Berkshire & WWT Slimbridge : 07 & 08 June 2024

Back from Scotland and time for our annual pilgrimage to see nightjar and woodcock. Kev @kev07713 Karen @karenheath62 Charlotte and I dropped down to a site we know in Berkshire that is an ideal habitat offering a mix of open ground for hunting and dense cover for roosting during the day. We parked in a lane and made the short walk from there to the same area we enjoyed the spectacle last year.

Nightjars feed on flying insects, particularly moths and beetles, catching their prey in flight using their wide mouths and bristle-fringed feathers. The best time to observe them is during their active periods at dusk and dawn, and although we'd seen some video footage of the dawn period, our preference was for dusk.

We saw a pair of great spotted woodpeckers in their preferred tree and watched as both left to feed and probably return with food for their nest. Very shortly after we had our first indication confirming the presence of nightjars, churring very early at 7.39pm - nightjars are known for their distinctive churring song; it lasted only a couple of minutes and then stopped for the next couple of hours.

We chatted and listened (just in case) but noted that we'd had our first flyover woodcock at 9.00pm last May (the report here) - it wasn't until almost 9.20pm before we had our first view of a woodcock this time. The light was being lost quickly and I managed a few record shots of woodcocks as they started to pass regularly - circa 15 while we were counting.

Once we'd counted 15 woodcock flyovers the nightjars started calling around us, mainly from behind. Kev strolled back to see where the calls may be coming from and found an individual in a tree - he managed to get a video (see his post on X here) before the bird departed and I arrived (no chance for a record shot). We watched over the back treeline and had great views of flying nightjars, watching them drop into the heather and scrub before rising again. All too far for photos, and the light had gone. Woodcocks continued to pass over, but we were distracted now.

A couple of people appeared, conducting a nightjar survey for the BTO. They moved around the area to get the best views and record the number of birds calling. Since nightjars are primarily active at night, they are difficult to study, and little was known about their movements during breeding and migration. However, recent tracking with high-resolution GPS devices has provided the most detailed and accurate information ever on the migration and movements of British nightjars. These surveys at known locations are an excellent way to monitor changes through the seasons and over the years.

We watched at least three nightjars flying and perching on various trees and Kev managed to take another video - I was again on the other side of the trees and path - idiot. I'd had great views though, just not the photo I wanted. We eventually packed up and made for the car - we'd be getting home after midnight.

Kev and I agreed to meet the following morning and made for WWT Slimbridge - as it doesn't open for members until 8.30am, we didn't rush. There were a handful of cars already in the car park - members that had gone in a little early. We got kitted up and made for Middle Point where a white-spotted bluethroat has been showing again. This is most likely a returning individual that birders have been going to see for the last three years. I feel it is becoming easier to see – I’ve heard a number of people recount the number of repeat visits they had before seeing it in previous years, but it has been a simpler exercise in the last two.

Male bluethroats are particularly colourful, with a bright blue throat featuring a white or sometimes reddish spot, a white belly, and a combination of brown and orange on the upperparts and flanks. The primary component of the bluethroat’s diet includes insects such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, ants, and spiders and so the bird is often out of view and down in the reeds. Bluethroats typically forage on the ground, where they search for insects and other invertebrates among leaf litter, under stones, and in low vegetation.

We passed a birder coming the other way who confirmed the bird was showing - we walked on reaching the Shepherd's Hut and set up outside. As expected, the bird had gone to ground and we scanned around waiting for a view - reed and sedge warblers, and reed buntings popped up and down. A crane flew passed.

After quite a wait Kev spotted our bird on a post way off to our left - he alerted the assembled birders, and we all got our tick.

For the next half an hour it flew up and down this fence line, occasionally dropping from view for 5 - 10 minutes. Eventually it did the decent think and perched on a long twig protruding above the reeds and made a record shot a bit easier. Eventually it flew right at greater distance and out of view.

I was scanning with binoculars and pointed out where I was searching on posts in front of the reeds, away to our right; Kev scanned the area and picked up our bird again. It was too far for photos but soon it reappeared on another perch out in front of us. We decided to make our way back to the Visitor's Centre for some breakfast/brunch.

We made our way round past Rushy Hide having seen a report of drake garganey there just an hour before. Entering the hide it wasn't apparent that it was there at all but as we know they can go AWOL for long periods of time, sleeping/feeding in reeds or dense scrub. It took a while but eventually I saw it in a bay largely concealed by reeds, before it disappeared - Kev didn’t have a chance to see it. 15 minutes had passed when it reappeared at the end of the scrub and at the very far end of the pool. It is entering eclipse plumage and so not quite the stunning individual I'd been hoping for.

Talking of stunning birds, the gadwall is usually a rather plain species but at this time of year really ups its game. A number of these striking individuals were preening close in front. A male gadwall in breeding plumage has a finely marked grey head and neck, with a subtly mottled appearance. The body is primarily grey, featuring intricate patterns and a distinct black rear end.

Just in front of the garganey were two families of shelduck, the young looking particularly cute, quite a number with each pair of parents. They took to the water and looked very conscious that they should stay close to mum and dad. A little ringed plover dropped in very briefly.

We continued walking, and while I paused to watch a warbler in a tree, a kingfisher flew over the path between us and a woman approaching from the other direction. It headed towards a pool beyond a hide. Hoping it might stay around the pool, we entered the hide and spotted it right in front of us. The kingfisher perched for a couple of minutes before relocating to another branch on the left side of the pool. Before finally departing, it moved to the front of the reeds and scanned the water below.

Out in the fields beyond we could see an Egyptian goose on the edge of a pool, feeding on the grasses.

We toured around the rest of the hides and enroute Kev rescued a drinker moth caterpillar crossing a path where it was very likely to be stepped on - footfall traffic was very heavy now. I suggested that he should select an implement to lift it with as I'm sure I'd read that the contact with the hairs is an irritant and care should be taken if you handle one of these. Of course, Kev didn't listen - I know how his wife Karen feels 😂. Reading up on this species it appears that this large, fluffy-looking moth is on the wing in July and August, but that you might spot a caterpillar at almost any time of year. They're most often found in marshy places such as the habitat we were standing in at Slimbridge, the caterpillars feeding on a variety of grasses and reeds. The moth is called the "drinker" because of the caterpillar's habit of drinking drops of dew from grass stems.

Eventually we reached the Kingfisher Hide and found that there were no views of kingfishers to be had. Scanning around we saw a crane working through the meadow to the right, just visible above the long grasses. This crane became two as another raised its head above the height of the grass and followed the first as it worked further and further right.

As they got closer to one another, I had the thought to try and get the two birds in the same photo; as I focussed, I saw a juvenile working along between them. Now trying to get the three in the same photo, I spotted a second juvenile ahead of the leading adult. Like most cranes, this species displays indefinite monogamous pair bonds and their clutch usually contains two eggs, with seldom one laid and, even more rarely, 3 or 4. It was therefore great to see the successful fledging of likely both eggs. I got a photo with three birds, but never the four.

Trying to distract us were three roe deer (one buck and two does) also working through the meadow and dropping to the pool edge for a drink. One doe made the most of abilities prancing left to where the buck was largely concealed from view.

It was getting late in the day, and we could see reports of diversions on the road home, so made tracks encountering road closures and road works in a few places.

Year list: 213.

Nene Washes, Deeping Lakes & Gloucestershire :: 27/28 January 2024

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 @kev07713 and I embark on a visit to spot short-eared, long-eared, and tawny owls, along with common cranes, lapwings, and numerous winter ducks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 @AlanMcCluskie 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.

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.

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.

It would be a return journey of about 45-50 minutes, and as the light was now falling, I made for home.

Year list: 128.