RSPB Ouse Fen, Smithey Fen & Eyebrook Reservoir :: 21 December 2024

The weather forecast was grim, with rain and strong winds predicted. Despite this, Kev @kev07713 and I decided to give birding a try and headed to RSPB Ouse Fen, where a couple of water pipits had recently been reported. After stopping for breakfast on the way, we arrived at an empty car park - likely a result of the unappealing weather. Recent sightings of both a Glaucous gull and a female penduline tit had drawn our interest.

We started by scanning the large expanse of open water to the left of the car park, hoping the light drizzle wouldn’t turn into heavier rain, though the wind was expected to persist. Apart from some marsh harriers, we didn’t spot anything noteworthy and couldn’t locate the Glaucous gull.

Water pipits are typically winter visitors to the UK, arriving from their breeding grounds in the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. They are most often found between October and March, favouring wetland habitats, such as marshes, reedbeds, and the edges of reservoirs. In their winter plumage, water pipits are brownish - grey above, with pale underparts that often have streaking on the breast. They appear less boldly marked than meadow or rock pipits.

We followed the track toward the area where the water pipits had been sighted, staying alert. Apart from a few tits and lapwings overhead, there was little activity. Turning onto the main reserve from the perimeter track, we soon heard the distinctive calls of bearded tits but despite their frequent calls, we couldn’t catch sight of one.

Then Kev picked up on a call - water pipit! We confirmed it using the Merlin app, which agreed with his identification. Moving back off the brow to the far side from where the call had originated, we waited. Within five minutes, our patience paid off as the bird flew up and further down the track. We quickly followed but it wasn't visible from there - we worked back and with the scope Kev picked it up on the edge of an island - by the time I got on it, the bird had taken flight, heading back toward where we’d initially heard it. We relocated again, and this time Kev spotted it near the edge of some reeds, fully out in the open. Generously, he stepped aside to let me take a look through the scope. After getting a good view, I quickly moved to raise my camera, but before I could focus, the bird was up and away again.

We watched the bird as it occasionally took to the air, and at one point, we spotted a second bird interacting with the first. Meanwhile, the calls of bearded tits persisted. Turning our attention to the reeds directly behind us, it became clear that one of the bearded tits was exceptionally close. And there it was in the base of the reeds, on the weed and working along picking up what appeared to be small insects or bugs. It worked left and up through the reeds, never getting higher than a couple of feet off the water while the reeds above swayed in the wind.

As quickly as it appeared, the bird vanished back into the reeds and out of sight. The calls of the bearded tits continued as we pressed on. Along the way, we met another birder heading in the opposite direction, who kindly pointed us to the spot where the penduline tit had been sighted and following his advice, we located areas of bulrushes - a habitat closely associated with this species, known for its affinity for reedbeds.

We paused to scan and listen, but neither saw nor heard anything noteworthy. Moving on, we encountered more patches of bulrushes, but there was no sign of activity around them. Eventually, we returned to the car park and met a couple who had just arrived. We directed them to the area where we had spotted the water pipits earlier.

Not long after they headed off and were lost from sight, the rain began to fall. Timing was on our side as we quickly packed up and took shelter in the car. From inside, we watched as the couple made their way back to their vehicle just as the rain turned heavier. We had been fortunate to finish our outing before the heavens truly opened.

We debated our next move and decided to try for the Caspian gulls reported earlier at Smithey Fen, with the added hope of possibly spotting the Glaucous gull. Upon arrival, we made our way to the main water feature, noting more than two dozen moorhens scurrying about in a nearby field.

As we approached, many of the closer gulls took to the air, seemingly wary of our presence, though we had kept our distance and stayed on the main track. A pair of red kites soared overhead, unsettling the lapwings and smaller gulls, while a green woodpecker flew across the track and into the field opposite the water.

We started to work through the gulls and spotted an adult Caspian and some other suspects of both adult and juveniles. There were quite a lot of gulls on the water and their peace was interrupted as a couple of Whooper swans dropped in - another four joining them quarter of an hour later. Patience and careful observation are often required to pick them out among large gatherings and although Kev and I have the patience we still struggle - I still hate gulls - they are hard given the variations with age and lack of ID confirmation with experienced gullers in the field.

Caspian gulls are a relatively recent addition to the UK's list, with sightings most common from November to February. They can be challenging to identify due to their similarity to other large gulls, particularly herring and yellow-legged gulls. They are slender and elongated compared to herring gulls, with a proportionally smaller head and a more upright posture. Their head is white with fine streaking during winter; in juveniles, the head appears pale with a contrasting dark eye mask.

The lady from the couple we'd seen at Ouse Fen appeared and we continued through the birds, still hoping the Glaucous would appear. It didn't and we left happy - I'd had a good day with two year ticks.

On Monday morning, while on holiday from work and with Charlotte off playing Pickleball, I took the opportunity to head out and try my luck with the smew at Euebrook Reservoir, one that Kev and I had missed a couple of weeks earlier. The drive was uneventful, and I arrived at the spot where the smew were reported to frequent. Recent sightings suggested 2–3 drakes had been present the previous day.

I scanned the area but couldn’t locate any. Hoping for better luck, I walked along the road to the southern end of the reservoir but still came up empty-handed. A buzzard perched in a bush caught my eye, though I didn’t bother with a photo as it was well-hidden behind a tangle of twigs. A kestrel in a nearby tree, however, made for a more appealing subject.

As I made my way back to the car and the original viewing spot, I noticed three bullfinches feeding in the hedge. They flitted along as I passed, leaving me hopeful that I might yet spot the elusive smew.

As I reached the area there was a gap cut in the hedge that allowed me to scan on the opposite side of the island - I'd viewed from here on the way out but now I could see two drake smew - tick. They are such handsome ducks. The smew is a relatively rare winter visitor to the UK, known for its striking appearance and elusive nature. It is a small, diving duck that migrates from its breeding grounds in the forests of northern Europe and Russia to spend the winter in more temperate areas. The adult drake smew is particularly eye-catching, with a striking black and white plumage, a bold black "mask" around its eyes, and a white body. Its black wings are tipped with white, and it has a slender, sharp bill. This reservoir is a well-known location for spotting smew during the winter months. They are often spotted in the deeper parts of the reservoir, where they can dive and forage for fish and invertebrates. I watched for as long as I could before I needed to leave for lunch with the family.

As I was packing up, I spotted an otter beyond the ducks and other waterfowl. It was diving frequently, resurfacing each time in a rather exagerated way. I watched as it moved from right to left, eventually losing sight of it as it likely traveled underwater. It was a fantastic way to end the visit.

Year list: 252.

RSPB Greylake & Burnham-on-Sea :: 14 December 2024

A Baikal teal has been recorded at RSPB Greylake multiple times, notably starting in December 2021, when it was first identified there and was significant as it was the first for Somerset. The teal remained intermittently visible through early 2022, with confirmed sightings into March before departing.

The bird returned in late December 2023 and has continued to be observed into 2024. Its appearances at Greylake coincide with large influxes of other waterfowl, often associating with teal flocks. This rare duck, native to eastern Siberia, is a prized sighting in the UK as it typically migrates to East Asia during the winter. Its appearance at Greylake highlights the significance of wetland reserves in providing vital habitats for migratory species, especially amid changing environmental conditions.

RSPB Greylake is a prominent nature reserve in Somerset, managed by the RSPB, situated in the Somerset Levels, a low-lying region known for its wetlands, and is especially renowned for its role in conserving habitats for wetland and migratory bird species - known for hosting large flocks of ducks, geese, cranes, waders, including teal, wigeon, and the occasional rarity. Birds of prey such as merlin, marsh and hen harriers, and peregrine falcons are frequently seen hunting over the wetlands.

The Baikal teal is admired for its striking plumage, particularly the male's vivid green, black, and white facial pattern. Nesting in Siberian wetlands, often near rivers and lakes, they are highly migratory, wintering in East Asia, particularly in Korea, Japan, and China. Occasionally, it strays as a vagrant to Europe, including rare sightings in the UK; historical and modern records suggest there have been fewer than 10 confirmed sightings in Britain, although some older records were initially dismissed due to concerns about birds escaping from captivity.

It is almost a year since I visited at the end of December 2023 to see this striking duck - it was a cold period, and sheltered pools were iced over - an account here. Today was scheduled to be dry and warmer.

We stopped on the way, meeting Kev's sister Karen @hobbylovinglife and her partner Dean @worlebirder for breakfast and a chat. We then followed Dean to RSPB Greylake, geared up, and made our way to the Treehouse Hide, where the bird had been reported. Along the way, we heard Cetti’s warblers and water rails and spotted a kestrel, lapwings, a flock of golden plovers in flight, and reed buntings. Although there were fewer people than expected, seating was still limited, so we had to view the area through open windows and gaps between seated birders.

Within minutes, a barn owl was spotted in the distance. It glided across the reeds, hunting methodically, before eventually diving down, seeming to come up empty before vanished from view.

We returned to searching for the Baikal teal in amongst the large numbers of teal and wigeon - no one had yet laid eyes on it. A cattle egret flew through and a great white egret followed suit.

The Baikal teal typically feeds in shallow waters, foraging for seeds, aquatic plants, and invertebrates. However, when one of the birders located it, the bird was asleep and quite difficult to spot, despite receiving directions. After a few minutes, it turned briefly, giving us a quick view before tucking its head back under its wing and returning to sleep. The light was still limited.

We waited patiently, and eventually, the sun broke through, bringing out more vibrant colours. Although the bird made occasional appearances, it spent most of the time asleep - clearly behaving like a teenager ...

As we discussed the merlins that had been seen frequently in recent weeks - merlins, the UK’s smallest falcons, have been recorded at RSPB Greylake this winter, with a female being a regular sighting - overhead and in front, marsh harriers patrolled the area. One of the birders, scanning with his scope, spotted the merlin far off to our left, perched on a fence. It briefly interacted with a crow sitting to its right before returning to the fence, where it paused for a minute or two. Eventually, it took flight, soaring high and to the right, landing in a tree. After perching there for five minutes, it moved further to the right, settling into another, more distant tree, before finally disappearing from view.

Five common crane flew through followed by another two at further distance. We waited to see if we'd get more views of the teal, but the sun drew back behind the clouds and there were no better views or photos.

Time was moving on and we saw that the Kentish plover had been reported at Burnham-on-Sea - the longer we stayed, the more difficult it would be to see our bird - as the tide retreated the waders would likely relocate to Stert Island. As we arrived, we noticed a birder nearby, but he headed down to the opposite end of the beach. Since the earlier sighting had reportedly been at the south end of the esplanade, we decided to head there. A couple of ravens occasionally flew by, calling together or separately, but we couldn’t spot the Kentish plover among the distant dunlin and ringed plovers on the far shore. A few other birders were packing up, having seen it earlier on the far shore of Stert Island. While avocets, black- and bar-tailed godwits, grey plovers, curlews, and more were visible, we didn’t manage to confirm a sighting of the Kentish plover.

Eventually, we decided to have lunch at the café further down the esplanade. After about 45 minutes, we heard that someone had spotted the bird again - on Stert Island once more. We strolled back down, only to find no one else searching, so we resumed our vigil. Curious passersby stopped to ask what we were looking for, and we explained the details of the bird, now returning for its third year. Finally, Kev spotted it, and I quickly got it in view through the scope, just before it ran to the left and disappeared again. Unfortunately, it wasn’t seen after that. Not the most fulfilling of ticks.

A bird was floating by at mid-distance to the island and it was called as a shag, apparently quite unusual for this stretch of the coast.

It would take more than a couple of hours to get home and so we packed up and set off for home - as we left a boat being rowed near to shore

Year list 249.

Derbyshire & Eyebrook Reservoir :: 30 November 2024

The willow tit, once a common woodland bird in the UK, has seen a dramatic decline in recent decades. This small, unobtrusive bird is now one of the fastest-declining species in the country, with its population having plummeted by over 90% since the 1970s. Its plight is largely attributed to habitat loss, ecological competition, and climate change. The isolation of suitable woodland patches prevents willow tits from dispersing and recolonising areas. Small, fragmented populations are more vulnerable to local extinction.

Despite efforts, reversing the willow tit’s decline is challenging due to the widespread and persistent nature of its threats and without substantial and sustained intervention, this species may continue to dwindle to critically low levels in the UK.

Seeing willow tits in the UK has become increasingly rare due to their significant decline, but with some effort, it's still possible to spot them in certain strongholds. Having not seen one for a few years Kev @kev07713 and I decided to make this our target species for our weekly birding trip.

Willow tits are most commonly seen in regions such as Yorkshire, Cheshire, and parts of Derbyshire with some of their key strongholds including: South Yorkshire’s Dearne Valley, Cheshire wetlands, and Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.

Willow tits are present year-round, but winter and early spring are often the best times to see them, as foliage is less dense and their activity around feeders increases. They are easier to identify by their call than by sight; their song is a distinctive, wheezy "zee-zee-zee," and their calls include a nasal "chew-chew." Key identification features are a black cap and bib (like marsh tit, but with subtle differences), pale cheeks and a buff-coloured underbody - slightly duller plumage compared to marsh tits.

According to Richard Broughton (specialist on willow and marsh tits) they exhibit a nice white cheek pattern, with the hint of a 'golden collar', and obvious creamy margins on the wing. Dr. Richard Broughton has conducted extensive research on willow tits and their ecological challenges. His work has focused on understanding their habitat requirements and the factors contributing to their decline in the UK. He has authored a book titled The Marsh Tit and the Willow Tit, which consolidates decades of research and explores these birds' unique ecological roles, behaviour, and conservation needs.

Conservation efforts inspired by examples from Europe, such as the management of Poland's Białowieża Forest, show promise for habitat restoration. His research also emphasises the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems and the role willow tits play within them. Further study is available in publications and scientific journals, and Richard continues to contribute to bird conservation as the editor-in-chief of the Bird Study journal.

After stopping for breakfast along the way, we arrived at our destination and began preparing for a chance to spot and photograph the elusive willow tit. There were several promising locations nearby where they might appear, as well as the possibility of them being drawn to nearby feeders. Time slipped by without any sign of our target. Meanwhile, a pair of pheasants provided some entertainment, engaging in parallel walking and occasional displays of posturing. Though their loud crowing calls filled the air, there was no physical confrontation - just what seemed like practice for a future encounter.

We watched various tit species flitting through the trees and bushes, accompanied by chaffinches, greenfinches, a nuthatch, and a great spotted woodpecker. Many of these birds eventually visited the feeders, which were mostly nearly empty. At one point, Kev replenished one of the feeders with a "premium mix" he had brought along in his bag.

Patience proved to be essential, as a couple of hours passed without any sign of the willow tit. Then, at last, one appeared, landing briefly on a feeder. I quickly captured a few photos before it departed, stage right. The bird returned intermittently, offering only fleeting views on the feeder and frustratingly avoiding nearby branches. When it finally perched on a branch, it was partially obscured, making a clear shot impossible. Like many photographers, I preferred not to have my subject framed on a feeder, so after managing to capture a decent photo, I cheekily edited it to make the bird appear perched on a twig. A bit of creative license, perhaps, but it made for a much more natural-looking setting! - before and after ... you can't believe anything you see.

We repositioned to get a better angle on a particular tree and settled in to wait again. This time, we watched as the bird moved through the canopy, gradually descending to head height. Finally, it paused in the open just long enough for me to get it in focus. Success and this time, there was no need for any post-editing tricks!

Eventually our bird disappeared for an extended time, and we decided to make our way to Eyebrook Reservoir where a drake smew had been reported for a second day.

Smew are small diving ducks and are a winter visitor to the UK, primarily found in freshwater lakes and gravel pits, commonly seen in southern and eastern England and regularly on Rutland Water and Eyebrook Reservoir. The bird reported was a drake which sports a stunning black-and-white plumage with a panda-like face pattern.

We arrived at the viewing area where the bird had been reported earlier and started scanning. In front (and actually all around) red-legged partridge called; the call of the red-legged partridge is a distinctive and repetitive sound, often described as a loud, rhythmic "chuk-chuk-chuk" or "chur-chur-chur."

We spotted numbers of goldeneye and pintails; they are returning to many sites to overwinter, their populations steadily building. However, our search for the smew proved fruitless. A few other birders arrived, sharing that they too had been searching without success. Meanwhile, we spotted two very distant, black-necked grebes, previously reported in the area, as they swam toward the far end from the dam.

Small flocks of dunlin flew through with small numbers stopping to feed on the water's edge (up to 23 seen at once).

We walked and scanned along the water but couldn't find the bird - still we weren't the only ones. Barnacle and Egyptian geese joined the more common greylags and Canada geese. Try as we might we would dip.

The following days had reports of the smew again - it had gone into hiding while we were there - the Saturday curse. We will find one hopefully before the year ends.

Year list: 247.