T22:51:54.010+00:00Long Itchington & Farmoor Reservoir :: 17/18 January 2024<p>I was sitting watching BBC Winterwatch when I got a message from one of my work colleagues - he said his wife had asked if I had seen any waxwings this year - on the programme they had been discussing that this was a 'Waxwing Winter'.
<p>When large numbers of waxwings migrate to Britain, sometimes in flocks of hundreds, from their summer breeding grounds in Scandinavia and Russia, the birds are often easily spotted in carparks around our towns and cities where ornamental rowan trees bear their favoured berries. It isn’t every year that we see these birds in large enough and widespread numbers to constitute what is known as a ‘Waxwing Winter’ but this year has been one of those years.
<p>The large arrivals of Waxwings seen in mid-winter are thought to belong to the Fennoscandian breeding population. Their breeding season is relatively late with egg laying beginning in May. Their predominant diet in summer is insects, switching to fruit and seeds in the winter and it is this reliance on fleshy fruits that drives them to range away from their breeding grounds.
<p>I'd previously visited Brandon Marsh on reports of up to twelve waxwings at the entrance, but they had departed before I arrived. I had also visited Long Itchington but with limited time hadn't connected with the birds. So, with a couple of days off to attend a friends birthday celebrations I found myself with a few hours where I could make a better go of it - they are worth making the effort for.
<p>I awoke at my usual time for work and jumped into my clothes and left without breakfast and made my way past the office and to Long Itchington. I parked up and found that I was the only birder there - reports have dropped off as the locals have all seen the birds - in flocks of three to fifteen. I started my search up and down the main road, and down to the canal where I'd heard of reports before - nothing. There had also been reports of the bird down past a layby and near some pools and so I extended my search area but found only winter thrushes.
<p>I searched for an hour and a half, deciding to try again closer to where I'd parked the car - on the way back up the slope I found c.14 waxwings hanging out in a large tree on the opposite side of the road feeding on some berries in the base, occasionally flying off and returning - always leaving a few individuals behind. Lovely to see.
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<p>Success and great views of these special birds - ideally, I'd have waited for better light as the day and sun got into full swing but I was on the clock. I decided that I was close to Draycote Water and so on the way home dropped in to see the black-throated and great-northern divers (both at extreme distance) and bonus goosanders. I couldn't spot the common scoter that had been reported but I had seen rafts of these off Stevenston Point a couple of weeks ago and so while it would be nice to see an inland bird, it wasn't critical.
<p>As I watched one male goosander it dived, returning to the surface with a perch. It began to shuffle the fish round so that it could eat it headfirst, avoiding issues with the spiny and sharp dorsal fin; located in the middle of the back, it is divided into two sections; the front section is spiny and the rear section is soft rayed. Bizarrely, great-crested grebes were also new for the year.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_gc2qUzAqf-FASTcsPheM-OGlTYjHns2I4D_cEX8oh6_TN3ZD9PShTVBmuz8o2HAGOvs6SAdXI_PrNzRU9KrJkE7Ge8EqrkS23fOuMSB-n87xj_pYU9z0l3qrWiGO_mHlMoOJ0BsNdxsjFcXvZXo5eUNgYZmrUyJu6rk8J7hBwRm62XurQOEFoh20yqm/s3008/goosander-2_Draycote_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Goosander" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_gc2qUzAqf-FASTcsPheM-OGlTYjHns2I4D_cEX8oh6_TN3ZD9PShTVBmuz8o2HAGOvs6SAdXI_PrNzRU9KrJkE7Ge8EqrkS23fOuMSB-n87xj_pYU9z0l3qrWiGO_mHlMoOJ0BsNdxsjFcXvZXo5eUNgYZmrUyJu6rk8J7hBwRm62XurQOEFoh20yqm/s600/goosander-2_Draycote_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RWY3mBjX0U3Z1xB1gykqLom1OgoZj89_7ZKl3zQSCpFRkz3EV2RWYuruM34sO7LqSjsDrCKen0XbumtZb5-a8OjGU7lB859QHd8Kw-6tfNRryFWPnmI2sRjqFG3vwmNtDc9v6o2GS3sG-IjafKfFrpZUZ0uYJ5wZNaSJ7WwqFOM1V54xcyq2BD-7Q6zK/s3008/great-northern-diver_Draycote_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Great-northern diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RWY3mBjX0U3Z1xB1gykqLom1OgoZj89_7ZKl3zQSCpFRkz3EV2RWYuruM34sO7LqSjsDrCKen0XbumtZb5-a8OjGU7lB859QHd8Kw-6tfNRryFWPnmI2sRjqFG3vwmNtDc9v6o2GS3sG-IjafKfFrpZUZ0uYJ5wZNaSJ7WwqFOM1V54xcyq2BD-7Q6zK/s600/great-northern-diver_Draycote_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Having returned from our party and overnight stay at late lunchtime, Charlotte said she was going to watch tennis from the Australian Open and so I slipped out to connect with the scaup and great-northern diver at Farmoor Reservoir. The sun would be dropping when I was there, but these birds usually give good opportunities for photographs. There was also the possibility for knot that had been reported over recent days.
<p>I made my way across the causeway between F1 and F2, stopping to chat with a birder coming the other way - he confirmed that the scaup was in its favoured place and that the great-northern diver was out in the middle of F2 and travelling great distances on each diver and so could end up anywhere. I reached the scaup and it gave immense views, as always. No sign of a knot but a year tick for a common sandpiper - I do have a photo but rather frustratingly I took the photo with a very odd aperture setting - must have spun a dial inadvertently.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8UyOA_Bm1wdd-MRHakbvG5fK_m0I12N19O0o1ICG9T3ZWnArxf48gXe8E1XVX56SneK7bdxU_lpckUGGYiWoL8ulWaJSeOmYy_UsPy09tUGEOwiOQQeO-rOaAMoL8l0hpDO7qi2OFq4kCVdKYiLZeW254vBbPwQvJ95VMWZWOjTfr5_u1h5q1eu8mT42/s3008/scaup_Farmoor_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Scaup" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8UyOA_Bm1wdd-MRHakbvG5fK_m0I12N19O0o1ICG9T3ZWnArxf48gXe8E1XVX56SneK7bdxU_lpckUGGYiWoL8ulWaJSeOmYy_UsPy09tUGEOwiOQQeO-rOaAMoL8l0hpDO7qi2OFq4kCVdKYiLZeW254vBbPwQvJ95VMWZWOjTfr5_u1h5q1eu8mT42/s600/scaup_Farmoor_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I set about scanning for the great-northern diver and located it back down the causeway, but some way off. I made my way down to find it had travelled towards the western end and back round the corner to where I had been standing. I returned and managed to get several photos, some in the shade and others in the low sun. Such a lovely bird.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2LR7W10JmnxSzM-kivBUS83DhdNIve8zV7RIblZ3EggGPp0DoyLM3dsCL4UvhAU_30IIXtwkrEHcCdZhByvrtp8BftwaryPjgpw0Nh2j_cr6FxQo28D2kP1ewIbsWMYDLrF4twhd8lmQ6-2xUwyfdSIrE0o6CVmTlF_9z21qHYo5S0fZ74qxrXlK71Xg/s3008/great-northern-diver-3_Farmoor_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Great-northern diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2LR7W10JmnxSzM-kivBUS83DhdNIve8zV7RIblZ3EggGPp0DoyLM3dsCL4UvhAU_30IIXtwkrEHcCdZhByvrtp8BftwaryPjgpw0Nh2j_cr6FxQo28D2kP1ewIbsWMYDLrF4twhd8lmQ6-2xUwyfdSIrE0o6CVmTlF_9z21qHYo5S0fZ74qxrXlK71Xg/s600/great-northern-diver-3_Farmoor_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I saw the common sandpiper again, but it was very flighty, and I couldn't get an angle to take a front or side on photo so didn't bother - I already had a record shot. A short but productive visit and in the end both birds showing well.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-12255286747505257832024-01-21T18:39:00.002+00:002024-01-31T22:43:54.457+00:00Heybridge & Bradwell-on-Sea :: 13 January 2024<p>Having returned from a short holiday in Scotland almost a week before, I was relieved to see that the Northern waterthrush had stayed at Heybridge, Maldon in Essex. It had been a very popular bird, primarily due to it being the eighth recorded in Britain - seven previous records between 1958 and 2019. This is a first for Essex, only the third mainland record, and the first British record since 2011.
<p>It breeds in the northern part of North America, in Canada, and the northern United States. It is migratory, wintering in Central America, the West Indies and Florida. It is a very rare vagrant to other South American countries or to western Europe. It likes "swampy or wet woods" as habitats but is more commonly seen in tropical climates during the winter and actually resembles a large pipit rather than a "thrush" - maybe a dwarf redwing … without the red. Typically it feeds on insects and other small invertebrates on streams or pond edges.
<p>Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I knew that visiting on a Saturday we'd encounter more people but there had been opportunities the previous weekend and over the sunsequent five weekdays - we left early to ensure that even after a stop for breakfast we'd be there by 7.00am, with sunrise scheduled for 07.59am. Kev had visited more than a week before while I was away but understood this was a bird I'd like to see - hopefully we'd be able to make later plans based on what else was reported in the area that morning.
<p>We arrived to find hordes of people already in place - around 200 at a quick estimate, with more trying to view from the other end of the creek - mayhem. We joined on the lefthand edge only to discover that you couldn't see the creek at all from here and so pushed through and knelt in the mud in front of the line of scopes, and behind people sitting on the grass. I put down my gloves to try and limit the damage to my trousers - this turned out to be a futile exercise and simply resulted in more items to wash when I returned home. At least we had a view from here.
<p>At 07.26am the crowd's attention was raised when the bird was spotted halfway down the creek - it took me a while to latch on but then I had my second life tick of the year. I used my camera to follow the bird as it was much brighter than the current conditions - I tried to take a few photos but my settings meant that the shutter speed was too slow. The bird fed up and down the channel eventually venturing right up to the sluice - the closest position it could be to us. Now I encountered a new issue - I had the camera set for crop instead of full frame and it was increasingly difficult to follow the bird as it walked, hopped and flew across the water and from perch to perch. I switched out and managed to fire off a few shots before the bird flew back along the creek and out of range. Shortly after it flew right out of the creek and into the reeds beyond. It was now 08.15am and we'd had good views so decided to move out to give those that had been less fortunate than ourselves a chance to view - a dozen or more people around us did the same.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVJoDv6x0LhXqgLg25CoDT08lUGxGafrDTQ4_XIy-p-CkbxWDiQH8hpG0MR3LDZLjtzSJdUeqTqVRpzZoAOkbx8YupS3Hjckof2NXhXvYn2AVAGJ9v1UV0-GYrSE5Q7WbivdtjtSHRCKZKaRVVc1ZMfrsp-K93-D6j3u40oaOtbZAgKxAdMI31K2b9y6I/s3008/northern-waterthrush-1_Heybridge_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Northern waterthrush" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVJoDv6x0LhXqgLg25CoDT08lUGxGafrDTQ4_XIy-p-CkbxWDiQH8hpG0MR3LDZLjtzSJdUeqTqVRpzZoAOkbx8YupS3Hjckof2NXhXvYn2AVAGJ9v1UV0-GYrSE5Q7WbivdtjtSHRCKZKaRVVc1ZMfrsp-K93-D6j3u40oaOtbZAgKxAdMI31K2b9y6I/s600/northern-waterthrush-1_Heybridge_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yyWSaPqXZ8MIaSQ9a6aR5HRq_6d2bov2Ky5-jx6xx87kCG8DS182ejnTt9rSHFkiurmLZK9KouZdjS4q-e95dRIqScy-CkJv9kPQB9fkO5Md15ZhuiIv5zX_cugTmmsN8Nep0VbFY8NNg-j1E6W_RaXBAg0ASZmPfRQO5MXlDGH_7iC3iFn7mi-H3fBs/s3008/northern-waterthrush-2_Heybridge_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Northern waterthrush" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yyWSaPqXZ8MIaSQ9a6aR5HRq_6d2bov2Ky5-jx6xx87kCG8DS182ejnTt9rSHFkiurmLZK9KouZdjS4q-e95dRIqScy-CkJv9kPQB9fkO5Md15ZhuiIv5zX_cugTmmsN8Nep0VbFY8NNg-j1E6W_RaXBAg0ASZmPfRQO5MXlDGH_7iC3iFn7mi-H3fBs/s600/northern-waterthrush-2_Heybridge_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>As we left, we bumped into Penny <a href="https://twitter.com/FegWitch" target="_blank">@FegWitch</a> and Ann, stopping briefly for a chat with them and two of their friends. They were going to Abberton Reservoir with hope of the canvasback (not been reported for a couple of days), the smews and a possible Slavonian grebe. We now looked on our phones and opted instead for a trip over to Bradwell-on-Sea to try for the red-breasted goose (another species I hadn't seen in 2023). We said our goodbyes and made the journey of just over half an hour.
<p>We arrived, and Kev said that he'd been told that the bird was likely to be a 2-mile walk out to where the main brent geese flock were feeding. Our target was a first-winter bird but worth the visit. The red-breasted goose is native to Eurasia and is a relative of the brent goose, despite its appearance. It is threatened by habitat loss and has been in decline over the last few decades to the point it is classed as endangered. They breed in Arctic Siberia and usually spend their winters along the shores of the Black, Caspian, and Arial seas. They are typically found on riverbanks, flooded fields, wooded tundra, lakes, and marshes.
<p>We set off down the track and saw a couple of birders down on the edge of the Saltmarsh - we'd likely be following them along - to our left was a flock of brent geese but it didn't contain our bird. With them were a handful of lapwings. When we got closer to the church (the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall), we met the birders coming back up the track - apparently the walk had put them off and they were going to give it a miss (they'd heard it was 3½ miles to the bird while my maps suggested 2½) - Kev said he hoped it would be the latter. Looking out over the bay from the church we could see more brent geese, knot, dunlin, curlews and more. Kev piped up and said there was a short-eared owl perched on a post and when I got my bins on it, it was a gnome - oh he thinks he is very funny.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggj9dVbS2XBjy1wZ_cOAtjrAWOfZ5BlmpVxNckNmkQOQjkxLXBzzFy9lfGHGWFyx7ISzanUui3Lvu9atAkiHoIAZpVOrfPle6FYY9dKsypKy7s80JGhZ3YNHTYQBYM9a0Y_fdg8VbpuaABB4sHGW9ksu23p6g3_pHuCeWB47pKHQtKzn2uTIotClZ0isGq/s3008/gnome_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Gnome" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggj9dVbS2XBjy1wZ_cOAtjrAWOfZ5BlmpVxNckNmkQOQjkxLXBzzFy9lfGHGWFyx7ISzanUui3Lvu9atAkiHoIAZpVOrfPle6FYY9dKsypKy7s80JGhZ3YNHTYQBYM9a0Y_fdg8VbpuaABB4sHGW9ksu23p6g3_pHuCeWB47pKHQtKzn2uTIotClZ0isGq/s600/gnome_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Walking along the path Kev called a harrier and as it was flying away from us, we couldn't be absolutely sure of the species - with the grey it may have been a male hen harrier - we will never know. We joined up with a few other birders that had been catching us up - one had just seen a male hen harrier ... we added views of both male and female marsh harriers. After around 1½ miles we came to a bend in the path and out in front of us was the main brent flock, feeding and swaying back and forth from left to right. It was quite difficult to pick out the red-breasted goose from the others, but easier on the scope. I considered taking a photo but away from the scope I always lost the bird. After a few minutes our bird made it to the front and I had much better views on the scope - this was my chance - I got a line and raised my camera as the flock took off, whirled around a couple of times, and landed a couple of fields away. Fortunately, Kev got some video and below is a screen grab from one of those.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyMVRCXH8_RjUyTQjbk_3S-zQDWCuew3W9iTKd25g6elimf0h3V48vzxai4zFfxhNAymtW3PWeK9G5SUiNOM0K2dG0a-TxOYUEo17GTpdlsxa7gNY-d31PhPGmZ3DgZeOdAE-f8RdQfEP6gdC2VogKN-ZmsX2YE9W9Mqmn1r8vPP1itiuG0_ri4ESM59u/s2048/Screenshot%202024-01-21%20at%2017.00.42.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-breasted goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyMVRCXH8_RjUyTQjbk_3S-zQDWCuew3W9iTKd25g6elimf0h3V48vzxai4zFfxhNAymtW3PWeK9G5SUiNOM0K2dG0a-TxOYUEo17GTpdlsxa7gNY-d31PhPGmZ3DgZeOdAE-f8RdQfEP6gdC2VogKN-ZmsX2YE9W9Mqmn1r8vPP1itiuG0_ri4ESM59u/s600/Screenshot%202024-01-21%20at%2017.00.42.png"/></a>
<div align="center">Copyright and courtesy of Kevin Heath</div>
</div>
<p>There was a cold breeze and we realised we'd need to move on to stay warm. We started back and a couple of birders strode out, leaving us behind while we followed another and out into the Saltmarsh - much closer to the shore. Once at the closest point we could pick out many more of the species on the water and shore: dunlin, knot, bar-tailed godwits, oystercatchers, grey plovers, pintails, red-breasted mergansers, turnstones, and more. Quite a few year ticks amongst us.
<p>Our companion said goodbye and made his way along the track at a fair pace while we took it steadier. We were watching the passing waders when a ringtail/female hen harrier came into view along the edge of the Saltmarsh and where it meets the shore. We watched it quarter the area but purposefully making progress from our left to right. We had excellent views and were warmed by the experience - the cold couldn't touch us now.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATn3iXiUbw3A1HsLnPH0I0QlgU5YPn4tHnz54Pvq9KLA2h3USNglk5s3gzaD-SlmuOBlTUc4-vngbsAulyFEi7DUGTgnX2-3NWUabYCM8IT8asH78AzRaMTGCvt4YwZP9uRNZvFui2PwoHVuiYbbeTu07y_0MGLPuxRHpSuA-Q4Bxv6pyYfKwaUsPiQ5V/s3008/hen-harrier-1_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Hen harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATn3iXiUbw3A1HsLnPH0I0QlgU5YPn4tHnz54Pvq9KLA2h3USNglk5s3gzaD-SlmuOBlTUc4-vngbsAulyFEi7DUGTgnX2-3NWUabYCM8IT8asH78AzRaMTGCvt4YwZP9uRNZvFui2PwoHVuiYbbeTu07y_0MGLPuxRHpSuA-Q4Bxv6pyYfKwaUsPiQ5V/s600/hen-harrier-1_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrgxv8qc7HAMTWBY2GnovDOTeviT1jxbKAQW8blqCx_ldSDXe2baIp350xnB9d-GVya3TlB8TT06MIcWhyphenhyphenVWMKLEhImDIbs307Vwa-2WEtuAjJwkTDkxctpD4qfpSKcNf_Dk03EPKRvbAfPfi9-Jm8FV8f1VNmUYr-vf5BnAomxXXmkrxoA9Q4EV-puUO/s3008/hen-harrier-2_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Hen harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrgxv8qc7HAMTWBY2GnovDOTeviT1jxbKAQW8blqCx_ldSDXe2baIp350xnB9d-GVya3TlB8TT06MIcWhyphenhyphenVWMKLEhImDIbs307Vwa-2WEtuAjJwkTDkxctpD4qfpSKcNf_Dk03EPKRvbAfPfi9-Jm8FV8f1VNmUYr-vf5BnAomxXXmkrxoA9Q4EV-puUO/s600/hen-harrier-2_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlysGGfbxpmIjAZvPrecH-QfgFkk2_MPvA8_AteDL0M8n0DlNlX7nf6r1I-PmS8Kmv60wMLfAFmHS8YXuM1dHPAFBy3BH7ZDTvWi2EASxJlUlNH79MyZ-7mklwRDNgV-er1OBNHC9rBw9bSUSyMfgSpFfeDsdW5P0JAIoB2mI5nV8MJmnXUyWUi9Rq0kz8/s3008/hen-harrier-3_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Hen harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlysGGfbxpmIjAZvPrecH-QfgFkk2_MPvA8_AteDL0M8n0DlNlX7nf6r1I-PmS8Kmv60wMLfAFmHS8YXuM1dHPAFBy3BH7ZDTvWi2EASxJlUlNH79MyZ-7mklwRDNgV-er1OBNHC9rBw9bSUSyMfgSpFfeDsdW5P0JAIoB2mI5nV8MJmnXUyWUi9Rq0kz8/s600/hen-harrier-3_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We joked that we would find a merlin on one of the posts dotted across the marsh but never did, although we had more views of marsh harriers. Eventually we made it back onto the main path and started back towards the church.
<p>In the distance flocks of waders sparkled in the sky, as they often do in sunlight and when numbers are in the thousands. Movement at the edge of my field of view caught my attention and as I scanned there was a merlin acrobatically attempting to capture a small bird. Thankfully I managed to get Kev on it to see the action - wow, that was special. All distant but a feast for the eyes through our bins. We continued on and spotted the merlin perched in various bushes and scrub - at one point it took to the wing, flew along the shore and then up high, only to be lost right. With distance and the sun, it was hard to get any sort of record shot.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj523L1YFbrK1s_e91CSpMqR_snVK95HP085Dehpt2tQoS84UHCgf2oKYtr9MlX89Qzf_UhNQ7lNMvdVJlOJUUSUXjJCXsidAMx-RlwtdypXcWmlJ1qYnGLH1R5RYGOJbycKshyphenhyphenOb2KX8b1qHJhrRcRRZ6AYq8OerULqWb2_F8n4SjWkKlbvwyfoMye73Ky/s1250/merlin_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Merlin" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj523L1YFbrK1s_e91CSpMqR_snVK95HP085Dehpt2tQoS84UHCgf2oKYtr9MlX89Qzf_UhNQ7lNMvdVJlOJUUSUXjJCXsidAMx-RlwtdypXcWmlJ1qYnGLH1R5RYGOJbycKshyphenhyphenOb2KX8b1qHJhrRcRRZ6AYq8OerULqWb2_F8n4SjWkKlbvwyfoMye73Ky/s600/merlin_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We continued and noted the flocks of knot and dunlin on the shore - part of the flock that we'd seen earlier no doubt. In the field to our right, we saw a dozen or so golden plover, and a pair of stonechats.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2ZB1v9Dk2xpF2RGZolBgORnsBoh7eHMaMPvDJkvXfqjKzaSukOoAVab0jRZmTZsMfMIpaZ3vDH9LghiZk3nRqbcEGK54awQY06TX9bi74o_woBIbwAc9Z_W3s1FvfeHZi0KzRvAl1wEweQWLt5nzDILlq0hBB9VH2qYw9F83tDpxyQeae_LMLgedqW2L/s3627/knot-dunlin_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Knot and dunlin" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2418" data-original-width="3627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2ZB1v9Dk2xpF2RGZolBgORnsBoh7eHMaMPvDJkvXfqjKzaSukOoAVab0jRZmTZsMfMIpaZ3vDH9LghiZk3nRqbcEGK54awQY06TX9bi74o_woBIbwAc9Z_W3s1FvfeHZi0KzRvAl1wEweQWLt5nzDILlq0hBB9VH2qYw9F83tDpxyQeae_LMLgedqW2L/s600/knot-dunlin_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8ai7t5N9dChtmPTU2pzztzz2r6Cnk5Rsongp-2k2dcItRmM0gAG3Hu-Ampz67ps91uUt21hXIo0ZGvGdqXv9PPLtI-Kjqi_eSyxSWB_52tZ_m82GGvwEdVNKk12iPmHG5tS8vUdcUOXgAWERizfaQkTeqr2HLoGNAnUL9O4yMXDQNgZZR3dlW-166Zne/s3008/golden-plover_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Golden plover" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8ai7t5N9dChtmPTU2pzztzz2r6Cnk5Rsongp-2k2dcItRmM0gAG3Hu-Ampz67ps91uUt21hXIo0ZGvGdqXv9PPLtI-Kjqi_eSyxSWB_52tZ_m82GGvwEdVNKk12iPmHG5tS8vUdcUOXgAWERizfaQkTeqr2HLoGNAnUL9O4yMXDQNgZZR3dlW-166Zne/s600/golden-plover_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk60GAVAUBJRRShhAHFQLvePIathJvmT9v-Th_K-9hMukboGtOTci6LZD6ixgLj6ryEo7PugLSBiXt4IzxIR3gPfH46vjm9qLhIdo_7mEHhpDBLmOF792vljHkkgaem8cExCI8s0VDKh6lZ60O3YCqMqZJETWxwBQevYAKd_D7RPwtg35IlnDPEn_VjEM/s3008/stonechat_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stonechat" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk60GAVAUBJRRShhAHFQLvePIathJvmT9v-Th_K-9hMukboGtOTci6LZD6ixgLj6ryEo7PugLSBiXt4IzxIR3gPfH46vjm9qLhIdo_7mEHhpDBLmOF792vljHkkgaem8cExCI8s0VDKh6lZ60O3YCqMqZJETWxwBQevYAKd_D7RPwtg35IlnDPEn_VjEM/s600/stonechat_BradwellOnSea_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We stopped and visited the church to find out about its history. The Chapel is open during the day to visitors and in the summer, they hold a 09.00am Communion service on the last Thursday in the month and every Thursday during July and August. During the winter months services are less regular - <a href="https://www.bradwellchapel.org/services/our-services" target="_blank">the website</a> provides details.
<p>In AD 653 St. Cedd had sailed down the east coast of England from Lindisfarne and landed at Bradwell, finding the ruins of an old deserted Roman fort. The Chapel is said to be that of "Ythanceaster" (Bede, Historia Ecclesiastica), originally constructed as an Anglo-Celtic Church for the East Saxons in AD 654, astride the ruins of the abandoned Roman fort of Othona.
<p>In June 1916 the Parker family who owned the chapel gave it to Chelmsford Cathedral. In 1920 it was restored and re-consecrated. Soon after this the annual pilgrimage started at the beginning of July each year. The day-to-day maintenance and care for the chapel has always been carried out by the parish church, whose Rector was Chaplain until 2010. In 1959 it gained the Grade I listed status.
<p>The first altar was made from oak beams from Chelmsford Cathedral that was being restored at this time. This was replaced in the 1980s when a new stone altar was installed with stones from Iona, Lindisfarne and Lastingham.
<p>On the track back up to the car we were stopped watching lapwings in the field, with pied wagtails over, when we heard a strange call - corn buntings. It took only seconds to locate two sitting atop some trees back down the path - one continued to call but all too soon they were gone. Kev insisted that I should have jumped on the scope for a better look - I had photos ...
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Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-53428290595537810302024-01-16T22:14:00.001+00:002024-01-31T22:49:59.710+00:00A New Year :: 01 - 07 January 2023<p>Happy New Year to you and yours! It is the start of a new year and New Year's Day found Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I meeting up at RSPB Otmoor for a wander round early doors. I had to be back by lunchtime for my daughter finishing her shift at work, while Kev could stay later and so we travelled separately. Once on the reserve we saw many of the usual species and kicked off our year lists with 51 species, Kev adding a couple more along the bridleway and Roman Road. Nothing of particular note and no outstanding photos
<p>The following day Alan Boddington reported seven waxwings at the main entrance gate to Brandon Marsh near Coventry. They were reported at 9.51am and I was on the road about an hour later. On the way the roads were wet but as I turned down Brandon Lane the road was completely under water - a car was at the other end of the ‘puddle’ wondering what to do. In fact it was easily passable for now and so I drove through carefully and turned down for the reserve, stopping to see if I could locate the waxwings in the rain. None.
<p>I checked WhatsApp to find a message "Final Waxwing total before they flew was 12". Damn. I made for the Visitor's Centre to see if there was any news - no one else around. They were closing the Centre before the roads became impassable - on my way out I added jay to my year list as two flew over. My first dip of the year - I'm sure there will be more. On the way home, just outside Marton, two puddles had almost met in the centre of the road but now on the way back they had joined, and the water was now almost 9 or 10 inches deep - fed from water coming down the slope on the right. In many ways going home now might be the best thing that could have happened – it is possible the road could be closed.
<p>Wednesday saw us driving to Scotland to see my mum and brothers - an extra week off work. With reports of white-tailed eagle on Hunterston Sands on Boxing Day I'd asked my mum to keep it there until I arrived - hopefully I'd find something in the area. When we arrived, I looked on Birdguides to see what had been reported and over a late lunch up popped a glaucous gull on the pool by Auchenharvie Golf Course and then on the roof at Dunbia Highland Meats. The light was dropping as we checked into our hotel and so there was no point going now.
<p>The following morning sunrise would be almost 08.50am and so it was after breakfast before we set off, arriving at Stevenston Point. With guillemots, razorbill, a raft of very distant common scoters, a red-throated diver and more on the water there were a few good birds but all very distant. As I scanned on my scope another birder arrived, and I asked if he'd been to Saltcoats - the glaucous gull had been reported not long before. He confirmed that it was he that had posted the sighting and confirmed the bird was back on the roof of the factory. Charlotte and I packed up and made for Saltcoats - a glaucous gull would be a lifer.
<p>We parked at Auchenharvie Golf Course and while Charlotte stayed in the car, I walked down the path to the meat factory and met another birder scanning the pond and then the roof of the factory. I joined in and we worked along the roof but couldn't locate our bird - the other chap said that he was going down to Ardrossan harbour to tick purple sandpipers for his year list but would return and perhaps the bird would be back.
<p>I walked further along the path to find there were more roofs and within a couple of minutes had spotted the glaucous gull. I excitedly dropped my scope on the tarmac of the factory car park and was quickly approached by a security guard that asked me to return to the perimeter of the site - only reasonable. As I repositioned the gull dropped onto the ground and it was then I could see quite how big it was! - a very large (the second biggest gull in the world), pale gull - up to 77 cm in length and can span 170 - 182 cm across the wings.
<p>Adults are mostly white with a very pale grey back; pure white wingtips. Juveniles (as this one) are white or pale tan with light brown markings and again no black on the wingtips. It breeds in the High Arctic, winters farther south in a variety of habitats - rarely far from a large body of water - and often seen mixed with flocks of other large gulls. They eat virtually anything, from small rodents to seabirds to starfish, as well as fruit, insects, carrion, and rubbish - here it was hanging around the abattoir/processing facility looking for scraps - to be fair, there were a significant number of gulls doing the same.
<p>The glaucous gull returned to the roof and occasionally flew a circuit around the facility. It was interesting to see the bird against the other species (often thought to be large themselves).
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-KfjNw2ynQJzKQtQC9S5ucdZyPkSBRFClLznjtKZ0rtPraXDXt-e1k9zkLflwG3UvhLcAoqloYQ3fVYnchTQEUCVd-yDRz6j9NzPtLcjqOUGNSpM6IYAzRMYMg3z1OWFYVV13VsODSuq8IZmx_jZhMfpzptSCcRcLB-Yw3H6JQamBjzcaQskO9_c8J-l/s3008/glaucous-gull-3_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Glaucous gull" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-KfjNw2ynQJzKQtQC9S5ucdZyPkSBRFClLznjtKZ0rtPraXDXt-e1k9zkLflwG3UvhLcAoqloYQ3fVYnchTQEUCVd-yDRz6j9NzPtLcjqOUGNSpM6IYAzRMYMg3z1OWFYVV13VsODSuq8IZmx_jZhMfpzptSCcRcLB-Yw3H6JQamBjzcaQskO9_c8J-l/s600/glaucous-gull-3_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5tUTGYsuANMC1ZNQSTU7Lpm06RDlXZoD_dB0VH4XIez1arlVcPgPHdz1c0I7dBOnG9MMlLf8uNmnqiamWmOg8Cp8BQpGJgwXkbe1oJLkpHwr0tvUlmn7PHFR3ssz7xuD5LO_iLSDhsFw7Zf7bmd2_MsAWXHFzg_YMiBksaWDJRNLCdtvVHrabIznTe4G/s3115/glaucous-gull-6_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Glaucous gull" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2075" data-original-width="3115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5tUTGYsuANMC1ZNQSTU7Lpm06RDlXZoD_dB0VH4XIez1arlVcPgPHdz1c0I7dBOnG9MMlLf8uNmnqiamWmOg8Cp8BQpGJgwXkbe1oJLkpHwr0tvUlmn7PHFR3ssz7xuD5LO_iLSDhsFw7Zf7bmd2_MsAWXHFzg_YMiBksaWDJRNLCdtvVHrabIznTe4G/s600/glaucous-gull-6_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMRzGq-Ew2SJyaxC9vNJTwbSPvS6NQbrDPyoKOuIzDNIpCXte4eprt8oTEmn1XUdS1SwaC71ILnVp3MjOY_7mCowlh_GaDEIwxvl2dqtvOlMuuLqCEXj7sL9WvumtMNxIMorAUEayQg5g9Kg3XJWRjQzBNXjahOlOw5-LMsaZEtoxhhndw2ueevEvPctf/s4005/glaucous-gull-7_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Glaucous gull" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMRzGq-Ew2SJyaxC9vNJTwbSPvS6NQbrDPyoKOuIzDNIpCXte4eprt8oTEmn1XUdS1SwaC71ILnVp3MjOY_7mCowlh_GaDEIwxvl2dqtvOlMuuLqCEXj7sL9WvumtMNxIMorAUEayQg5g9Kg3XJWRjQzBNXjahOlOw5-LMsaZEtoxhhndw2ueevEvPctf/s600/glaucous-gull-7_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Another birder turned up to take photos and we had a nice chat as we watched - he mentioned that there was a reliable spot in Saltcoats for purple sandpipers, one of my target birds along this stretch of the coastline. Once we'd had our fill I headed back to the car and announced to Charlotte that I wanted to make one more stop - we made our way along to the area suggested but in the short time I had I didn't locate any sandpipers. I did have great views of a seal basking on the water's edge. Ringing records show that purple sandpipers are remarkably faithful to wintering sites, with individuals returning to the exact same stretch of coast year after year; they'd likely be here somewhere.
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<p>Back at my mum's house rather a lovely mistle thrush rested in top of one of the fence posts, with song thrushes keeping it company.
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<p>The next morning we had breakfast and I asked we return to Saltcoats - I'd had some conversations with some locals on social media and they'd clarified where I should be for the sandpipers. On arrival a turnstone fed on the grass between the beach and the children’s play area, but I wasn't stopping here - my quarry lay elsewhere. I walked to the pools I'd been directed to and immediately saw the sandpipers I was looking for, feeding with redshank and turnstones. The common name refers to a seldom-seen purple sheen on some of the wing feathers. I started taking some photos as they worked up and down the channels and water's edge getting what I hoped were nice shots. The six birds nimbly explored seaweed-covered rocks as they search for mussels, crustaceans, and flies, flashing bright orange on the legs and bill.
<p>Suddenly one of the birds hopped onto a wall, ran directly at me, and jumped down in the closest pool almost as if it was posing - what a great experience. As quickly as it had chosen to entertain, it turned and flew away to the remaining flock.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vJ7fufNr5Xn9CZDvMvYhzZYyyDlluUugB_9kjhxKQvBFBnJjfORN0RCpOMq0F4XAl4tDOT8DhTx9zYB_KkSSJJSPGeEaj9OfQ220RaGIdTl4lmnWcfK1_DO-EdteSSr4w4_BM5KbWbO67TTJAvLsqP8bgj1AMSUz4XxvPbbWM5z83xdW9lnETvJKEMes/s3008/purple-sandpiper-1_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vJ7fufNr5Xn9CZDvMvYhzZYyyDlluUugB_9kjhxKQvBFBnJjfORN0RCpOMq0F4XAl4tDOT8DhTx9zYB_KkSSJJSPGeEaj9OfQ220RaGIdTl4lmnWcfK1_DO-EdteSSr4w4_BM5KbWbO67TTJAvLsqP8bgj1AMSUz4XxvPbbWM5z83xdW9lnETvJKEMes/s600/purple-sandpiper-1_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQG9akiF6xjxRIzYuu5SkoF2YppH9wBQN6BOBna-eCLKk-risUYb7rJ62cezHYZCM6r32B6bxU272kMpW5aK9mpYM5CRbft55mK97HkrCunjWn9RdVQLQHqbIdOa-sK-CVmL_GUmFEalS41bZSsAyCfB2aYZMFCqsPGx8cOs5To8t9Xl6oPor0LNvQOCY/s3008/purple-sandpiper-2_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQG9akiF6xjxRIzYuu5SkoF2YppH9wBQN6BOBna-eCLKk-risUYb7rJ62cezHYZCM6r32B6bxU272kMpW5aK9mpYM5CRbft55mK97HkrCunjWn9RdVQLQHqbIdOa-sK-CVmL_GUmFEalS41bZSsAyCfB2aYZMFCqsPGx8cOs5To8t9Xl6oPor0LNvQOCY/s600/purple-sandpiper-2_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuhAWJpAP7S8pXaasLcOdFrJNfCFXJnZfRd9PqINST-oTBVZ8Q2LtNsSuvRi-l4lIg04qz-b0zVTpK4FIwyiKOpwz3FpnpLUj0_JUZQdGdLB7Uo8LFUUcesSCD8t1h5GRLoaARxHNBGCzqLgfjQ5Esd5AFAbbHF4-wHAzOIjbq2gVxZ1jKLrLqId0HVb3/s3450/purple-sandpiper-3_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2298" data-original-width="3450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuhAWJpAP7S8pXaasLcOdFrJNfCFXJnZfRd9PqINST-oTBVZ8Q2LtNsSuvRi-l4lIg04qz-b0zVTpK4FIwyiKOpwz3FpnpLUj0_JUZQdGdLB7Uo8LFUUcesSCD8t1h5GRLoaARxHNBGCzqLgfjQ5Esd5AFAbbHF4-wHAzOIjbq2gVxZ1jKLrLqId0HVb3/s600/purple-sandpiper-3_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE86UyYvbauiLCs4wc-fqR6b5JKdSeqgeFeHNB0PIADCiDS4lGvSaewMrTlJXx7NrE7-BJdECcDcmQHE7020AZQhcSEiZ0u_E3KHrAed6iS1Kxil26EonWNs9E3-a4Foss7hWsghGUhfRt362Q0R9qeOGsR8i9nLnfQBfYOGEmZkIKP9OkdINScBznXh_-/s3450/purple-sandpiper-4_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2299" data-original-width="3450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE86UyYvbauiLCs4wc-fqR6b5JKdSeqgeFeHNB0PIADCiDS4lGvSaewMrTlJXx7NrE7-BJdECcDcmQHE7020AZQhcSEiZ0u_E3KHrAed6iS1Kxil26EonWNs9E3-a4Foss7hWsghGUhfRt362Q0R9qeOGsR8i9nLnfQBfYOGEmZkIKP9OkdINScBznXh_-/s600/purple-sandpiper-4_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGl3ruSf0dBlEAkmsvRh4yIUoMyaLqZPn1hIJaC26xaG8trABufkmxtHzsXxyPwu7NRlMPHELj3ZgKIAUOlsDaSeejLazM7uw5J09ecwLGu1zhL7f5knzbnQjmYU8nej2x4cpn1iTN1DyabeOCXfFw7e3mOx0ycGJhGK7Wp_hUgExgLVXyZi2QgTqfS1O/s4005/purple-sandpiper-5_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGl3ruSf0dBlEAkmsvRh4yIUoMyaLqZPn1hIJaC26xaG8trABufkmxtHzsXxyPwu7NRlMPHELj3ZgKIAUOlsDaSeejLazM7uw5J09ecwLGu1zhL7f5knzbnQjmYU8nej2x4cpn1iTN1DyabeOCXfFw7e3mOx0ycGJhGK7Wp_hUgExgLVXyZi2QgTqfS1O/s600/purple-sandpiper-5_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wZpLAv_PJ8gD8e_ADBhOdAW0VlMMSS-_2wiVUVRcW_GCnSQet6MuNR9IHb0PphhCf6iiN8jU_b0qHj8oeP5UaIUteL5OiAT4RgWrCN3nu4Uv4x7g6mfmHYKdVAJIkZDOU-yD_uwTZneOf31ik1JQyqxvECcrrFHwmm5VzULEyXx8d9626SrutZITMdX-/s3008/purple-sandpiper-6_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wZpLAv_PJ8gD8e_ADBhOdAW0VlMMSS-_2wiVUVRcW_GCnSQet6MuNR9IHb0PphhCf6iiN8jU_b0qHj8oeP5UaIUteL5OiAT4RgWrCN3nu4Uv4x7g6mfmHYKdVAJIkZDOU-yD_uwTZneOf31ik1JQyqxvECcrrFHwmm5VzULEyXx8d9626SrutZITMdX-/s600/purple-sandpiper-6_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpnDpXrE2v5_r9CULyeP-e8WysmlwjWFh0hJmjs9XXgObYqVIN72zxdnAoA9dUu1kmkkm-3Bq-bVcfsoE54YieYnMjmmn5RuoVnBv1liLjSuSvUktXklYy7rPMQIUM2DY7X2cGGxHtrY-NLPTC2W0Nk326SSqbelTj3IgWkrghNtvyxgFIt02_dU59EZN/s3008/purple-sandpiper-7_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpnDpXrE2v5_r9CULyeP-e8WysmlwjWFh0hJmjs9XXgObYqVIN72zxdnAoA9dUu1kmkkm-3Bq-bVcfsoE54YieYnMjmmn5RuoVnBv1liLjSuSvUktXklYy7rPMQIUM2DY7X2cGGxHtrY-NLPTC2W0Nk326SSqbelTj3IgWkrghNtvyxgFIt02_dU59EZN/s600/purple-sandpiper-7_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedgEn06PCLEhtMhpEGaxwCzubRApORaQyB3c4UxE4QJREvrQPQHEpcjKJ4_t90MJmH9jcUBrtU9cOGlOK2upxxoimOX9_kXzpzuSiq0quKEbqCnW-xGjtPQC4HuVZIVPz0ALwmm7BSzOkXkwdO7p2-8EhHHUnC7SI5QCTgYWlKOyoFhJaqF_F-afMZgWl/s3008/purple-sandpiper-8_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedgEn06PCLEhtMhpEGaxwCzubRApORaQyB3c4UxE4QJREvrQPQHEpcjKJ4_t90MJmH9jcUBrtU9cOGlOK2upxxoimOX9_kXzpzuSiq0quKEbqCnW-xGjtPQC4HuVZIVPz0ALwmm7BSzOkXkwdO7p2-8EhHHUnC7SI5QCTgYWlKOyoFhJaqF_F-afMZgWl/s600/purple-sandpiper-8_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xm3EIyr009NHuwWuhIeEh2sy7h9wDXubA82bvzWbdd6I_dOB3NnaxNTH8rkO3lqv5yB-ZY6wvP6DAXtoSPLvgpqv2MTmMK0zTUgpUOEgkgtY61KBYca-L0riPNFmThyphenhyphenLTXP-dro8gp6i9boqERXqN4aMPwPZut_w8bSz_RjE4a6xvJSEbjNxOpORnqZd/s3008/purple-sandpiper-9_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xm3EIyr009NHuwWuhIeEh2sy7h9wDXubA82bvzWbdd6I_dOB3NnaxNTH8rkO3lqv5yB-ZY6wvP6DAXtoSPLvgpqv2MTmMK0zTUgpUOEgkgtY61KBYca-L0riPNFmThyphenhyphenLTXP-dro8gp6i9boqERXqN4aMPwPZut_w8bSz_RjE4a6xvJSEbjNxOpORnqZd/s600/purple-sandpiper-9_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I returned to the car and Charlotte and made for Stevenston Point to see what might be there. Another (different) seal watched on.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL9WAcWOXfuqKL-4CYYAPRBY5g2rW4cOqYdreU4IWxRRg2ygnGySYzJRrkBOIEMcaYsWYVP-SY92msxRoyYbf6rCE8ymFFyDDi3Gf1N9mTfrT3RUny7DkNHYgg_6kXCril1y2ljx9wh2i0IHY5MTaFnIO0pL2hnAhD_cwFBk96QV3gpDZGc6bGZumVZ8Z/s3008/seal-2_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Seal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihL9WAcWOXfuqKL-4CYYAPRBY5g2rW4cOqYdreU4IWxRRg2ygnGySYzJRrkBOIEMcaYsWYVP-SY92msxRoyYbf6rCE8ymFFyDDi3Gf1N9mTfrT3RUny7DkNHYgg_6kXCril1y2ljx9wh2i0IHY5MTaFnIO0pL2hnAhD_cwFBk96QV3gpDZGc6bGZumVZ8Z/s600/seal-2_Saltcoats_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I set up my scope and scanned, standing nearby another birder. Out on the water there was a red-throated diver, several pairs of red-breasted mergansers and distant sanderling feeding along the water's edge. Ringed plover, dunlin, turnstone, and a handful of purple sandpipers fed on top of the pier structure out into the water. A single razorbill and a couple of black guillemots caught my attention - the common scoters were absent.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmAi4RxKAA_wAFnmu0S6UlEeseBVk9lblyJP5N6BOaXAdi8lannphFT6x2Bj5gqfy3fa5VgzoUoLQOuGyqBUSSeGTsRMwZcBGPy8NN0-zTZm-ekvgaNDicdy-wheNhOziqLWivcIYcUO-jwmg36D_cwXxxNSVXgktLnalxZuS06HkH2y_YuUFMRWkdNFP/s3008/red-throated-diver-1_Stevenston_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmAi4RxKAA_wAFnmu0S6UlEeseBVk9lblyJP5N6BOaXAdi8lannphFT6x2Bj5gqfy3fa5VgzoUoLQOuGyqBUSSeGTsRMwZcBGPy8NN0-zTZm-ekvgaNDicdy-wheNhOziqLWivcIYcUO-jwmg36D_cwXxxNSVXgktLnalxZuS06HkH2y_YuUFMRWkdNFP/s600/red-throated-diver-1_Stevenston_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8s6pqhJmlW2ymK7qF19wucM9Pfp31RJWnxUcsKmsXQuHQoTRf5O1jx8F2XpeXwFlziXniUGgWEbhlH_YtuIY-SYm321IIbDPy9nOVVALt7u_k6lyyB-D2FndBdDKeKH4u5I547w3Z2Xox9tWF7Fg7iUI0T9PRYQAlssPbaAdxYpDhwWHyAN2RTzqMZ2L/s3008/red-throated-diver-2_Stevenston_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8s6pqhJmlW2ymK7qF19wucM9Pfp31RJWnxUcsKmsXQuHQoTRf5O1jx8F2XpeXwFlziXniUGgWEbhlH_YtuIY-SYm321IIbDPy9nOVVALt7u_k6lyyB-D2FndBdDKeKH4u5I547w3Z2Xox9tWF7Fg7iUI0T9PRYQAlssPbaAdxYpDhwWHyAN2RTzqMZ2L/s600/red-throated-diver-2_Stevenston_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6v6Ny_RNnOrZebS_sdwX7Q5PqSuovnSkAj_-WyC_Xf9ZKGGY3JJy-87omwyXdEUq8EcuXm75SVP5ixc0prIvx8t8caydw3QZ-Ii_7ef4yBOTzCijQTNeNPYKRNz67a58sWTxz77Qe-x41z0L_7XoF2OCzkjqNQcDPvUrkgPBa4XQkkKTPSThMRPAtnf9/s3008/turnstone_Stevenston_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Turnstone" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6v6Ny_RNnOrZebS_sdwX7Q5PqSuovnSkAj_-WyC_Xf9ZKGGY3JJy-87omwyXdEUq8EcuXm75SVP5ixc0prIvx8t8caydw3QZ-Ii_7ef4yBOTzCijQTNeNPYKRNz67a58sWTxz77Qe-x41z0L_7XoF2OCzkjqNQcDPvUrkgPBa4XQkkKTPSThMRPAtnf9/s600/turnstone_Stevenston_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We were approached by another birder that had been viewing further back along the Point and had seen a single Mediterranean gull, and a dozen or so knot - both had since vanished. He did say that locals had just reported that the white-tailed eagle had just been seen along at Hunterston Sands. This was an opportunity not to be missed - we said our goodbyes and set off.
<p>The white-tailed eagle is an international conservation success story. These superb birds became extinct in Britain in the early 1900s but are now living here again after a re-introduction programme that brought chicks over from Norway to the island of Rum, one of Scotland’s wildest places. Since then, they’ve established other colonies, and have even started nesting in the Lowlands on Loch Leven in Fife. In Norway, white tailed and golden eagles will share the same territory, but in Scotland the two species establish separate ranges. Schedule 1 protection means it is illegal to disturb this species.
<p>They eat largely fish, but also take various birds, rabbits, and hares. Carrion is an important part of their diet, especially during the winter months. Most lambs are taken as carrion. When fishing, they fly low over water, stop to hover for a moment and drop to snatch fish from the surface. During the breeding season while they are rearing young, they require 500-600 grams of food per day, but this drops to 200-300g per day during the winter months when the birds are less active.
<p>When we arrived, we found the eagle on the rocks and just as far away as it could be. Not needing much food it seemed content and in no rush to move. Several birders were already there and had been for some time - discussions centred around whether the rising tide might push the eagle skywards. As we waited, a couple of dog walkers appeared on the righthand edge of the sandbar and walked left with their golden labrador. It took a while for them to approach the eagle as they stopped frequently to take landscape photos of the bay - we wondered if this might provoke the bird to depart its resting place. Slowly slowly the couple and their dog approached and damn me, the bird gave them a cursory look and stayed put - more amazingly the couple just walked by as if they hadn't seen it. The dog didn't stop, and the eagle didn't appear to feel threatened.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHBOT3DlhBTXckw3vYfR_MEgjGU1ju1kQgCZZfAAXeOluzJlyEOw5e10QVBCH_WYf4LEfhs-CANs7yvyvGFmY7gxUju6BLhQJC8lQuLY_9U9dYddWJ6-HKTEGRF6acoMgLAye_Z6CgzrI2UzxBRMe1iuSsuJnhwjvIONoDXXjHPQhYAYcVnMoIaUSL5co/s2560/white-tailed-eagle_HunterstonSands_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="White-tailed eagle" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHBOT3DlhBTXckw3vYfR_MEgjGU1ju1kQgCZZfAAXeOluzJlyEOw5e10QVBCH_WYf4LEfhs-CANs7yvyvGFmY7gxUju6BLhQJC8lQuLY_9U9dYddWJ6-HKTEGRF6acoMgLAye_Z6CgzrI2UzxBRMe1iuSsuJnhwjvIONoDXXjHPQhYAYcVnMoIaUSL5co/s600/white-tailed-eagle_HunterstonSands_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Once the walkers had passed, I looked at the time and decided I'd need to get back to meet with mum and my brother - no flight shots today.
<p>We'd tried for the dipper in our usual spot on Seamill beach without success and this lack of success continued through our final morning. Charlotte and I ventured down on the beach and south towards Ardrossan, seeing a kingfisher resting in the rocks, and then both rock and meadow pipits. There was a lot of early fog and we were surprised to see people out in kayaks. Eventually this cleared leaving a 40m bank of fog on the sea to the north.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LI8d8A7V5CP5_dQajv9nO_6O1tHe_aCk7lHwhnfGgjKdXrIt0B7OEa8mAnn9duD-ScjMqZr87ctIO820rLOdQK1ltvlrR15y72olXU02KlOcT8V_vWDKLkK0PnSjFwIVALjCBUHAU6B6pEJ55aRHBPv1iEYP_2NRxIJ-R17Gu68mBzE6xsNkd6EEaKOQ/s3008/kingfisher_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Kingfisher" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LI8d8A7V5CP5_dQajv9nO_6O1tHe_aCk7lHwhnfGgjKdXrIt0B7OEa8mAnn9duD-ScjMqZr87ctIO820rLOdQK1ltvlrR15y72olXU02KlOcT8V_vWDKLkK0PnSjFwIVALjCBUHAU6B6pEJ55aRHBPv1iEYP_2NRxIJ-R17Gu68mBzE6xsNkd6EEaKOQ/s600/kingfisher_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbsEsZYYQutqlCx6AxcuU3Sr5q1ed1ahf77HLfuxZatNP-TNhI8A6lEoEoIJRJNp-CRLUaGYiQ_aLtsk9qzskWj9ZAwGWLO_zORDPRs1afMMxLPqKI6GD3I4DyYQEEHa2smE1RcVjdRgtvw_q5wlsew5ZMqX6gMdicSyl6u7ID6SngL_YcDIGw8PMZuim/s3008/rock-pipit_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Rock pipit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbsEsZYYQutqlCx6AxcuU3Sr5q1ed1ahf77HLfuxZatNP-TNhI8A6lEoEoIJRJNp-CRLUaGYiQ_aLtsk9qzskWj9ZAwGWLO_zORDPRs1afMMxLPqKI6GD3I4DyYQEEHa2smE1RcVjdRgtvw_q5wlsew5ZMqX6gMdicSyl6u7ID6SngL_YcDIGw8PMZuim/s600/rock-pipit_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxTRk0EOmqRj-pLGoGmQesx_OMeKSSQ1u8jgiZLbNh2C4QXCcflny71vNK2672_q-x6uNVMpVVk10Nt-lLP0CpA6ZKN-FsGS4jWb5g0Oan3D34iPQkWfyxCOXbyx_q3aS_jjOtxx1NCfCL0EsmcotCwoCgosVNvxGp7zCuPWVwoMm4xmanGZFjOFBnKfJ/s3008/meadow-pipit_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Meadow pipit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxTRk0EOmqRj-pLGoGmQesx_OMeKSSQ1u8jgiZLbNh2C4QXCcflny71vNK2672_q-x6uNVMpVVk10Nt-lLP0CpA6ZKN-FsGS4jWb5g0Oan3D34iPQkWfyxCOXbyx_q3aS_jjOtxx1NCfCL0EsmcotCwoCgosVNvxGp7zCuPWVwoMm4xmanGZFjOFBnKfJ/s600/meadow-pipit_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7439XsKlQaFEnAxJt6ccsvu4QORpluIExW0oWeukfzkDq7Y0sagkDXqq_QyBvp3n-t_AtsMI-7T2qfDtLX5LHTKwkr41r2e-mjI7pgizj_zdjBXGT4UIlUKQJyuuY0Jqwp8DP5h6Q7hSwt8VSccczV_gLe5pEXpKHnUoA-NpH0xNBmNsdcS5mg0aRhQb9/s3008/kayaks-1_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Kayaks" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7439XsKlQaFEnAxJt6ccsvu4QORpluIExW0oWeukfzkDq7Y0sagkDXqq_QyBvp3n-t_AtsMI-7T2qfDtLX5LHTKwkr41r2e-mjI7pgizj_zdjBXGT4UIlUKQJyuuY0Jqwp8DP5h6Q7hSwt8VSccczV_gLe5pEXpKHnUoA-NpH0xNBmNsdcS5mg0aRhQb9/s600/kayaks-1_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLdgmLsq_4zutJF8M3pOqafPDzzgBaWD4yTuSvQvyPIl5kY5IBte7BtmeaKdVu1SV1XJHB0FIJhPznDKhb1rzTcnksZyi3g4ns5iTRiKY-TD2tJhTutfgAkXMYviSJ4nL2nw_763JNYZ2qL-CpqAY5PIsFom1J1LR0u0e-o45Ze5GgHSB-RazrcIMOhGo/s3008/kayaks-2_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Kayaks" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLdgmLsq_4zutJF8M3pOqafPDzzgBaWD4yTuSvQvyPIl5kY5IBte7BtmeaKdVu1SV1XJHB0FIJhPznDKhb1rzTcnksZyi3g4ns5iTRiKY-TD2tJhTutfgAkXMYviSJ4nL2nw_763JNYZ2qL-CpqAY5PIsFom1J1LR0u0e-o45Ze5GgHSB-RazrcIMOhGo/s600/kayaks-2_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We turned to return to the car and on to my mum's and spotted ringed plovers on the rocks, razorbill and eider on the water, and then two purple sandpipers on the water's edge. A terrific morning despite connecting with our dipper.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFZcgUGpEcjYDfAjeF6o93ZFUrZ52R5warT8nsfIzYKV-XPcyoM-6tZALuWCYbJZpzd_9dSHEq2zeQAL2wzuy7BZM4QU7LUuL00N4Nra6_vtndi9hZDJR5Eq4_ZxaObA9o1OueqUrd3g5v8-GiE4uF4xC8SSi0DkkA88X11jVzFHrJELoPGTxtRYoUXP0/s3008/ringed-plover_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ringed plover" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFZcgUGpEcjYDfAjeF6o93ZFUrZ52R5warT8nsfIzYKV-XPcyoM-6tZALuWCYbJZpzd_9dSHEq2zeQAL2wzuy7BZM4QU7LUuL00N4Nra6_vtndi9hZDJR5Eq4_ZxaObA9o1OueqUrd3g5v8-GiE4uF4xC8SSi0DkkA88X11jVzFHrJELoPGTxtRYoUXP0/s600/ringed-plover_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div><
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmA-jnvdPeIpcEJPjC0vVglLT71t4xGlIU4EHmRkpU9wyLUQ10RDjOVLVZocji9L4Ng70d3dOROf0n3HZ4ZVCZ1hg2hr1g4higzB7KZz7WAv9vWlJ8AeZRpobuDxS9WlhgEa2oKN4jLUAx_0t_48CKgFWCElYFAZGQasOWxIEKbIHwMTifmw7u2g7Bv6_/s3008/eider_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Eider" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmA-jnvdPeIpcEJPjC0vVglLT71t4xGlIU4EHmRkpU9wyLUQ10RDjOVLVZocji9L4Ng70d3dOROf0n3HZ4ZVCZ1hg2hr1g4higzB7KZz7WAv9vWlJ8AeZRpobuDxS9WlhgEa2oKN4jLUAx_0t_48CKgFWCElYFAZGQasOWxIEKbIHwMTifmw7u2g7Bv6_/s600/eider_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu2KwZN_uWTkUH04MQ0THg3TxBC30tb6aWL32fIbR_yWHEgdhBROqm6-VJO6ptOLEmSeBd07ShKY96mlUFcaUFQe8RfIVPdHsJ8ML6oOaRQShSLS9S5UeLT1PEOqzo-VPGvZ4qdYKeErpH60oSBix2z-MOyAsOndPrLe3JWFFrmbMBL_VK8-wBlq0jmMY/s3008/purple-sandpiper-a_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Purple sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu2KwZN_uWTkUH04MQ0THg3TxBC30tb6aWL32fIbR_yWHEgdhBROqm6-VJO6ptOLEmSeBd07ShKY96mlUFcaUFQe8RfIVPdHsJ8ML6oOaRQShSLS9S5UeLT1PEOqzo-VPGvZ4qdYKeErpH60oSBix2z-MOyAsOndPrLe3JWFFrmbMBL_VK8-wBlq0jmMY/s600/purple-sandpiper-a_Seamill_0124_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Although not the reason for my visit to Scotland, my mornings had delivered great birding and the weather had also held out. Most enjoyable.
<p>2024 year list: 85.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-80657100677305143812023-12-30T12:28:00.004+00:002024-01-16T19:30:51.056+00:00RSPB Greylake & Slimbridge :: 29 December 2023<p>This would most likely be our last outing of the year for Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I, and fingers crossed would be a lifer for all of us - we would be joined by Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/karenheath62" target="_blank">@karenheath62</a> to visit RSPB Greylake for the 'returning'? Baikal teal from two years ago.
<p>The Baikal teal is also known as the bimaculate duck and is slightly but noticeably larger than the common teal - drakes, like the bird we were going to see, have a striking green nape, yellow and black cheeks, neck, and throat, with a darker crown. They have long, drooping scapulars with front and near white bars. They breed in northern and eastern Siberia and typically winter in East Asia. There are generally only a few genuine European records, but this bird had been accepted by the powers that be on its previous visit. It had also been recorded in Wales (Llangorse Lake, Powys & Foryd Bay, Gwynedd) - a true vagrant with only a few records in the UK per decade.
<p>We stopped enroute for our customary breakfast and met up with Kev's sister Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/hobbylovinglife" target="_blank">@hobbylovinglife</a> and her partner in crime Dean <a href="https://twitter.com/worlebirder" target="_blank">@worlebirder</a>. We didn't stop for too long and were on the road in convoy, Dean leading - soon we arrived in the car park to find very limited spaces - but enough for two.
<p>We made straight for the Treetop Hide where the best views were to be had, along the boardwalk, and joined about 20 other birders - the seats were all taken and so we had to view from the back of the platform. The bird was asleep behind a clump of grass but could just be seen. There were lots of descriptions of where to look ,but until you were on it the observations were tough to follow. Having located it, I put Kev's scope on the brown mass. Two ravens cronked over.
<p>We waited and hoped that the bird would emerge, but other than a few peens and a shake of the head it stayed put - at least the views were now good enough to confirm the ID and tick it. It stayed well-hidden until a marsh harrier appeared nearby, flushing the birds onto the water and then we stared to have some great views. I was handholding my camera and lens and hoped I'd be able to extract something from the photos - a new camera, a whole new set of focusing options and settings, and taking photos over and between people at the windows.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DWSZzMCGX2dnRNOas3DoHQ2pNjg6uy7loZEH3iU6HWNLjltRH6oJuh4fSxwa0tMOBA8gmgklo1MhQ7nNb5-iJlYm6IRFuwUzOGPZuiug2kILH16srxgrpqN9U6vqt2SHPFTbIjPsOEnVTS-cNWxJPe1b3cWZd2EsR0O7voonEtaFzLw1Mx9dBU7bj5UM/s3008/baikal-teal-1_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Baikal teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DWSZzMCGX2dnRNOas3DoHQ2pNjg6uy7loZEH3iU6HWNLjltRH6oJuh4fSxwa0tMOBA8gmgklo1MhQ7nNb5-iJlYm6IRFuwUzOGPZuiug2kILH16srxgrpqN9U6vqt2SHPFTbIjPsOEnVTS-cNWxJPe1b3cWZd2EsR0O7voonEtaFzLw1Mx9dBU7bj5UM/s600/baikal-teal-1_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_41ztvykqM6Xp_StUHxZqNhYFiDRY3TX1frOfWPkIXdpJOnod8MOxS3-Rl4evghw38BNzZolJi1PKzl1l5QgKDhSiTUXy6Z2rsnBqEVj8Jtjhyphenhyphen9KAUv3V4h0NpKJ2mIlOpyZWop9kpNcxG8RwH-IIIOaWN6k58ITgYUxBVckJPYxIkEhc_jX3Z2Jum4K3/s3008/baikal-teal-2_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Baikal teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_41ztvykqM6Xp_StUHxZqNhYFiDRY3TX1frOfWPkIXdpJOnod8MOxS3-Rl4evghw38BNzZolJi1PKzl1l5QgKDhSiTUXy6Z2rsnBqEVj8Jtjhyphenhyphen9KAUv3V4h0NpKJ2mIlOpyZWop9kpNcxG8RwH-IIIOaWN6k58ITgYUxBVckJPYxIkEhc_jX3Z2Jum4K3/s600/baikal-teal-2_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEr6cWNDptPM4UMCvRd4LAg8HYK4W9-94zqO7o4GBltvO2cwCGzmAaAPaI4aConVA6jzFFz6kfTmUl6EYkYzzRqRnS2yPTmn3GulvzRebXYFEmrKZLlryk8QWt5XRajsaGjn8GUw4Yea7gqrjoIRKx53TvGZlP31YFtCr-hO45jKUCDMOw7prdxufSukK/s2874/baikal-teal-3_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Baikal teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="1914" data-original-width="2874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEr6cWNDptPM4UMCvRd4LAg8HYK4W9-94zqO7o4GBltvO2cwCGzmAaAPaI4aConVA6jzFFz6kfTmUl6EYkYzzRqRnS2yPTmn3GulvzRebXYFEmrKZLlryk8QWt5XRajsaGjn8GUw4Yea7gqrjoIRKx53TvGZlP31YFtCr-hO45jKUCDMOw7prdxufSukK/s600/baikal-teal-3_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFEFwjZWAd0Ih0Bt1h09Nov5KIBlZ4WgKisOgmMj1NcELtmsZ31sw_lkVM0VQ_KcOXqYOhdxz_9gnY5JuzKFIyhLQq8zsNMX_1vO0__W2Dl8O-CJGlYViTo7X85g35sSFZk03YG6Er6oyTL9rXPqGqGstEl1fbyYpbwM7CkGLAF6WXQDHmV-PuXxyH_rR/s3008/baikal-teal-4_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Baikal teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFEFwjZWAd0Ih0Bt1h09Nov5KIBlZ4WgKisOgmMj1NcELtmsZ31sw_lkVM0VQ_KcOXqYOhdxz_9gnY5JuzKFIyhLQq8zsNMX_1vO0__W2Dl8O-CJGlYViTo7X85g35sSFZk03YG6Er6oyTL9rXPqGqGstEl1fbyYpbwM7CkGLAF6WXQDHmV-PuXxyH_rR/s600/baikal-teal-4_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_l2mANs2s67c6LK45UhYd_0zz-CZa97uccO4R3yNwy2ybV2mLFqFQg3q44IwJJsLlH8031fT_BFVXdlrD0QS49aEPfMafSceQRlcPv1c3ANiXz7WoMuddfhKNesKZTt2JV2sA2sz_kmwPFiyWVDG6QshZdneiIUDZBEFzzZtyOadpNWgabA7tbXFrlwl/s3008/baikal-teal-5_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Baikal teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_l2mANs2s67c6LK45UhYd_0zz-CZa97uccO4R3yNwy2ybV2mLFqFQg3q44IwJJsLlH8031fT_BFVXdlrD0QS49aEPfMafSceQRlcPv1c3ANiXz7WoMuddfhKNesKZTt2JV2sA2sz_kmwPFiyWVDG6QshZdneiIUDZBEFzzZtyOadpNWgabA7tbXFrlwl/s600/baikal-teal-5_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwrqTsmToYBHGFZpGSv9JKkqcD5_UKXnF4A6Bl3FwLJxShcjTqXvu4bGAYpSvWEi49t1v-hrUPRgI7hr9MH4ox9HDTYXJ4-XFEjI2sfvQ9GaVry4DDC2puTQXOfpp3ST_qht_n3_mdLdFa88XqvmziT93PJNNkV1FN7RR3B2Qynw3oLDpfzsHWqqGrW94/s3008/baikal-teal-6_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Baikal teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwrqTsmToYBHGFZpGSv9JKkqcD5_UKXnF4A6Bl3FwLJxShcjTqXvu4bGAYpSvWEi49t1v-hrUPRgI7hr9MH4ox9HDTYXJ4-XFEjI2sfvQ9GaVry4DDC2puTQXOfpp3ST_qht_n3_mdLdFa88XqvmziT93PJNNkV1FN7RR3B2Qynw3oLDpfzsHWqqGrW94/s600/baikal-teal-6_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1OEuBUWjVsyhg4i7XuelOZNBwprrx_Q-Qs0CgOKm3ArBwnoVr-41MW2Nc3U-BfqhttR2pfRrVOHGeD1Pf5ZlJlERtOf7dK6CLDNEx7W8ZRmjTx20e7r75FgsOGQlSMtk3cadfVxgsIlIqpW2dcoDGCcNnY2yYj5s2vIfvamWxvFs1EPhhlOE6Sp6inP7/s2655/baikal-teal-7_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Baikal teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="1768" data-original-width="2655" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1OEuBUWjVsyhg4i7XuelOZNBwprrx_Q-Qs0CgOKm3ArBwnoVr-41MW2Nc3U-BfqhttR2pfRrVOHGeD1Pf5ZlJlERtOf7dK6CLDNEx7W8ZRmjTx20e7r75FgsOGQlSMtk3cadfVxgsIlIqpW2dcoDGCcNnY2yYj5s2vIfvamWxvFs1EPhhlOE6Sp6inP7/s600/baikal-teal-7_Greylake_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>As we watched, Alan Boddington <a href="https://twitter.com/alanbodd" target="_blank">@alanbodd</a> sidled-up, tapped Kev's shoulder and stopped for a chat before heading back to the car to collect his kit (having established the bird was here). Water rails called from all around and I managed to see one scamper through the reedbed directly behind. Bearded tits called from across the boardwalk.
<p>Handfuls of people arrived at a time and the other closed hide back down the boardwalk was fully occupied and so we decided that, having seen the bird, we'd make tracks and leave some space - Dean would be working later and so he and Karen were off in any case - they can come back later as it is not far from home. Karen, Kev and I decided to stop off at Slimbridge on the way back, for a quick sandwich and to let me play with the camera. Little did we know there had been an accident ahead and we joined a 4-mile queue to get off the motorway.
<p>After lunch we strolled along the path to the Estuary hide seeing the usual collection of ducks and swans from Rushy hide, and a few snipe.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEWgJBCXgihVkSpjdQVd70IymCAF8eaV700rDgcbtm-i5b19hVI4em8VWD_R93qXVEOgWLP-HsW2HJw5QJn4Bjd3aOaA64yGMxPQ5iH3FHf85i8QbNV5AVC3Im7ivBGqF-svJXGUhsGRBtFiiYaHjgXF40kIg41wEIRRB5TlNPQ7YhTRR75izyVmo6-Kh/s4250/bewicks-swan-1_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bewick's swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEWgJBCXgihVkSpjdQVd70IymCAF8eaV700rDgcbtm-i5b19hVI4em8VWD_R93qXVEOgWLP-HsW2HJw5QJn4Bjd3aOaA64yGMxPQ5iH3FHf85i8QbNV5AVC3Im7ivBGqF-svJXGUhsGRBtFiiYaHjgXF40kIg41wEIRRB5TlNPQ7YhTRR75izyVmo6-Kh/s600/bewicks-swan-1_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6cePKWzfcdrEMcjC0rncRSXTH6EKewRIIjc6nBQS2Io8ehX-5-nawESyE9eQpYQXW-En_WE5xHf-rnGuCYk7Tda4lSLBrY0l0GvLyPkfrZrcP3tppR-sY7io9EnAlmQ7NVQGd9x3vr28EjH-XmdLNGLpzXER4j1n369dIt83OAOFpa_4TJOj1zIEIQTs/s3008/pintail_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pintail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6cePKWzfcdrEMcjC0rncRSXTH6EKewRIIjc6nBQS2Io8ehX-5-nawESyE9eQpYQXW-En_WE5xHf-rnGuCYk7Tda4lSLBrY0l0GvLyPkfrZrcP3tppR-sY7io9EnAlmQ7NVQGd9x3vr28EjH-XmdLNGLpzXER4j1n369dIt83OAOFpa_4TJOj1zIEIQTs/s600/pintail_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We climbed the stairs to the lower platform and scanned the Dumbles, Tack Piece and Estuary. A dozen or so white-fronted geese could be seen on the far hedge line, associating with a larger flock of Canada geese. The Ross's goose was far out to our right with a flock of barnacle geese, while two snow geese were off to our left.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ49Am3ITSJACcDB3qWSog6kbVIvI3bqkhTUdBIWZjFDEXTF5sVTVrDEgYHtHu4uiFbE05WoRSgn529-h_UKq148i4zRCcRzjkafhQWt13sYNFNml9Q5Ixi1CtTuI5pKhKDqM6UFoVigtW32Zek1UbJUKyUvMaaMwLVacQ34KomrICUmIc3Sx3WvOuhyr/s3008/ross%27s-goose_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ross's goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2003" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ49Am3ITSJACcDB3qWSog6kbVIvI3bqkhTUdBIWZjFDEXTF5sVTVrDEgYHtHu4uiFbE05WoRSgn529-h_UKq148i4zRCcRzjkafhQWt13sYNFNml9Q5Ixi1CtTuI5pKhKDqM6UFoVigtW32Zek1UbJUKyUvMaaMwLVacQ34KomrICUmIc3Sx3WvOuhyr/s600/ross%27s-goose_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I thought I'd try and photograph something in flight and the obvious starting point were the Bewick's swans - big and manageable.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4pVqMUBhfAy-hwTE8mVxle_rdTxLKqBb2nWb8E23dZuAm7vq5Hk3uK82JdrRreCJbEROQWhq9w9mEX7n1_oGDC7fV_YfkYr8U-cP6QrRINj6oIj2wIXPSJ5xjZubWiwghzmUVC_4IKFLSTOvMDTRLjzfXLmVuHIzAlLA_8s4Sh4Ed-EhhX1YHvho8z2Q/s3008/bewicks-swan-2_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bewick's swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4pVqMUBhfAy-hwTE8mVxle_rdTxLKqBb2nWb8E23dZuAm7vq5Hk3uK82JdrRreCJbEROQWhq9w9mEX7n1_oGDC7fV_YfkYr8U-cP6QrRINj6oIj2wIXPSJ5xjZubWiwghzmUVC_4IKFLSTOvMDTRLjzfXLmVuHIzAlLA_8s4Sh4Ed-EhhX1YHvho8z2Q/s600/bewicks-swan-2_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We'd tried to locate the usual peregrine on the posts by the estuary without success but eventually Kev found it on a tree branch upturned on the sand itself. It stayed for a while but then took to the wing flying away and then left, only to be lost from view. Later Kev found it again, now a bit closer on a different branch out on the grass. Despite the distance I had a go at trying to photograph it and with the window frame as a rest, it came out OK.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs85So69UfsBVpHaq4EoOFWgI3DMTEV-yOaRDUOTywJNo6mtgaHS6zUyDh2M8Gxt1LEfRyeLXHh4l27gMA7YuYw11i9isHdbsiAXhbSgM-LmzCD0qWdrS092yzfbsf3FgERu7EwhVrumuI_Vj7uqRu2NCJhjMzBlTvD6qxhXeniWnLe2WFXfPo700Mh3oI/s3008/peregrine_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Peregrine" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs85So69UfsBVpHaq4EoOFWgI3DMTEV-yOaRDUOTywJNo6mtgaHS6zUyDh2M8Gxt1LEfRyeLXHh4l27gMA7YuYw11i9isHdbsiAXhbSgM-LmzCD0qWdrS092yzfbsf3FgERu7EwhVrumuI_Vj7uqRu2NCJhjMzBlTvD6qxhXeniWnLe2WFXfPo700Mh3oI/s600/peregrine_Slimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>A chap in the hide called a sparrowhawk as it cut across in front of the hide and eventually stopped in a distant tree, pushing the pigeons out. We'd spent a bit of time here and as Karen and Kev had been up earlier than me, we decided to call it a day.
<p>However, as we passed between the Knott and Willow hides, we looked through the wall to see a water rail in plain sight. I was stopped where the viewing window was high, and it made it damn near impossible to take a photo - should have continued on and joined Kev ... very nice views and my second of the day.
<p>Home James and don't spare the horses.
<p>Year List: 279
<p>I usually create a collage of some of my favourite birds and photos from the year and post with a New Year message on my Twitter and Facebook feeds. If you are reading this then first of all thank you, and then accept my wishes for health, wealth and happiness in 2024 to you and yours. Lets hope for another cracking year and see if I can add to my 39 life ticks in 2023 ...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAkchzl2akX1A_YnWylZJInc8uT1KJTy4LJS3IzehDU3rxY6FrWU-yLsrrAxL2WDibivLzC_sHDfXyGQdffRT86CfOaWRZb9zdGdnmohg79GhbOniYwhZ6wFQtJlOPyyazoDc_g1G29JuHA-4caspa2BiJifuqi5gOOOO8kR8_GVyciJrldGhH15g7jmG/s4500/2023%20collage%20v2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="2023 Collage" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="4500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAkchzl2akX1A_YnWylZJInc8uT1KJTy4LJS3IzehDU3rxY6FrWU-yLsrrAxL2WDibivLzC_sHDfXyGQdffRT86CfOaWRZb9zdGdnmohg79GhbOniYwhZ6wFQtJlOPyyazoDc_g1G29JuHA-4caspa2BiJifuqi5gOOOO8kR8_GVyciJrldGhH15g7jmG/s600/2023%20collage%20v2.jpg"/></a></div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-77970523958842699152023-12-22T19:24:00.001+00:002023-12-22T19:24:24.967+00:00On the hunt :: 16 December 2023<p>So the wait goes on in my quest to see a merlin perched at close quarters. There was little on offer and in reach, so we stayed a little closer to home with the intention of seeing a merlin and perhaps follow up with an attempt for an early glaucous gull.
<p>Without a clear plan to begin with we'd set off slightly in the wrong direction and had to make a correction for breakfast and then to our chosen site - there have been good views of merlin there in the past, but no reports so far this winter - this was a bit of a punt. When we arrived, we were instantly alarmed as there was a lot of work going on in the fields around and the perching stones from the previous year had been removed. We set up and watched fruitlessly for a while.
<p>The merlin we sought is a small falcon: adult males have slate-blue backs with finely streaked underparts; females and immature birds have brown backs; all have a tail with narrow white bands. In the UK most merlins nest on the ground, which is unique to the UK population, although since the 1970s they have started to nest in conifer trees. The female builds the nest which is a shallow scrape in the ground lined with twigs, heather, and other plant matter.
<p>Merlins are predators of birds including sparrows, thrushes, warblers and small to medium-sized songbirds. They will also eat small mammals such as bats, squirrels, mice and voles as well as reptiles and amphibians. The birds here were often seen lunching on meadow pipits and skylarks. Merlins can be seen in the UK all year round. In breeding season, they can be found in the uplands of Scotland, Wales, and northern England on moorland but also in conifer plantations. In winter they are joined by birds from Northern Europe and move to lowland areas as far as south-west England. This site held three birds last winter and is the reason why we'd chosen it today.
<p>We decided to move down and along a footpath running between water pools on our right and the main field of interest on our left. We spotted meadow pipits and skylarks, plus partridges out in the scrub. The habitat still felt right although visually the area had changed. Eventually we worked back to the car and on, to try instead for a house sparrow which this spot is known for. We stopped to scan across other pools along the lane and were joined by a local birder. We said where we were headed, and he said he regretted to inform us that their winter population appeared to have been lost - another casualty.
<p>As we searched for other birds of interest a stonechat popped above a hedge, quickly dropping from view and then another appeared on the embankment to our left. The lapwings got up and a sparrowhawk flew through behind - there was another raptor in the sky but heading away from us - seemed a little large for a merlin - perhaps another sparrowhawk?
<p>The local birder was a nice chap and when we told him about our search, he said that he'd seen a merlin earlier. Initially he was blasé about it but shortly after, showed us some photos he'd digiscoped on his phone - the merlin perched on a post eating a skylark. I know we'd just met him, but I hated him already (😂). We birded with him for another quarter of an hour and as he left, we picked out song thrushes, Cetti's warbler, yellow-legged gull and a kestrel.
<p>We made back to the car - the direction of the spot he'd observed the merlin. We started our search again along the footpath with renewed purpose. I was drawn to a small low shrub and there on the left side was a bird - I focussed on it and as it moved, I saw it was a raptor - a merlin (f). It hopped around the foot of the scrub/shrub and briefly showed a little higher. Kev got his scope on it and took some video - wait as we might it didn't budge and mostly faced away, preening.
<p>Eventually we decided to try and locate the spot where the bird had been feeding and as we walked, we could still see the merlin until it took to the wing and flew below the ridge. I managed to pick it out again against the far trees and too distant for anything but record shots.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpluy0I85t4zgL1-yxrBEvsIWJGaskdSn6aml81mxVpJbFvZ8N_j-yllVHXi1OLmVyXNzO9tpiUMAgBaPVzdHk8mDA9qm6f-Q1SXotoYhzJxSyafs8Wk9EiOrsmRrX77Ul2fwNDGAHrhA2vOEqePlRCEOOINI3WYopapGZGvyLrUZNOB6QMsCLTeV1YPK6/s3008/merlin-1_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Merlin" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpluy0I85t4zgL1-yxrBEvsIWJGaskdSn6aml81mxVpJbFvZ8N_j-yllVHXi1OLmVyXNzO9tpiUMAgBaPVzdHk8mDA9qm6f-Q1SXotoYhzJxSyafs8Wk9EiOrsmRrX77Ul2fwNDGAHrhA2vOEqePlRCEOOINI3WYopapGZGvyLrUZNOB6QMsCLTeV1YPK6/s600/merlin-1_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f_oLSMSJqilulSLeQ7RrggW5n6bDnmmK3NuRuV3IaVphvySrE1uck6eyvGg0SYU-Rjsesoi96TUmt35UKM-OX6LRhT5kHw9-OwAAKAUZP6oiKbqJkTCkggnh4D__u_gxJ3_5ZSRd51nlaZRhhLmIzAWKtSrSU_LdQLIY7yFDaZye9IPRb40iCJkSci3q/s3008/merlin-2_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Merlin" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f_oLSMSJqilulSLeQ7RrggW5n6bDnmmK3NuRuV3IaVphvySrE1uck6eyvGg0SYU-Rjsesoi96TUmt35UKM-OX6LRhT5kHw9-OwAAKAUZP6oiKbqJkTCkggnh4D__u_gxJ3_5ZSRd51nlaZRhhLmIzAWKtSrSU_LdQLIY7yFDaZye9IPRb40iCJkSci3q/s600/merlin-2_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We eventually located the spot he must have been scoping from and now have a clear idea should we ever take the opportunity again.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEsYKBFhFc2Z4PXftrreNq2yV_IjFnX4N2GHkgygX1enowebAgjmiEyE7FaKUlL210MWVqRe3ouTFHUZsibQLezx3jOmkD6DZu8RKIoQSm9rAUea9u__qu2lLa8uaZ0PsRc83pXLtC2pQoCXbvHskNFRfh0FXCfxZybq2kH14UiNgN_i5gzOBFmAth2GT/s3008/stonechat-1_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stonechat" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEsYKBFhFc2Z4PXftrreNq2yV_IjFnX4N2GHkgygX1enowebAgjmiEyE7FaKUlL210MWVqRe3ouTFHUZsibQLezx3jOmkD6DZu8RKIoQSm9rAUea9u__qu2lLa8uaZ0PsRc83pXLtC2pQoCXbvHskNFRfh0FXCfxZybq2kH14UiNgN_i5gzOBFmAth2GT/s600/stonechat-1_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9e0lcTg2mv69K0-DdEzbMSccVtgSOrgCgUP4MkcgkIVqmXwkCeGySxKCSHrtvIaE-HC6jX09O3ueJ1dbISzzYKmpTQ9AUUqtFm1upIdPoN72fw4KGra6Dmr064b1SefmYd3cYg1W84iIetOIEhuh3RJbqQHRu4nyaXcFY0MrXSGXAFtwqgTYDqQO5ulm/s3008/stonechat-2_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stonechat" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9e0lcTg2mv69K0-DdEzbMSccVtgSOrgCgUP4MkcgkIVqmXwkCeGySxKCSHrtvIaE-HC6jX09O3ueJ1dbISzzYKmpTQ9AUUqtFm1upIdPoN72fw4KGra6Dmr064b1SefmYd3cYg1W84iIetOIEhuh3RJbqQHRu4nyaXcFY0MrXSGXAFtwqgTYDqQO5ulm/s600/stonechat-2_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Our quest had been partially successful, found the target bird (lovely) but not views at close quarters - other raptors are available.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rGyQ7Er0FSdhPu1eszzHbv3_hnVks4HkDUilJWO_EUbJYf2LNr0Y0BNh9kBHH3VTCgfE_elnSqTsu6eMnrnWWN4D1QOynYGnPaT-Obrq1b3GQET442HVY__dtt5r6bfqyRpwndQ8wOQTcza0UOUCedNyvqEg4J96I7hMx36lyRYy5RrWgDg6lon1UoqB/s3008/kestrel_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Kestrel" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rGyQ7Er0FSdhPu1eszzHbv3_hnVks4HkDUilJWO_EUbJYf2LNr0Y0BNh9kBHH3VTCgfE_elnSqTsu6eMnrnWWN4D1QOynYGnPaT-Obrq1b3GQET442HVY__dtt5r6bfqyRpwndQ8wOQTcza0UOUCedNyvqEg4J96I7hMx36lyRYy5RrWgDg6lon1UoqB/s600/kestrel_WhitemoorHaye_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>On the way home we dropped into a spot well known for white-wingers and met rather a nice local birder who visits almost every day. He hasn't seen anything yet and we didn't while we were there.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-4079753985326673652023-12-13T21:05:00.002+00:002023-12-14T08:10:55.033+00:00WWT Slimbridge :: 09 December 2023<p>Saturday’s forecast was for heavy rain through to lunchtime, and then for the wind to increase to 40-45mph for the rest of the day. The weather was to clear from the southwest and so we decided that a site with hides and towards the southwest would be best. Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> had been keen to return for seconds to the Devon coast where he'd had Hume's and yellow-browed warblers plus cirl buntings – and he knew I still hadn't added a yellow-browed on my year list. We opted though for WWT Slimbridge as the weather wouldn't be conducive to catching up with the warblers (neither the rain or the wind) - never a bad day at Slimbridge.
<p>On the way the roads were edged with large puddles, the rain already in full swing and heavy - it became lighter as we progressed and slowed to a drizzle by the time we stopped for breakfast. As we arrived it had almost stopped altogether - we decided to make for the path with the longest path to take advantage of what might be a brief interlude.
<p>At this time of year at Slimbridge it is all about returning swans and so we made for Rushy and it was great to see the Bewick's swans back. Bewick’s swan is a winter visitor to the UK and is the smaller of our two winter swans, with a relatively small bill. The Bewick’s swans which winter in the UK breed largely in the Russian tundra and each autumn, adults arrive with their grey young from the year and even in large winter flocks they will maintain family bonds throughout the winter.
<p>We arrived at Rushy Hide and counted 54 Bewick's - no doubt there would be others across the reserve - and at least 9 of them juveniles. There were lots of ducks and geese on view.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN6_UdMpQks_LelFDlHyrATRtL2yq4H8OkbN-3Eyvb4eNrHb4ABXR_wx2RlVaF5K4hpTgv4hFLGFU4DiagiaoZCPXpMjdGkULQSUCucVDxx3b7Z6TxE0g9UE4e7UoT3fJsq2xhfyai1q8MPHTYyPuIRNBcoa4wA05LTzZ5_VV6YcXr1F1ltaqCxF9fEDt/s4153/bewicks-swan-1_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bewick swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2769" data-original-width="4153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN6_UdMpQks_LelFDlHyrATRtL2yq4H8OkbN-3Eyvb4eNrHb4ABXR_wx2RlVaF5K4hpTgv4hFLGFU4DiagiaoZCPXpMjdGkULQSUCucVDxx3b7Z6TxE0g9UE4e7UoT3fJsq2xhfyai1q8MPHTYyPuIRNBcoa4wA05LTzZ5_VV6YcXr1F1ltaqCxF9fEDt/s600/bewicks-swan-1_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTvH-DF9gUzsPU9xo2Soyy84RzOe4sOHjYIvDGwXW5dsGqkqb30BBg5x2V4sJC3Rthb3f5Dv4dEpMR6O2K_grp2C0i9mvvGnJUFueVcP3jvgsffv3nU1wlvAj7QIulhmxZezuLAT8GbXX9FZEUWepeNjGT5_PjdloZGY2SH45xDIHUQ3KeJINq3JW3e7a/s4750/bewicks-swan-2_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bewick swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3166" data-original-width="4750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTvH-DF9gUzsPU9xo2Soyy84RzOe4sOHjYIvDGwXW5dsGqkqb30BBg5x2V4sJC3Rthb3f5Dv4dEpMR6O2K_grp2C0i9mvvGnJUFueVcP3jvgsffv3nU1wlvAj7QIulhmxZezuLAT8GbXX9FZEUWepeNjGT5_PjdloZGY2SH45xDIHUQ3KeJINq3JW3e7a/s600/bewicks-swan-2_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>It is a good time of year for numbers of many of the duck species, most notably wigeon. Another population that seems to swell at this time of year are pintails - long-necked and small-headed ducks, the males easily distinguished from other species. The pintail is a 'quarry' species, meaning that it can be legally shot in winter, but unlike in parts of Europe it does not appear that shooting is affecting their population status in the UK; the UK has a small breeding population but a significant winter population. Pintails, and pochards were represented in significant numbers and looked dashing on a grey, dank and increasingly blustery day.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3yoK3rn4Wp4q-KAYE3dbWMndaoS7rPyrZSHBr_tccAAy7d4j1ZDb3WhWI44AUBlpOZPF3v_sBagDFcCgM3jKYNp1xHkuw9OPfVzXrMQ7T9SzuSAz84LM8vCCkV5EYFiWY91ORMcX10ipX7wywSW3Yipywk0CNTR8Wr1Ej7s81-72fvVcrzWSYoZwv0uK/s4250/pintail_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pintail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2833" data-original-width="4250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3yoK3rn4Wp4q-KAYE3dbWMndaoS7rPyrZSHBr_tccAAy7d4j1ZDb3WhWI44AUBlpOZPF3v_sBagDFcCgM3jKYNp1xHkuw9OPfVzXrMQ7T9SzuSAz84LM8vCCkV5EYFiWY91ORMcX10ipX7wywSW3Yipywk0CNTR8Wr1Ej7s81-72fvVcrzWSYoZwv0uK/s600/pintail_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyhIiuOBozTUyn9ZbdNscbidbxwai8Xe8Uij5rTHyQllGokY029mNoeGfPKtjK2Dg1IuPVp0U4GyfRPEVNGXwrL5_CB9sFxo9SGc5KzCvlBZ6ybM92rDdmL0QKpgOuBQH0h5ELyIRQ-MOv-1ABSKwKAxuwA0Hz37jHNm0NDb7192FZPR2dSsyP2rUWEzj/s4750/pochard_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pochard" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3167" data-original-width="4750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyhIiuOBozTUyn9ZbdNscbidbxwai8Xe8Uij5rTHyQllGokY029mNoeGfPKtjK2Dg1IuPVp0U4GyfRPEVNGXwrL5_CB9sFxo9SGc5KzCvlBZ6ybM92rDdmL0QKpgOuBQH0h5ELyIRQ-MOv-1ABSKwKAxuwA0Hz37jHNm0NDb7192FZPR2dSsyP2rUWEzj/s600/pochard_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Having scanned through all the birds and noted grey wagtail and a handful of common snipe, we moved along and from the Robbie Garnett Hide we could see two whooper swans. The whooper swan is one of the larger swan species and like the smaller Bewick’s swans, adults have a characteristic black-and-yellow bill, but in the whoopers the yellow markings extend in a wedge-like shape from the base to (or beyond) the nostrils. They swam to the left and eventually stopped to preen. Along the front edge of the water, we could see around seven snipe - but no jacks.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzuhtO_j_CHyZ81-MaBcHfjYTDz4O0JhB7QFTdWNx53CFJMPTy1RFyR4y4AjLn9LTY0RlyzTMI4fzHiSduVnDnE-IuotHnEzuRJSbTzjhkYfg8buU26JDDJSxaPqybB2S0OiMWFWABOxJEdBNF_-hUqdPXKr7UgYvQD9TftOg8c4sVofmYEm97qQvx2c4/s3008/whooper-swan-1_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Whooper swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzuhtO_j_CHyZ81-MaBcHfjYTDz4O0JhB7QFTdWNx53CFJMPTy1RFyR4y4AjLn9LTY0RlyzTMI4fzHiSduVnDnE-IuotHnEzuRJSbTzjhkYfg8buU26JDDJSxaPqybB2S0OiMWFWABOxJEdBNF_-hUqdPXKr7UgYvQD9TftOg8c4sVofmYEm97qQvx2c4/s600/whooper-swan-1_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWk2hm7fMtCCDP2EobFg6xI9Lh3vpnKywzoSvIMaKQOWCsC8H4mYrjEznHSbGwOSk09ahKq1bQuNkqmEs2gHtweJ-U3G_1chE44aiVUhunka3GKdZQKIKVS4hBa7-CuNwtsAypvvikF2dRLCNFBHRSbgI2yFWpK3rtHUHi-1wyh9jmn_cHA2K1vaY86NY/s3008/whooper-swan-2_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Whooper swan" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWk2hm7fMtCCDP2EobFg6xI9Lh3vpnKywzoSvIMaKQOWCsC8H4mYrjEznHSbGwOSk09ahKq1bQuNkqmEs2gHtweJ-U3G_1chE44aiVUhunka3GKdZQKIKVS4hBa7-CuNwtsAypvvikF2dRLCNFBHRSbgI2yFWpK3rtHUHi-1wyh9jmn_cHA2K1vaY86NY/s600/whooper-swan-2_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We soon reached the Estuary Hide and looked out hoping to pick up some cranes - it would be a while before we found two very distant individuals. We looked back across the Tack Piece and saw a couple of dozen curlews and large groups of mixed redshank and ruff. There were also large numbers of golden plover, lapwing and dunlin.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUf2ZX16DelavMn1YnZVBJxpqU8OYdYZgzmhyrgsDFTyyu7g5hkMXV0P752NGr4295Qkai-uChhg_XnQ3NSByDTVlXKekUL5eHsAylH2C-_UuDe42V9fF2dBz1jlE0ZD-bAQEfebvocZev2McXf_2jLeY2lzjlndRVvQzUu6JsGOdYAQ_5hSLxZBGEg8z/s3008/curlew_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Curlew" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUf2ZX16DelavMn1YnZVBJxpqU8OYdYZgzmhyrgsDFTyyu7g5hkMXV0P752NGr4295Qkai-uChhg_XnQ3NSByDTVlXKekUL5eHsAylH2C-_UuDe42V9fF2dBz1jlE0ZD-bAQEfebvocZev2McXf_2jLeY2lzjlndRVvQzUu6JsGOdYAQ_5hSLxZBGEg8z/s600/curlew_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6MX6ayFC3R5QnVBnrdrwTg3nvHMUCLK2cyEbonj1oECg6FJTD0VxdbBg8OJvDebrbV4L-Os0s1eCURB_bF6cw7X4jBe_7y5T4JpT5GBkFWEBulWh8rR5burKevnfpwiScpYawiRmEfqRqWeD65F34ThqfEQ8KgUJI5IlcJs9ySydPrkZtCPGbClCHlXe/s4005/ruff-redshank_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Redshank and ruff" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2670" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6MX6ayFC3R5QnVBnrdrwTg3nvHMUCLK2cyEbonj1oECg6FJTD0VxdbBg8OJvDebrbV4L-Os0s1eCURB_bF6cw7X4jBe_7y5T4JpT5GBkFWEBulWh8rR5burKevnfpwiScpYawiRmEfqRqWeD65F34ThqfEQ8KgUJI5IlcJs9ySydPrkZtCPGbClCHlXe/s600/ruff-redshank_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Looking out in front of the hide we picked out a marsh harrier on the ground - it seemed to be standing on something and then appeared to start feeding on it. While lapwings often get up as a marsh harrier quarters the area, you don't often see lapwing in their talons ... there were flocks of lapwing around and a few bombed our harrier, but it only moved away by around ten feet but taking it's quarry with it. Perhaps a sparrowhawk/peregrine catch and picked up, or a sick lapwing?
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzxc_W50MBQMgZCCTVnjSQgnN02Ig1vWkDQBGHfNOicbnyvgWgaQXQDDQlQzwuV7kbR6tKAiF3KUXLs_Qz-StD7HSEG62NwnoTQIZ-PzfefsOeYfmRwFqU0GO9lsxJ8QkIGPBU_KQJ2_aq9Es3scVdrUU3RLaoemYe84tjWoY62Gl6Gjti0KStV8HS49d/s3008/marsh-harrier_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzxc_W50MBQMgZCCTVnjSQgnN02Ig1vWkDQBGHfNOicbnyvgWgaQXQDDQlQzwuV7kbR6tKAiF3KUXLs_Qz-StD7HSEG62NwnoTQIZ-PzfefsOeYfmRwFqU0GO9lsxJ8QkIGPBU_KQJ2_aq9Es3scVdrUU3RLaoemYe84tjWoY62Gl6Gjti0KStV8HS49d/s600/marsh-harrier_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>With some of the windows open we could hear geese coming in, a large flock - white-fronted geese that didn't stop, flying straight through. In the distance were bar-headed, Ross's and snow geese plus a brief appearance of the lesser- white-fronted goose. To the side were two Brent geese amongst a flock of Canada geese.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qea7VAyTHsmWcxQvNfvXVgjhmyFajxHvSr2GX8q1S9ae-5gQtvDyYKJ5l5PmtcBa2tVoli2zvvOYhl5VgcVyVzUuzvbdww_fPOwjuNrKpKb_zzkBf2s1WBH_ZysfHQhrzETD7kWcbFHdTXgF7RIpGD80-qgwFFa176KRMy7t1RV5RPlEdQA2sPgPGpkS/s3008/white-fronted-goose-1_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="White-fronted goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qea7VAyTHsmWcxQvNfvXVgjhmyFajxHvSr2GX8q1S9ae-5gQtvDyYKJ5l5PmtcBa2tVoli2zvvOYhl5VgcVyVzUuzvbdww_fPOwjuNrKpKb_zzkBf2s1WBH_ZysfHQhrzETD7kWcbFHdTXgF7RIpGD80-qgwFFa176KRMy7t1RV5RPlEdQA2sPgPGpkS/s600/white-fronted-goose-1_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I looked out the back of the hide and spotted a male sparrowhawk resting in a tree. I watched as it was blown about, feathers dancing in the wind and branches swaying. Kev and I looked through the window and shared the bird with another birder in the hide. Once everyone had seen the bird, I eased the window open and thankfully didn't spook the bird, allowing some better views and photos. No doubt one of the reasons the golden plover, dunlin and lapwing were frequently driven onto the wing.
<p>As we left the hide we met up with Kev's sister Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/hobbylovinglife" target="_blank">@hobbylovinglife</a> and her partner Dean <a href="https://twitter.com/worlebirder" target="_blank">@worlebirder</a>. Kev had been birding with Karen in recent days and so we chatted briefly before agreeing to meet up later.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1e3TNfNwxWFhdElHcNDF2Lkm1VTMTBR_3ehYMiBzlgIHBpFEchYm1kuB9aZvrn64IbUYqJ1GM00PUmR1sjFK-06UZuBljzhULCHXuvd_U7MdnXftLAlzCg-W_FQGkoldjlWHjcuCCGFmpWrG0XciuajvaYQ1pdiRAaxR5dDO-N-L1UOLs7LhngvIsvfv/s4544/sparrowhawk-2_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Sparrowhawk" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3029" data-original-width="4544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1e3TNfNwxWFhdElHcNDF2Lkm1VTMTBR_3ehYMiBzlgIHBpFEchYm1kuB9aZvrn64IbUYqJ1GM00PUmR1sjFK-06UZuBljzhULCHXuvd_U7MdnXftLAlzCg-W_FQGkoldjlWHjcuCCGFmpWrG0XciuajvaYQ1pdiRAaxR5dDO-N-L1UOLs7LhngvIsvfv/s600/sparrowhawk-2_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We made our way on to the Kingfisher Hide and watched black-tailed godwits and flocks of geese containing barnacle, Canada, greylag, and white-fronted geese. We heard a call from a kingfisher but never got eyes on it. The wind was really getting up now and was howling over and through the roof. Time to head back, stopping on South Lake on the way.
<p>We bumped into Karen and Dean again, looking for jack snipe and finches, without much success. After another catchup we were off again.
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<p>We'd been keeping our eyes open for redpoll and siskin around the site and had only heard but not seen, siskins. Now we saw a male in the tree canopy actively feeding. One became two and then ten, in a mixed flock with goldfinches. In the winter, siskin often gather in groups with lesser redpolls and feed on seeds in birch and alder. Try as we might we couldn't make one into a redpoll.
<p>Siskins are a resident breeder from southern England to northern Scotland, but generally most numerous in Scotland and Wales - many are residents but in winter many more birds arrive to the UK from Europe.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qaZhUlXJ8UL7CSO-h59faahI8p7R-yDH9tPGcvPpsVP3-1896Q1lMLGtTvO9LJldvzQKy21YXoJPJqYOhQvRqTAFu_KvbZ6H4Hyu0FnXYEGltSaIwNs7C17_O6424XEZKkRxfcdsgQ-wPrcuDyyuy2WJUk9veNMzbe58d3u68urKyoNBZcxb3jbXquX2/s3008/siskin-2_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Siskin and goldfinch" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qaZhUlXJ8UL7CSO-h59faahI8p7R-yDH9tPGcvPpsVP3-1896Q1lMLGtTvO9LJldvzQKy21YXoJPJqYOhQvRqTAFu_KvbZ6H4Hyu0FnXYEGltSaIwNs7C17_O6424XEZKkRxfcdsgQ-wPrcuDyyuy2WJUk9veNMzbe58d3u68urKyoNBZcxb3jbXquX2/s600/siskin-2_WWTSlimbridge_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Happy with our day, we made our way back to the car, dropping in on the way home to try and catch up with some short-eared owls but were unsuccessful largely as a result of the weather, the wind and temperature conspiring against us.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-51171606578916118872023-12-05T20:09:00.001+00:002023-12-07T07:50:06.651+00:00Peep-o-Day Lane, Abingdon :: 02 December 2023<p>With temperatures forecast to stay below 0°C on Saturday (even during the day), and a persistent covering of fog to envelope much of England, Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I decided to go out birding, but to stay local. We hadn't visited Abingdon since the Pallas's warbler in January 2022 and a ring ouzel later in April 2022 - we liked the site - pools and damp grassland on one side, and wooded areas and hedges on the other.
<p>The area has been producing sand and gravel for almost 40 years and much of the wider site is now restored with some other areas undergoing restoration. Two overhead electricity transmission lines cross the site. Original planning for the area was for restoration to agriculture but instead planning allowed for restoration to allow for the establishment of a damp grassland habitat with a nature conservation afteruse - proposed because the hydrology of the area had changed, creating an area that had greater biodiversity value.
<p>We walked down the lane and encountered first a few, and then <i>so many</i> more chiffchaffs. We'd noticed how many there were when we visited almost two years ago now, but hadn't thought we'd see as many this time and especially in these foggy and dank conditions. In these cold conditions they fed frenetically along the hedgerows in groups of two to half a dozen at a time.
<p>Most of the UK’s chiffchaffs are summer migrants, breeding here before flying to warmer climes in autumn, flying all the way to sub-Saharan Africa to overwinter. However, an increasing number of birds are now staying in the UK all year round. It’s thought this is due to the country’s warming climate, which means the birds can survive the winter here. Although most UK warblers are breeding migrants, four species can be found here during winter. Two of these are resident species, the Dartford and Cetti's warblers - the other two are the blackcap, and the chiffchaff.
<p>Chiffchaffs are insectivorous all year round, so they can't rely on garden feeding like blackcaps during winter. Overwintering suitable habitats include sheltered coastal areas, but they also use urban and suburban sites, especially near water, sewage treatment plants (where warmer water means an abundance of insects), woodlands and hedgerows.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxtK2i2_q8f0tnvysHlbCbiPMm6_vlbOIlimsRFfGbnV-J790ZcYlKKkq3JEmwq0OZ7gj6r2O6SbQbESNndx1Fd95SAwLhqVBnUgi87i3xLs4fY2TFJgLwvYV0g5y110XrpL6YWa8WO-Dhy_5K29pc6xCgKyiOUFJ4moE-jfl-qbSQqn7VngWDAx9L_40/s3945/chiffchaff_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Chiffchaff" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2630" data-original-width="3945" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxtK2i2_q8f0tnvysHlbCbiPMm6_vlbOIlimsRFfGbnV-J790ZcYlKKkq3JEmwq0OZ7gj6r2O6SbQbESNndx1Fd95SAwLhqVBnUgi87i3xLs4fY2TFJgLwvYV0g5y110XrpL6YWa8WO-Dhy_5K29pc6xCgKyiOUFJ4moE-jfl-qbSQqn7VngWDAx9L_40/s600/chiffchaff_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Amongst the chiffchaff were handfuls of goldcrests, also feeding frenetically and working the trees, hedges and scrub to find insects on the leaves and stalks. Not much chance of feeding on the wing here.
<p>The goldcrest is our smallest bird species, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in colour. Goldcrests are named after the crest of bright feathers in the middle of their head. This is completely yellow on females but has an orange centre on males. The rest of the plumage is mainly green-brown.
<p>Adults typically weigh just 5g, which is the same as a 20p coin. On average, goldcrests are slightly lighter than the similarly diminutive, and closely related, firecrest. The UK has a large population of breeding goldcrests that stay here all year round. However, the population is often boosted in winter by individuals that migrate from Scandinavia. Kev had seen numbers (in the hundreds) come off the sea when birding in Spurn earlier in the Autumn.
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<p>We walked further along the path and at the top by a right turn and a gate allowing entrance into fields we came across Tom Wikens - we exchanged sightings and noted the sudden increase in winter thrushes feeding along these hedgerows. We expressed our surprise at his attire as he was in shorts, much as the photos posted on the groups during the summer (July) when he had found a night heron at the southern end of the lane, by Abingdon.
<p>We scanned the ducks on the water to our left noting shoveler, wigeon, teal, mallards, and gadwall. We'd hoped to pick out some snipe on the damp grassland and water margin but nothing doing. Eventually Tom found that standing still wasn't a good plan in his attire and bid us farewell. As we walked back down the path we had some lovely views of the winter thrushes, the redwing being more likely to continue feeding as we passed.
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<p>We heard a call from snipe and I picked one out as it spun out and over the hedge, then down the lane - there was another call but no view. Continuing down the path we started seeing chiffchaff, goldcrests and a grey wagtail, in the hedge line and ditch. They continued to show and feed and we spent quite a while watching them and hoping that we might find another species in amongst the tits, chiffchaff and goldcrests - but not.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJ3JasLyYLHteWoGOG0u9H9kKcLRHWRNieLG7xTfCHcpSMlh7pJQJZTqrIsognw4xYJmngEcFbrbtt_-ip_OC5m934wM9qpk4nqmpShLPBmDa1f3uDViPt9JVTDbeLbeHJNS1QqpjEK2PqeS6v-Urm2-sVymI5IXmKp2LA1JZ6k58nwR_KA7xjWrq7RBV/s3045/grey-wagtail-1_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Grey wagtail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2030" data-original-width="3045" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJ3JasLyYLHteWoGOG0u9H9kKcLRHWRNieLG7xTfCHcpSMlh7pJQJZTqrIsognw4xYJmngEcFbrbtt_-ip_OC5m934wM9qpk4nqmpShLPBmDa1f3uDViPt9JVTDbeLbeHJNS1QqpjEK2PqeS6v-Urm2-sVymI5IXmKp2LA1JZ6k58nwR_KA7xjWrq7RBV/s600/grey-wagtail-1_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpgegQUQEwSfcWlQoHUHgsTh9fWpdSX3KwBvHAFpahdtb6NKUH4T5iItC-vAZ6pNB0dtsmSeE1ngMNnUo47lZf5uStr_NYZ0WsUImzwE8HeLPpLg2qA9MmlQcG1JHN93AvK90WHo-xBm4QEfNQ8Py0V9k-PF5927nyTuqF6aBJYHgNnQ-bOh5iJ7Jsetu/s2772/grey-wagtail-2_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Grey wagtail" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="2772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpgegQUQEwSfcWlQoHUHgsTh9fWpdSX3KwBvHAFpahdtb6NKUH4T5iItC-vAZ6pNB0dtsmSeE1ngMNnUo47lZf5uStr_NYZ0WsUImzwE8HeLPpLg2qA9MmlQcG1JHN93AvK90WHo-xBm4QEfNQ8Py0V9k-PF5927nyTuqF6aBJYHgNnQ-bOh5iJ7Jsetu/s600/grey-wagtail-2_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>On a tree on the edge of a ditch filled with water sat a rather unhappy looking buzzard. It occasionally flew from a prominent perch to the centre of a large tree but soon returned. It showed no signs of leaving and feeding, seemed happy just to watch and wait.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1tPMW_VkdxzO79X5WpYFXIlzNrs6zzWO9aOeUS4vdy06z4UwbKRWD6TDXtRUY0ui06ANcPgp4Pf_RktbtkPrimgeINl-ySgiZbTLMDO_195fMyCsGwIWQs8RojIW4kLdDcv01hN2HRDLVXyA8I85I7HRFQfhRqZgWB7YmHHcEdPOGNn9ToiAOhlOa6Yc/s3008/buzzard_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Buzzard" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1tPMW_VkdxzO79X5WpYFXIlzNrs6zzWO9aOeUS4vdy06z4UwbKRWD6TDXtRUY0ui06ANcPgp4Pf_RktbtkPrimgeINl-ySgiZbTLMDO_195fMyCsGwIWQs8RojIW4kLdDcv01hN2HRDLVXyA8I85I7HRFQfhRqZgWB7YmHHcEdPOGNn9ToiAOhlOa6Yc/s600/buzzard_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Finally we heard and then saw a couple of cetti's warblers chasing one another, landing on the tree just ahead. Thet skirted around quickly with one departing and flying along the hedgerow down the lane. The other stayed for another 30 seconds but remained out of shot for a decent photo. It then left and returned from whence it had come, to trees out in the field and out of reach.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvOlPBWVG3w6Rz1QIoA3vf9Jzky-Sn-3R98kRimDp6pgdg6nBBZDzCvBjT_TxqSTTB6MzrE4WQlk9DHjdMTonIizRd9xqH7W0usaOAJf6J5u0ax2x_rHLZwl5-T27CxUqVG-RWAyXk4_01wypOGbM9cdNC_Xvm_BmLJ9WAMW8ch7Lgs9iKBbbfeHDPmQD/s4898/cettis-warbler_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Cetti's warbler" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvOlPBWVG3w6Rz1QIoA3vf9Jzky-Sn-3R98kRimDp6pgdg6nBBZDzCvBjT_TxqSTTB6MzrE4WQlk9DHjdMTonIizRd9xqH7W0usaOAJf6J5u0ax2x_rHLZwl5-T27CxUqVG-RWAyXk4_01wypOGbM9cdNC_Xvm_BmLJ9WAMW8ch7Lgs9iKBbbfeHDPmQD/s600/cettis-warbler_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>As we stood by the edge of the playing fields we were approached by a chap - we must have looked as if we were up to no good - he was the Chairman of the Football Club. We had been watching as a handful of people drilled holes in the ground and he explained to us that they were trying to improve the drainage on a section of the field as it was very prone to standing water - to prevent anyone falling into the holes they were back-filling with sand. There certainly has been a lot of water of late and it was obvious that the water was still sitting on top of the grass. A crack team on a cold day.
<p>We finally bumped into Tom again as we were almost back to the car and he relayed sightings of mandarin and goosander on the Thames. We then spotted siskins in the treetops, perhaps ten. We decided to call it a day and made for home – a nice day out without the pressure of finding a ‘target’ bird.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ70VJnla1nyryzARFtdS7gAHjwWJG85U8gogedDNPthpSd9jF6ireBZckAaGsf2NTMHBu-s-wvkDkQPVpbZ0lwTybO2NB0f4fWdGifqlcYKoZoy2_hIVKJlRoo4zKl_gBsQIz9nx0BU1HXkfu5ifyvDXz-mZMETrvqCjUqLdSBchgFhlq4SSgOfRbK6w/s3008/siskin_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Siskin" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ70VJnla1nyryzARFtdS7gAHjwWJG85U8gogedDNPthpSd9jF6ireBZckAaGsf2NTMHBu-s-wvkDkQPVpbZ0lwTybO2NB0f4fWdGifqlcYKoZoy2_hIVKJlRoo4zKl_gBsQIz9nx0BU1HXkfu5ifyvDXz-mZMETrvqCjUqLdSBchgFhlq4SSgOfRbK6w/s600/siskin_Abingdon_1223_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Year List: 278<br />
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-11735027416277827942023-11-28T19:46:00.000+00:002023-11-28T19:46:23.926+00:00Abberton Reservoir :: 25 November 2023<p>There were two options today: potentially stand in the freezing cold and rain forecast on the Norfolk coast and hope for a seawatch to turn up something not already on our year list; head for sunny Essex and the canvasback that has been at Abberton Reservoir for a couple of weeks. Now it is true that Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> had already been to see this bird with his wife, his sister and her partner but being such a nice guy was happy to join me and go back for seconds. We didn't rush with sunrise so late at present, stopping for breakfast on the way and arriving about 9.10am.
<p>There were a few birders on the Layer Breton causeway as we parked up and when we joined them, they said that they couldn’t put us on the bird – wasn’t to be found. Checking on Birdguides it had been reported on the water right in front of us just 30 minutes before, so we were a bit disappointed to find it had vanished from sight. The large raft of pochards was initially quite distant - both Kev and I then spent a long while working back and forth through the flock. On a couple of occasions, as the birds dived, we wondered if that had been our bird but as we could relocate it, probably not.
<p>The canvasback is a large, big-headed diving duck with a gently sloping forehead and a stout neck. Its long bill meets the sloping forehead, creating a seamless look from the top of the crown to the tip of the bill. On the water it has an oval body and a short tail that gently slopes down into the water. Males have red eyes, and females have dark eyes.
<[>It strongly resembles a pochard but is larger and with a white, not grey, back, this is an extremely rare visitor from North America. One distinguishing feature we were not aware of (until pointed out in the field) was that it has a grey / white patch on its tail which helps distinguish it when its head is down and sleeping amongst pochards.
<p>The raft gradually spun closer, away, and closer again, but we were still unable to pick out our bird.
<p>The pochard suddenly took to the air, circled, and then landed in the central pool of the three that make up the Reservoir. By the time we got down the slope, across the road and set up scopes again, almost all the ducks were asleep with heads tucked under their wings. We still couldn't pick it out. After a considerable time and no action to speak of, we looked at Birdguides only to find that the canvasback had been reported by the Wigborough Road causeway, at the other end of this middle pool.
<p>We made our way there and parked up finding more than a dozen cars already in place. A line of birders on their scopes were already on the bird, and it was asleep - with some effort we were eventually on it - tick.
<p>Eventually the bird woke and showed a little, often sleeping again. Nick <a href="https://twitter.com/old_caley" target="_blank">@old_caley</a> and Anne Truby <a href="https://twitter.com/Dottydotterel" target="_blank">@Dottydotterel</a> also arrived - good to see them both on the mend after their recent illnesses.
<p>The canvasback eventually cruised around a little at some distance but providing an opportunity for a photo.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eoze-RdstB-dtY0Mjbprka8izNWyL72ak5ym6HXz0YwxQOq5vEJzT-eXPnUA6cY3jo7s0brtBc9ETJzNBD0QMfWeLsz0Tw-jrl8SjXI1rPKNzscSr6FKwtulJVdiLBxL75q2ByzcV1a5CBHvcbXSTEdostRHP2YuCDj6vw0Mwbwur0jK_Z8PICrCoo2h/s3008/canvasback-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Canvasback" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eoze-RdstB-dtY0Mjbprka8izNWyL72ak5ym6HXz0YwxQOq5vEJzT-eXPnUA6cY3jo7s0brtBc9ETJzNBD0QMfWeLsz0Tw-jrl8SjXI1rPKNzscSr6FKwtulJVdiLBxL75q2ByzcV1a5CBHvcbXSTEdostRHP2YuCDj6vw0Mwbwur0jK_Z8PICrCoo2h/s600/canvasback-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIEQmDsbGt7H4p8bAsnzWVTmQ3jwc2Pl0W8WYKUZQUUw4j-wSbc5ZoFe56W4A8GmbNGnqGEf2tVeXy_TdcBJsj96LyJaSB0HERc9Ir9xyb5RKY0vGmIUsV-cX5DKbVaYikmBI_SecLCBVCXOL0bLOewB5F6zNAb5Wkb0vJc_9dl-PKP1LHahLTiPhIhR6/s3008/canvasback-2_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Canvasback" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIEQmDsbGt7H4p8bAsnzWVTmQ3jwc2Pl0W8WYKUZQUUw4j-wSbc5ZoFe56W4A8GmbNGnqGEf2tVeXy_TdcBJsj96LyJaSB0HERc9Ir9xyb5RKY0vGmIUsV-cX5DKbVaYikmBI_SecLCBVCXOL0bLOewB5F6zNAb5Wkb0vJc_9dl-PKP1LHahLTiPhIhR6/s600/canvasback-2_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUUXoRGhLyuZbVwLy2LwAjGx5fPNS68VKZepoetCcr_6QsQwpud0d1dh3QwXdIGay7mrDQJccBjXR4M82NVwDTVn6nzn9Se4N_WqPXes3EPXbf6KUPcHFIs4Gsku5Gb9aHXpZjo3BK9Ix9q9VsV_gsaiVv8rDvocwdjHQR7BT08PNHB6AQn-ht97tYQNT/s3008/canvasback-3_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Canvasback" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUUXoRGhLyuZbVwLy2LwAjGx5fPNS68VKZepoetCcr_6QsQwpud0d1dh3QwXdIGay7mrDQJccBjXR4M82NVwDTVn6nzn9Se4N_WqPXes3EPXbf6KUPcHFIs4Gsku5Gb9aHXpZjo3BK9Ix9q9VsV_gsaiVv8rDvocwdjHQR7BT08PNHB6AQn-ht97tYQNT/s600/canvasback-3_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtjdyFhUcs_qJlCgx2tcXKdMCFPR1pvyxxu4-aFBL3wua2rjwcFh_ShZ_WfXKxUt-u4ur2bl9NpYgDY-3UEKTOplL71tQa15k461Bya-De914C8faWTs_TR6FXb6FDugQIty6uDoDEazgVlnIiBq1icRf7KaCONJVunwG-RAZ4XMFpus9lb7ahdS-WGd2/s3008/canvasback-4_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Canvasback" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtjdyFhUcs_qJlCgx2tcXKdMCFPR1pvyxxu4-aFBL3wua2rjwcFh_ShZ_WfXKxUt-u4ur2bl9NpYgDY-3UEKTOplL71tQa15k461Bya-De914C8faWTs_TR6FXb6FDugQIty6uDoDEazgVlnIiBq1icRf7KaCONJVunwG-RAZ4XMFpus9lb7ahdS-WGd2/s600/canvasback-4_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Other species were available - a rather showy redshank, a single rock pipit and several goldeneyes joined the usual wildfowl around the water's edge and on the water.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7MtGCMWjt6NPHo0ndQMmshjSWFxuGt2Yd6TnpugQgNh2WmJY3tkfvG_AzHlWnPTJ0ekAA_TLXHXlrH0YeiczA6dSLiVwOUJ2OPMn5kb5vO-pvJJnSD1YgTrbU0zURU9I2oOvdelbqzPbsMnlVCoNdu7ervQ4E18Q2IFrKENOamQJwtd7-yk73iv1cGer/s4500/redshank-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Redshank" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7MtGCMWjt6NPHo0ndQMmshjSWFxuGt2Yd6TnpugQgNh2WmJY3tkfvG_AzHlWnPTJ0ekAA_TLXHXlrH0YeiczA6dSLiVwOUJ2OPMn5kb5vO-pvJJnSD1YgTrbU0zURU9I2oOvdelbqzPbsMnlVCoNdu7ervQ4E18Q2IFrKENOamQJwtd7-yk73iv1cGer/s600/redshank-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-HNui10RHIvEQJBIgY-rHWFXsIGYvlqoAvmdYx2vH55DHiBSnDkvGBI9gyScspSgl1hn8hZbC-O4igBbZyX06GyxwhcBahxZg3PXOs6OSrH_GfTH1Qy6SVhL_h5GJ1bwt2E2yIQCCfTGqC3EOBcjF0NLlTVzdtiQZ-Rm9cbgDRKmW0C6zPGN_ptrbLhg/s4005/rock-pipit-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Rock pipit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2670" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-HNui10RHIvEQJBIgY-rHWFXsIGYvlqoAvmdYx2vH55DHiBSnDkvGBI9gyScspSgl1hn8hZbC-O4igBbZyX06GyxwhcBahxZg3PXOs6OSrH_GfTH1Qy6SVhL_h5GJ1bwt2E2yIQCCfTGqC3EOBcjF0NLlTVzdtiQZ-Rm9cbgDRKmW0C6zPGN_ptrbLhg/s600/rock-pipit-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSE5NwZgJ_3aRub2R7VLx7o8YAPtPNUSagstoOm_emCpDW2nkqyMoJtomboyz_yUi-5zEcEt93HgU2MgcwIFxHBvhoePupQcoAWS2ku7kynogs95zRp-vWidL3K9aCmKDhMkia6PkhFWk6IEss6icTyMEizSFJd5kzs10Pyk_WaTJjlPnw0IKDeHzN4hMQ/s4005/rock-pipit-2_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Rock pipit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2670" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSE5NwZgJ_3aRub2R7VLx7o8YAPtPNUSagstoOm_emCpDW2nkqyMoJtomboyz_yUi-5zEcEt93HgU2MgcwIFxHBvhoePupQcoAWS2ku7kynogs95zRp-vWidL3K9aCmKDhMkia6PkhFWk6IEss6icTyMEizSFJd5kzs10Pyk_WaTJjlPnw0IKDeHzN4hMQ/s600/rock-pipit-2_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb6TsS300ERPxrUtt0kHsyB6dvZgcxb2bJ0weLYGBqMJhsVe8V1hcdQFG9XmEpTJEmE14QT1cGgvTIY1bTuSB1wqvlx6JI-lFKr7h9q8isaAb3-_p_cIMOZGnoZ_yX3pF300UG_oEGTaxrJlQWqUc30HkXpIPl4UO5O24aF32HKL4kHOiEl5_3fjDXlhy/s3008/goldeneye_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Goldeneye" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb6TsS300ERPxrUtt0kHsyB6dvZgcxb2bJ0weLYGBqMJhsVe8V1hcdQFG9XmEpTJEmE14QT1cGgvTIY1bTuSB1wqvlx6JI-lFKr7h9q8isaAb3-_p_cIMOZGnoZ_yX3pF300UG_oEGTaxrJlQWqUc30HkXpIPl4UO5O24aF32HKL4kHOiEl5_3fjDXlhy/s600/goldeneye_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>On the other side of the causeway from the canvasback were many Egyptian geese, preening and splashing on the water's edge. One of the largest flocks of them that I've seen. It had been quite a long morning to eventually connect with the canvasback and we decided to finish with a visit to the watchpoint at St. Andrews Church, overlooking the dam and deeper water of the main reservoir.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8urQXOvnySpmjp7sv29eoqLWCWHgXvqaOThns2PhrRopJMxgmP8QrCBBsHoGOnVW6cqPZcV-CW7ualMaNSpbeeCNplBTSpMvxeTP4a49V_6GB5_Vtdtrd6WzD59W-4g0kNMWzwZLNXEFqp18CYKKyWY9-3VirLxlqPMxnnzzTh4wh9eHWgRGgzPyNqwBd/s5568/egyptian-goose-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Egyptian goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8urQXOvnySpmjp7sv29eoqLWCWHgXvqaOThns2PhrRopJMxgmP8QrCBBsHoGOnVW6cqPZcV-CW7ualMaNSpbeeCNplBTSpMvxeTP4a49V_6GB5_Vtdtrd6WzD59W-4g0kNMWzwZLNXEFqp18CYKKyWY9-3VirLxlqPMxnnzzTh4wh9eHWgRGgzPyNqwBd/s600/egyptian-goose-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-LhtkQnoZfmBlNaMrIz1OEUwsRvKdZM9Y0ZCkCwPD9M4mgtqT50Fa_Rr1xzmGSOhVytK_jhdS4LqJhuWMQhIzaEdUPBoFHJDfiQaZUYTgglSFQbCnLXFh-SjSnnmmA017BpIgqOMLiG-g6HUnAcDUUgUS4KeckAYKNe81IurVnm4_Lq7dxiJODbNjV_h/s4397/egyptian-goose-2_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Egyptian goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2931" data-original-width="4397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-LhtkQnoZfmBlNaMrIz1OEUwsRvKdZM9Y0ZCkCwPD9M4mgtqT50Fa_Rr1xzmGSOhVytK_jhdS4LqJhuWMQhIzaEdUPBoFHJDfiQaZUYTgglSFQbCnLXFh-SjSnnmmA017BpIgqOMLiG-g6HUnAcDUUgUS4KeckAYKNe81IurVnm4_Lq7dxiJODbNjV_h/s600/egyptian-goose-2_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl8fuk-Pv78j4cr620Mjz6QjScJMifaYjhuSGDqhfsoSnqYotDipZ_5r-3CXoBWERS4VSmf0i5_UHD9SHqtgEyuJvNs7GLMt2_b3hpYqe4QOVFYohy9vnlwOO4jI4O9Y5H3tF5h2iREBjAl-mDvvCPUhsSeEa694WN9ake0yIkdK1smHD8f77FaZ-dv8h/s5325/egyptian-goose-3_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Egyptian goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3550" data-original-width="5325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl8fuk-Pv78j4cr620Mjz6QjScJMifaYjhuSGDqhfsoSnqYotDipZ_5r-3CXoBWERS4VSmf0i5_UHD9SHqtgEyuJvNs7GLMt2_b3hpYqe4QOVFYohy9vnlwOO4jI4O9Y5H3tF5h2iREBjAl-mDvvCPUhsSeEa694WN9ake0yIkdK1smHD8f77FaZ-dv8h/s600/egyptian-goose-3_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtJPA_y_KX0LG9Qc-LKtsKNQMWDM2FjMzdu4J7Yuved-v0Dfzd5I6qPQaYJjKCw1N5Ct18KRkIE9pi9GUc2Ohhsyf8GOl8MEn7M1pcQxDoENi58lolBrDGR7UshsaCj6NsqXOP5gxitUjM7cUDwHW4u7ciSV41R_IamksKVBg4U5kVu2elFIeni10R4Mo/s4543/egyptian-goose-4_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Egyptian goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="3029" data-original-width="4543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtJPA_y_KX0LG9Qc-LKtsKNQMWDM2FjMzdu4J7Yuved-v0Dfzd5I6qPQaYJjKCw1N5Ct18KRkIE9pi9GUc2Ohhsyf8GOl8MEn7M1pcQxDoENi58lolBrDGR7UshsaCj6NsqXOP5gxitUjM7cUDwHW4u7ciSV41R_IamksKVBg4U5kVu2elFIeni10R4Mo/s600/egyptian-goose-4_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We found a handful of birders waiting for three velvet scoters to reappear as they had floated out into the water but obscured against the low sun. After 5 or 10 minutes they cruised in from the sun to show at distance, before immediately cruising away again. As we scanned around (picking up goldeneye and goosanders amongst other ducks), three birds flew in and landed out in front of us - our scoters again - they were still distant and drifted off left again, back into the sun and out of view.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7dCo-PjBAPgDCl0SPV1mhmKUCsxi944EjRo7HuU0wHUa5jTB4iedHMMfJWdo1Odof9vPOrStXd3zM4VAXai7TJWtfAk9_eZWPOkCq5M39h3BFOBE2dOtKXBhtsEMxUkBb9TqBqQ4en_Z12oOjdVhKrK8Ic3yjNzXcHKMja97cDmNwUtcAkGRsu3E_Hph/s3008/velvet-scoter-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Velvet scoter" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7dCo-PjBAPgDCl0SPV1mhmKUCsxi944EjRo7HuU0wHUa5jTB4iedHMMfJWdo1Odof9vPOrStXd3zM4VAXai7TJWtfAk9_eZWPOkCq5M39h3BFOBE2dOtKXBhtsEMxUkBb9TqBqQ4en_Z12oOjdVhKrK8Ic3yjNzXcHKMja97cDmNwUtcAkGRsu3E_Hph/s600/velvet-scoter-1_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSFCewqfJDCSYzREZkW1KThfTm3zqXFKqzByohkiNQNw7LM8v9qq-bu7YE4ND3U1pWOJI5xmFm3R7CHKRNEinRQVx6WeybJbUjUkd1qDYfiKCs5qkmZ8KSYTzOffDtHHjE76kWOeW2MQ5Kfb9Cxdg9Xs7IzhcZKYjOytwuEbWgt5CgtEbAfdpoPqCQZo8/s3008/velvet-scoter-2_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Velvet scoter" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSFCewqfJDCSYzREZkW1KThfTm3zqXFKqzByohkiNQNw7LM8v9qq-bu7YE4ND3U1pWOJI5xmFm3R7CHKRNEinRQVx6WeybJbUjUkd1qDYfiKCs5qkmZ8KSYTzOffDtHHjE76kWOeW2MQ5Kfb9Cxdg9Xs7IzhcZKYjOytwuEbWgt5CgtEbAfdpoPqCQZo8/s600/velvet-scoter-2_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5_ERnlThpywlAc-oKFjwIGd9D3T5GtukAwI13IcA7Vxajc5_5axs7fe4uXLAPO9hEni3lQJru9dQX2Rtuf89OKyQAe2oxCw8XfBsoCgS2_pgPklb4tWyG2Z9I3n9r9SYbiY4QFISnbezfWi9yTEmdy3lDdJasX_K39sgUKe-6n_5R_I8erbbLvlMPdhu/s3008/velvet-scoter-3_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Velvet scoter" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5_ERnlThpywlAc-oKFjwIGd9D3T5GtukAwI13IcA7Vxajc5_5axs7fe4uXLAPO9hEni3lQJru9dQX2Rtuf89OKyQAe2oxCw8XfBsoCgS2_pgPklb4tWyG2Z9I3n9r9SYbiY4QFISnbezfWi9yTEmdy3lDdJasX_K39sgUKe-6n_5R_I8erbbLvlMPdhu/s600/velvet-scoter-3_AbbertonReservoir_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>It seemed a long drive home, not made any easier with the M25 being partially blocked so we diverted up the M1 and back along the A43. A good day out again.
<p>Year List: 278<br />
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-20040578427248680392023-11-26T19:48:00.000+00:002023-11-26T19:48:26.753+00:00Winterton-on-Sea & Wiveton :: 18 November 2023<p>The forecast for Saturday was for rain, arriving overnight and perhaps starting to subside by mid-afternoon, not ideal conditions for being outdoors and birding. Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I chatted and resolved to have a try for the pallid swift that had been present in Winterton-on-Sea for the last week - Kev had already visited mid-week with his wife Karen but was happy to visit again for seconds.
<p>A pallid swift is quite difficult to distinguish from our common and is a rare visitor to the UK, perhaps due to it being a short-distance migrant breeding across the Mediterranean and wintering in the South Sahara. It has slightly paler plumage overall, a white throat patch, subtly blunter wings, and a less deeply forked tail - the underside of the body is dark brown with a pale brown scalloped effect, giving the impression of scales. As with our common swifts, pallids feed on the wing catching prey in their beaks, their diet consisting of a range of flying insects. At least at this time of year few common swifts remain, and Kev mentioned the pallid had an altogether different look in flight.
<p>We arrived in the car park looking out over the village green and immediately read an update that the pallid had just been reported where we were watching. The rain was hammering down and no one else was to be seen. We watched from the car but eventually decamped to stand under a roof beside the cricket pavilion; from here we had a much better view.
<p>After a while the rain relented becoming a drizzle after which there was some excitement as a sparrowhawk tore into a back garden beside the car park, nailing a starling. It carried the starling up and into a tree, but out of sight - the other birds were far from happy. In a minute or so the sparrowhawk burst from the tree carrying the starling in its talons but inexplicably the starling broke free - we expected the sparrowhawk to recapture the starling as it was right on its tail, but they broke apart and the starling was in the clear - quite a sight and very odd.
<p>The rain stopped. Kev was scanning towards the church while I viewed towards the wood - Kev called to say the swift was in view over the village beyond the church. In a minute or two I was on it and added another life tick - I took a couple of photos in case we lost the bird.
<p>We decided to make our way round to the front of the church to see if we could get closer views and found there were quite a few people, apparently traveling in a couple of minibuses and on a NatureTrek tour - all RSPB Edinburgh members. They'd arrived just as the bird had started showing. The sky was still heavy and grey - the swift fed at distance working back and forth parallel to the road, as we watched from the church. Poor light but a cracking bird.
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<p>We spotted a chap that we'd met at Grafham Water the previous week (green-winged teal) but before we had a chance to talk to him, he wandered off. We enjoyed watching but the views never got any better - eventually the rain started again. We decided to make our way to Cley but enroute decided that we'd drop into Wiveton as 12 waxwings has been posted.
<p>Pulling up and parking we found a handful of birders strolling around - the waxwings had recently departed down the valley after showing well in the trees and berry bushes behind the pub for at least half an hour. We waited and watched, eventually meeting a couple who said they'd see the birds at the other end of the village. We joined others strolling through the lanes and about 15 minutes later saw the waxwings fly back towards the pub - by the time we got back to the pub they'd landed briefly and taken off again - we saw them depart, left and passed the church.
<p>The number of birders grew and although we saw numbers of red kites, small flocks of starlings and larger of goldfinches we were not afforded any further sights of the waxwings. Despite waiting an hour and a half we eventually left for home with only flight shots and views - nice regardless.
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<p>Year List: 277<br />
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-57761717441099398052023-11-23T22:56:00.000+00:002023-11-23T22:56:02.821+00:00Teesmouth NNR - North Gare Sands :: 16 November 2023<p>Released early from work meetings I found I had time to drop in early to North Gare Sands, Teesmouth. Last month I had been unable to locate any twite on my visit and so was keen to give it another go. I walked across the beach to the water's edge to see what might be out on the sea and immediately found small rafts of common scoter, a further small flock flying in to join them. Scanning through the birds there didn't appear to be anything else amongst them.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tX7_bdjAY9wW71L69RdPPXBlem95rsKUK3bsEfJsxmk3UMR_eXiXTYXCApabMmi3M-ygBzOPQhllW1yQseamR3Yt62q5krJB4_F3DwUd91zaDxS-OsgW7xDRwRAnaQJZchUXHsWst1pvNL9f1ky0s5zd8BKl4_IzNyisx05FrJ9PMHd9wuoKiAVa82BN/s3008/common-scoter-1_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common scoter" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tX7_bdjAY9wW71L69RdPPXBlem95rsKUK3bsEfJsxmk3UMR_eXiXTYXCApabMmi3M-ygBzOPQhllW1yQseamR3Yt62q5krJB4_F3DwUd91zaDxS-OsgW7xDRwRAnaQJZchUXHsWst1pvNL9f1ky0s5zd8BKl4_IzNyisx05FrJ9PMHd9wuoKiAVa82BN/s600/common-scoter-1_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoifRMO_TAxFMwL961DWwn_nYPiHYueWNMPthAuRTac6eJmaQHxY0gcYffQVflC13aGl5Dp24no9-webbTZCcMhQtlhPT7SqvQ-X8twn2syWsJeS443WdmzAdM0Sc11IIEgtw9Gc4W-qu3cDiWHF2S1wfPpT_HFtUuDzyufmdN1x-ABDFxCaBCwUcCrYa/s3008/common-scoter-2_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common scoter" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoifRMO_TAxFMwL961DWwn_nYPiHYueWNMPthAuRTac6eJmaQHxY0gcYffQVflC13aGl5Dp24no9-webbTZCcMhQtlhPT7SqvQ-X8twn2syWsJeS443WdmzAdM0Sc11IIEgtw9Gc4W-qu3cDiWHF2S1wfPpT_HFtUuDzyufmdN1x-ABDFxCaBCwUcCrYa/s600/common-scoter-2_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I walked south along the water's edge and tried to pick out something of note, seeing only a handful of great-crested grebes, a female red-breasted merganser, and very distant shag and red-throated divers. A few redshanks and turnstones flushed along the beach in front of me. I tried to give them space, but they were not for being in my space.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN9VIpgEGFJxyDwccLOkss9cfrZg-C8dXINjvt74sUaQal6YKKnhSxvtec5wmlc4D_Hjt44rnbUyD3Bl0LJz25cqLIThMK_A43V337ExTkuBYqb9KjFVwG-EhmlIjONA0RKpjE-lo0ZqqR9j6jkDnIbXtPrlD7bx-0FYVPcNg1CO6IQrJnuOJSZlOaURr/s3008/great-crested-grebe_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Great-crested grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN9VIpgEGFJxyDwccLOkss9cfrZg-C8dXINjvt74sUaQal6YKKnhSxvtec5wmlc4D_Hjt44rnbUyD3Bl0LJz25cqLIThMK_A43V337ExTkuBYqb9KjFVwG-EhmlIjONA0RKpjE-lo0ZqqR9j6jkDnIbXtPrlD7bx-0FYVPcNg1CO6IQrJnuOJSZlOaURr/s600/great-crested-grebe_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDgf_pT0U5EEkwFbM5OesDliQUFrHeRi9puIGxD5WX-crzTLNRfe5DUavHJTIEIpaaJ3Htog_anaa3ce0ZrimuB73yY9eRBKlfahTphRP6NpALdbreW6vTTQfKjeXaA5g8fgsgug1NEPmQ5icZAc0H-BPWRWQvxZ4AlExLToMwLfQdZ93_176wjOaanIc/s3008/red-breasted-merganser-1_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-breasted merganser" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDgf_pT0U5EEkwFbM5OesDliQUFrHeRi9puIGxD5WX-crzTLNRfe5DUavHJTIEIpaaJ3Htog_anaa3ce0ZrimuB73yY9eRBKlfahTphRP6NpALdbreW6vTTQfKjeXaA5g8fgsgug1NEPmQ5icZAc0H-BPWRWQvxZ4AlExLToMwLfQdZ93_176wjOaanIc/s600/red-breasted-merganser-1_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Turning at the end by the rocks a redshank dropped in and watched as I approached - less flighty than the others. It walked across the sand to the edge of the river where at least 42 knot were feeding amongst oystercatchers, redshank and a couple of dunlins.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ndWCIPslWAQwhAleMsSwbTwty52B7ZWzoHWwMnPfhIJaaYFC7aWmQUZbIrIdOoKjGMgzunjWsihLS30MPAIfmRYs7i-_NlurnrL4ndVjIe6MrJaNAag2eaCV05LAurWmHJRi0DuFkJPujFUlhKts-kbeHxfMq3XTuBAnI9Ks27W-vLzwxnFFWBFPmDhD/s3008/redshank_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Redshank" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ndWCIPslWAQwhAleMsSwbTwty52B7ZWzoHWwMnPfhIJaaYFC7aWmQUZbIrIdOoKjGMgzunjWsihLS30MPAIfmRYs7i-_NlurnrL4ndVjIe6MrJaNAag2eaCV05LAurWmHJRi0DuFkJPujFUlhKts-kbeHxfMq3XTuBAnI9Ks27W-vLzwxnFFWBFPmDhD/s600/redshank_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn7SXe6ZRGph-6G7TAksEUR-FT9kbA363UrM04z3ywWSFzNI4MY3gULLA7xBv0eKsH_8i46CGEVL5b98yl6pMMXshQKkuC_AMObAj3IrqNfXhBD9lem0-hT2HadEYDpeBJFR6X2daLvtVWPyB6aNSiKc8Fxj1utetiwq9TQq-mmLSfGtZ0vUZhHJ3THu6/s3008/turnstone-1_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Turnstone" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn7SXe6ZRGph-6G7TAksEUR-FT9kbA363UrM04z3ywWSFzNI4MY3gULLA7xBv0eKsH_8i46CGEVL5b98yl6pMMXshQKkuC_AMObAj3IrqNfXhBD9lem0-hT2HadEYDpeBJFR6X2daLvtVWPyB6aNSiKc8Fxj1utetiwq9TQq-mmLSfGtZ0vUZhHJ3THu6/s600/turnstone-1_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>I reached the corner of the beach where it is bordered by the fence separating the power station and fields from the dunes and sand, overlooking the river. This is apparently a good place to see twite. The twite is a small, brown finch with a yellow bill and pink rump is very much a bird of coastal fringes. The twite has a northerly breeding distribution in Britain & Ireland, and is often referred to as the ‘Linnet of the north’. It seeks out small seeds that can gather on the tideline of saltmarshes and dunes.
<p>The twite has been red-listed in the UK since 1996 due to a reduction in its breeding population. Its small breeding population is supplemented in winter by birds arriving from elsewhere in Europe.
<p>Out on the river I could see a red-necked grebe and a red-throated diver fishing, and a pair of red-breasted mergansers preening and then sleeping as they drifted out along the river.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSO8Xdp3JFckGgrRsaFYn2A3iiizdN23rwlNCDkBirGs4sqQb7nH-qRbfgzgsiFuU8Lmljk6udmxcpwunR5C4VksMfyScA3i0EvMzv09IaKUATJHCkG4EmT5xT3IaztDm2CBlavAy-v3ZscVZE6l588AojDqCEBE_5bJ1qz93-Zq8sxj9U20My5s3nGed/s3008/red-necked-grebe_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-necked grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSO8Xdp3JFckGgrRsaFYn2A3iiizdN23rwlNCDkBirGs4sqQb7nH-qRbfgzgsiFuU8Lmljk6udmxcpwunR5C4VksMfyScA3i0EvMzv09IaKUATJHCkG4EmT5xT3IaztDm2CBlavAy-v3ZscVZE6l588AojDqCEBE_5bJ1qz93-Zq8sxj9U20My5s3nGed/s600/red-necked-grebe_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQlMLu_hGc_8I78IcWZxeuS7VqKOmF-85jeDUsj34EsXRwsYI2ph_9TjG8MiJVCS78LuzIjTix5B53gceGVW7i1nicPm3tG9BiR0pkDT7dis7n1wzpPXLoAdzOLg2Bo7BlvjlOspCiopAylNOycTlbZbLUfm4xW_1Nyp7IHvK8-CswROjgQ6eozHvEvQ2/s3008/red-throated-diver_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQlMLu_hGc_8I78IcWZxeuS7VqKOmF-85jeDUsj34EsXRwsYI2ph_9TjG8MiJVCS78LuzIjTix5B53gceGVW7i1nicPm3tG9BiR0pkDT7dis7n1wzpPXLoAdzOLg2Bo7BlvjlOspCiopAylNOycTlbZbLUfm4xW_1Nyp7IHvK8-CswROjgQ6eozHvEvQ2/s600/red-throated-diver_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>I waited for a while before a flock of circa 120 twite flew in and landed by a large puddle in the field beyond the fence. I raised my bins and had a good look before going for my camera. Even before I could raise it, the twite were up and off - they swung out across the water - they would come back in, wouldn't they!?? They set off along the river to the dunes beyond and then crossed the river, dropping onto the far bank - too small to see from where I stood. Damn. A retired teacher and birder arrived, and we chatted as we waited for the twite to return - they didn't.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQgFInAHZtRmO9UJKa_RkzbM3ed3heY0M2HjZtLIBk9UwL7XVvfH00QPwOxnFVv37VcuwWxI0qMc6uN28ekDXE_V8YnYO-s6HjPhlWnelFbBUKGuM8ODulWfrOxRs2kTYlxH-nRpQ3iAMR63f9fsDJE4ovb8PiUGNtW0T6KUT8SJziE0TE2caA0wWc8VF/s4168/twite_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Twite" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2779" data-original-width="4168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQgFInAHZtRmO9UJKa_RkzbM3ed3heY0M2HjZtLIBk9UwL7XVvfH00QPwOxnFVv37VcuwWxI0qMc6uN28ekDXE_V8YnYO-s6HjPhlWnelFbBUKGuM8ODulWfrOxRs2kTYlxH-nRpQ3iAMR63f9fsDJE4ovb8PiUGNtW0T6KUT8SJziE0TE2caA0wWc8VF/s600/twite_SeatonSnook_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Eventually it was time I made tracks - I still had work to do back at the office and a 4-hour journey to get there. A year tick for the twite but disappointing not to have had a chance at a proper photo.
<p>Year List: 276<br />
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-62678182175009286622023-11-21T19:58:00.000+00:002023-11-21T19:58:19.311+00:00Grafham Water :: 11 November 2023<p>Despite Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> having already ticked green-winged teal a couple of times this year, there wasn't much else about within reach so he agreed we would go to Grafham Water where an individual had been reported in recent days.
<p>The green-winged teal is a reasonably rare vagrant to the UK, turning up occasionally but with increasing regularity. The vertical white line on the flanks of the drake makes it stand out from the eurasian teal. Although superficially similar, the green-winged teal is a distinct species and was officially split by the BOU from eurasian teal in 2001. DNA studies in the late 1990s had revealed the approximate division between the two is at the Bering Sea.
<p>It breeds in North America and winters further south into Central America and the West Indies. Green-winged teals have closely spaced, comb-like projections called lamellae around the inner edge of the bill. They use them to filter tiny invertebrates from the water, allowing the birds to capture smaller food items than other dabbling ducks.
<p>We had planned where to park on arrival but found the gate to be closed - should have checked that bit. We'd passed some cars parked off the road on the verge as we'd approached and turned round to join them. Once we'd booted up, we were soon on the water's edge and scanning through the ducks - there appeared to be more birds to our left but as luck would have it, a ping on the phone alerted us that it had just been reported to our right, off the dam.
<p>Grafham Water is England's third largest reservoir and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for over 30 years. The western end features a 280-acre nature reserve and is home to ancient woodlands and reed beds. The nature reserve is managed in partnership with <a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/grafham-water" target="_blank">Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust</a> and several nature trails give access to seven bird hides.
<p>It only took five minutes before we joined a couple of birders already in position, including the chap who'd posted the Birdguides update. We joined them in watching this small duck dabbling along the water's edge and on the side closest to us - what a change! The sun had still not cleared the trees or the dam wall and so our initial views were in shade/shadow. Gradually the sun climbed higher, and we could see the bird in its full glory. It was interesting to see the two teal species side by side.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6zvOQI8f3vYuYizFAoNp6WP3GaNm6uPjfaMJXkomIEhu7Bsb2tobUqh5rTgh5f7-5jw_wjxVuwrhJwH90_t88Dh-1TqalmxCL5ibgqcjGGcRnhuswssYf_SAAUOvFhiynBKTdB_MVYsZf9ME5c4dyK7grPGIj7dqXn7UsBV2NGiIvdvlmqXkqNhsaPqa/s3008/green-winged-teal-2_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green-winged teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6zvOQI8f3vYuYizFAoNp6WP3GaNm6uPjfaMJXkomIEhu7Bsb2tobUqh5rTgh5f7-5jw_wjxVuwrhJwH90_t88Dh-1TqalmxCL5ibgqcjGGcRnhuswssYf_SAAUOvFhiynBKTdB_MVYsZf9ME5c4dyK7grPGIj7dqXn7UsBV2NGiIvdvlmqXkqNhsaPqa/s600/green-winged-teal-2_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy39zuDmPebTd9z2FCEGd5nzjoDrERa2xP7fExoBttyz6JNYzSlz_cbWkBpSfK_N8YpG3R06TAzJ0jREHZpXSztXSJ9yRyE0liGyDHaEttn3DfObRxlAYH4zuvvvJvWOmEZpEXvQV7OWUSMDyJYKUaFdnYWitzUXJMEURt42BlGN2h5ZKLLjzgZP8rZaLK/s3008/green-winged-teal-1_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green-winged teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy39zuDmPebTd9z2FCEGd5nzjoDrERa2xP7fExoBttyz6JNYzSlz_cbWkBpSfK_N8YpG3R06TAzJ0jREHZpXSztXSJ9yRyE0liGyDHaEttn3DfObRxlAYH4zuvvvJvWOmEZpEXvQV7OWUSMDyJYKUaFdnYWitzUXJMEURt42BlGN2h5ZKLLjzgZP8rZaLK/s600/green-winged-teal-1_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabcaUtzQkh7WyxgGkuPMwvPDek6F4QJVMdmLRrpOUTgnHKubwS9YCuRtUjXgqMEIvuZtiYn-4t5y14l4P_Kww_zRXfhK0FZw5cLynYDLdJzjIVsg_C2qMx6o5tOWyKgQbuAhrIvAtrET-NmmG0Skp7LyhyphenhyphenwB4AgnyhB8AJeYxrH_q7kE7XaVL6cPPg04n/s2927/green-winged-teal-0_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green-winged teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="1952" data-original-width="2927" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabcaUtzQkh7WyxgGkuPMwvPDek6F4QJVMdmLRrpOUTgnHKubwS9YCuRtUjXgqMEIvuZtiYn-4t5y14l4P_Kww_zRXfhK0FZw5cLynYDLdJzjIVsg_C2qMx6o5tOWyKgQbuAhrIvAtrET-NmmG0Skp7LyhyphenhyphenwB4AgnyhB8AJeYxrH_q7kE7XaVL6cPPg04n/s600/green-winged-teal-0_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBil9ResRu4ylKUhyi4rkR2myCT-ppmWqhkE5GLTuU2umCbyJWhGPrllFpcQ_p2F1tVlaZhUIMWUZRF5YDjuUP2ZKE0Ujb6nctQTZ3jmASlp9_AnmHUNuj_nUi7EzXAXrg3bZDEro9NmWrxMywQ6mkdeFti5zXPuSXDokBpa9FAPP9WTxrwifKry5TF8PF/s3008/green-winged-teal-3_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green-winged teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBil9ResRu4ylKUhyi4rkR2myCT-ppmWqhkE5GLTuU2umCbyJWhGPrllFpcQ_p2F1tVlaZhUIMWUZRF5YDjuUP2ZKE0Ujb6nctQTZ3jmASlp9_AnmHUNuj_nUi7EzXAXrg3bZDEro9NmWrxMywQ6mkdeFti5zXPuSXDokBpa9FAPP9WTxrwifKry5TF8PF/s600/green-winged-teal-3_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecEQFkw-NfLcid8ZHABSeVBryRQY39_1EWttckExZCK8CKs-lOZlSRAbW7ZfJ6_ZvCdhFZBvgofrBp139qQ-oQ2RholSxKDN16vkdb-CID7Ztr9Wgy8OKqbMRbYHtE6DPl_Vi1sPdtl9updXNtPP63Ar5drjd7XCY2oERHZFos9Tycp1WPZt6QaMBaeVf/s3008/green-winged-teal-4_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green-winged teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecEQFkw-NfLcid8ZHABSeVBryRQY39_1EWttckExZCK8CKs-lOZlSRAbW7ZfJ6_ZvCdhFZBvgofrBp139qQ-oQ2RholSxKDN16vkdb-CID7Ztr9Wgy8OKqbMRbYHtE6DPl_Vi1sPdtl9updXNtPP63Ar5drjd7XCY2oERHZFos9Tycp1WPZt6QaMBaeVf/s600/green-winged-teal-4_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRrC3Lr6Kh6T1frKzGnqEVWzv6dqVcXsmhtEGPv1cL8R_PNsKp6BL-_yR4oBqQkILbIsjAyqp3_8O6K2rqmlokNagxs1f1RiQoYP8ubDC2i9aCEFU1kk_WeB67JN3GTlCUECzgLRkluRCWNPyYXbLEFRxlQcmRAL7ultqKbY_-kJ5A8isaIoxkxnmhpHi/s3008/green-winged-teal-5_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green-winged teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRrC3Lr6Kh6T1frKzGnqEVWzv6dqVcXsmhtEGPv1cL8R_PNsKp6BL-_yR4oBqQkILbIsjAyqp3_8O6K2rqmlokNagxs1f1RiQoYP8ubDC2i9aCEFU1kk_WeB67JN3GTlCUECzgLRkluRCWNPyYXbLEFRxlQcmRAL7ultqKbY_-kJ5A8isaIoxkxnmhpHi/s600/green-winged-teal-5_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydEaWzKF-evWqrVLEREf0aTd2xNZVwx3hyphenhyphenmJmjIFefMEAUlqLRntMCX6C_NjBiyV_5crhWjSgNubT20kzJpiQY0KysvFrJktuUrHJ3-jI40vePBVdWGjYy1Os6-RybYvUikWSm9b4UEaVpbwi6iW0rNk3eO1NXVpLmgKUY4qULboz-hbb2-1g1OcSvdjS/s3500/green-winged-teal-8_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green-winged teal" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2334" data-original-width="3500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydEaWzKF-evWqrVLEREf0aTd2xNZVwx3hyphenhyphenmJmjIFefMEAUlqLRntMCX6C_NjBiyV_5crhWjSgNubT20kzJpiQY0KysvFrJktuUrHJ3-jI40vePBVdWGjYy1Os6-RybYvUikWSm9b4UEaVpbwi6iW0rNk3eO1NXVpLmgKUY4qULboz-hbb2-1g1OcSvdjS/s600/green-winged-teal-8_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>The teal stuck close to shore and was occasionally caught by the waves as they grew in shallow water. There was supposed to be a great northern diver somewhere on site but scanning around it wasn't anywhere near us - we wouldn't go searching as there are easier birds to see, and we'd ticked some already this year. Alongside the teal on the water's edge was a common sandpiper, working up and down, in and out of the shadows. It was surprising to see how small it was compared to the ducks and black-headed gulls as it passed by.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnueEpwpHZzTBtCrOJQ3rZ0yO1eg4o8hXM7v6fE-7C99wV_SMBs9xI5dcjmOTBTznBBFbPSR9kVhk7IP3xI8NLJztVKbFHgvAExdUlG8J4JgexvGFg9SLaIUUf20xahGTDKViYRDQUuG-e9jIpRixjs8TtVK5ILK60KroSDdAL_Vs2IacNgUJKmEjlFjC9/s3500/common-sandpiper-1_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2334" data-original-width="3500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnueEpwpHZzTBtCrOJQ3rZ0yO1eg4o8hXM7v6fE-7C99wV_SMBs9xI5dcjmOTBTznBBFbPSR9kVhk7IP3xI8NLJztVKbFHgvAExdUlG8J4JgexvGFg9SLaIUUf20xahGTDKViYRDQUuG-e9jIpRixjs8TtVK5ILK60KroSDdAL_Vs2IacNgUJKmEjlFjC9/s600/common-sandpiper-1_GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOdtKXD2lN8AqHsDaWOrJnwrp6pNY4404PX3oFaNRM_oxoRdcezmi87vRu_9znquLm2ldISWEsI7wJGzXumzK_CShUBzNYMxu2RnccnyXCt-zuAay24c86m3NYyaBDGifalMqbnp99sWngozcq0si0xML5urzwn6Do6DhRA4M0peTc7SaEH8mxHPuXvwd/s3500/common-sandpiper-12GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOdtKXD2lN8AqHsDaWOrJnwrp6pNY4404PX3oFaNRM_oxoRdcezmi87vRu_9znquLm2ldISWEsI7wJGzXumzK_CShUBzNYMxu2RnccnyXCt-zuAay24c86m3NYyaBDGifalMqbnp99sWngozcq0si0xML5urzwn6Do6DhRA4M0peTc7SaEH8mxHPuXvwd/s600/common-sandpiper-12GrafhamWater_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>There was little more to be gained by stopping here and so we started to make our way back to the car, meeting Nick <a href="https://twitter.com/old_caley" target="_blank">@old_caley</a> and Anne Truby <a href="https://twitter.com/Dottydotterel" target="_blank">@Dottydotterel</a> on the way. We chatted for a while but eventually parted allowing them to go and tick the teal while we decided what to do next.
<p>With nothing of note being reported nearby we decided to visit a Northamptonshire site that we often see mentioned on the WhatsApp Groups - Harrington Airfield. I drove passed the lane to the parking spot and had to turn round and come at it from the opposite direction. As we approached the gate and concrete parking area, we could see an tractor parked over the gate and we had to stop on the road verge until it left - Kev jumped out and talked with the driver to make sure we'd be OK parking where we planned.
<p>As we put on our boots and coats, we heard a plane engine that we recognised - Rolls Royce Merlin - and looked up to watch a spitfire doing a loop-the-loop. Presumably this is a plane operating out of Sywell Aerodrome. Sywell Aerodrome dates back to 1928 and played a key role during the Second World War as an RAF flying training facility and an important centre for the repair of nearly 2,000 Wellington bombers during the war period. Sywell’s rich aviation history is still evident around the Aerodrome and displayed within the Sywell Aviation Museum which is located onsite and open to the general public.
<p>The Grace Spitfire ML407 we’d seen was originally built at Castle Bromwich in early 1944 as a Mark IX single seat fighter and served in the front line of battle throughout the last twelve months of World War II with six different allied Squadrons of the RAF’s 2nd Tactical Air Force. ML407 flew a total of 176 operational combat sorties amassing an impressive total 319 combat hours. ML407 was delivered to 485 New Zealand Squadron on the 29th April 1944 by Jackie Moggridge, one of the top lady pilots of the Air Transport Auxilllary (ATA), where it became the ‘mount’ of Flying Officer Johnnie Houlton DFC who was accredited, whilst flying ML407, with the first enemy aircraft shot down over the Normandy beachhead on 6th June D-Day.
<p>A select team of pilots fly the Grace Spitfire for various displays, Airshows and passenger flights. <a href="https://www.warbirdflights.co.uk" target="_blank">Ultimate Warbird Flights operate a business operating experience flights</a> with vintage aircraft, including this spitfire.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnRXdgRrelPNXqv-8jOXYqn5r8yC8JcxfxGlBQQvOFDbOUxBJp6L4R-gycHSPdg4O1UD6MWfK31fLGY_ppJmKDeDwsYKUQ8FWN8uf-hMbbDFgibug6dK9_RdwayAT47Z6jewzvPnFAlQJbxAw75D_upXF76neHICxKCTYMwnobw3XagnUgH_JXLof2jFd/s3008/spitfire-1_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Spitfire ML407" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnRXdgRrelPNXqv-8jOXYqn5r8yC8JcxfxGlBQQvOFDbOUxBJp6L4R-gycHSPdg4O1UD6MWfK31fLGY_ppJmKDeDwsYKUQ8FWN8uf-hMbbDFgibug6dK9_RdwayAT47Z6jewzvPnFAlQJbxAw75D_upXF76neHICxKCTYMwnobw3XagnUgH_JXLof2jFd/s600/spitfire-1_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWNUOcyAvAUUbLiM95xNrszXaEcf5VsQqLr1UwUJLtO1ktPtupfdLZqJQbudvk4JP7tSnIAsGmMdg0L9UAjWrRZNLVcrX8QM4Lj7HI5AuopdTDvMsIdqr3TUNsPKz2Pft0O6dabucHQ3z7m1Hqea_Nh-WvM_8u8f-Wjlyy6FVDg088N5rXt86SOY6-4dQ/s3008/spitfire-2_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Spitfire" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWNUOcyAvAUUbLiM95xNrszXaEcf5VsQqLr1UwUJLtO1ktPtupfdLZqJQbudvk4JP7tSnIAsGmMdg0L9UAjWrRZNLVcrX8QM4Lj7HI5AuopdTDvMsIdqr3TUNsPKz2Pft0O6dabucHQ3z7m1Hqea_Nh-WvM_8u8f-Wjlyy6FVDg088N5rXt86SOY6-4dQ/s600/spitfire-2_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rd63A95XPQwiCmeXTWIbHcbpCx-zd-PdazU31jo-q83JA-34TLGjoacHgGyGE4yVoH7eOgfgd0rPZ-h2MjFaCa9nLF1PYg_AbcoOf6vW-1icZF9vRtkmK-1fh8c4rsR9pbOiBv5AePIUum0YledEeVo0bsQP6WAmps5VuncmNwyZgi63op7w_7OBNa_X/s3008/spitfire-3_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Spitfire" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rd63A95XPQwiCmeXTWIbHcbpCx-zd-PdazU31jo-q83JA-34TLGjoacHgGyGE4yVoH7eOgfgd0rPZ-h2MjFaCa9nLF1PYg_AbcoOf6vW-1icZF9vRtkmK-1fh8c4rsR9pbOiBv5AePIUum0YledEeVo0bsQP6WAmps5VuncmNwyZgi63op7w_7OBNa_X/s600/spitfire-3_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Onto the path through some trees, and up the slope we went. We had so many dunnocks, starlings and then a group of 10 red-legged partridge. Fieldfares dropped from the trees into the fields and red kites plus buzzards cruised and circled in the thermals, one buzzard being quite vocal. We reached some hay bales stacked high, wide, and long - in the distance we spotted a peregrine on top of another hay structure - as I took some photos it took to the wing and flew and landed on a straw cube closer in front - such a stunning bird. In just a minute or two it was off.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxD41e1g9St_LnM6vC4RpwKU6miJ4-zkglQ0GYv4ALuqSARzJckyaNRGwXescaQ8mq4DEGPwI-AlvEbJLNTDUURY57iDqZmslj-PFTNQZ0EHuQzGgNPN8sqsEFci3_q9jgD3f6GEJTbMkIG1NG-cMdqEIPF0mBqhrf-iY_h_Jh7LgNgYrLF9y1XOZUMM1/s3008/peregrine-0_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Peregrine" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxD41e1g9St_LnM6vC4RpwKU6miJ4-zkglQ0GYv4ALuqSARzJckyaNRGwXescaQ8mq4DEGPwI-AlvEbJLNTDUURY57iDqZmslj-PFTNQZ0EHuQzGgNPN8sqsEFci3_q9jgD3f6GEJTbMkIG1NG-cMdqEIPF0mBqhrf-iY_h_Jh7LgNgYrLF9y1XOZUMM1/s600/peregrine-0_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bl3emTD2-6eZxwgWBsSViWsvihUZybhL1HDHk0WOz2LtfUL9mPkKKmTeev24aecBdWg9Ce2POeR1pQd25cX7voa_JMND_8Hlx2ZNdVtkmO6ExdHiGsVulNrtbKpuwU8vJeL4dsNCbwsuMBfrDEA6N6Fk8oi-Yx86OTAsGHgs2-S-cjaL4kpJ4cDvay-9/s3008/peregrine-1_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Peregrine" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bl3emTD2-6eZxwgWBsSViWsvihUZybhL1HDHk0WOz2LtfUL9mPkKKmTeev24aecBdWg9Ce2POeR1pQd25cX7voa_JMND_8Hlx2ZNdVtkmO6ExdHiGsVulNrtbKpuwU8vJeL4dsNCbwsuMBfrDEA6N6Fk8oi-Yx86OTAsGHgs2-S-cjaL4kpJ4cDvay-9/s600/peregrine-1_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTbxIVCj_04yWdOPevFMGu294zjq8sYGc-xGq8pn21kZPT2BbnKsVlJi8ujclL57l9QvL1wj9FQlpQDx8WV6UdRUs3sdT4BAIhV6ZUz1e6VJ89fTkFDOb_XMWpieEwdkikO2EBiFxy4OrgfbJw0ewtwLCZZYGjkCyDA5NZBG0jacpmHno40W3FAyb04Tn/s3008/peregrine-2_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Peregrine" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTbxIVCj_04yWdOPevFMGu294zjq8sYGc-xGq8pn21kZPT2BbnKsVlJi8ujclL57l9QvL1wj9FQlpQDx8WV6UdRUs3sdT4BAIhV6ZUz1e6VJ89fTkFDOb_XMWpieEwdkikO2EBiFxy4OrgfbJw0ewtwLCZZYGjkCyDA5NZBG0jacpmHno40W3FAyb04Tn/s600/peregrine-2_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPaN1C5O594xjPF1HHjlnB9M3Vi9T6x4wBgCUzIPUZa71p3OnjopWZaI_fz4h5dZnosPqwAazEWtpUIfqELwMKxkzQ8pEHXDFuKWUAXdsaNd4q_LolrkvyYhash0clKDPtc57aDdAw3E1Q91_mcFj3SMEynQzDVIdt-jAPpxIgOWC51lDbalXMAjSu7AL/s3008/peregrine-3_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Peregrine" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPaN1C5O594xjPF1HHjlnB9M3Vi9T6x4wBgCUzIPUZa71p3OnjopWZaI_fz4h5dZnosPqwAazEWtpUIfqELwMKxkzQ8pEHXDFuKWUAXdsaNd4q_LolrkvyYhash0clKDPtc57aDdAw3E1Q91_mcFj3SMEynQzDVIdt-jAPpxIgOWC51lDbalXMAjSu7AL/s600/peregrine-3_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We saw a raptor land ahead on the hay and largely out of sight and assumed it was the peregrine again. As we approached the bird it took to the wing, and we found it was actually a kestrel. Quite a number of birds using these structures.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLoUD4kpcW4NfjD3ZO4iuxGlrt3QZz4NqATsWqB40w3WQkCgotcrm6VnYcPV8u31t92NM2CTclh0Ht1RymeWq7_IGef2Pfy5RpOMG4lQAkoG6n4EmUlOV7w91ohI9XsAnRiDyq-n6znIqgnPt0bqN3TQNmONgbHoGwA9MEpI7R2wu-HAqvl2ryl89x1el/s3008/kestrel_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Kestrel" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLoUD4kpcW4NfjD3ZO4iuxGlrt3QZz4NqATsWqB40w3WQkCgotcrm6VnYcPV8u31t92NM2CTclh0Ht1RymeWq7_IGef2Pfy5RpOMG4lQAkoG6n4EmUlOV7w91ohI9XsAnRiDyq-n6znIqgnPt0bqN3TQNmONgbHoGwA9MEpI7R2wu-HAqvl2ryl89x1el/s600/kestrel_HarringtonAirfield_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We wandered around the area and the concrete pads and bunkers but found nothing of particular note - perhaps the wrong time of day too. We eventually returned back down the hill to the car having investigated the site and now armed with layout should anything be reported here soon.
<p>We decided to finish our day at Hanging Houghton - harriers, short-eared owl and merlin are reported in the area from time to time, and I wanted Kev to know where this was - I'd been a few years back to see the long-staying great grey shrike. We parked up and scanned the fields seeing flocks of linnets, jays, red kites, buzzards, amongst others.
<p>We waited and another couple of cars arrived with one containing Stuart Munday <a href="https://twitter.com/MundyStuart" target="_blank">@MundyStuart</a>. We had a long chat to Stuart as we hadn't seen him in person since we met at Summer Leys for the purple heron. Amongst other birds we could see in the fields and hedgerows, we picked out a kestrel and peregrine in a very distant tree. We had views through Kev's scope and eventually Kev convinced me to take a photo – very much a record shot.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNKV4S_0zIicVbY9ELxtn8axow9A885xEVRQbUQ1bZj7RRTHTaTDIhrd5Sub3LIu45hNCP_UvbDcGvWczNTe86-SB1mHVjfopx4FKkjgkUPC1enwQxxmHCkUXEMApv1LoK3cLRIbLRxkwJ7xBb8pIhotDcpelbRgsSK1KYNBmaVcKDGYV9XTBqKhDS1FJ/s2560/peregrine-kestrel_HangingHoughton_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Peregrine and kestrel" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNKV4S_0zIicVbY9ELxtn8axow9A885xEVRQbUQ1bZj7RRTHTaTDIhrd5Sub3LIu45hNCP_UvbDcGvWczNTe86-SB1mHVjfopx4FKkjgkUPC1enwQxxmHCkUXEMApv1LoK3cLRIbLRxkwJ7xBb8pIhotDcpelbRgsSK1KYNBmaVcKDGYV9XTBqKhDS1FJ/s600/peregrine-kestrel_HangingHoughton_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We waited past sunset hoping perhaps for an owl, but nothing came into view. We said our goodbyes and called it a day. An unusual birding day compared to those of late but enjoyable, nonetheless.
<p>Year List: 275<br />
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-91402742488674387352023-11-13T08:11:00.002+00:002023-11-13T19:16:07.470+00:00Linford Lakes NR :: 09 November 2023<p>On Tuesday / Wednesday Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a>, his wife Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/karenheath62" target="_blank">@karenheath62</a> , and our mutual friend Nick Truby <a href="https://twitter.com/old_caley" target="_blank">@old_caley</a> ,had all made a pilgrimage to see the little crake reported at Linford Lakes NR first on Monday evening. Unfortunately, I had several work appointments and couldn't join them. For most people I know this would be a lifer and it was true for all of my friends.
<p>However, on Thursday morning I had a small window of opportunity with my first meeting of the day scheduled for 10.30am - one slight issue was that, unlike the two previous days, non-permit holders were not being catered for - issues with health and safety and controlled numbers/access. The issue was easy to overcome as it was possible to buy an annual permit which would allow access immediately, and for the rest of the year - a no brainer.
<p>Typically breeding in eastern Europe and in reed beds, little crakes are vagrants to the UK with only one or a very few records per decade; they are migratory and winter in Africa. Little crakes are very secretive in the breeding season, are mostly heard rather than seen, but can be easier to see on migration.
<p>They are slightly smaller than spotted crakes, from which they are readily distinguished by the lack of dark barring and white spots on the flanks - Kev and I had <a href="https://jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2022/08/rspb-ham-wall-20-august-2022.html" target="_blank">seen a spotted crake in late August 2022</a> and so this was something to go on. They mainly eat insects and aquatic animals and from photos posted on X (formerly Twitter) this week, it had showed well on occasions as it worked along the edge of the reeds.
<p>I arrived and found myself first there at about 6.30am and unlocked the padlock with the code supplied by the Parkland Trust. As I was closing the gate, two more members arrived and so I left that honour to them, my car already on the inside. I parked at the far end of the car park and joined the now handful of birders that had arrived as I put on my walking boots.
<p>At the Otter Hide I took a place on the benches looking out over the water and settled in, hoping I'd get a view in the couple of hours I had. After about 25 minutes I could hear someone unlocking the door with the code and as they came in I could see it was Keviin Heath's sister Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/hobbylovinglife" target="_blank">@hobbylovinglife</a> and her partner Dean <a href="https://twitter.com/worlebirder" target="_blank">@worlebirder</a>. We said our 'hellos' and settled down. On Dean's second sweep of the water, he called our bird as it was flushed by something in the reeds, landing on the front edge of the bund. It fed in and out of the reeds, working left until it was lost for about 20 minutes. We had our fingers crossed that it might hop across the channel and work round in front of the hide - a good opportunity to catch up with Karen and Dean.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCukprTlNkSOtyet-c04BeW_82IxPUSKgyFsjDELKwyyW_gT9kj7SIqsDB9P2RIoovU8v0vGILBWOv-0RMNq3PMgZ-UPQio_HzS4_IM0Q8IxKhg9kIo1nMejLZvQJIbcHwTSZhwraOhcyuNrEEHuVOQjUvfg1T_sr5PVoLZyi7LISjEs5RT0h_W9dtHk1H/s3008/little-crake-5_LinfordLakes_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Little crake" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCukprTlNkSOtyet-c04BeW_82IxPUSKgyFsjDELKwyyW_gT9kj7SIqsDB9P2RIoovU8v0vGILBWOv-0RMNq3PMgZ-UPQio_HzS4_IM0Q8IxKhg9kIo1nMejLZvQJIbcHwTSZhwraOhcyuNrEEHuVOQjUvfg1T_sr5PVoLZyi7LISjEs5RT0h_W9dtHk1H/s600/little-crake-5_LinfordLakes_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh669IxQe-lBm4KRPATAWZAwn4VkDDl2KFeTMZMOhEjZfhPjSX_YX2jnvKttATTBum-Fxelf6fn1Zv4CJLnXLVg6nHVWvvOOa5FNJmxu2IdEIxx-WgqF1K7FGGF_BS-iWJAl8ZObgRE1e9Hp-dYhZbAgJE6eYydU1wZXohmZhyphenhyphenbynsd2HdTudiu7hpbonpz/s3499/little-crake-4_LinfordLakes_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Little crake" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh669IxQe-lBm4KRPATAWZAwn4VkDDl2KFeTMZMOhEjZfhPjSX_YX2jnvKttATTBum-Fxelf6fn1Zv4CJLnXLVg6nHVWvvOOa5FNJmxu2IdEIxx-WgqF1K7FGGF_BS-iWJAl8ZObgRE1e9Hp-dYhZbAgJE6eYydU1wZXohmZhyphenhyphenbynsd2HdTudiu7hpbonpz/s600/little-crake-4_LinfordLakes_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>With only about 10 minutes before I'd need to leave for work the bird appeared on our far left and continued to work right - come on! It wasn't long before we had great views but often interrupted by the reed stems. I did get a couple of photos as it moved through some more open areas but as it was about to reach the sparser area of vegetation it turned and worked back left and eventually out of view. No doubt it would show again but happy with my views I shot off and made it to work before the compulsory core hours began.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGCGD6pGNE9hq51CcbjlFnmbf791pMBFhoBDp0Q99lpjUiNviPamTxAvt2EbLMGPESQkxDd6Aecc4FBgrV3v-HAaPL6g6slJyYLLT8QcjEC5sOjUKfkZHfQwOV02OZua5sarJeCHUesUpmLsTaAeIxCW2pwZqhfnGcsat5z5M4nqSNy-OrJoAjLojQ-OJ/s3499/little-crake-1a_LinfordLakes_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Little crake" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGCGD6pGNE9hq51CcbjlFnmbf791pMBFhoBDp0Q99lpjUiNviPamTxAvt2EbLMGPESQkxDd6Aecc4FBgrV3v-HAaPL6g6slJyYLLT8QcjEC5sOjUKfkZHfQwOV02OZua5sarJeCHUesUpmLsTaAeIxCW2pwZqhfnGcsat5z5M4nqSNy-OrJoAjLojQ-OJ/s600/little-crake-1a_LinfordLakes_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-75610399724544956632023-11-08T08:04:00.001+00:002023-11-08T08:04:49.074+00:00Stodmarsh NNR :: 04 November 2023<p>Friday's views and photos of the solitary sandpiper at <a href="https://group.rspb.org.uk/thanet/local-wild-places/stodmarsh-national-nature-reserve/" target="_blank">Stodmarsh NNR</a>were unbelievable and despite the forecast of heavy rain, Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I decided this was an opportunity not to be missed - hey, we'd be in a hide.
<p>Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve (NNR) is owned by Natural England, located just outside Canterbury, and managed for wildlife and visitors. It is an area of wetland with marshes, reedbeds, lakes and woodland with over 6 kilometres of footpaths, including a circular walk around the whole site. We were here to find the Reedbed Hide as it was the best viewpoint from Friday's posts.
<p>The solitary sandpiper breeds in woodlands across Alaska and Canada and is a migratory bird, wintering in Central & South America, especially in the Amazon River basin and the Caribbean. It is a very rare vagrant to the UK and western Europe, usually being found in the summer–autumn period.
<p>Almost all sandpipers migrate in flocks and nest on the ground, but the solitary sandpiper breaks both rules. In migration, as its name implies, it is usually encountered alone. In summer in northern spruce bogs, rather than nesting on the wet ground, the solitary sandpiper lays its eggs in old songbird nests high in trees. It mostly forages in shallow water, moving about actively, picking items from surface and probes in water and mud. Quite a similar behaviour to our closely allied green sandpiper. In the field you have to really pay attention to separate the species. <a href="https://x.com/GadgetGazPhoto/status/1720154452038930441?s=20" target="_blank">A cracking post</a> by Gaz Foreman <a href="https://twitter.com/GadgetGazPhoto" target="_blank">@GadgetGazPhoto</a> on X (formerly Twitter) shows some great photos but also has one that allows a detailed comparison between the green and solitary sandpipers to be made. Kev and I studied this in preparation.
<p>We arrived at the Reedbed Hide to find that there was still space on the benches - it was just after sunrise and this bird was popular - getting one a year in the UK is not always the case. Kev set up his scope and we settled in hoping for success. While there had only been a slight drizzle so far, and dry from the car to the hide, the heavens now opened. After just over an hour a sandpiper dropped in along the water's edge - everyone jumped to attention and started checking out the bird - a green sandpiper ... not our quarry but it was a start!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9WNB9-g2GPI2Wy6oATRlUbzo1LzNhAi-DB-gfBmL8j4eOSfdfLULnkkZUyk8dDumZR7qLvKvDMkqwgQNFXNNUL8M6j8EmXvzex3A61Q2wnwFPOYpJs5m2z9qgm-8hCiXaoIDuffObLdhyphenhyphenBflxWqVqtVNH0IaCmnhNzeVfz8WhGLSvBxd0b1mkgbIuY4_/s3008/green-sandpiper-1_Stodmarsh_1123.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9WNB9-g2GPI2Wy6oATRlUbzo1LzNhAi-DB-gfBmL8j4eOSfdfLULnkkZUyk8dDumZR7qLvKvDMkqwgQNFXNNUL8M6j8EmXvzex3A61Q2wnwFPOYpJs5m2z9qgm-8hCiXaoIDuffObLdhyphenhyphenBflxWqVqtVNH0IaCmnhNzeVfz8WhGLSvBxd0b1mkgbIuY4_/s600/green-sandpiper-1_Stodmarsh_1123.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Gradually the bird worked along the water's edge, getting closer and closer. Our hopes were high now that a sandpiper had appeared - perhaps the solitary species would appear to join this bird - it had been associating with a green sandpiper in recent days ...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCjYq2Ah2EhYIO34Gc2Her5EiJI2ArCFfg8USp895AY2IRSgpEXS0Y10sYoM_m5QZdANpfGOI0FqYblEv2dvyJYcYEz-fpkpTYBWdRK53Kkwl0v4-ue4mnLuoXJovEToV_xr1g-CdEbba6X9oT5FOL86-Ykv2l1zwDDsn8de2gx5jvxaW1RTrcOkEyuGa/s3008/green-sandpiper-2_Stodmarsh_1123.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Green sandpiper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCjYq2Ah2EhYIO34Gc2Her5EiJI2ArCFfg8USp895AY2IRSgpEXS0Y10sYoM_m5QZdANpfGOI0FqYblEv2dvyJYcYEz-fpkpTYBWdRK53Kkwl0v4-ue4mnLuoXJovEToV_xr1g-CdEbba6X9oT5FOL86-Ykv2l1zwDDsn8de2gx5jvxaW1RTrcOkEyuGa/s600/green-sandpiper-2_Stodmarsh_1123.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Before long the green sandpiper was up and away, flying past the hide and out of sight. Marsh harriers, teal and mute swans dominated our sighting now and while we had little else to do, I repeatedly counted to get a peak for each of the species on the water: teal 162, and mute swans 29. At one point a number of teal to our left took to the air and as we waited, we had a fabulous pass from a female sparrowhawk.
<p>A chap we'd met at the magnolia warbler, and then at RSPB Frampton for the buff-breasted sandpiper left the hide to. see if he could locate the bird elsewhere on the reserve in spots where sightings had been made previously - he came back soaked and joined us at the window and we chatted - he runs a YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@S2SBirda" target="_blank">S2SBirda - Summit to Seashore Birding Adventures</a> and is well worth a watch if you get time. On his channel he shares birding adventures, trip reports, day twitches for rare birds and tutorials.
<p>By around 11.00am a green sandpiper arrived, this time spinning around to land facing away from us, showing a great flash of its white tail/rump. Even before it landed, we knew we were not on our target bird and on investigation it was confirmed. Sadly, no solitary sandpiper joined it before in just a couple of minutes (and after a preen) it was off again, leaving as before.
<p>The sun came out for an hour, and we hoped this might result in a change in our fortunes - unfortunately not as far at sandpipers went. While scanning though I picked up a bittern flying along the reeds at a distance of 225m+, raising the attention of others in the hide I snapped a few records shots hoping that at least I'd have something to show for the day. Directly in front of the hide was a stick, there to entice a kingfisher. However, a lovely grey wagtail dropped onto the stick and posed for photos - normally this wouldn't have resulted in a bunch of photographers snapping away but there had been limited action and so most joined in.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-nYTjNcCrEeTxQi3uD16OkwHUQpILiQG5wn5eOJn13FvBQBKipz7WVxcnGPJ8PI4PECv6q7v1SiMAPlHiZUES7agLReTok482zKSoVa-Swvhz4qNN9kY8d1rrwOGDUcr3aJIYeg77gR4UJ4RSfUCzrkHOZtgJ2IWKG-bPUVgNO3ZA9-bugFc3POzSM7N/s3008/bittern-2_StodmarshNNR_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bittern" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-nYTjNcCrEeTxQi3uD16OkwHUQpILiQG5wn5eOJn13FvBQBKipz7WVxcnGPJ8PI4PECv6q7v1SiMAPlHiZUES7agLReTok482zKSoVa-Swvhz4qNN9kY8d1rrwOGDUcr3aJIYeg77gR4UJ4RSfUCzrkHOZtgJ2IWKG-bPUVgNO3ZA9-bugFc3POzSM7N/s600/bittern-2_StodmarshNNR_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>Time passed, and we watched as marsh harriers quartered the reed beds, both males and females - the green sandpiper visited a couple more times but for shorter periods. The teal and swans moved around the site but other than kestrels and crows mobbing sparrowhawks there was little more to add - as we left the grey wagtail repeated the pose on the stick planted near the water's edge. It was a frustrating day with 8 hrs in the hide and a long drive home for Kev.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJwpx1fKTxOw2dudRyO_KNRSIWd_pF_8TnMfa-nAqPop5WvjEPg2qo70kOyPmClWsLpmoWUwZLaAUGTVKGwZgMPcYKNdlyASry3DZfFCbHutrECZ9_k6LcaRWkqTb3bfB9-7U1eYm-mFWUfGovVOiGhDCkcnXhgufHZMyLqMtCZqobwX3gIJxdRKTcGxx/s3008/marsh-harrier_StodmarshNNR_1123_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJwpx1fKTxOw2dudRyO_KNRSIWd_pF_8TnMfa-nAqPop5WvjEPg2qo70kOyPmClWsLpmoWUwZLaAUGTVKGwZgMPcYKNdlyASry3DZfFCbHutrECZ9_k6LcaRWkqTb3bfB9-7U1eYm-mFWUfGovVOiGhDCkcnXhgufHZMyLqMtCZqobwX3gIJxdRKTcGxx/s600/marsh-harrier_StodmarshNNR_1123_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-79137091276979800682023-10-31T08:07:00.000+00:002023-11-01T07:51:58.378+00:00RSPB Titchwell :: 28 October 2023<p>Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> would probably have liked to head up to Spurn and Flamborough given the fall of birds this week, but I had to be in Banbury by about 5.30pm as I was going out with friends for a Bonfire and Fireworks display. We saved a couple of hours by visiting RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk and hoped to be able to see something on the sea (little auk spotted along the coast on Friday) and/or Pallas's & yellow-browed warbler both reported on Friday too.
<p>On arrival we went straight out to the beach and found it wasn't windy, or particularly cold. There were numbers of waders on the beach including two bar-tailed godwits, lots of sandering, oystercatchers, black-tailed godwits, a few dunlins, and a handful of turnstones. However we were more interested to find what was on the water.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbPr0SedFM6JJ-oIhJlEu73VSCtTAOLDYSpCPghEUOtCPoincCDzX8U6NUczwa2FSNNCBODwm6mTcsGYVDQQk0fHNrHlnMVqv6CiS0MihUAKqFl_kKaTmSmQ6bCHNQzuob944BtIvV-mKkkif_FD8MVBPS1dXR7g3ZwPMe5WSWpz0nic8Zj4Mu6ioKAS6/s3008/bar-tailed-godwit-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bar-tailed godwit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbPr0SedFM6JJ-oIhJlEu73VSCtTAOLDYSpCPghEUOtCPoincCDzX8U6NUczwa2FSNNCBODwm6mTcsGYVDQQk0fHNrHlnMVqv6CiS0MihUAKqFl_kKaTmSmQ6bCHNQzuob944BtIvV-mKkkif_FD8MVBPS1dXR7g3ZwPMe5WSWpz0nic8Zj4Mu6ioKAS6/s600/bar-tailed-godwit-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>Immediately we could see two red-throated divers and a large flock of common scoters, the scoters being too far offshore for a photograph. A dark diver was followed by Kev but he was unable to get a good enough view for a positive ID which he was disappointed with as a black-throated diver had been reported earlier in the morning but had drifted off left. Great crested grebe and razorbill appeared in singles.
<p>We bumped into a couple who had been fortunate the day before to see a little auk splashing about in the shallows just along the coast – we wouldn’t be so lucky.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFxseQtCOm8A7l1ofqOPXCuL91Aoi3iG6hR5V07COQifOJkvT63ZN3OiJHa3ewjum9s4NitRkH6H5xGc5aHyNBPJPXwyJvF7BnI3yUxIXnqZqtmqBtsFYZ5bZBOZEF2ulyhH5Wrzpocp43PKXKZPg7vrLXwhxlAYvDkgPopIUD3AQsn5uiIuDA62K8aWQ/s3008/red-throated-diver-3_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFxseQtCOm8A7l1ofqOPXCuL91Aoi3iG6hR5V07COQifOJkvT63ZN3OiJHa3ewjum9s4NitRkH6H5xGc5aHyNBPJPXwyJvF7BnI3yUxIXnqZqtmqBtsFYZ5bZBOZEF2ulyhH5Wrzpocp43PKXKZPg7vrLXwhxlAYvDkgPopIUD3AQsn5uiIuDA62K8aWQ/s600/red-throated-diver-3_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-j__p7gtZMKC8wb-kzDc3U2_Mm8NACeOdnCvV4aW57775x5rCdJ3DfrLetkbou8KZbj_dmY95wW6ymE2Lr8Te38VwzQwir2FW4iUq4H1ndY7pBeMmyh5GTmF_u4bQ858uLx0OSwUQE0U0UmKKFIv_hwiuit77mIS7SjjXeEeeFSpAZUQPmD6t_EJaxjm/s3008/red-throated-diver-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-j__p7gtZMKC8wb-kzDc3U2_Mm8NACeOdnCvV4aW57775x5rCdJ3DfrLetkbou8KZbj_dmY95wW6ymE2Lr8Te38VwzQwir2FW4iUq4H1ndY7pBeMmyh5GTmF_u4bQ858uLx0OSwUQE0U0UmKKFIv_hwiuit77mIS7SjjXeEeeFSpAZUQPmD6t_EJaxjm/s600/red-throated-diver-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvupLxd_9AtVeRatrQ6CpVDeR5k9g3XwYWQt_qCfhFrKeveZKVcWNg-hSbTsmuPliYy4G7kgu2KPvxiEC6a6dyyL0Dr4h7Ii0cCNT9vgijSqEo7mgEv6REyz1Pkn8ot0EwWOcP45cO1as84YFTwEMaLIENFjRGD267VginqGGzQbPWgzaQvAkqFh5aRVj/s3008/red-throated-diver-4_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvupLxd_9AtVeRatrQ6CpVDeR5k9g3XwYWQt_qCfhFrKeveZKVcWNg-hSbTsmuPliYy4G7kgu2KPvxiEC6a6dyyL0Dr4h7Ii0cCNT9vgijSqEo7mgEv6REyz1Pkn8ot0EwWOcP45cO1as84YFTwEMaLIENFjRGD267VginqGGzQbPWgzaQvAkqFh5aRVj/s600/red-throated-diver-4_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Brent geese added to the flocks of wigeon moving along and in from the sea. We were keeping an eye on reports and saw that the yellow-browed warbler had been reported by Fen Hide - the weather was drawing in with mist rolling in off the sea – looking very grey. A call went up and we watched as a merlin cut through sending waders into the sky as it passed.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsIMxKSTnpB9XQ-hSUuT-TnV2cdBeqyPwtcSzvmwC7DoP8dyN_SAO2DIJXN_k1XsjpXh8snIjSe6cWQ147nuUPorGPZuUmBmEEXqkjg-NyDhG5LGMNV9fTcG8Jxs1EdIUnJG5omL2St6iJ-WUJ8hDYCiJWxi5lXunTM3GGvZ6hucXRtfLxUQBOXmLtGpW/s3008/brent-goose-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Brent goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsIMxKSTnpB9XQ-hSUuT-TnV2cdBeqyPwtcSzvmwC7DoP8dyN_SAO2DIJXN_k1XsjpXh8snIjSe6cWQ147nuUPorGPZuUmBmEEXqkjg-NyDhG5LGMNV9fTcG8Jxs1EdIUnJG5omL2St6iJ-WUJ8hDYCiJWxi5lXunTM3GGvZ6hucXRtfLxUQBOXmLtGpW/s600/brent-goose-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9zjYWg0AR0EOa9Vgfdmup8yXBzmEzmlOMlLbJZcWq3oDSDovTT0x0w9Swbnl4ljkqrozs9bZfeH90oQc9IUsXJOzvWy-nTmVKbwuQjh5xEJK8c0fIny_FJWzwpV2gyIRbXu7QiO7hxaD_dcC8VcfPI_wSaW5SVTZvEpVcxSgbFd89oDpZ7DrZrgOpRfs/s3008/brent-goose-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Brent goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9zjYWg0AR0EOa9Vgfdmup8yXBzmEzmlOMlLbJZcWq3oDSDovTT0x0w9Swbnl4ljkqrozs9bZfeH90oQc9IUsXJOzvWy-nTmVKbwuQjh5xEJK8c0fIny_FJWzwpV2gyIRbXu7QiO7hxaD_dcC8VcfPI_wSaW5SVTZvEpVcxSgbFd89oDpZ7DrZrgOpRfs/s600/brent-goose-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We made our way back to the Visitor Centre passing grey plover, curlews, and stonechats on the way. Avocets and black-tailed godwits took to the air but there was no sign of any adversary – the merlin?
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGidT0cmnDLLhDa8nVDO7SoYzeKK-t08Donx5S3W7kCbBk88ipXT1mNfBi5AdKD8UtygjpTJCmZFLKa-TGrMNhi_K80pf5ezC_sCWnQf7MRXh77Af2UL842oPVkcgllypuoKWpPLXFHUoCb-koD4_PbHF79A1MZx3jzzZAyHYeCMzt-KY2MSPTKTIaEKdD/s3008/grey-plover_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Grey. plover" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGidT0cmnDLLhDa8nVDO7SoYzeKK-t08Donx5S3W7kCbBk88ipXT1mNfBi5AdKD8UtygjpTJCmZFLKa-TGrMNhi_K80pf5ezC_sCWnQf7MRXh77Af2UL842oPVkcgllypuoKWpPLXFHUoCb-koD4_PbHF79A1MZx3jzzZAyHYeCMzt-KY2MSPTKTIaEKdD/s600/grey-plover_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKOXXZnwjzNKft39czUfgRCizJHSuXqlqsVWyZ43Zw4GRbvvtBRBKsV20yEzOHTiim7_7-dTuOBj5hp3rX5XUmySbDzhQOTva8bRXja44pTNk2-nyN3uwxvX1ekXw-XlLt-j1ga1NPp0YJA5v1FGDUjOSYlKQ7dFqP3ifzVhZ1wMZECbv19W1yeIq1v1U/s3008/curlew_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Curlew" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKOXXZnwjzNKft39czUfgRCizJHSuXqlqsVWyZ43Zw4GRbvvtBRBKsV20yEzOHTiim7_7-dTuOBj5hp3rX5XUmySbDzhQOTva8bRXja44pTNk2-nyN3uwxvX1ekXw-XlLt-j1ga1NPp0YJA5v1FGDUjOSYlKQ7dFqP3ifzVhZ1wMZECbv19W1yeIq1v1U/s600/curlew_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPhmMHwJNDJGdH6cALmWPbihlbEbJGs1XOH1Mx_w0Q_-HHMwUBhfnpAXIfwXAoZMUY8LP1xjRBjuVpvtyIQ1tanXivj6YwnR-bx2ZgHR-cDKGrOXFrzGKjMe5sRlmFaszw4px3FzwtyFGwy7nAt-iHW4Z7ljzRCQGNrAN503H7dgiAsnEfr1l3EfADieY/s3008/stonechat_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stonechat" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPhmMHwJNDJGdH6cALmWPbihlbEbJGs1XOH1Mx_w0Q_-HHMwUBhfnpAXIfwXAoZMUY8LP1xjRBjuVpvtyIQ1tanXivj6YwnR-bx2ZgHR-cDKGrOXFrzGKjMe5sRlmFaszw4px3FzwtyFGwy7nAt-iHW4Z7ljzRCQGNrAN503H7dgiAsnEfr1l3EfADieY/s600/stonechat_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We came across a group of people searching for a warbler and I joined them. Kev wandered off and in a few minutes I got a call to say that a women he'd come across had called a hawfinch on the ground, near the car park and toilets. By the time I got there the bird had come off the ground and disappeared into the bushes but a few minutes later Kev scanned further down the path with his scope and found the bird feeding by a gate. This wasn't a bird we were expecting to see today. As news broke dozens of people rocked up and we decided to depart.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseRqlRgPJTf5_8A9ftuNoyo8T7ClgGNoVqT1m_RbipGNm3Po-gb3TTGaeY9BeHoEI_gpPRMZFxvyIgXdAe_c_DQFPYEbizGmYoInoYWx-B9ak9uSsVtpGyXQ3xYlVvqKBX3ISQklIry2FwGEF6goPQUtoEPspiISKRlvqx_Ha4dG56JPEVErhN6b_MHJ-/s3008/hawfinch-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Hawfinch" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseRqlRgPJTf5_8A9ftuNoyo8T7ClgGNoVqT1m_RbipGNm3Po-gb3TTGaeY9BeHoEI_gpPRMZFxvyIgXdAe_c_DQFPYEbizGmYoInoYWx-B9ak9uSsVtpGyXQ3xYlVvqKBX3ISQklIry2FwGEF6goPQUtoEPspiISKRlvqx_Ha4dG56JPEVErhN6b_MHJ-/s600/hawfinch-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8uZdTPfo9Mo3VOs4p3_eZ5Iale1pyesus1DMwoUm1geD8EdP_bOFtFMIkuydNi1hgBEr4VwszF24MrULVm0SVZqMOJPdlDF_GM-XOUnxPyprv5aGaQEYy8gFcY0tiYWU1tABiLuJItVj537xfztQpHUgU9ss_A69Du0wp3oIiC0I-tpMvijz5G7as1jw/s3008/hawfinch-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Hawfinch" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8uZdTPfo9Mo3VOs4p3_eZ5Iale1pyesus1DMwoUm1geD8EdP_bOFtFMIkuydNi1hgBEr4VwszF24MrULVm0SVZqMOJPdlDF_GM-XOUnxPyprv5aGaQEYy8gFcY0tiYWU1tABiLuJItVj537xfztQpHUgU9ss_A69Du0wp3oIiC0I-tpMvijz5G7as1jw/s600/hawfinch-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvt_DzNcIx0y27_AhCdtDUmWIFTgIDXzbarZZSKElVn9PrQj7l4tjB_YH_owhwzZjEtyghfNyy7QFaXA59rnxSr1MVImqeeED7ddnF6WAsMAiyJG_NMcO_ok8mS_3JWfOmaYY7fWJ0p36u3FGyH2lzfaRhGQjgT-SI9YbAFknbsZjktkqI65qpjje2J5U/s3008/hawfinch-3_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Hawfinch" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvt_DzNcIx0y27_AhCdtDUmWIFTgIDXzbarZZSKElVn9PrQj7l4tjB_YH_owhwzZjEtyghfNyy7QFaXA59rnxSr1MVImqeeED7ddnF6WAsMAiyJG_NMcO_ok8mS_3JWfOmaYY7fWJ0p36u3FGyH2lzfaRhGQjgT-SI9YbAFknbsZjktkqI65qpjje2J5U/s600/hawfinch-3_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We searched for a while around the picnic area and in the general vicinity of the Centre and, despite seeing a bird foraging in the ivy which didn't appear to be a goldcrest, we were unable to make a positive ID before it was lost. We decided to stop for lunch and managed to get a spot at the last remaining outdoor table, drying off the seats.
<p>We returned to the task of searching for a warbler and stalked along the boardwalk to the Fen Hide and beyond. Unfortunately, there wasn't a sniff of our bird but we had encounters with flocks of goldfinches, tits and treecreeper. A noisy jay landed in a nearby tree and strutted his stuff before also flying off in search of food.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDcPhyvZZLRp0R2YCup5-cWFFirA6s_PQ5lSdj0iJZ98eq3fhGlnzQRNwTmdWD4H3ol_WZBNmei595sK124C2Eq6jRJocaN-QJFfR2Og8CCOEmMaR71vQLGxgL98G99wtI9nBg-vVJYyahJwSUG_QeOf7YVqXDP238l922ifAoQZhslWc_CnFTpBjy5p8/s3008/treecreeper_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Treecreeper" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDcPhyvZZLRp0R2YCup5-cWFFirA6s_PQ5lSdj0iJZ98eq3fhGlnzQRNwTmdWD4H3ol_WZBNmei595sK124C2Eq6jRJocaN-QJFfR2Og8CCOEmMaR71vQLGxgL98G99wtI9nBg-vVJYyahJwSUG_QeOf7YVqXDP238l922ifAoQZhslWc_CnFTpBjy5p8/s600/treecreeper_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2efDSprIUco2gsUVizFVMRWqM23CuLctLxkMzll1efwRc9P8h_-CRWss-4FOYLJkpcEgZEgPOM8sm7aD6F3wSpsdck38Js8sjKfANCqwyvWFph67eQpmz7OTLnfEnLtmXv_PnVlcIDl0A1C9klEfuWGjw8czkAgDAZ2PDwWW4irvwtt39UXWxq-YBXpxl/s3008/jay-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Jay" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2efDSprIUco2gsUVizFVMRWqM23CuLctLxkMzll1efwRc9P8h_-CRWss-4FOYLJkpcEgZEgPOM8sm7aD6F3wSpsdck38Js8sjKfANCqwyvWFph67eQpmz7OTLnfEnLtmXv_PnVlcIDl0A1C9klEfuWGjw8czkAgDAZ2PDwWW4irvwtt39UXWxq-YBXpxl/s600/jay-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GC47OtvoicC6_vXIVW8T5QJ8IWKmTu4fAhPLlIXe4FfAtgCf4U8y4nHuBrZ1kRgBvhjzOlLd9Ho3_o4klk1PUoBAas5Z4x89Yapi3UmMk79_WowDCmQtlIbSGN7nfqNTY7K47-94EI9rKDzbizyZUaGQs3Q9oSgRxiQ8eleODJxrSvcQAkLw-gioMkUV/s3008/jay-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Jay" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GC47OtvoicC6_vXIVW8T5QJ8IWKmTu4fAhPLlIXe4FfAtgCf4U8y4nHuBrZ1kRgBvhjzOlLd9Ho3_o4klk1PUoBAas5Z4x89Yapi3UmMk79_WowDCmQtlIbSGN7nfqNTY7K47-94EI9rKDzbizyZUaGQs3Q9oSgRxiQ8eleODJxrSvcQAkLw-gioMkUV/s600/jay-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>To be honest, the number of small bird species was fewer here than back around the Visitor's Centre, but we persisted for a while before heading back to the picnic area and on the other side of the hedge from the Fen Hide, and around the overflow car park. Another unknown species flew about 15ft off the ground at the rear of the Centre but didn't stop to allow a view. Time was getting on and aware that we'd need to be leaving before mid-afternoon we decided to make our way back along the main trail towards the sea. We stopped to look down a channel and picked out a handful of bearded tits cutting across, back and forth; they were never close enough or predictable enough to even try for a photo. Behind us flew a kingfisher and behind that, perched on a tall post was a kestrel, now bathed in sunshine. Overhead flew flocks of mainly barnacle geese but also a few pink-footed geese.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqBmobELMjsHU7gB9Hms5To4zbo5urPZQbEJElqmLu_uBfoeFoDxTCzhooQ3ZiDnH-2sxsDdLa6P_-S7j_6-a7Jjk9fGuaHxeBQlyXopiF9PSrHbXX55N6MWLWYy14b9716EBoKfT4YeEdpTEanq0KFkj5XM5mxApKU9UmQCOi4L8iww3emHCsey6qyqE/s3008/pink-footed-goose-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pink-footed goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqBmobELMjsHU7gB9Hms5To4zbo5urPZQbEJElqmLu_uBfoeFoDxTCzhooQ3ZiDnH-2sxsDdLa6P_-S7j_6-a7Jjk9fGuaHxeBQlyXopiF9PSrHbXX55N6MWLWYy14b9716EBoKfT4YeEdpTEanq0KFkj5XM5mxApKU9UmQCOi4L8iww3emHCsey6qyqE/s600/pink-footed-goose-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOKaEUscOClT0sJ-Lv3PFcsrcdPtDY5eprJ_0j84dL2IVeabffhClcVCnj6hlvLCSfFxVzgpZsu9wQsv988LSPxNTQ3i8wAxldfEqK3ggwWOZ9D1295YT61ixOTf9sOr2m-50znCuB0u2RgQeSFDFfXXGNsAiA7w5aFiqpkL3Yj5XpS4KrpGYArVH2hqM/s3008/pink-footed-goose-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Pink-footed goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOKaEUscOClT0sJ-Lv3PFcsrcdPtDY5eprJ_0j84dL2IVeabffhClcVCnj6hlvLCSfFxVzgpZsu9wQsv988LSPxNTQ3i8wAxldfEqK3ggwWOZ9D1295YT61ixOTf9sOr2m-50znCuB0u2RgQeSFDFfXXGNsAiA7w5aFiqpkL3Yj5XpS4KrpGYArVH2hqM/s600/pink-footed-goose-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>There were handfuls of redshanks feeding on the marsh and they took flight with many other waders when a marsh harrier flew through. A flock of hundreds if not thousands of golden plovers joined those circling in the sky.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCvnkGzeWPXODWHE-unJlGh4oU4NYtEPV89HtDCKEWMhKz7HasNvOMxzjOF8VnImLBO1IlFIABXYtL3sb0A5u1HcveaaiO2X3nLkozY1Pse1i2nMc4_Bxgs4W8R8YCjVDk-Gb_XGrYaJicgmaxwHphMulB51G5nXSLIwXpyEbAzQaEk5OGCY5rPhF8utC/s3008/golden-plover-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCvnkGzeWPXODWHE-unJlGh4oU4NYtEPV89HtDCKEWMhKz7HasNvOMxzjOF8VnImLBO1IlFIABXYtL3sb0A5u1HcveaaiO2X3nLkozY1Pse1i2nMc4_Bxgs4W8R8YCjVDk-Gb_XGrYaJicgmaxwHphMulB51G5nXSLIwXpyEbAzQaEk5OGCY5rPhF8utC/s600/golden-plover-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>Eventually it was time to make tracks and despite finding a chiffchaff (raised our hopes briefly), more goldcrests and treecreepers we just couldn't locate a yellow-browed warbler - but talking to others, neither could they. After we’d left a yellow-browed warbler was reported around the Visitor’s Centre and the day after that there were two. Elusive. Hopefully I will get to see one before the autumn is out.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a6adu8Eu6xJWpthmq8qDTJf-0DjhuF8wNgNPndLgY4joVLalGOKtSfLIwM5lFEJBRuauZ4_-PZYoaKbvaG52UnahapSu0TqNWvy0yxuDH_kQrnlZcI0NeRZzsjfk_vJNRrcRkx0TSyGJsySYqTCfVAZivlhDv3-0MNC5X5SpWbCvR6jjlOdgQZG4JHC5/s3008/chiffchaff-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Chiffchaff" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a6adu8Eu6xJWpthmq8qDTJf-0DjhuF8wNgNPndLgY4joVLalGOKtSfLIwM5lFEJBRuauZ4_-PZYoaKbvaG52UnahapSu0TqNWvy0yxuDH_kQrnlZcI0NeRZzsjfk_vJNRrcRkx0TSyGJsySYqTCfVAZivlhDv3-0MNC5X5SpWbCvR6jjlOdgQZG4JHC5/s600/chiffchaff-1_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcwYzVcgIqNZf38dbvhp7uAwfdq1S2zAj-zDIm_4iidnMg2S1viNKM6tnGsZJghlLphfW1_x-D2azCdpZ5zU6zTIonqUmkA5iugO_a4hetRJ1aO6zNXc6BA5a7RnDMO6GDU0YNyOUI_wZ6mSR4nJznfLnZ9I-mURrqPVZ81UdFyQMVka0hYI_xz5ibb1H/s3008/chiffchaff-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Chiffchaff" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcwYzVcgIqNZf38dbvhp7uAwfdq1S2zAj-zDIm_4iidnMg2S1viNKM6tnGsZJghlLphfW1_x-D2azCdpZ5zU6zTIonqUmkA5iugO_a4hetRJ1aO6zNXc6BA5a7RnDMO6GDU0YNyOUI_wZ6mSR4nJznfLnZ9I-mURrqPVZ81UdFyQMVka0hYI_xz5ibb1H/s600/chiffchaff-2_RSPBTitchwell_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>By the time I left home for the night's Bonfire and Fireworks display the heavens had opened and the roads became waterways. Despite arriving on time, we decided to give standing in the pouring rain a miss and enjoyed the fireworks, at least the sound, from our friend's house.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-14535926250751515652023-10-29T13:23:00.001+00:002023-10-29T13:23:55.842+00:00Lymington Normandy Marshes :: 25 October 2023<p>My car was due in the garage and was to be left there for the day. Charlotte followed me down and we drove from there to visit Lymington and onto the Normandy Marshes. It has been very wet over recent days and there was flooding on the roads, but no problem accessing our usual parking space. The forecast was for the sky to clear and perhaps some sun to appear. Although dry, the sun had yet to make an appearance.
<p>On the water were teal, wigeon, shoveler and mallard but that was no the initial interest; a pair of stonechats were hopping across the top of some bushes and as I watched out popped a Dartford warbler. No sooner than I was on it than it dropped down and into some gorse. We waited until it showed again, and did it show - a couple of minutes of heaven. It fed through the gorse popping out occasionally and finished with a flourish, landing on top of a stalk and looking around for the next meal. And gone.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pyz8XXkhNymuZZ1J1QsFZuj7XjeTf0QNTpUia3rwLPchbmHuUhzzeiuDA4MtRF1jfArA90BbXWd8zL1oidLJBj1IyGBxBfj2RpTdzpgkwGC9-Bfi3-IsF8WCR1BG8sYPP_m0-2Ahd2gY8A-yW6elJTeuU4l1yce1KzHdDzvudbBtPxUOvqhmmWdBEGms/s3008/darford-warbler-1_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Dartford warbler" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pyz8XXkhNymuZZ1J1QsFZuj7XjeTf0QNTpUia3rwLPchbmHuUhzzeiuDA4MtRF1jfArA90BbXWd8zL1oidLJBj1IyGBxBfj2RpTdzpgkwGC9-Bfi3-IsF8WCR1BG8sYPP_m0-2Ahd2gY8A-yW6elJTeuU4l1yce1KzHdDzvudbBtPxUOvqhmmWdBEGms/s600/darford-warbler-1_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JJJaJXsuMZGdCe5ABoY2u8LxSPehe3zd0ColN-cZxCxEGGHJaLlriq_bqeVbFJ6xP2yxeDwT9nc0t9Wxyqvr1OxMsP3jiEZG_4r-jxfGfT9OoL9Fm3VX3NrKHkHxn1ZdG0FDa8quhKkJQLfPhQF7MnYCrxDTFfnGP6BoqANvd8cT1KyFMLUxUJXtXfGO/s3008/darford-warbler-2_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Dartford warbler" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JJJaJXsuMZGdCe5ABoY2u8LxSPehe3zd0ColN-cZxCxEGGHJaLlriq_bqeVbFJ6xP2yxeDwT9nc0t9Wxyqvr1OxMsP3jiEZG_4r-jxfGfT9OoL9Fm3VX3NrKHkHxn1ZdG0FDa8quhKkJQLfPhQF7MnYCrxDTFfnGP6BoqANvd8cT1KyFMLUxUJXtXfGO/s600/darford-warbler-2_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fQ1LDEAH5GorTX9O1FeLJfEvLsGGWO6tEDEwNJqKEQd4pKtCGegqrmxy9NSu5mWXJQD81WzLgDw0nCPTJMmHkKC6DOjF-xS0qzxPboDUcElA7AuEGc4CiJNvmkfoxNrR1hJgHIuZ4aIWEtga1iZQ81EKV-pRhBY91ek-ixW_1cWtItEZQfYr3vYU-WuQ/s3008/darford-warbler-3_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Dartford warbler" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fQ1LDEAH5GorTX9O1FeLJfEvLsGGWO6tEDEwNJqKEQd4pKtCGegqrmxy9NSu5mWXJQD81WzLgDw0nCPTJMmHkKC6DOjF-xS0qzxPboDUcElA7AuEGc4CiJNvmkfoxNrR1hJgHIuZ4aIWEtga1iZQ81EKV-pRhBY91ek-ixW_1cWtItEZQfYr3vYU-WuQ/s600/darford-warbler-3_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx35dZSJ44ggpoZPGeSZBYW3qTPWSQqRI15tdNXmPd0R8fK2xX3Q7imgjfDTGcd7i4jH4UMeIxam09ldB9kUV8sUFk2loNfP5OYgZgkRvWg4amAYnJxmfuLKRQOZVmESyFcpW48KoJzlPXHWfHSb1OvQazZ5yGEs-T4nRq69OOVtmBKsd3Yg8XJ5QSQoU/s3008/darford-warbler-4_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Dartford warbler" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx35dZSJ44ggpoZPGeSZBYW3qTPWSQqRI15tdNXmPd0R8fK2xX3Q7imgjfDTGcd7i4jH4UMeIxam09ldB9kUV8sUFk2loNfP5OYgZgkRvWg4amAYnJxmfuLKRQOZVmESyFcpW48KoJzlPXHWfHSb1OvQazZ5yGEs-T4nRq69OOVtmBKsd3Yg8XJ5QSQoU/s600/darford-warbler-4_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FbNrZ7e4rIAbMaWSIySaAADTlSa4OPx5Mxi6f8_yodPyDkTjtmPgBPkDWSiqBaWcoDCjL7-kkL4wn14eq_6ZP14ib0WNnS1vGh2oFM0LLbpkwor-YpCDuO0O9yIpbdufY5xA5z_kfnXBqx3TOMwF-bt3denOwni-hZcM3yJ9xPnonAqeYPUZYIFFKoV2/s3008/darford-warbler-5_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Dartford warbler" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FbNrZ7e4rIAbMaWSIySaAADTlSa4OPx5Mxi6f8_yodPyDkTjtmPgBPkDWSiqBaWcoDCjL7-kkL4wn14eq_6ZP14ib0WNnS1vGh2oFM0LLbpkwor-YpCDuO0O9yIpbdufY5xA5z_kfnXBqx3TOMwF-bt3denOwni-hZcM3yJ9xPnonAqeYPUZYIFFKoV2/s600/darford-warbler-5_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We walked around Normandy Lagoon and now could see ever larger numbers of dunlin, ringed plover and a few turnstones. A. single grey plover snoozed on the water's edge and as I put Charlotte on the bird a little egret flushed all the birds around that area and the grey plover was lost from view. A single bar-tailed godwit was asleep in amongst the lapwings while a dozen or so black-tailed godwits fed frenetically in the shallows.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoA-pt-TB6DvvzH8qcqVh3Plgd8x7Ro5OMaP-_L1KR4nVFNG1JT-hyG9ozVAMOhPuiiCYiEyhIgllsBxjfGrtRIgR7dRTFPfZJZQ3597pft2Ey_Wu9v-wy-m45XIE7KnhBH22IjNFZOjP8WJp3eU5bcIvXPJt_UP9AVf-X0049QWicH4UQkhTZSGiynTs/s3008/black-tailed-godwit_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Black-tailed godwit" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoA-pt-TB6DvvzH8qcqVh3Plgd8x7Ro5OMaP-_L1KR4nVFNG1JT-hyG9ozVAMOhPuiiCYiEyhIgllsBxjfGrtRIgR7dRTFPfZJZQ3597pft2Ey_Wu9v-wy-m45XIE7KnhBH22IjNFZOjP8WJp3eU5bcIvXPJt_UP9AVf-X0049QWicH4UQkhTZSGiynTs/s600/black-tailed-godwit_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>On one of the remaining islands stood a bar-headed goose, initially asleep but then preening, hardly pausing for breath. The waders and lapwings suddenly arose but no raptor could be seen to explain the massive departure. The flock then spun around the lagoon and out over the sea, returning in smaller flocks of about 50 all around us - magical. We continued on around the corner adding a handful of snipe to the day count but found nothing else of particular note.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUCKKkH0kY9XS2kdW3JLnTuYB1aAYvUog3mJCA0Gg53vRN-JT-Pltc4KjhNvYW9U6TiT32GFTzZ6JREN8H_aYdTsSPJSOobCl0UJuXQjoFvhWJ0YK-4sxaY_H8qLbX5U99wQsmeJrxLKGF2nJflK4wEYUiBFZPx3ILjmkigNTOnAt8wvXd_sUY-SUdF_n/s3008/bar-headed-goose-1_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bar-headed goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUCKKkH0kY9XS2kdW3JLnTuYB1aAYvUog3mJCA0Gg53vRN-JT-Pltc4KjhNvYW9U6TiT32GFTzZ6JREN8H_aYdTsSPJSOobCl0UJuXQjoFvhWJ0YK-4sxaY_H8qLbX5U99wQsmeJrxLKGF2nJflK4wEYUiBFZPx3ILjmkigNTOnAt8wvXd_sUY-SUdF_n/s600/bar-headed-goose-1_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6NL_aQQ6HihQywyuJbsyFsFnnPIUqy6Gdg_o9qS4Y1M8MHMBUMk9LHadIxeqrfxL2lIZhVN5aiOgrNtV2V0FcYCCo0bVXmNGo1ydxFK4tp2kKo_MeZlqpxoajrvFke5mgvs7HfyXpDx3NDTKVF5NPHaD5fBjbOHvVzAHmOysBhdMJsmLpyUmgwWwBdSL/s3008/bar-headed-goose-2_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bar-headed goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6NL_aQQ6HihQywyuJbsyFsFnnPIUqy6Gdg_o9qS4Y1M8MHMBUMk9LHadIxeqrfxL2lIZhVN5aiOgrNtV2V0FcYCCo0bVXmNGo1ydxFK4tp2kKo_MeZlqpxoajrvFke5mgvs7HfyXpDx3NDTKVF5NPHaD5fBjbOHvVzAHmOysBhdMJsmLpyUmgwWwBdSL/s600/bar-headed-goose-2_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE2VRwWiTnciBKUlARyUcDNZ5CbEim2dpqjHNnE_iBPR-0zBuYEQjiQxzpcjRz-vF3lv9tN3pLYiEigo022-rxPki5fIH64I_Dvb1mPHk5eHkbnptzw1AfX6KFYlRPHF1trO73YZdHf0A3I2tBqWh6u7HP056ng9cHIAgDAoyd0pfuSPmnapZle5C5yH9/s3008/redshank_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Redshank" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE2VRwWiTnciBKUlARyUcDNZ5CbEim2dpqjHNnE_iBPR-0zBuYEQjiQxzpcjRz-vF3lv9tN3pLYiEigo022-rxPki5fIH64I_Dvb1mPHk5eHkbnptzw1AfX6KFYlRPHF1trO73YZdHf0A3I2tBqWh6u7HP056ng9cHIAgDAoyd0pfuSPmnapZle5C5yH9/s600/redshank_NormandyMarshes_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We made our way back and around towards Keyhaven but about halfway ran into an increasingly heavy rain shower - this wasn't the plan. Families stopped to put. on stronger rainproof clothing and our trousers started to get wetter. After a few minutes it became clear that we'd need to head back to the car or be soaked for lunchtime.
<p>We'd booked a table for lunch at The Mayflower pub and made for there, half an hour ahead of when we were scheduled - there was no need to wait for our slot and were soon warming up with lunch. I looked at my phone to find that a short-eared owl had been reported not far from where we'd turned back due to the rain and about the time we'd have been in place - damn.
<p>After a nice lunch we jumped into the car and went down to the other end of the Keyhaven Marshes and had a nice walk but there were no added opportunities for photos or additional species, but the sun had come out – a better day than having to be at work.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-82980672093866685262023-10-27T07:46:00.000+01:002023-10-27T07:46:35.024+01:00Wildlife BCN Summer Leys & Eyebrook Reservoir :: 21 October 2023<p>Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I had failed to connect with a jack snipe last winter / spring and, despite keeping our eyes open, hadn't yet found one yet this autumn. This well-camouflaged wader is a winter visitor to the UK, where it can be seen feeding on wetlands and is distinctive due to its bobbing motion. They are secretive birds, often hidden in thick vegetation on marshes, wet grassland and in reedbeds. They use their long bill to probe the mud for insects, worms and even plant material, moving in a slight crouch and constantly bouncing up and down as if their legs were made of springs.
<p>Wildlife Trust BCN Summer Leys is a good spot and we've seen them previously there from the double-decker hide. Despite Kev having tried there recently, we thought we'd give it another go - the weather was forecast to become wet as the day went on and so going somewhere with cover (hides) was a good idea in any case. We stopped for breakfast on the way and then on arrival dropped into the Pioneer Hide to find Ricky Sinfield <a href="https://twitter.com/Rickysinfield1" target="_blank">@Rickysinfield1</a> and Martin Swannell <a href="https://twitter.com/alanthetortoise" target="_blank">@alanthetortoise</a> (amongst others) already in place.
<p>I took a seat on the bench between Ricky and Martin while Kev set up his scope and scanned between the line of photographers at the window. Most had presumably come for the bittern that has been showing insanely well over previous days, but as the water level had risen by around 0.6m there might be a change in position or behaviour. There was lots of chat as nothing much was happening outside, mostly between Martin and Ricky. Ricky then picked up a marsh harrier coming into view. It quartered a specific area for a good few minutes obviously having spotted something of interest but eventually it broke away and left. A beautiful bird - none of us appeared to be ready, but we tried for photos regardless with limited success.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiw10X1KXm4lUdioRTVrAyYFUd6YbXM9A97o0Rz13YvUJpdoyZ0IRfH1bU7TlGBYgUsp7LI40ZtU5JOrcLAqlECI9TDW5LZkf4CxMW_tNH0aNKtVCTZTxm9b93eZY1jXxMeb7dQW0lU3N7M9_mwkkNAI2gH4abx333llFH8YBst_0SW4tPh6p_cQQaOPt/s3008/marsh-harrier-1_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiw10X1KXm4lUdioRTVrAyYFUd6YbXM9A97o0Rz13YvUJpdoyZ0IRfH1bU7TlGBYgUsp7LI40ZtU5JOrcLAqlECI9TDW5LZkf4CxMW_tNH0aNKtVCTZTxm9b93eZY1jXxMeb7dQW0lU3N7M9_mwkkNAI2gH4abx333llFH8YBst_0SW4tPh6p_cQQaOPt/s600/marsh-harrier-1_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNI4Govh9n5C4MNeBDOW2vMcNXKCfyV7iE8yztuHGIbvWA9DbNF0koK1UPlWxhRFMMDriUXx38qnkQD6g_CNpms4krIW6Kz1luHYvN0Rtjr-dmcL01co1XbKYj8vWajh-2HYFvB2rpm5dB7gi2HpbG5MmxMzyJJa3sZEdDGjZl9td1MMQNgLn1owV_R-r/s3008/marsh-harrier-2_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNI4Govh9n5C4MNeBDOW2vMcNXKCfyV7iE8yztuHGIbvWA9DbNF0koK1UPlWxhRFMMDriUXx38qnkQD6g_CNpms4krIW6Kz1luHYvN0Rtjr-dmcL01co1XbKYj8vWajh-2HYFvB2rpm5dB7gi2HpbG5MmxMzyJJa3sZEdDGjZl9td1MMQNgLn1owV_R-r/s600/marsh-harrier-2_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>On the scrape we could see two dunlin and as we watched them, a couple of snipe dropped in. Through the scope Kev then updated that the number of snipe was increasing and in the end he counted at least 25. Three little grebes buzzed around the front of the hide, busily diving. I still needed to sort out my settings ...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wmarbyv-VjrQWuN82lNRhXmLYki2FzjQO9Fznp1ZMhvcT24aTzRcuSlNS8pcHwe1y7YXcYlMc3g8x_I5jhmp71Vf3tTp6G4GT18Uf7jdmXn11ik4-PIReY6pb9AL9_Ps09V42PzaILIbVAVTNnqZPOmEqEdpMNe4QKaDgb6fLJD37bBVKJv-9C5R5R7E/s3008/little-grebe_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Little grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wmarbyv-VjrQWuN82lNRhXmLYki2FzjQO9Fznp1ZMhvcT24aTzRcuSlNS8pcHwe1y7YXcYlMc3g8x_I5jhmp71Vf3tTp6G4GT18Uf7jdmXn11ik4-PIReY6pb9AL9_Ps09V42PzaILIbVAVTNnqZPOmEqEdpMNe4QKaDgb6fLJD37bBVKJv-9C5R5R7E/s600/little-grebe_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduBP1ayH4S5t6YHU-DrsJ0ZcnB8lZDFb-YwgCwThafIqloFkINV8T5PkhyoRwWP_BAmehyw2Xw1Tmg_rhkOG8SI2ly2oilS-au7vL88dg7j8erPSOOYprixGeFi1gB8v3YdrFHk6xl5eTUcM2prNXS539er6s614mKcb0qeiQJe_YeRabpfuEI49O6RKW/s3409/great-white-egret-1_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Great white egret" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2273" data-original-width="3409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduBP1ayH4S5t6YHU-DrsJ0ZcnB8lZDFb-YwgCwThafIqloFkINV8T5PkhyoRwWP_BAmehyw2Xw1Tmg_rhkOG8SI2ly2oilS-au7vL88dg7j8erPSOOYprixGeFi1gB8v3YdrFHk6xl5eTUcM2prNXS539er6s614mKcb0qeiQJe_YeRabpfuEI49O6RKW/s600/great-white-egret-1_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2u-4gBcMysKCPmaBHvF5Fg9gTiQMOWmqwOMW9mJ4NqfF1B_izjlhv-WsBBpd0Uy7lYJ8CEBHfjEBsPZ5UsBV-1MPkEKuL9Lq2stLjnTwOvxQve2Of4jaTANHroeCmtY6SLJ7c1ELw5k8BZCSiEzsfYk5PpCbTdISvqnSi0UONdxSyf9CzSBwxEtVuHPf/s4512/great-white-egret-2_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Great white egret" border="0" height="650" data-original-height="4512" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2u-4gBcMysKCPmaBHvF5Fg9gTiQMOWmqwOMW9mJ4NqfF1B_izjlhv-WsBBpd0Uy7lYJ8CEBHfjEBsPZ5UsBV-1MPkEKuL9Lq2stLjnTwOvxQve2Of4jaTANHroeCmtY6SLJ7c1ELw5k8BZCSiEzsfYk5PpCbTdISvqnSi0UONdxSyf9CzSBwxEtVuHPf/s600/great-white-egret-2_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>While it was all very pleasant, we weren't likely to see a jack snipe from here and so relocated to the double decker hide spotting good numbers of tits and finches on the way. We arrived to find we were the only people in the hide, at least on the upper deck. We set about scanning the area, particularly on the water's edge and on the small muddy patches still above the water line. The number of common snipe grew and grew until we counted almost 50 across the viewable margins and islands.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8PxW7owvheOLzAuTgRK_kRS20D4HTOBdQjj5AkYaheOfTQ24ixLFWWW8SNCLmSJiPI8-N8J0BSVCf0efYCqlYq1yVX3X8vGh4gzL4f4uN-Y3d1bDP5lWIJi-hRF6yK1ffoVOHe7N7cyM2dBnRk28utqSywXOJMZBA3gvj-fdhcAPNZAhSda7n0-oFwsu/s3129/common-snipe-1_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2086" data-original-width="3129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8PxW7owvheOLzAuTgRK_kRS20D4HTOBdQjj5AkYaheOfTQ24ixLFWWW8SNCLmSJiPI8-N8J0BSVCf0efYCqlYq1yVX3X8vGh4gzL4f4uN-Y3d1bDP5lWIJi-hRF6yK1ffoVOHe7N7cyM2dBnRk28utqSywXOJMZBA3gvj-fdhcAPNZAhSda7n0-oFwsu/s600/common-snipe-1_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHwghjHipg8_OXYs7ca-g_R_idBQDKIkDmyqfALravzB_ZKQ_0W5eVeeEyF42RTstGgF-FfqTAO22Ua5qS2Rst5WZzYGwnFlTtSL1a2N7m10YCJVq9jQ8gXEqTZ6lJLDzR_vFsDvPS1lA2ngU4Kcr6I3r6zzA0ylU1UjFnPQ03XJoujCBfRQdRzL4zscw/s3251/common-snipe-2_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2167" data-original-width="3251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHwghjHipg8_OXYs7ca-g_R_idBQDKIkDmyqfALravzB_ZKQ_0W5eVeeEyF42RTstGgF-FfqTAO22Ua5qS2Rst5WZzYGwnFlTtSL1a2N7m10YCJVq9jQ8gXEqTZ6lJLDzR_vFsDvPS1lA2ngU4Kcr6I3r6zzA0ylU1UjFnPQ03XJoujCBfRQdRzL4zscw/s600/common-snipe-2_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>In amongst the snipe fed five dunlin and a single ruff. Still no sign of our quarry.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlpRHULvSM9IEcpqiQIjeEFuBdELGUff2YD7FqwjImMTCfRDuBFtHUfXP4PGv6XXW9Lnyjpc7jqjiMINJ68pVP-EZUE6DELJvPwa_gi3wb4jOCxI5z-VMwPbQFfZCPiNQS5yQzGrc8F6VwXzGtaK5pn3gEpJge_c7bkt3xc155rbBDusjXPp72uE_xDqD/s3008/ruff_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ruff" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlpRHULvSM9IEcpqiQIjeEFuBdELGUff2YD7FqwjImMTCfRDuBFtHUfXP4PGv6XXW9Lnyjpc7jqjiMINJ68pVP-EZUE6DELJvPwa_gi3wb4jOCxI5z-VMwPbQFfZCPiNQS5yQzGrc8F6VwXzGtaK5pn3gEpJge_c7bkt3xc155rbBDusjXPp72uE_xDqD/s600/ruff_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>On the rightmost island was what appeared to be a heap of mud but there dis seem to be some form to it - I kept scanning to it as we investigated over the next hour or so. Eventually many of the snipe took to the wing with a number landing on the rightmost island. Kev was scanning through them when the lump of mud started to move ... and bob - jack snipe. Result!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF8f_iwK_UmiGPX2OZDDj-T-qf9un11j5wmeAO9wFj-sXjmVc6wE6GWAGHrGEPsmgrYEuCWtf7WJ9xnnFv45RaOUkqztKuZjz8N_FYzlpBI-5By6gF4OW1GRtcgvj6y_8hD58cqR90Zv9R8uNPMSfswvmOwQqkg7C4_sTzcwub5vjaF53XyRxeVmTMrtD/s3008/common-snipe-3_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Common snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF8f_iwK_UmiGPX2OZDDj-T-qf9un11j5wmeAO9wFj-sXjmVc6wE6GWAGHrGEPsmgrYEuCWtf7WJ9xnnFv45RaOUkqztKuZjz8N_FYzlpBI-5By6gF4OW1GRtcgvj6y_8hD58cqR90Zv9R8uNPMSfswvmOwQqkg7C4_sTzcwub5vjaF53XyRxeVmTMrtD/s600/common-snipe-3_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We then enjoyed the jack snipe as one became three and shared the news on Birdguides and WhatsApp - others came to join us and ask where to view. The three jack snipe scurried around, often being flushed by the common snipe - photos show the considerable size difference, although it is sometimes harder to see in the field.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELD04iXH6wtRYyEmPQx4afE6DoEwG2mkw4wCZRNMlOK484Li5ZTQnSY2s56EchFGQC-hTirrf_ITIhmv2zhzXpI7iF0GV4jjlHtZHtw4PFboZK6BuAoUdPbnhGoY_Mym4s7HSeiaeELuXVAOrYCg6ZzTaCeUugFsWOQs7RCLibJZQu0el7fp3gSZBKU-w/s3008/jack-snipe-1_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Jack snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELD04iXH6wtRYyEmPQx4afE6DoEwG2mkw4wCZRNMlOK484Li5ZTQnSY2s56EchFGQC-hTirrf_ITIhmv2zhzXpI7iF0GV4jjlHtZHtw4PFboZK6BuAoUdPbnhGoY_Mym4s7HSeiaeELuXVAOrYCg6ZzTaCeUugFsWOQs7RCLibJZQu0el7fp3gSZBKU-w/s600/jack-snipe-1_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu2EZIAUXCW83NVoXoLzb22Ha3KpspUQrj6FMWQON_8GaYuAazoSHdnlTPFIQiBQrMccJe-IsAqyzuESaIXZQ8R1OA65NFMIm6yLBnnqKuO_SOnZJeyILndTao09ZN_Qk0c4_Wg-MUFnnLEzRmWymAiAjulmtGFTEs5XiTF61V4M5VptZitEVfJy9KNLt/s3008/jack-snipe-2_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Jack snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu2EZIAUXCW83NVoXoLzb22Ha3KpspUQrj6FMWQON_8GaYuAazoSHdnlTPFIQiBQrMccJe-IsAqyzuESaIXZQ8R1OA65NFMIm6yLBnnqKuO_SOnZJeyILndTao09ZN_Qk0c4_Wg-MUFnnLEzRmWymAiAjulmtGFTEs5XiTF61V4M5VptZitEVfJy9KNLt/s600/jack-snipe-2_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eNllLe7bf4r8s1OOoC48hbtmnRIR29Oc09HFsEHIAxL5_YswsogC-B8RYKdQKgGENFVwa-HFM80QM9o3jH6eCM0y7vjLJV0-61LaUXEsExOnjqjk29MbeEMGao7H-KzQbniFi1C83sXSu8xWp8crK-EDLGVF86VgGeO_5p37rTatuMcUEAj0LgBispAc/s3008/jack-snipe-3_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Jack snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eNllLe7bf4r8s1OOoC48hbtmnRIR29Oc09HFsEHIAxL5_YswsogC-B8RYKdQKgGENFVwa-HFM80QM9o3jH6eCM0y7vjLJV0-61LaUXEsExOnjqjk29MbeEMGao7H-KzQbniFi1C83sXSu8xWp8crK-EDLGVF86VgGeO_5p37rTatuMcUEAj0LgBispAc/s600/jack-snipe-3_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecjZ5YfoUEa69mN-TUTCvDIgZdPIjkHVTqKapcDkHmdWYLaVXplV8Heo27OALuhcALlIO61lJMsjl5RuwvdlR3bc9XRpLQj2dSAvCbiKENJ23j323uX7gk-RXt3Gt2xpx591RXQLQi3dgfyqYzKg4CKskVKqA5k2M5kZZM5mu0bVtvJLlWhFVl_ODdLfm/s3008/jack-snipe-4_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Jack snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecjZ5YfoUEa69mN-TUTCvDIgZdPIjkHVTqKapcDkHmdWYLaVXplV8Heo27OALuhcALlIO61lJMsjl5RuwvdlR3bc9XRpLQj2dSAvCbiKENJ23j323uX7gk-RXt3Gt2xpx591RXQLQi3dgfyqYzKg4CKskVKqA5k2M5kZZM5mu0bVtvJLlWhFVl_ODdLfm/s600/jack-snipe-4_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInj2R7WpQ_Ekiv2XXhh6yVXcSyfc9cInNHDHANdnTiEKltolhChLzQ75YpMQSUOkVdz-vVjWHd3jaKB_a7KowFk6HJYAKCoxTIokbWZu5M2yb6xRkqniQnLbwHZKYjwJhrx1RpjtqWjyx_9rB02AGW8RMz8wVH1UKylN7Qg95k6P_E6-uecEvw4lI6kKu/s3008/jack-snipe-5_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Jack snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInj2R7WpQ_Ekiv2XXhh6yVXcSyfc9cInNHDHANdnTiEKltolhChLzQ75YpMQSUOkVdz-vVjWHd3jaKB_a7KowFk6HJYAKCoxTIokbWZu5M2yb6xRkqniQnLbwHZKYjwJhrx1RpjtqWjyx_9rB02AGW8RMz8wVH1UKylN7Qg95k6P_E6-uecEvw4lI6kKu/s600/jack-snipe-5_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvvdkYVH1dsAAKw3FyfUw4vZ30c-8ujzhzjI-QZ4ykKYpxaqvrapTkHR5IzYYDEb1ronJOk2R9Kly5WJUDpBIn7CtCW3WVlZYFXwT1D6bQhm0S2DjdM78AXKz6eRISE0LG_Zg7BSGS6XRKihbkqWQPeG4cZovGuvnH4WChUTiKmD-Qq7i0_hJnVxF7aI0/s3008/jack-snipe-6_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Jack snipe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvvdkYVH1dsAAKw3FyfUw4vZ30c-8ujzhzjI-QZ4ykKYpxaqvrapTkHR5IzYYDEb1ronJOk2R9Kly5WJUDpBIn7CtCW3WVlZYFXwT1D6bQhm0S2DjdM78AXKz6eRISE0LG_Zg7BSGS6XRKihbkqWQPeG4cZovGuvnH4WChUTiKmD-Qq7i0_hJnVxF7aI0/s600/jack-snipe-6_SummerLeys_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
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<p>While enjoying the snipe we were also chatting to Adrian Sparrowhawk who said that he, Bryan Manston and a couple of others were at Eyebrook Reservoir to see the red- and black-throated divers, common scoters and greater white-fronted geese. The scoters and geese had departed but I needed a black-throated diver for my year list, and it would be nice to catch up with the others - we packed up and set off.
<p>We arrived at the spot Adrian had pin dropped as the location we could view the black-throated diver from and found Alan Boddington <a href="https://twitter.com/alanbodd" target="_blank">@alanbodd</a> standing by his scope. He had seen the diver previously but had come back for seconds - the bird had different ideas and wasn't visible - we hoped this wasn't bad news. We continued to scan, hoping that the bird was just diving, and that we just hadn't picked it up on each pass; after five minutes we still hadn’t located it. I moved my scope to look back along the water and in just a couple of minutes picked up the bird. I pointed to Kev and Alan where to look to make sure I wasn't seeing things - my scope is functional but not great at very large distance. I needn't have worried, it was correct. The bird stayed distant and eventually flapped its wings a couple of times, before then taking off and flying strongly across the water, rising high, and then away towards Rockingham. Our timing couldn't have been any better, just-in-time.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN2HFkZnk3QDh5Tz4Pi3brcChFNOWjmq5r-0Pn1OLdR-dsOWllbdbeJRqImAnBpVTykMUcRCpIitkZrj-wEHOr1K_UT31qva2Q57L7F9BLSTGJ5Xx-Kmqj-xP8NjCiDPjIX3kZ-XWiQLKIfnQa5CIm1Rn_4li4uyYBdfGlrJMjyOVNuQGeyzYjh1zZgFn/s3008/black-throated-diver-1_EyebrookReservoir_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Black-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN2HFkZnk3QDh5Tz4Pi3brcChFNOWjmq5r-0Pn1OLdR-dsOWllbdbeJRqImAnBpVTykMUcRCpIitkZrj-wEHOr1K_UT31qva2Q57L7F9BLSTGJ5Xx-Kmqj-xP8NjCiDPjIX3kZ-XWiQLKIfnQa5CIm1Rn_4li4uyYBdfGlrJMjyOVNuQGeyzYjh1zZgFn/s600/black-throated-diver-1_EyebrookReservoir_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW7p9hYL_u7gSZE20eP5kJEvgFkkvNkDnF-GYlI8b2w0LWL6RUEz9ta_zTbOfjRH3Ai3H8MOGqhbNwvAQ10isqVMQK6UnpksmbMRuhC0SfkYRjBeksMwRRUCYC2e7JNp1U3IOsbtws2gfkQE5yX0O8UuTyZaJGBI3Vz3qNKrMczm_QyeGwV9eZ62ADUJW/s3008/black-throated-diver-2_EyebrookReservoir_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Black-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW7p9hYL_u7gSZE20eP5kJEvgFkkvNkDnF-GYlI8b2w0LWL6RUEz9ta_zTbOfjRH3Ai3H8MOGqhbNwvAQ10isqVMQK6UnpksmbMRuhC0SfkYRjBeksMwRRUCYC2e7JNp1U3IOsbtws2gfkQE5yX0O8UuTyZaJGBI3Vz3qNKrMczm_QyeGwV9eZ62ADUJW/s600/black-throated-diver-2_EyebrookReservoir_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkeJ5_i_jW9lUKuKpo7QmNDCub190LgfmFlvikJe528O5PAXSmq_w8OACMqCAMpy-z2TFWVRHpjgTQApPm9-aAE6ZyN7HiUQuqbAgAPs5edngJTt9nRDPKumlzq91koJV6yfIxmbGSnQOjpxzdbYermzxZma0zS8gylArnt63alMbb9TwOabUyT7ghL-T/s3008/black-throated-diver-3_EyebrookReservoir_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Black-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkeJ5_i_jW9lUKuKpo7QmNDCub190LgfmFlvikJe528O5PAXSmq_w8OACMqCAMpy-z2TFWVRHpjgTQApPm9-aAE6ZyN7HiUQuqbAgAPs5edngJTt9nRDPKumlzq91koJV6yfIxmbGSnQOjpxzdbYermzxZma0zS8gylArnt63alMbb9TwOabUyT7ghL-T/s600/black-throated-diver-3_EyebrookReservoir_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We had a call with Adrian who said they were on the other side of the reservoir and were on the red-throated diver - we jumped in the car and joined the crew on the other bank. In many ways we would have been better on the side we were as the bird was locked near the far side, eventually disappearing off to our left. Adrian, Bryan and the crew decided to try for the jack snipe at Summer Leys and if successful would then travel on to see a hoopoe at Harlestone. We stayed for a while more but didn't add anything of note although did see a rather late common tern.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifEYNaFOGGaSV-I8ilpiaP31xkaocT57kIAPZ9fH60vzETgOIbaVdsUtmxnhAw02cU12aLSLJLGxP28sKnvs5L88dHhpI24u2MOCMuQPyTl-auNUJGJy4NLcrz1mmnKIhennlMC-8lOgchEniBKX5aZ6iL6kZiXFVO0AaGT7tWQ1UEA5tzP6lVkV917PA/s3008/red-throated-diver_EyebrookReservoir_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifEYNaFOGGaSV-I8ilpiaP31xkaocT57kIAPZ9fH60vzETgOIbaVdsUtmxnhAw02cU12aLSLJLGxP28sKnvs5L88dHhpI24u2MOCMuQPyTl-auNUJGJy4NLcrz1mmnKIhennlMC-8lOgchEniBKX5aZ6iL6kZiXFVO0AaGT7tWQ1UEA5tzP6lVkV917PA/s600/red-throated-diver_EyebrookReservoir_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-81290702287353848052023-10-23T18:36:00.000+01:002023-10-24T19:22:39.550+01:00Seaton Snook - North Gare :: 19 October 2023<p>I had been working in the northeast for a couple of days but found that I could finish early - by the time I drove home the work day would be over and so I decided to make the short journey to Seaton Snook / North Gare beach to see if I could find any twite; it has been years since I saw any and I had been informed this was a good place for them.
<p>The Babet storm system had been crossing through the night before and was continuing to cause havoc on the east coast particularly, but generally further north. The sea was rough, and the South Gare lighthouse was being battered by waves crashing onto it. Rain began to fall gently but I made up my mind to set out anyway -I had a waterproof coat.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQQFpjrlOfiUDNxj7LD_BN_3_Zw2sP7mYCTD7DkzHDiNE-rb3La-JTImjyMS7rfSTvttDy0DHyrlMr2EeiZmdHTauGQJzKSuj6z0J1nKzZkXtbXtLWOHLsAtWoAdoDZIqw9COKDY4VNeYKymu6x9vppBwfELWuIYDG_oVXVlX6xLApC7FHbmoXJRRIoY7/s3750/south-gare-lighthouse_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="South Gare lighthouse" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2110" data-original-width="3750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQQFpjrlOfiUDNxj7LD_BN_3_Zw2sP7mYCTD7DkzHDiNE-rb3La-JTImjyMS7rfSTvttDy0DHyrlMr2EeiZmdHTauGQJzKSuj6z0J1nKzZkXtbXtLWOHLsAtWoAdoDZIqw9COKDY4VNeYKymu6x9vppBwfELWuIYDG_oVXVlX6xLApC7FHbmoXJRRIoY7/s600/south-gare-lighthouse_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>As I went onto the beach there was little in the way of birds in view, other than a pair of stonechats along the posts by the path. I decided to head south along the beach as this promised to be the better habitat.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBBI5uoAoYQXs7zGrAVHHfkmUjaoh4iOe94yxRx3EW5PPXm35SJFXtmBm08TrI_HMrTXbfXG-mdGioB86jVwuKu9w-5GXB49fDhlrooDQNRa1NgknjERQpocB0tRTpjU_rJjKLHPXlTwiHso3py3KVa6aSV0YhhaWDTSJr11tViiDbNYSGYTNCnozAW5n/s3008/stonechat_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stonechat" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBBI5uoAoYQXs7zGrAVHHfkmUjaoh4iOe94yxRx3EW5PPXm35SJFXtmBm08TrI_HMrTXbfXG-mdGioB86jVwuKu9w-5GXB49fDhlrooDQNRa1NgknjERQpocB0tRTpjU_rJjKLHPXlTwiHso3py3KVa6aSV0YhhaWDTSJr11tViiDbNYSGYTNCnozAW5n/s600/stonechat_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>As I walked, I could hear the calls from curlews and oystercatchers but there was only one meadow pipit and two pied wagtails in the way of small birds. I reached the corner and despite the rain getting a little heavier, I pushed on to the fencing before the power station where I could look over into the river estuary. Now we were talking ... out in front were dozens of redshanks, oystercatchers, and a few curlews. On the opposite bank a few seals basked on the water's edge. Out on the water was a red-throated diver, the first of a few that would fish nearby or fly through.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D-44o9OSNaUWl_vaEtKizX4KcD68Bbg17eLb6FDsahKyOKEKBCkB-gZoVav21NT9XRWzA6P0Q1YoU_CIG8y1mLQM3u6wCe1Ke0yeE71dyM0o83SnJEEvSS5o28MSSyYdPb_Bqux0NZPOzr442SFGc8sQcgPsTJSKg9OeU_9yixijs5qID9xSwK-3Pqo2/s3008/red-throated-diver_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-throated diver" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D-44o9OSNaUWl_vaEtKizX4KcD68Bbg17eLb6FDsahKyOKEKBCkB-gZoVav21NT9XRWzA6P0Q1YoU_CIG8y1mLQM3u6wCe1Ke0yeE71dyM0o83SnJEEvSS5o28MSSyYdPb_Bqux0NZPOzr442SFGc8sQcgPsTJSKg9OeU_9yixijs5qID9xSwK-3Pqo2/s600/red-throated-diver_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMceVrQ2FdJHyP9fxGPcaWu_C9Mk8suNnKOkK30dF7CZQqCd8vtfgemGdnBRcJ-tXWWkdg4S6mFNf0ieZWggCqU3ATTmXALGQtbfHv-H5ga57FearVJFQ8zoyiVDs0mtHWPFz-ST7Ykz-LAIZGEb7wy3SSeaCVW8XGuQHet_xCrWVt3iuMmn8WKR0aSw3/s3008/seals_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Seals" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMceVrQ2FdJHyP9fxGPcaWu_C9Mk8suNnKOkK30dF7CZQqCd8vtfgemGdnBRcJ-tXWWkdg4S6mFNf0ieZWggCqU3ATTmXALGQtbfHv-H5ga57FearVJFQ8zoyiVDs0mtHWPFz-ST7Ykz-LAIZGEb7wy3SSeaCVW8XGuQHet_xCrWVt3iuMmn8WKR0aSw3/s600/seals_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>There were still no small birds in view and so I scanned across the water and picked out a small bird on the very far edge, diving frequently. It surfaced and I could see it was a Slavonian grebe, a year tick! I watched as it worked left - hearing a call overhead I broke away - it was only a meadow pipit.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideKWKBxPu8t1q2rW8Nk9H4dY4ylw2wA5JvsHD5JnBCeiSuL1NdkxjTF_o4H4biBQHlCLa36KBEHAf0ZHyGOzSOBE2JEvCxKCj1h2gQWNt5WgeSt8w_N6FtIufVtGp60o11WCA0iy2p6gfLbKGQs_G_bNszVZkeZEzSH3iwt1YKCuYKKnHy5p_4LSKcD4A/s3008/slavonian-grebe-1_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Slavonian grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideKWKBxPu8t1q2rW8Nk9H4dY4ylw2wA5JvsHD5JnBCeiSuL1NdkxjTF_o4H4biBQHlCLa36KBEHAf0ZHyGOzSOBE2JEvCxKCj1h2gQWNt5WgeSt8w_N6FtIufVtGp60o11WCA0iy2p6gfLbKGQs_G_bNszVZkeZEzSH3iwt1YKCuYKKnHy5p_4LSKcD4A/s600/slavonian-grebe-1_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I turned to get back on the Slav grebe and in my bins was a red-necked grebe ... had I mis-ID'd the bird ...? No, there popped up my Slav with the red-necked grebe.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSU-R8A5dZr45ORRfnhJENy5jpC7Wav6hf_ayENCh7rOMxyWpSIddVgOEDwxfjNzTT8mmg0CODR11FzfV0-naiQIokCGSxwO7vDQvxUJPIerCKoQBfc8lBags-ao-qqq60ym9yD3hUIiGA4jb4uYDP7fB49jgyBCHQ9VE2FJKQo468jZ6qDXd1rd9rsNQi/s3008/red-necked-slavonian-grebe_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-necked and Slavonian grebes" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSU-R8A5dZr45ORRfnhJENy5jpC7Wav6hf_ayENCh7rOMxyWpSIddVgOEDwxfjNzTT8mmg0CODR11FzfV0-naiQIokCGSxwO7vDQvxUJPIerCKoQBfc8lBags-ao-qqq60ym9yD3hUIiGA4jb4uYDP7fB49jgyBCHQ9VE2FJKQo468jZ6qDXd1rd9rsNQi/s600/red-necked-slavonian-grebe_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I followed both birds as they separated but neither ventured from the safety of the opposite bank, the Slav eventually disappearing altogether while I wasn’t looking. It was a little pointless taking photos but even record shots are worth having.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqvqhjSTToAhVyCGDQv7oFWcl5iD_8SVaUm0OhvBcSX-e1kB5UtxZGhP61njifdpSVxe6iX4stqpkex1cXoqoherX6FaTB9T8jYood2FomdTmZ3Y_zrDta7JNSpOXMtG7DG2bSmYpdLq3-G20w3leKutIZZBDPa9UmARu_oTSj8XZ8PKOAcje32ow9s_M/s3008/slavonian-grebe-2_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Slavonian grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqvqhjSTToAhVyCGDQv7oFWcl5iD_8SVaUm0OhvBcSX-e1kB5UtxZGhP61njifdpSVxe6iX4stqpkex1cXoqoherX6FaTB9T8jYood2FomdTmZ3Y_zrDta7JNSpOXMtG7DG2bSmYpdLq3-G20w3leKutIZZBDPa9UmARu_oTSj8XZ8PKOAcje32ow9s_M/s600/slavonian-grebe-2_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf87TqYvPk0vNjKoXq-hcSzhVhI-wg3MXS6-6l4awrMUtK-fKOlFaGORTi2DqhCecZu2n1o7pH-YSMniBwEcsd1I4eVlXuWEdlvKSGZnN5zR9pvkDgH-7ZCG_YY-lPykhgll2O8d6rjQ1mrzroMdO4o8jpUXCKIR76FOWp03Qs6rUA4jXvbVvUMq4PQ3q/s3008/red-necked-grebe-1_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-necked grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf87TqYvPk0vNjKoXq-hcSzhVhI-wg3MXS6-6l4awrMUtK-fKOlFaGORTi2DqhCecZu2n1o7pH-YSMniBwEcsd1I4eVlXuWEdlvKSGZnN5zR9pvkDgH-7ZCG_YY-lPykhgll2O8d6rjQ1mrzroMdO4o8jpUXCKIR76FOWp03Qs6rUA4jXvbVvUMq4PQ3q/s600/red-necked-grebe-1_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LYxGVWhqBlRovJUTSCdEjn-m5k8iXcb2Eqxb8MPcJqueA6byfwWc2mysDSr1G9kRTReHn8Kq5NNmacEyoQ2ZOHZm4HfTndJChj0B80VUFFxH0xLcWkXv5HfVORGELIsIw-fkfvEI1Ud1dH3qqpIzErR5ymPPUYsZormGe_REiTjL2aCVzay0_Q5dUv3Z/s3008/red-necked-grebe-2_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Red-necked grebe" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LYxGVWhqBlRovJUTSCdEjn-m5k8iXcb2Eqxb8MPcJqueA6byfwWc2mysDSr1G9kRTReHn8Kq5NNmacEyoQ2ZOHZm4HfTndJChj0B80VUFFxH0xLcWkXv5HfVORGELIsIw-fkfvEI1Ud1dH3qqpIzErR5ymPPUYsZormGe_REiTjL2aCVzay0_Q5dUv3Z/s600/red-necked-grebe-2_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>With only guillemot and the odd razorbill on the water I started scanning back along the water's edges and eventually picked up two knot, which then flew picking up about another ten before landing further down the channel.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDry3lCwe2YAut7F2yRktj64ocVAca0-igVZ0OJ1Fx941qzJYKuCsbzyb1qNVGgLIouFhnI8fWx2gxR1yw_bIFT0VhSEGhfqHjeK0BTWcRQ78547nU1BH0Vx-q4goiNNKWDkZpNyi_gMtJzA_psQSzqX9AyzUqqbxP4YJfoYCL6-e1sGfCyQv0r9-XlOJ/s3008/guillemot_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Guillemot" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDry3lCwe2YAut7F2yRktj64ocVAca0-igVZ0OJ1Fx941qzJYKuCsbzyb1qNVGgLIouFhnI8fWx2gxR1yw_bIFT0VhSEGhfqHjeK0BTWcRQ78547nU1BH0Vx-q4goiNNKWDkZpNyi_gMtJzA_psQSzqX9AyzUqqbxP4YJfoYCL6-e1sGfCyQv0r9-XlOJ/s600/guillemot_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gDMZFwppScNun6lvgCojUJgJ19R5GgKbZ7LVnGjVxO5p91X0MqHgjkA_LCJtGGnBqPXqPrMemb8W_yFyTrJcpbk273tTQAIUXjL0ziAKhZH0vfqKOtQI-wlfy6Uj5_caQJDKe28QPnYIj_0LjDKhf8hWnqDvsFUD3W6SUSzw936kPlf7_Ek29XllvnxE/s3750/knot_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Knot" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="3750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gDMZFwppScNun6lvgCojUJgJ19R5GgKbZ7LVnGjVxO5p91X0MqHgjkA_LCJtGGnBqPXqPrMemb8W_yFyTrJcpbk273tTQAIUXjL0ziAKhZH0vfqKOtQI-wlfy6Uj5_caQJDKe28QPnYIj_0LjDKhf8hWnqDvsFUD3W6SUSzw936kPlf7_Ek29XllvnxE/s600/knot_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>The weather had turned, and a spot of sun had broken through, so I decided to back-track picking up only a couple of meadow pipits, a few wigeon, and a large flock of golden plover on the way. I reached the path to go back but instead decided to walk down to the water's edge where I found a single sanderling being flushed along by a couple of dog walkers. I got a photo, but it was immediately on the wing and distant when it landed. I returned up the beach and walked through the dunes hoping to find something resting there, but no dice.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5mtGZXCh4a3nXEofttcnx1pjfsPHAfcesaYw7ta1RYAOu5csV4nus-252GhX7VduYV-cspKSixosj9bTOe2ezWKHDp_wDoVxU6TM_uFvowIzCTuCkcrpQm-aHXEP5eBR1az0iiN-Ios39itF713MDjcgajMWlB-EW8-C-OEcy613MDiozQ_HZVfBfYFl/s3252/golden-plover_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Golden plover" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2168" data-original-width="3252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5mtGZXCh4a3nXEofttcnx1pjfsPHAfcesaYw7ta1RYAOu5csV4nus-252GhX7VduYV-cspKSixosj9bTOe2ezWKHDp_wDoVxU6TM_uFvowIzCTuCkcrpQm-aHXEP5eBR1az0iiN-Ios39itF713MDjcgajMWlB-EW8-C-OEcy613MDiozQ_HZVfBfYFl/s600/golden-plover_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAfn-wbmthHqJ-pJaoWhW0aN4slQfqb9DcfyjA8ZUktjpoKreS6M0bQta-PEHuVNVzH9unnviw9oMl-vjyX2u5hJFLtjDGDIojD5SP57NmyHAUXNUeB04HHf2jY2slO7D4Va4StRPeRvO1IuvyjHFQpg33DRYogIIPhPBA-jfpVRQ7E4VEH1f_pPeDMYx/s3008/sanderling_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Sabderling" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAfn-wbmthHqJ-pJaoWhW0aN4slQfqb9DcfyjA8ZUktjpoKreS6M0bQta-PEHuVNVzH9unnviw9oMl-vjyX2u5hJFLtjDGDIojD5SP57NmyHAUXNUeB04HHf2jY2slO7D4Va4StRPeRvO1IuvyjHFQpg33DRYogIIPhPBA-jfpVRQ7E4VEH1f_pPeDMYx/s600/sanderling_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>I decided to climb over the dunes rather than simply follow the track and came across a path leading along a meadow and by some trees flushed a woodcock - not what I was expecting. The meadow was bordered by lots of fence posts and so I continued on beyond the trees hoping to perhaps see a raptor (merlin?) perched somewhere. A bird was perched on top of some trees and I raised my bins in hope - although it wasn't a raptor, I was still happy as it was a ring ouzel. Who'd have thought!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlWS3003OIlHP0XFSAA-_7qls2htNH_WBaObJB7LcRWTnI0cRrfXl5GcWZBFtaY4AKLKYmQVxRtllxHZbobl8lBuJUr2pHPJvZFXL87YbiD49gR9NApFQAsx5djnmi5Peys3I6fhVREzzq-HajBseIq4_1MmF5LVhv6U0AjwEWaK8LcRRLOOkwYjD6-4X/s3008/ring-ouzel_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ring ouzel" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlWS3003OIlHP0XFSAA-_7qls2htNH_WBaObJB7LcRWTnI0cRrfXl5GcWZBFtaY4AKLKYmQVxRtllxHZbobl8lBuJUr2pHPJvZFXL87YbiD49gR9NApFQAsx5djnmi5Peys3I6fhVREzzq-HajBseIq4_1MmF5LVhv6U0AjwEWaK8LcRRLOOkwYjD6-4X/s600/ring-ouzel_SeatonSnook_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Time was getting on and I still had at least a 3.5 hour drive ahead of me and so I made my way back to the car and set off home. I'd had a good hour and a half and see some great birds, even managing a year tick - it is good up north!
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302190457329311092.post-40324940428456220792023-10-22T19:35:00.002+01:002023-10-22T19:42:42.754+01:00RSPB Ham Wall & WWT Slimbridge :: 14 October 2023<p>Kev <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713" target="_blank">@kev07713</a> and I hadn't been able to touch base on Friday evening and so the final decision where to go was made as I collected Kev from home on Saturday morning. The barred warbler had not been reported at all at <a href="https://twitter.com/WWTSlimbridge" target="_blank">WWT Slimbridge</a> on Friday and so we agreed to visit <a href="https://twitter.com/RSPBHamWall" target="_blank">RSPB Ham Wall</a> and add a squacco heron to my year list - Kev and his wife Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/karenheath62" target="_blank">@karenheath62</a>had already <a href="https://twitter.com/kev07713/status/1658949257108287489" target="_blank">seen one back in May</a>. We stopped on the way for breakfast and contacted Kev's sister Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/hobbylovinglife" target="_blank">@hobbylovinglife</a> to tell her where we were going, only to find she planned to do the same.
<p>We arrived in the lane along Long Drove just off the main RSPB Ham Wall Reserve and found a handful of birders in place with scopes looking for the squacco heron. We parked by another car, short of where the birders were standing, and jumped out to put on our walking boots - our shoes were muddy by the time we got to the back of the car and we'd not be able to put these back on to get back into the car without getting very dirty mats. I have standards you know.
<p>We joined the others to hear that the bird had not yet shown so we began scanning at the back lefthand water's edge as this is reportedly where it favoured. A couple of kingfishers sped around the area we were watching but too far even for a record shot. Overhead and down either side of the pool both male and female marsh harriers quartered singly and in pairs, the females showing strong contrast between their cream crowns and their dark body and wings.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLTqlWPX4YqFGwZsd3TJ_40kAJxHcB21AmsqZaXAHY_nlcJE5R_ZYeHK83tKsYOcuxorRSZeuOYiOYjDKqGHxJUpWvWpkfeje6jB93OY2Qrgx5uFOuSp7Cw5uG8wWaY5cvVy_kHHF3aVVbV0WCVqhO9i8YJnk_pKaABGHHSWnRVz2IX2XdCiI0gAiqjCH/s3008/marsh-harrier-1_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLTqlWPX4YqFGwZsd3TJ_40kAJxHcB21AmsqZaXAHY_nlcJE5R_ZYeHK83tKsYOcuxorRSZeuOYiOYjDKqGHxJUpWvWpkfeje6jB93OY2Qrgx5uFOuSp7Cw5uG8wWaY5cvVy_kHHF3aVVbV0WCVqhO9i8YJnk_pKaABGHHSWnRVz2IX2XdCiI0gAiqjCH/s600/marsh-harrier-1_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DJhPnbXCXpIN_ZfPLuEUMTfDcVSTDBhWaepHp8YnH4xamKPuycTttmeaGntTDhUs7yyTfWCuVyJt1OC-tK058ISUodL0ljKW4066PKigy0gAP-qumSAPDdZneKw4a_IyyL4HKgHO3vYIWaJ8kE_JTLhsa56iYASvYUNDLYIUpWXv3h22lkp4yQs9-mF9/s3008/marsh-harrier-2_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Marsh harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DJhPnbXCXpIN_ZfPLuEUMTfDcVSTDBhWaepHp8YnH4xamKPuycTttmeaGntTDhUs7yyTfWCuVyJt1OC-tK058ISUodL0ljKW4066PKigy0gAP-qumSAPDdZneKw4a_IyyL4HKgHO3vYIWaJ8kE_JTLhsa56iYASvYUNDLYIUpWXv3h22lkp4yQs9-mF9/s600/marsh-harrier-2_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>In the trees behind, Kev picked up calls from lesser redpoll and lead the search, eventually picking out an individual - I stayed behind and kept a lookout for the squacco. In the trees to our right two and three cormorants perched high, wings extended and at the end of the pool a solitary grey heron stood as still as a statue.
<p>The squacco favours freshwater marshes, lakes, and ponds with reeds and other surrounding vegetation - this habitat looked perfect. It is a rare vagrant in Britain and out of the breeding season is mostly solitary, wintering in Africa.
<p>A flock of cattle egrets appeared in the sky and made their way from right to left, three breaking away. We watched as most dropped into a field of cows but scanning back, we saw a white bird spin in the air and drop into the trees we'd been watching. A quick look through bins and we could see it was our squacco heron - it burrowed deeper into the foliage and only partly in view.
<p>After ten minutes or so it climbed onto the branches and into view but very distant, then dropped into the water and fished, catching a couple of fish. In just a few minutes it took to the wing and flew across the far end of the pool, landed briefly in the water and partly obscured by reeds, and then lifted up and disappeared into a bush on our righthand side. Although it briefly showed again on the lefthand edge, this was to be the best views we'd have - how it got from right to left without us seeing it is beyond me.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrWA6NREiagVHJvaODYBGRJ13L8exUoYmD61-vaYkkW1aeuVGgslRtJJGTlFqGp___238Lk2wYZ-isSmiVjUCDSu8KHkBJ5NVM0KzWnMuoGDTGc60coO4dmdRrYEXpjotLwuxeGDV3_DxsiYo2xwCoWlWRrSiOKwEMhsjCP3vtO4R2B9u68tqjIN8DJao/s3008/squacco-heron-0_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Squacco heron" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrWA6NREiagVHJvaODYBGRJ13L8exUoYmD61-vaYkkW1aeuVGgslRtJJGTlFqGp___238Lk2wYZ-isSmiVjUCDSu8KHkBJ5NVM0KzWnMuoGDTGc60coO4dmdRrYEXpjotLwuxeGDV3_DxsiYo2xwCoWlWRrSiOKwEMhsjCP3vtO4R2B9u68tqjIN8DJao/s600/squacco-heron-0_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsw9RTzOh1gH_blwbUtrR7T3YzNwNbDqNSis-Nci_BHGz1DVh5pDVNEYKjvoVBqrOQV58iQXCsflNZFk85VSfAYHRtNxzglz99-dA12f_mAMVbZqiQEnM5mGIuzUZTxsR4zN3WLSo-SR9vG28rG3A7f0Ik9be78UysGfkvJMaWjG-AoonmJVlaHwYfVUH0/s3008/squacco-heron-1_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Squacco heron" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsw9RTzOh1gH_blwbUtrR7T3YzNwNbDqNSis-Nci_BHGz1DVh5pDVNEYKjvoVBqrOQV58iQXCsflNZFk85VSfAYHRtNxzglz99-dA12f_mAMVbZqiQEnM5mGIuzUZTxsR4zN3WLSo-SR9vG28rG3A7f0Ik9be78UysGfkvJMaWjG-AoonmJVlaHwYfVUH0/s600/squacco-heron-1_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKqrzukDaFwdM0y9EwImbCt6DbstzOo30o8ZeZgtJYr8uJDR0a9EwTW7dcGS7wvNmzUpEn0NB7mgL4y4-hJgcjZ394YJ8JZWb-crs1lggq-U4-8aT27axyi5-9ypABfZDdhIk4ZUqHnv1yfebiDJd76UYCl3-uizW_uEc-rHTJn7wDJgdpeJqzjY15P0Q/s3008/squacco-heron-2_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Squacco heron" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKqrzukDaFwdM0y9EwImbCt6DbstzOo30o8ZeZgtJYr8uJDR0a9EwTW7dcGS7wvNmzUpEn0NB7mgL4y4-hJgcjZ394YJ8JZWb-crs1lggq-U4-8aT27axyi5-9ypABfZDdhIk4ZUqHnv1yfebiDJd76UYCl3-uizW_uEc-rHTJn7wDJgdpeJqzjY15P0Q/s600/squacco-heron-2_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNPyhDh477L3qEOHnQtjkToJG0ro2Z0U1LzksqnpQNPmSLNC65aMd8cezlBRrvAXQw3PR2SCXFiAxq6rH0LlRRrB-nKkrCXh5c5BYmYk0nI7vcrPrFB8i7vgACp80sQUX56lBf_qMrY5AS80mKgPboNwjSysMmb0IfH6oHBdg3wcO1qAmT5_C9lzoiTk8/s3008/squacco-heron-3_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Squacco heron" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNPyhDh477L3qEOHnQtjkToJG0ro2Z0U1LzksqnpQNPmSLNC65aMd8cezlBRrvAXQw3PR2SCXFiAxq6rH0LlRRrB-nKkrCXh5c5BYmYk0nI7vcrPrFB8i7vgACp80sQUX56lBf_qMrY5AS80mKgPboNwjSysMmb0IfH6oHBdg3wcO1qAmT5_C9lzoiTk8/s600/squacco-heron-3_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Soon Kev's sister Karen <a href="https://twitter.com/hobbylovinglife" target="_blank">@hobbylovinglife</a> and her partner Dean <a href="https://twitter.com/worlebirder" target="_blank">@worlebirder</a> arrived to have a look for the heron. We chatted for a while as this is the first time I've caught up with Karen since her treatment - so good to see her now on the road to recovery. There was a cold breeze, and we hoped the heron would show again soon, but it didn't - we watched cattle egret, bittern, and cormorants on the water and in the trees. Eventually we discussed what to do next and after checking out Birdguides agreed to make our way back up the M5 and drop into WWT Slimbridge - a barred warbler had been reported earlier in the morning, as had a lesser white-fronted goose - both would be lifers for me.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdkKng3yN40aQ-SG-bsWSW_78_ASjEx0NgCUqLjrLrY4u1ydRmUwE4_XIBFyQrJGTLWJSnvs0Q199nQw5M0qvPVXdk6oq7APUszM_3NBzeaJxFUJdsbnECGxgdryJdVB43UM8KEAt61ihdaeIdQDkDwxjA7m4djex-UaxVx2bs14pQRWwQAfgTwaiCb-8/s3008/bittern_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bittern" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdkKng3yN40aQ-SG-bsWSW_78_ASjEx0NgCUqLjrLrY4u1ydRmUwE4_XIBFyQrJGTLWJSnvs0Q199nQw5M0qvPVXdk6oq7APUszM_3NBzeaJxFUJdsbnECGxgdryJdVB43UM8KEAt61ihdaeIdQDkDwxjA7m4djex-UaxVx2bs14pQRWwQAfgTwaiCb-8/s600/bittern_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmSZKNdlYcI1pjl0OeqsENlvpZs0DqBbXMeWi4KRu-ARx-ko77bl7c7Xo_VxCRntYVegeoNfpoTE1yoQTw-Yvx0AbyUZ1O0qJdRYkUYlavu9im_gdNbQl4aMBQBnhQytmkBXzYzzga9V4ARwlgPud_WJ2bDx1DIN_79CwKEFs90wqQ1pCpSALM8EkuAJF/s3008/cormorant_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Cormorant" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmSZKNdlYcI1pjl0OeqsENlvpZs0DqBbXMeWi4KRu-ARx-ko77bl7c7Xo_VxCRntYVegeoNfpoTE1yoQTw-Yvx0AbyUZ1O0qJdRYkUYlavu9im_gdNbQl4aMBQBnhQytmkBXzYzzga9V4ARwlgPud_WJ2bDx1DIN_79CwKEFs90wqQ1pCpSALM8EkuAJF/s600/cormorant_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2YXFC86kQeWv0otjOhuOj2qsQ7J3KgEbsc5iFX130EiurTGYjM_pmKGoPyJa_wKXBCgSM2SR0wSTJatJXvu_yAxc2VvFt0Es-LUJiQ33EN_6l7M47PvZi3JlnZqvJ1OvjINv9B-1t5yapS-eGRa3TeDe62vMxtIZG3PcSbygcwvlqeLhDvfVWVCVlv9f/s3008/cattle-egret_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Cattle egret" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2YXFC86kQeWv0otjOhuOj2qsQ7J3KgEbsc5iFX130EiurTGYjM_pmKGoPyJa_wKXBCgSM2SR0wSTJatJXvu_yAxc2VvFt0Es-LUJiQ33EN_6l7M47PvZi3JlnZqvJ1OvjINv9B-1t5yapS-eGRa3TeDe62vMxtIZG3PcSbygcwvlqeLhDvfVWVCVlv9f/s600/cattle-egret_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrhRCXpMuONTK7yXdfQt-QumxYo3SutZbwD_7qfPyPKB6Nw5Po84Au6Ey9XHYKjtCPGvgMA1anSpdGzNwjmKXdHOhy8UKeBqtxwePTTlN3TA_-V3ZilQyH5LPKWnWJhfkZqpAESTB4s4qPhzwplgQKYj04vQC1ilVGPUHA5uDauLe3DWhoPJ0CLA-B44P/s3008/little-egret_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Little egret" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrhRCXpMuONTK7yXdfQt-QumxYo3SutZbwD_7qfPyPKB6Nw5Po84Au6Ey9XHYKjtCPGvgMA1anSpdGzNwjmKXdHOhy8UKeBqtxwePTTlN3TA_-V3ZilQyH5LPKWnWJhfkZqpAESTB4s4qPhzwplgQKYj04vQC1ilVGPUHA5uDauLe3DWhoPJ0CLA-B44P/s600/little-egret_RSPBHamWall_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We had a smooth journey up and were soon at the Estuary Tower hide, making our way to the top to get the best panoramic view, and be able to look down into the trees and hedges where the barred warbler had showed. There were a good number of birders here, out in the open and against the glass barriers. One helpful chap gave us a steer as to where the lesser white-front goose was - as you'd expect very distant and sat down out of view, even from this elevated vantage point. When it did appear it displayed no bling (rings), this is the reportedly most endangered breeding goose species in Europe. However, there had been the <a href="https://www.birdguides.com/news/lesser-white-fronted-goose-enjoys-prolific-breeding-season/" target="_blank">highest number fledged youngsters noted in the Norwegian population</a> since monitoring began in 1990 - perhaps the real deal?
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8of2gVwJRzQcchKHSy9J__gApd8D9qdY9WLnRmK8Hk1HPqROBIefcVzhT0N0nyGYSzTQGE3V11eXo_lKe7XBrbqHSqXZHmmg2dI4gLs9CRqqJEUO8YWJheYHY5lWNRCuy0YbQxtrf9wEa-2jSN32SuP-ymjAko9dyizh27haLxnxVhaHTo_fySxU5qArF/s3008/lesser-white-fronted-goose-1_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Lesser white-fronted goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8of2gVwJRzQcchKHSy9J__gApd8D9qdY9WLnRmK8Hk1HPqROBIefcVzhT0N0nyGYSzTQGE3V11eXo_lKe7XBrbqHSqXZHmmg2dI4gLs9CRqqJEUO8YWJheYHY5lWNRCuy0YbQxtrf9wEa-2jSN32SuP-ymjAko9dyizh27haLxnxVhaHTo_fySxU5qArF/s600/lesser-white-fronted-goose-1_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOmW2-u7xYzRWa-S9dmrfb-SDS_3N1VA7DaOyHs-K_TvYFtPczTemOfz-e439hGlsw0BpgTzb8PODY8BOjSUNY3Gyap11gnwNfsE3Vhi9OalQ8H1YAJFotVoNPus1G9PsxpdziosfqmXw81m1pGMgU5DyAy6L_wQI9P3athEUUgwgNQ0NH3Juj3iiyb4T/s3008/lesser-white-fronted-goose-2_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Lesser white-fronted goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOmW2-u7xYzRWa-S9dmrfb-SDS_3N1VA7DaOyHs-K_TvYFtPczTemOfz-e439hGlsw0BpgTzb8PODY8BOjSUNY3Gyap11gnwNfsE3Vhi9OalQ8H1YAJFotVoNPus1G9PsxpdziosfqmXw81m1pGMgU5DyAy6L_wQI9P3athEUUgwgNQ0NH3Juj3iiyb4T/s600/lesser-white-fronted-goose-2_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Rain hadn't been forecast but it came down anyway, sending us all running for cover - quite a downpour. While we were standing at the top of the stairs a voice introduced themselves to Kev - it was <a href="https://twitter.com/BenhamadaRuth" target="_blank">Nicola Benhamada</a> - Kev and his wife Karen had met her in Birmingham last year when searching for a wryneck - we are all connected on X (formerly known as Twitter). We had a chat while we waited for the rain to stop and when it did, we couldn't find the lesser w-f goose at all. The long-staying Ross's goose did put in an appearance, as did a greater white-fronted goose, and a rogue bar-headed goose.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudD6z0GBbzIkkaeCyjNSPAiCjAg4wwU5kHWtOOMVkZRRyYZHkKLLkRbVx8E5w_oNFVcYLwel1Z2d_IGxo-v1zzxoAau2KobX92ihbMrzD9Usb1Jg1woSHROA7ncBSetTWeiC1NwOgZsyYGyNA3qcCeQadGQe7ra-K0YSAgjVXjx-13f3r-8Zu4d397lyC/s3008/ross%27s-goose_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Ross's goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudD6z0GBbzIkkaeCyjNSPAiCjAg4wwU5kHWtOOMVkZRRyYZHkKLLkRbVx8E5w_oNFVcYLwel1Z2d_IGxo-v1zzxoAau2KobX92ihbMrzD9Usb1Jg1woSHROA7ncBSetTWeiC1NwOgZsyYGyNA3qcCeQadGQe7ra-K0YSAgjVXjx-13f3r-8Zu4d397lyC/s600/ross%27s-goose_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_3_fMqIup8mvU5jvFImey6iEyVYU0qfNI3q8TeYow6C97j29qq2uJ00s4BcESSfjjxA7-uI3YSxD4HcEx8bLUo3UGejYcpKIf0zBWXu8_OfejXwDnMN6oFCddJewBHETxZO7Puesf0oz80oJf9z-0LkrkksBHZ5wp-CucyOjN9M6IHbAovaKZjzJo3Is/s3008/bar-headed-goose_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Bar-headed goose" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_3_fMqIup8mvU5jvFImey6iEyVYU0qfNI3q8TeYow6C97j29qq2uJ00s4BcESSfjjxA7-uI3YSxD4HcEx8bLUo3UGejYcpKIf0zBWXu8_OfejXwDnMN6oFCddJewBHETxZO7Puesf0oz80oJf9z-0LkrkksBHZ5wp-CucyOjN9M6IHbAovaKZjzJo3Is/s600/bar-headed-goose_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>A chap from the lower level popped onto the platform and said that someone had spotted a short-eared owl off to our right. We all scanned to see if we could pick it up and sure enough five minutes later it flew along the edge of the path, landing on a post but frustratingly mostly out of view from where I was stood.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfnT2gGYXgFBCFrxRPgw1xXXYpYXAu6meumwTSu7TZntZA1YvXEjnJeO_3-ILbSwsuhUXVp1P8tGz4KcBsGXzxpGSf6qjmHlq2fCpz7sfR8g2g-fU9uAKhSFyuLfcbzUg43zyz7Gui5KuNd1UiSty-PUcOdEtI5qpHMJWE5j64dO12d6o81P8NZ_23jmh/s3008/short-eared-owl-1_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Short-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfnT2gGYXgFBCFrxRPgw1xXXYpYXAu6meumwTSu7TZntZA1YvXEjnJeO_3-ILbSwsuhUXVp1P8tGz4KcBsGXzxpGSf6qjmHlq2fCpz7sfR8g2g-fU9uAKhSFyuLfcbzUg43zyz7Gui5KuNd1UiSty-PUcOdEtI5qpHMJWE5j64dO12d6o81P8NZ_23jmh/s600/short-eared-owl-1_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE9I94i2WdJwV7fThDoWES4k0t2i7vkQ26_DnclxnT8zUnI4wtMyZZID6swSKbgmGzkmF3NK5P_kgicpHjBI7Yaz5LVCzeWQPCgqNExqHjihkZ6EG7tXH3aaU0DT4lNsISAnAhXo2UvRZk-BDmaq5sQpiaFX99cen6MRno4PjtOE3nOZcBf9Xp3AB_zrJ/s3008/short-eared-owl-2_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Short-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE9I94i2WdJwV7fThDoWES4k0t2i7vkQ26_DnclxnT8zUnI4wtMyZZID6swSKbgmGzkmF3NK5P_kgicpHjBI7Yaz5LVCzeWQPCgqNExqHjihkZ6EG7tXH3aaU0DT4lNsISAnAhXo2UvRZk-BDmaq5sQpiaFX99cen6MRno4PjtOE3nOZcBf9Xp3AB_zrJ/s600/short-eared-owl-2_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>The owl must have been exhausted as it was allowing people on the path to come close and video on their phones, notably a woman on her mobility scooter! Despite this, the owl was flushed again and hopped across the hedge and onto a post … more in view. Several people could be seen poking their cameras through the hedge and were presumably getting breath-taking views. It didn't take too long before the owl gathered the strength to take to the wing and fly off and away from our position.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL57HlSERC5w2rGsBh2xBMuA3Pm4RWZExtHxffX5f4_4FQbgm7BmVTOyAVkug70Fb3w9xfvUc6ms8s1uPzymEWyUtun0impgnvSPgxIXeI447expi86X_xQ7OMalg0LmBCF65ubSHX-oPVfTGBbqar7N2nrmJ-TucF18IyA6pblG3WfNYcqAbTWOI_jrwG/s3008/short-eared-owl-3_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Short-eared owl" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL57HlSERC5w2rGsBh2xBMuA3Pm4RWZExtHxffX5f4_4FQbgm7BmVTOyAVkug70Fb3w9xfvUc6ms8s1uPzymEWyUtun0impgnvSPgxIXeI447expi86X_xQ7OMalg0LmBCF65ubSHX-oPVfTGBbqar7N2nrmJ-TucF18IyA6pblG3WfNYcqAbTWOI_jrwG/s600/short-eared-owl-3_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>Shortly after Shaun Evans <a href="https://twitter.com/sevans1032/status/1713667613295829178" target="_blank">@sevans1032</a> and Chris Macey <a href="https://twitter.com/chrismacey57/status/1713262095460974786" target="_blank">@chrismacey57</a> joined us on the platform - they'd been on the path when the short-eared owl dropped onto the post and had taken some jaw-dropping photos - follow the links by their names to see some special images. They had hoped to see the barred warbler, but it looked like we were all going to leave disappointed - maybe not a surprise with the number of people milling around ...
<p>Out in front two planes appeared and passed overhead, Rockwell B-1 Lancer (Bone) strategic variable-wing bombers serving in the U.S. Air Force fleet. It is a platform that combines the Mach 2 speed of the B-58 Hustler with the range and payload of a B-52 and was meant to ultimately replace both. Not often seen in the UK, it was good to see them in the sky.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dZFCIMSFkMWw4Cwmb5UCi7nVYVOmNftkYgWa9UaQ_FJ8ZYDri8mBmKWsJKHl_kc_QF69_5Bsb5aRtvdrb9kUsHlrIta0y8DuGaL8DGW2Y_ZPkyNx9_XO0KOuQ8TRUhmPHQ1sN3KhcenhcH-9TVqjxPAgX7oh0L4xc1DY5tCRFvKe2vlOnK9ikovMYxiq/s4005/rockwell-B1-lancer-1_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Rockwell B-1 Lancer" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2670" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dZFCIMSFkMWw4Cwmb5UCi7nVYVOmNftkYgWa9UaQ_FJ8ZYDri8mBmKWsJKHl_kc_QF69_5Bsb5aRtvdrb9kUsHlrIta0y8DuGaL8DGW2Y_ZPkyNx9_XO0KOuQ8TRUhmPHQ1sN3KhcenhcH-9TVqjxPAgX7oh0L4xc1DY5tCRFvKe2vlOnK9ikovMYxiq/s600/rockwell-B1-lancer-1_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFd852bgJbRHo0ilVpTSNIn9VnwEeX6kL49DQMXXXmZg86uReRLeHJJQQGcWQzHsQQhjWlSS3H8tr3iUgyWavAb8uB171Q4Qt7A14uHcwHHhHdu73WuuQwDiXgwduECAEmda0ipNzz4N2cbKmmuBFfo2yhNPIspGWyLakTuTAQnND_Ykn1gXo1-9Sczif/s4005/rockwell-B1-lancer-2_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Rockwell B-1 Lancer" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2670" data-original-width="4005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFd852bgJbRHo0ilVpTSNIn9VnwEeX6kL49DQMXXXmZg86uReRLeHJJQQGcWQzHsQQhjWlSS3H8tr3iUgyWavAb8uB171Q4Qt7A14uHcwHHhHdu73WuuQwDiXgwduECAEmda0ipNzz4N2cbKmmuBFfo2yhNPIspGWyLakTuTAQnND_Ykn1gXo1-9Sczif/s600/rockwell-B1-lancer-2_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We were working out if we should make tracks when a call went up and a ringtail hen harrier passed behind the hide, being mobbed by crows. None of us were prepared but I shot off a few photos to try and capture the moment. The sun was out and glaring directly on the harrier’s head making it tricky to get any quality - what might have been ... prep and warning, but that doesn't often happen in the field.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSmJG-LL48ECT2zREePcxPgcUweU9C2wftERyfy5SVw9EyFlhVC0yc6L1MUdJ_U28COurL8U1gwtHIu3QQt90pos3ShOf25G1hHXJYSWsDhHqvuur6Ma5oRQ2VB74vAE0wJ0_7rT3vN7cdAL6BqrkZVZFWU3LJ2MjZ8qvc3Pwpv6s2CUu9Nc5s7laPswq/s3008/hen-harrier-1_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Hen harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSmJG-LL48ECT2zREePcxPgcUweU9C2wftERyfy5SVw9EyFlhVC0yc6L1MUdJ_U28COurL8U1gwtHIu3QQt90pos3ShOf25G1hHXJYSWsDhHqvuur6Ma5oRQ2VB74vAE0wJ0_7rT3vN7cdAL6BqrkZVZFWU3LJ2MjZ8qvc3Pwpv6s2CUu9Nc5s7laPswq/s600/hen-harrier-1_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt_RR43i5PBj_aa_m3ZOqYgGHP2S-ZtUF0pnOFBVuJi-NfsA-5WurC0CEYhQJSz08m9PXwgWZL8_hMfoVsI_SPcvCXwDyHQ0GRyyafMljKVKafhHqkjuL6VIf-D79a4DDH1a7p_gRJqfvHGQZXqNw7uy3tGCEwQ-XMBvO04uxeqVgZ83kvoAwfB-QeDwF/s3008/hen-harrier-2_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Hen harrier" border="0" width="650" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="3008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt_RR43i5PBj_aa_m3ZOqYgGHP2S-ZtUF0pnOFBVuJi-NfsA-5WurC0CEYhQJSz08m9PXwgWZL8_hMfoVsI_SPcvCXwDyHQ0GRyyafMljKVKafhHqkjuL6VIf-D79a4DDH1a7p_gRJqfvHGQZXqNw7uy3tGCEwQ-XMBvO04uxeqVgZ83kvoAwfB-QeDwF/s600/hen-harrier-2_Slimbridge_1023_KS.jpg"/></a></div>
<p>We waited as long as we could, hoping that the barred warbler would appear, but it wouldn't. The wait for one of these goes on.
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03361087147161767324noreply@blogger.com0