Staines Reservoir/Moor & Ivinghoe Beacon :: 23 March 2024

The weekend arrived, so Kev and I discussed where we might go birding, thinking about where we might enjoy a range of species. Staines Reservoir looked good as there were reports of both Slavonian and black-necked grebes, water pipit a few days earlier (still in the area?), and a garganey at Staines Moor next door. We also often have ring-necked parakeets over there. Sold.

Staines Reservoir comprises two reservoirs, referred to as the North and South Reservoirs, providing a water supply for domestic and industrial use in the surrounding areas. The North Reservoir completed in 1902 and the South Reservoir completed in 1909 and were created by damming the River Colne and flooding the surrounding area; the combined area of both reservoirs is approximately 280 acres (113 hectares). The reservoirs and their surrounding areas provide habitat for a variety of bird species and are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their ecological importance. Staines Reservoir has also recorded sightings of an array of rare and migrant bird species, with various grebe and diver species often reported out of the breeding season.

We arrived and stopped for our usual breakfast, waiting in the car park for a short while hoping for a flyover from parakeets, but we had none. We jumped into the car, made our way to access the reservoir from the causeway that splits the North and South bodies and noticed how cold it was in the wind, making us resort to wearing gloves. We saw tufted ducks, goldeneye, coot and gulls and gradually made our way along the causeway. Meadow pipits rose and flew along the sloped concrete down to the water's edge. One bird looked interesting as it stayed very close the water’s edge, but we could never get a good look at it.

About halfway across the causeway we spotted a grebe and as we got close, we could see it was a Slavonian grebe in spring transitional plumage. I've only ever seen this species in winter plumage previously - perhaps one day I'll see them in their full glory. They feed mainly on fish and arthropods but are able to adapt according to food availability. They are very agile underwater, and forage by diving from the surface for around 20-30 seconds, but they also take food from the surface catching flying insects and floating items.

As we watched and I took photographs, a second bird appeared to the left - a a black-necked grebe, and a striking waterbird species ... result. During the breeding season, they display a blackish-brown neck and head, contrasting sharply with their white cheeks and throat. They have a black cap extending down to the eye, and their back is dark brown. Outside the breeding season, their plumage becomes more subdued, with less contrast between the black and white areas. We were in luck and our bird was looking very dapper. They are migratory birds, breeding in the UK during the summer months and migrating to warmer regions in southern Europe and northern Africa during the winter.

The feeding habits of black-necked grebes is the same as that for Slavonian grebes and so it was no surprise to see them working along together, getting closer and closer; eventually close enough to get them in the same frame.

At the end of the causeway we could see shoveler ducks, shelducks and a single Egyptian goose. We regularly scanned the black-headed gulls hoping for a little gull but no such luck. We chatted with a few other birders and decided that we'd head over to Staines Moor where a garganey had been reported the night before and at first light; there were also reports of ring-necked parakeets over.

We located where to park and set out along the path, passing birders coming the other way. Unfortunately, it seemed the garganey hadn't been seen since first light and these people had decided they'd given it enough time; they also mentioned seeing parakeets and blackcaps along the track. Although we could hear blackcaps, we couldn’t get one out in the open. We heard and then saw a ring-necked parakeet in a tree, but so briefly that I didn't get a photo.

We reached the advertised "five-bar gate" and found a birder scoping just beyond - he'd been here a couple of hours and not had a sniff. He eventually drifted off and a couple of ring-necked flew over. We continually scanned and scoped the water, working both from the gate and from under the trees, swapping positions and occasionally meeting up. I drifted back to the gate and eventually Kev joined me, setting up his scope - with no action in front, and not wanting to leave the other area unwatched, I strolled back. Up went a call and Kev had spotted the garganey - I rushed over and caught it as it swam left and out of view. It was over a stretch of water, through some reeds and in the water on the other side - distant and largely obscured.

Garganey breed in the UK during the summer months, typically between April and July. They prefer shallow wetlands with dense vegetation for nesting, such as marshes, reedbeds, and flooded grasslands such as the habitat in front of us. They are considered a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, providing them with legal protection against disturbance and destruction of their nests. While they are not considered globally threatened, conservation efforts are in place to protect their breeding and wintering habitats.

We waited and hoped - occasionally some gadwall came around the edge of the reeds but were chased back by a coot - some teal worked past further back. A few other couples appeared, and I spotted the garganey briefly at the far right but it was flushed back out of view - I was the only person to have seen it. Another quarter of an hour past and Kev and I saw the bird over and between the reeds. It broke left and followed some teal across and out of view - I managed a photo and Kev a video.

We left space for others to get a view from where we'd been and soon made our way back along the track, now trying to locate a blackcap. We had a couple of jays in the trees but never had any eyes on them but saw a couple of birds fly across and up into a distant bush. I managed to pick out one of the birds working through a bush and could see it was a female blackcap - never did get my eyes on the male (probably the other bird). My first of the year.

Rain started to fall and some of the birders we'd left behind caught up with us as we reached the car. We decided that we'd detour to Ivinghoe Beacon and see if we could spot any of the wheatear reported the day before.

I'd never been before - Ivinghoe Beacon is a prominent chalk hill located in the Chiltern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Buckinghamshire. Rising to a height of 233m (764ft) above sea level, it offers commanding views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for hikers, walkers, and nature enthusiasts. Kev had visited and seen ring ouzel in the past.

There were quite a few hikers, dog-walkers, and families and so we decided to make some long-range searches with the scope, spotting up to four black rabbits - Kev was enthused with these. He then smashed it picking out a wheatear in a very distant field. Later one became two, then two became four and four became seven.

We added mainly raptors (kestrel, buzzard and red kite) and a very distant stonechat. With no further plans we made for home, and I'd added six new species for the year.

Year list: 159

Ayrshire :: 13 - 17 March 2024

I was scheduled to visit my mum for her birthday and had everything crossed that the Myrtle Warbler which had taken residence in a garden in Garnock View, Kilwinning would remain until I arrived, some 22 days after it was first reported. This marks the first documented appearance on the UK mainland since 2014. There have been only approximately 30 sightings of this bird recorded in the UK, with nearly all in the Western and Northern Isles.

This sighting also marks the first record of an American warbler species in Ayrshire.

Once listed separately in bird guides, the Myrtle warbler and Audubon's warbler have long been reclassified as eastern and western variations of a single species: the yellow-rumped warbler. Familiarly dubbed "butterbutts" by American bird enthusiasts, these warblers make migrations across North America each spring and autumn. The migratory forms, known as Myrtle and Audubon’s, populate most of Canada and every U.S. state except Hawaii. During the breeding season, males sport a striking palette of grey and yellow, while females and non-breeding individuals exhibit a browner hue with subtler yellow accents and faint streaks. However, a 2016 study hinted at the existence of at least three distinct species. If this were confirmed, it would disrupt a long-standing position lasting five decades, perhaps in the future reinstating two beloved common names, cherished by many birders.

We left Banbury at 5.00am to allow an extra hour for the journey and stop-off in Kilwinning - hopefully that would be enough time to still get to to my mum's house before lunch. As it was, we arrived in Kilwinning around 11.15am, parked up and made for the communal back garden of 22/32 Garnock View. Behind the gardens is a slope running down to the River Garnock - hence the street name. The river flows through the Garnock Valley, originating from the hills near Lochwinnoch and running in a generally north-westerly direction before emptying into the Firth of Clyde near Irvine. The access to the back garden was through a service door between the properties, through a hall and out a back door into the garden. I sort of expected other birders to be present, but we were the lone visitors. One of the residents was standing at an open window on the ground floor and chatted for a while - very welcoming and amazingly tolerant of the continued arrival of birders outside their properties.

It was only a few minutes before the bird dropped into the trees behind, working through at speed then eventually onto the various foods on tables and feeders positioned along the fence line. No doubt the bountiful availability of food is a reason it has remained in the area for so long - as far as I am aware, the UK long-stay record for this bird species is 37 days. I took some photos for insurance but really wanted it on a fence post or tree, not on feeders.

I eventually got my chance to take a photo in a better environment and now was just waiting for a repeat opportunity. A local elderly lady birder turned up having been recommended to do so at a birding society meeting the night before - normally she watches birds on her walks and activities rather than actively birding but had been convinced this was worth a trip given she was local in Dundonald. What we could see was a slight change in appearance and it was possible to observe the bird was in the early stages on moult.

Yellow-browed warblers typically undergo a single complete moult each year, usually after the breeding season; the timing of the moult may vary slightly. The moult often occurs in their non-breeding range, which includes areas such as Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. During the moult, yellow-browed warblers replace all of their feathers, including those on the body, wings, tail, and head. It is often the case that they may become more secretive and less active than usual as they focus their energy on feather replacement and avoid predators. No sign of that here.

It was soon time to pack up and join my mum for lunch - it was what we were actually here for!

I tend to use the time before breakfast for birding on these visits and so the following morning I woke and made my way onto the beach, specifically to see if I could connect with the dippers in the burn that runs alongside the Seamill Hydro; I usually manage a bit less than 2hrs including any travel.

It was raining gently so I put a rain cover over the camera and made my way along the sand to the bridge crossing the burn. Even before I reached the bridge, rounding the corner, I could see a dipper in the far distance at the corner where the burn turns up to and under the road. I reached the bridge and went to take a photograph, then noticing a kingfisher on the opposite side of the burn but in the same shot. The two birds just perched there on the rocks, neither making any move to feed or depart. A couple walking their dog crossed the bridge and by coincidence or as a result the two birds left, both away from where I stood. I waited for a while to see if either or both might return but it seemed futile.

I walked further along the beach towards Ardrossan but only came across rock pipit as a species of note. Returning across the bridge I waited again for the dipper but it failed to reappear and I soon walked back to the hotel, stopping to see some seals on the rocks.

The following morning the weather was drier and I decided to visit Saltcoats to see the purple sandpipers that had treated me to such great views back in January. I approached the spot, situated about 500m south of Saltcoats Harbour and in the tidal pools, finding no sandpipers present. In contrast to other waders, these birds display a remarkable level of trust, often permitting an approach within 3-4 meters before cautiously retreating and maintaining a respectful distance. They have a slightly larger and more robust build compared to a dunlin, but sporting an overall grey plumage complemented by yellowish legs and beak. At first glance, you might assume their grey appearance renders them dull and unremarkable, but the subtle contrast between their grey plumage and vibrant yellow-orange bill and legs presents a striking and handsome bird.

Out in front, a turnstone appeared on the wall, followed by another. Redshanks foraged nearby as mute swans gracefully departed the pools with a cacophony of sound. A flock of birds soon joined the turnstone, walking along the wall's edge - purple sandpipers! Within moments, they took flight and landed in the pools in front. Lost in the birds feeding close, I suddenly remembered my task: taking some photographs.

A rock pipit dropped in beside and worked through the seaweed.

As I'd come off the road into the car park, I had spotted a birder sitting against the wall of Oscar's cafe, scanning the sea with his scope. I circled back to chat with him and he mentioned having seen gannets, common scoter, kittiwake and red-throated divers that morning. None of these were presently in view. I mentioned that I might go and see black guillemots and he said it would be worth a look down in the harbour as they are often on view there, often showing well as they enter the breeding season. Despite the low tide there were four birds on the water, all looking rather splendid. The harbour provides an ideal habitat due the availability of suitable nesting sites.

I checked out the other side of the harbour wall, through a small, gated opening leading down a few steps but found only black-headed gulls - it is apparently not unusual to spot otters from here - a mental note to try again someday. My time was up, and I returned to the hotel for breakfast.

On the next morning it started cold, and I made my way to Stevenston Point, looking out over choppy water - it was dry and so would be enjoyable whatever showed. Red-breasted mergansers passed at great distance, along with the ever-present shags. Common scoters bobbed on the water at even greater distance. While scoping the water I hadn't seen anything unusual but when I lifted my head, I found a gannet coming off the water and realised I'd missed it diving just offshore - my first of the year.

I got caught up watching a red-throated diver quite far offshore, diving frequently and staying under for long periods, often coming up a long distance from where it went under. Photos were always going to be record shots. I scanned the structures nearby and found a pair of purple sandpipers feeding on the water's edge but showing at greater distance than I'd been afforded the day before.

I'd resisted dropping down onto the beach but could easily scope the birds along the sand to the north and south. There were substantial numbers of sanderlings, often being flushed by over-enthusiastic dogs being walked along the beach. On a couple of occasions the birds circled past the point and onto the other beach, returning five or so minutes later.

Despite searching I could only add some guillemots far out on the water, rock pipit and turnstones on the rocks and eider ducks diving. I ran out of time again, heading back with only just enough time to have a shower and shave before a 9.00am breakfast.

On the Sunday I played golf with my brother, the first time I have played for around 13 years. I started well but soon fell into a rather mediocre rhythm as I tired, and the rain set in. I didn't bird that morning as time was tight.

On the final morning I decided to make my way down to Troon South Beach where a couple of snow buntings have been reported of late, although the latest reports had them across on Ayr beach, not far across the water or along the coast. Access is relatively simple across the Royal Troon golf course and at this time of the morning there was no one on the course, at least not this far round. Crossing the course onto the beach I spotted skylarks and meadow pipits but on the beach was treated to a flock of 14 curlews, initially on the ground but in the air as I broke the horizon. Along the water's edge were assorted gulls and oystercatchers. A lovely turnstone foraged at close quarters.

I worked up and down the beach, halfway back to Troon Harbour and down to Pow Burn but really only had fly-by red-breasted mergansers to show for it - the sea was rough, and it was difficult to spot if anything was on it.

Looking out from the beach I could spot a lighthouse which looked lovely in the early sun. Lady Isle Lighthouse is located on the island of the same name, around two miles southwest of Troon in the Firth of Clyde. The island once housed a chapel dedicated to Saint Mary and is located on a low-lying island warning of the Half Tide and Scart Rocks, and aids navigation along the Firth and into Troon and Irvine harbours. Established in 1903 to the design of David Alan and Charles Stevenson, it is unusual in design with a cross-shaped tower and external buttresses. An external staircase runs up the side of the tower, not visible in the photo below.

Overhead a small plane passed and when they do, I now often take a photo to show to Dave South - this plane was less remarkable and wouldn't probably be worthy. However, this Piper PA-46R-350T is based at Enstone Airfield, Shenington Airfield and London Oxford Airport, and previously at Wellesbourne Mountford in Warwickshire for over fifteen years. The operators 'Take Flight Aviation flying club and flight school' offer flying lessons, flight training and light aircraft hire. I looked up the plane's flights and see it wtook off from Coventry Airport at 6.35am to Glasgow Prestwick, landing at 8.07am. Amazing to have a plane from almost where we live on the border between Oxfordshire/Warwickshire fly over my head on the beach in Ayrshire.

It was nice to get out in the mornings and particularly satisfying to have been able to connect with the Myrtle warbler.

Year list: 153.

Holkham Gap :: 03 March 2024

With Kev @kev07713 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

Year List: 150