Feathered Friends

Q.I.

2010-08-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

Cornwall

2010-05-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic holiday in Cornwall, arriving back home on Monday. The holiday was a mixture of sightseeing and birding. I got great views of the Choughs at Lizard Point. So many new ticks for this year, my head was spinning.

The holiday cottage overlooked a field of Bulls. They were very curious.

26th April
Arrived in St.Ives at 21:30

A Herring Gull mobbing a G.B.B.Gull. He kept attacking for about five minutes.

27th April
Lands End
Gannet, Fulmar, Stonechat, Shag, Jackdaw, G.B.B Gull

28th April
Marazion RSPB Reserve
I was a little disappointed with the reserve, because there were no huts or RSPB representation. Apparently, local hooligans had burned down the previous hut, so they didn't replace it :-(
3 Cetti's Warbler (heard 3 - seen 1), 2 Wren, Reed Bunting, Common Buzzard, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler

Lizard Point

2 Chough, Rock Pipit, Gannet, Whimbrel, Fulmar, Turnstone, Chiffchaff, G.B.B.Gull, 2 Grey Seal.

29th April
Horrible weather. We stayed locally. Spotted a Gannet near St.Ives harbour.

Cornwall is famous for it's Tin Mines. The Cornish flag is a white cross on a black background, which represents St. Piran, who is the patron saint of tin miners.

30th April
Cape Cornwall
Raven (getting mobbed by Gulls), Kestrel, Stonechat, Rock Pipit, Gannet, Cm. Buzzard, Swallow

1st May
Hayle Estuary
B.H.Gull, Cm. Buzzard, Canada Goose, Shelduck, G.B.B.Gull
Mousehole
G.B.B.Gull, House Sparrow
Prussia Cove
Goldfinch, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler
Mullian Cove
Shag, Raven, Fulmar

Grey Seals at the Knavocks (close to Godrevy Island). One poor seal had some netting wrapped around it's neck.

2nd May
Hayle Estuary
We were driving past the estuary and I noticed a few birders on the main road. I jumped out of the car to find out what they were looking at, and got to see the Ring billed Gull and Med Gulls. What a stroke of luck :-)
1 Ring Billed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Whimbrel,
Gwithian
Sandmartin, G.B.B.Gull, Canada Goose, Skylark
Hells Mouth - The Knavocks - Godrevy Island
2 Kestrel, 2 Cm.Buzzard, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 40 Grey Seal, Stonechat, Rock Pipit, Swallow, Fulmar, 6 Whimbrel, G.B.B.Gull, 1 L.B.B.Gull, 1 Raven (being mobbed by a Kestrel), 4 Guillemot

Watch the birdy....!

3rd May
Mevagissey
Goldfinch, G.B.B.Gull, Shag
St.Agnes - very spartan.
1 Kestrel, 1 Stonechat, Jackdaws

Guess where I found this little fella....

4th May
Zennor - Morvah
1 Cuckoo, Whitethroat, Cm.Buzzard, Willow Warbler
Lands End
Dunnock, Linnet,
Mousehole
4 Oystercatcher, 2 Whimbrel

5th May
Port Issac
1 Grey Seal, 1 Cormorant, G.B.B.Gull, Fulmar, Kestrel

I've just spotted a Peregrine Falcon.

The light in Cornwall is so bright and radiant compared to back home. Apparently, Cornwall is very popular with Artists for this very reason...

6th May
Zennor
Kestrel, Cm.Buzzard, Whitethroat, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Gannet, Jackdaw

7th May
No birding

8th May
No birding

9th May
Lizard Point
2 Whitethroat, 2 Chough, 2 House Martin, 1 Kestrel, 1 Rock Pipit
We met some birders from Yorkshire, who had apparently seen a House Finch at Lands End the day before. They weren't sure whether it was an escapee or not.
Kynance Cove
I highly recommend visiting Kynance Cove. It's one of the most beautiful coves in Cornwall.
4 Swift, 1 Wheatear

This Pub, The Sloop Inn, in St.Ives was our local. It was built in 1312 and was very atmospheric. I tried the local brew, DOOM BAR, and it was the best pint I've had in years. Doom Bar is a bank of sand at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, and has caused many a shipwreck over the years.

10th May
Home, James.

The Furry Dance in Helston. We got to see the midday dance. The whole town celebrates this ancient custom.

Keyhaven to Lower Pennington Marshes

2010-04-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

Had a fantastic day today. Everywhere I looked, there were birds. We arrived at Keyhaven, and the first birds I saw were a pair of Wheatear. The female was sat in a hedge, the male was on the grass, and showed well. Further down the pathway, in the first lagoon, there were Shelduck, Shoveler, Pintail, Mallard, 2 Avocet, Coot, Moorhen, and a Little Grebe. Little Terns and Common Terns were fishing in the lagoon. Linnets were flying along the pathway. Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover dug away on the muddy shore. Walking round the lagoon on to an open grassy area, 2 Whitethroat, and a Greenfinch sang at the top of bushes. Swallows and Sandmartins flew overheard, catching insects. A Swift made a flyby. Lapwings and Skylarks showed their disdain at my presence. On the way back to the car, a female Kestrel preened herself while sat on a fence.

Off to Cornwall tomorrow.

Broadland Lakes & Lower Test

2010-04-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Broadland Lakes is a very popular place for fishing, but great place for birding - Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Kingfisher, Moorhen, Coot and even Peacock are always in attendance. Today, the bushes were alive with Sedge Warblers making a horrible racket, with the occasional melodious tune. Also spotted a Reed Warbler. Apparently, these 'brown jobbies' are very hard to distinguish from Marsh Warblers..?

Next stop was Lower Test, which produced a Reed Bunting, 3 Goldfinches, a Jay, 2 Song Thrushes, a flock of 30 Starlings, and 2 House Sparrows. There were also various Tits in the trees. Apparently, you can find Bearded Reedling and Cetti's Warbler at Lower Test, which would be new ticks for me.

Pig Bush

2010-04-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

I went to Pig Bush this afternoon. It's a lovely place for a walk and the forest is alive with birds. Around 6pm the bird orchestra was in full swing with Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, and various Tits singing their little hearts out. Even a pair of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers were rather vocal. Common Redstarts were in the vicinity. They certainly add a little colour to the forest. This area is great for birding, because you have three different types of habit - heath, coniferous forest and deciduous forest.

Looking forward to Cornwall. It's still touch and go.

At Last - A Little Success

2010-04-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for Dartford Warblers for some time now, and have finally found them. Went to Dibden Inclosure and saw all the usual suspects, but nothing to write home about. I ventured in a new direction this time, and having reached the top of a hill, I heard that unmistakable call. There were 3 males, all singing and showing well. Good times.

Rans Wood

2010-04-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Drove over to Rans Wood this afternoon. We used to have family walks there when I was a kid. It's great during the week, because you don't see many people, except the odd horse rider. I remembered seeing Common Redstart in Rans Wood as a kid, so thought I'd try and find some today, and I wasn't disappointed. I spotted a total of 7 Redstarts - 5 male and 2 female. What incredibly beautiful birds. One pair had nested in a tree hole, not far from my pathway. I'll be going back to get some decent photos. Other noteworthy birds:

3 Treecreeper
2 Nuthatch
2 Song Thrush
1 Cuckoo (heard only)
3 Swallow

Don't you just love this weather.....

Lepe Country Park

2010-04-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

Paid Lepe a visit this afternoon. Started off at the 'Pond' and was greeted by Long tailed Tits. Further down the track there was a G.S. Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Treecreeper and Goldcrest. Walking towards the lagoon, the hedgerows were alive with various finches - Goldfinch, Greenfinch, and Chaffinch. The lagoon was occupied by Gulls, mostly Black Headed, a couple of Canada Geese, and a few Shelduck. Seaside was quiet due to a high tide. Not a lot else to report, except some Pheasant, Red Legged Partridge, and a pair of Buzzards hunting in a neighbouring field.

I went to the driving range afterwards, and watched a pair of Wood Pigeons 'duke it out' in a fir tree. Amazingly, a Magpie came along and broke up the fight.

Might pop down to Ashlett Creek tomorrow....

Beaulieu Heath (Hilltop to Ipers Bridge)

2010-04-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Today, I walked from Hilltop to Ipers Bridge, along the heath that borders with fields and birch trees. The pathway is used mostly by horse riders, and the birds were quite friendly. I saw my first Nuthatch of the year, and heard another Cuckoo. Also, Greater Spotted Woodpeckers were making a racket as I intruded on their territory. I was hoping to spot a Dartford Warbler, but alas didn't see any erect tailed birds on top of gorse bushes.

1 Chiffchaff
3 Greater Spotted Woodpecker
1 Nuthatch
3 Treecreeper
1 Jay
1 Coal Tit
1 Linnet
Long tailed Tit
Goldcrest
2 Common Buzzard

I'm trying to learn bird song, and am already more familiar with the more common birds like Blackbird, Robin, Wren and Dunnock.

Sunday Drive Around The Patch

2010-04-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

1st stop - Dibden Inclosure
Common Buzzard
Willow Warbler
Greater Spotted Woodpecker - watched him pecking on a tree. His head was blurring.
Coal Tit
Treecreeper
Goldcrest

2nd stop - Sowley Pond
6 Great Crested Grebe
1 Little Egret

3rd stop - Lower Pennington Marshes
2 Spotted Redshank - very dark plumage and slightly larger than Common Redshank
6 Black Tailed Godwit - very distinct orange rufous breast.
4 Little Egret
3 Swallow

Dibden Inclosure

2010-04-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Visited Dibden Inclosure this afternoon. On arrival the trees were buzzing with activity. I've never seen so many Goldcrests at one time. I heard and saw my first Cuckoo of the year. One flew across my path. A very long looking bird in flight. A pair of Mistle Thrushes were canoodling in the heath undergrowth, and a female Siskin was perched on top of a gorse bush, overlooking her territory. There were a pair of Buzzards (Buteo Buteo) soaring above the forest. Later I spotted another Buzzard in flight, which lacked the dark trailing edge on the underside of the tail feathers - probably juvenile. On the way back to the car a Green Woodpecker made a flyby.

I might be shooting off to Cornwall for a little holiday soon, so there'll be plenty to see and report on. I would love to see a Chough. Apparently 'The Lizard' is the place to go...

Ashlett Creek for a Quickie

2010-04-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

As it was such a beautiful day today, I couldn't resist the urge to pop down to Ashlett Creek for half an hour, before going to my Brothers for dinner. The millpond was rather quiet with Mallard Duck and Oystercatcher. Walking along the pathway towards the Power Station, there was plenty of birdsong. Long tailed Tits were busy in the trees, also a male Blackcap showed well. Walking back towards the car, a Green Woodpecker flew across the pathway, and the local Buzzard (Buteo Buteo) was soaring high up above his patch. Back at the car, a Kestrel was hunting above the wasteland, beyond the millpond.

So, all in all, it turned out to be quite a productive half hour.

Barton On Sea - 2

2010-04-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today, we drove over to Barton and had a walk along the cliff towards Keyhaven. I was pleasantly surprised to see Swallows flying along the cliff edge, catching flies. The local Buzzard also made an appearance, and a Kestrel was hovering nearby. The Rooks and Jackdaws are so tame here; they must be used to all the walkers. Skylarks were being very vocal. Other noteworthy species were Rock Pipit, Goldfinch, Stonechat, and Little Egret.

Last weekend, we walked along Pennington Marshes and observed 3 Eider Ducks, 2 male and 1 female. Also, the Red breasted Merganser were showing well.

Roll on summer....

Lower Pennington Marshes

2010-03-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Visited Pennington Marshes today. All the usual suspects were present, including 4 Red Breasted Merganser and 6 Great Crested Grebe. A small group of 'Birders', who had travelled down from Surrey, were watching the birds with telescopes. I've only got a pair of cheap binoculars, so watching the Merganser through a high quality Swarovski telescope was a real pleasure. It's like someone had turned the light on. The Merganser had started to display. On the way back to the car, we passed some Shoveler, and there were Lapwings in a field, flying up in to the air, making their distinct call.

I've noticed a significant increase in Little Egrets and Canada Geese. They seem to be everywhere you go. Apparently, Ruddy Duck is a pest? It's a shame, because I haven't seen one yet!

Hunting for Hawfinch...

2010-03-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

After reading Birdmad's blog about seeing a pair of Hawfinches in the Blackwater Arboretum, I decided to pay a visit.

Walking towards the Arboretum there were Blackbirds and Song Thrushes mooching around the undergrowth. As we walked round in a clockwise direction, there were Coal Tits flitting about, high up in the fir trees, pecking on cones. Also, Goldcrests were hanging around the lower parts of the fir trees, showing well. Further along the pathway, we sat and scanned the tree tops, in the vein hope of spotting a Hawfinch or two. Long tailed Tits were getting busy in the nearby trees. I was overwhelmed by all the bird song.

We walked further along the pathway, with a pair of Wrens leading the way. Sitting on another wooden bench, a Robin came over and greeted us. He was very friendly, and sat on my leg for a short while. He even sang for us, in a quiet and subdued manner.

After being entertained by the Robin, we headed back towards the car park. I did spot a bird that I'm having trouble identifying:

Any ideas ?

Playing Golf = Great Birding !

2010-03-06T03:53:00.000-08:00

I went to Bramshott Golf Club with my son yesterday. We haven't played Golf for ages, so we're a bit rusty. It was a glorious sunny day, and there were plenty of birds. The Golf Club attracts huge numbers of rabbits, so it was no surprise to see a Buzzard circling above. He was on the driving range earlier, getting dive bombed by some Gulls. We also found a rabbit's head with a Carrion Crow feasting on it's brains. On the 4th hole there were of couple of rather tame Green Woodpeckers watching how badly we play lol.

Later on that afternoon, we drove down to Lepe. There was an abundance of Coal Tits at the Pond, a Jay, and various other Tits. Walking through the Park towards the Lagoon, the hedgerows were alive with various finches including Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Chaffinch. Robins were in full voice, protecting their territories. The Lagoon was full of Gulls and a few Shelduck.

A couple of days ago we were driving back from Lymington, and spotted a Barn Owl swoop down on his prey in a field. My son was impressed. I'm trying to get him in to bird watching, and that Owl certainly helped.

Gulls Galore !

2010-02-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

What a miserable day. Spotted a Raven on the heath driving towards Beaulieu. A Buzzard flew across the road on the way to Lymington. Sowley Pond was desolate with 2 Grey Heron, Mallard, Pochard, and 3 G.C.Grebe. Christchurch was overrun with Mute Swan and Coot. Also a few G.B.B Gull and L.B.B Gull (I love their red ringed eyes), and gazillions of B.H Gull sprinkled with a few Common Gulls.

Let's hope for some sunny weather...

No Beans - Only Has Beans !

2010-02-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

First stop - Sowley Pond.

All the usual suspects including G.C Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Little Egret, and couple of hybrid domestic Ducks (mentioned in an earlier post). I met a Birder called Tim, who organises birding tours in my neck of the woods. He told me about Bean Geese at Keyhaven, so that was our next stop.

Second stop - Keyhaven

We approached the marshes from Lower Pennington Lane for the first time ever, and what a treat. As soon as you step out of the car, birds galore. Lapwing, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Pochard, Teal, Shelduck, Coot, Shoveler, Moorhen and Brent Geese, but no sign of a Bean. Walking along the coast there were a pair of Goldeneye in the sea, and a female Reed Bunting was hanging around the sea wall. We headed back to the car, and drove a little further down the coast, closer to Lyminton.

Third stop - Lymington

A Fieldfare was mooching around in a field with some Redshank, Oystercatcher and a lonely Brent Goose. Walking around the lagoons, large flocks of Brent Geese were flying overhead, but not a bean to be seen. Further along there were a flock of approximately 50 Canada Geese, and a pair of Little Grebe.

A good day's birding considering the miserable weather, even though we didn't get to see the Bean Geese.

Knock knock. Who's there ?

2010-02-19T14:50:00.000-08:00

My parents had a visitor:

Took these pictures from the kitchen window.

Ashlett Creek

2010-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Nipped down to Ashlett Creek for a couple of hours. On the way down, there were a pair of Buzzards overhead. The millpond was quiet with Gadwall and a Little Egret. Further down the pathway there were Oystercatcher lurking around in the grass, and various parids in the trees including Great, Blue and Long tailed Tits. Also, a Kestrel was perched on wooden post. I made a little diversion today, as recommended by a friend, and walked up through some fields, following the hedge. There were plenty of Long tailed Tits in the hedgerows, Corvids and Wood Pigeon galore. Back to the coastal pathway, and most of the birds were too far out, as the tide was in. Walking back there were Greenfinch and Bullfinch in the trees, and a Redwing. A Little Egret was fishing in a pond and a Woodpecker was pecking away on a tree, but I couldn't see him. Back at the millpond, and a flock of Brent Geese had arrived. Also a Cormorant was diving for food.

A Dunnock has starting singing in the garden. What a beautiful song. Just need to keep the cats away.....

Barton On Sea

2010-02-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

Miserable day today. Went to Barton for a walk along the cliff and saw a Stonechat on the golf course. There were also five Moorhen close to the stream. Further along there was a Buzzard perched on a fence. I've seen him before, so this must be his patch. Nothing else to report, except for a couple of Great Black Backed Gulls, a Great Crested Grebe, and a flock of approximately 200 Brent Geese flew by in a beautiful formation.

Have to pay Broadlands a visit soon...

"If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise"!

2010-02-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful sunny day, so I decided to visit the heathland near Beaulieu to see whether I could spot a Dartford Warbler. Even though the sun was shining, there was a strong icy wind so I didn't see much at all, except for a Fieldfare, Song Thrushes, and Corvids.

As I was driving back towards the homestead, there were a couple of Buzzards on the heath, not more than 10 yards from the road. I couldn't stop due to the traffic, but they must have caught something. Further up the road another Buzzard was flying rather low over the heathland, which seemed unusual; maybe it's due to the cold weather and wind...

Last stop was where the heathland meets a fir / birch forest. I haven't walked around that patch for over 20 years, so I thought I'd pay a visit. Walking through the woodland there wasn't much to see or hear. I veered to the left, away from dog walkers, towards the setting sun. Standing there looking around, I could hear a cracking sound from the top of a pine tree. Looking up, I couldn't see anything. At first I thought that maybe it was a Grey Squirrel. Walking around the tree, I noticed a green bird nibbling on a fir cone. I look through the binoculars to see a stunning female Common Crossbill. OMG. It was like all my birthdays came at once. The amazing thing was, she wasn't frightened away by me. A little further down the tree, her partner was also feasting on a cone. He was a magnificent red specimen.

Every time I go birding, there is a realistic little list of birds in my head that I'd like to see, and Crossbill was one of them. Let's hope I can bag a few more....

Strange Looking Ducks....

2010-02-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

Not a very nice day for birding today, but still had a little success. First stop was Sowley Pond, where it was pretty dead, except for Great Crested Grebe, and a couple of Ducks that I couldn't identify. I couldn't even find them in the Collins Bird Guide. The Ducks had chocolate brown heads, caramel bodies, dark bills, and they looked slightly larger than a Mallard. I can only assume that they must have been hybrids ??? No camera :-(

Then we drove towards Lymington and spotted a Buzzard with a light cream coloured breast, sat on a fence post. I watched him from the car, and he was very obliging. There was also a Jay rummaging around in a field. Further down the road there was a Kestrel perched on a wooden electricity line post, with Greenfinches and Chaffinches in the hedgerows.

Hatchet Pond had loads of Gulls, mostly Black Headed and a couple of Common. There was also a Little Egret fishing in the shallow end of the pond.

Last stop was Rans Wood with plenty of Tits and Finches, including Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, and a lovely Treecreeper.

A Yaffle in the Rough

2010-02-05T18:51:00.000-08:00

Another glorious sunny day.
First stop was Sowley Pond with Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Pochard, Mallard, Coot and Grey Heron.
Second stop was Barton on Sea. We walked along the cliff top, between the sea and the Golf Course. There was a rather tame Green Woodpecker hanging around on the golf course, pecking the grassy rough, also a Kestrel and Buzzard.
Third stop was Keyhaven, with a Mute Swan, Kestrel, Shelduck, Teal, Little Egret, and a huge flock of Brent Geese. Egrets seem to have become more prolific in recent years. On the way back to the car, we spotted a Barn Owl hunting. It was a beautiful sight as the Owl flew towards the setting sun, the wings became a ghostly white.
Forth stop - back home for supper ;-)

Broadland Lakes

2010-02-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Paid Broadland Lakes a visit on the way home from Southampton. Haven't been there for donkey's years, and was pleasantly surprised:

Canada Goose - a flock of 50-60

Tufted Duck

Pochard

6 Great Crested Grebe

2 Kingfisher

2 Mute Swan

Coot

Moorhen

Long tailed Tit

2 Grey Heron

Song Thrush

I'm slowly starting to learn bird calls / songs. The first sound I usually hear is an alarm call from a Blackbird, Tit or Wren. Robins sing beautifully and Wood Pigeons coo.

On the way back home from the Lakes, there was a Roe Deer in a field and a Buzzard sat on top of a wooden telegraph pole.

I might be going to Egypt for a little holiday soon, so that will provide some new ticks...

Sunday Drive

2010-01-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

Took my parents for a drive, and made a few excursions on the way round to get some birding in. First stop was Sowley Pond, where most of the birds had assembled around a hole in the ice. Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, and two Great Crested Grebe were in the mainstream of the river. There were more Ducks and Gulls further up the river, but too far away to correctly identify. Note to self: need to buy a scope...

Next stop was Christchurch Quay, where you can always find Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, and plenty of Gulls, mainly Black Headed. Looking over to the salt marsh area, there were Cormorant, B.H Gull, Great Black Back Gull, Coot, Moorhen, and a flock of unidentified Waders. I'm amazed at the size of the G.B.B Gulls compared to B.H Gulls; they're huge...
Walking around the Priory there were Robin, Blue Tit, Wren, and Mallard in the river. A couple of G.B.B Gulls were perched on the steeple. Occasionally, you can see a Kingfisher going about his business, but alas he had the day off today. BTW The Boathouse at the quay, do a mean hot chocolate with cream and a flake hmm....

Driving back towards home, there were flocks of Fieldfare in the fields. It was a very enjoyable day today. I just hope that we get some more sunny days, and that the snow goes back to Siberia lol.

Buzzard Bonanza !

2010-01-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

The morning started in a promising way, when I looked out of the bedroom window and observed a pair of Buzzards circling high up in the air, like Vultures.

First stop was Lepe to check out the Avocet, but unfortunately he wasn't there. All the usual suspects were there though, including a flock of Long tailed Tit at the 'Pond', Goldfinches, and a Buzzard in the vicinity of the Pond, close to the roadside.

The I drove along the country lanes to Calshot, and spotted Pheasant and Red Legged Partridge along the way. Calshot wasn't very productive, with Shelduck, Wigeon, Redshank, and Gulls that were too far away to study.

Then it was on to Ashlett Creek with another Buzzard sat in a tree by the roadside, close to the Power Station. On arrival there was a Little Egret fishing by the Mill. Walking along the pathway toward Calshot a Woodcock flew at me, before veering away, and yet another Buzzard flew overhead. On the way back to the car, a Green Woodpecker flew close by and a couple of Shelduck, and a flock of Brent Geese had appeared in the Mill Pond. Another good day's birding.

Let's hope that the sunny weather stays for a while.

Another Good Day

2010-01-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

Drove down to Lepe again today, and on the way a Buzzard flew down the road, and landed on a branch, approximately 15 feet up, so I stopped the car, and observed this beautiful bird of prey. It surprised me the yellowness of his feet.

On arrival, I headed straight for the Avocet, and he was still there. It was 15:00, and even though it was overcast, there was still plenty of time to observe him. There were also two Great Crested Grebe in the sea, and an immature Cormorant drying himself on a wooden post.

On the way back, there were plenty of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Goldfinch and a Jay. It was very quiet at the 'Pond', except for flocks of Chaffinch, and a couple of Grey Squirrels noisily chewing on fir cones.

Driving back home through Exbury, a Little Egret flew across the road, and a bedraggled female Kestrel was sat at the top of a tree. Further down the road, a Grey Heron was standing in the middle of a field, maybe hunting for worms, as it was raining...

It's amazing what you can see, if you're observant. I still have problems finding birds in flight with the binoculars though, especially Tits and Finches. I hope that skill will come with practice....

Lepe Revisited

2010-01-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

Went back to Lepe for a couple of hours. Started off at the 'Pond', but didn't see too much there, except for some Bullfinches and two Jays. Then I followed the coastline eastward, spotting Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Brent Geese and flocks of Gulls. Studying the Gulls, I noticed one in flight, similar to a Black Headed Gull, with a fairly dark head, noticeably darker than the other Gulls, but without any black on the wings, which I can only assume to be a Mediterranean Gull. Along the pathway there were Blackbird, Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush in abundance. They seem to be prospering, which is great news, because I haven,t seen Thrushes in my garden for years. I've heard that the use of slug / snail pellets killed off their food supply. Pure genius....!?!

Further down the coastline, on the left, there is a marsh area with reedbeds. You can quite often see a Little Egret or Grey Heron there. Today, I was lucky enough to see an Avocet. OMG. I was so excited. What a stunningly beautiful bird. Unfortunately, the sun was setting, and I only got to watch her for 10-15 minutes, before it became too dark.

So, what started off as a non-event ending up being my best day's birding this year. I can't wait till tomorrow...

Lepe Country Park

2010-01-25T10:54:00.000-08:00

The sun showed it's face again today, so I popped down to Lepe Country Park for a couple of hours, until sunset. Saw all the usual suspects and a few new birds for the year including:

Pheasant
Red Legged Partridge
Green Woodpecker
Long tailed Tit
Bullfinch
Kestrel

There was also a flock of Brent Geese rummaging along the shoreline, and many Gulls, but it was already too dark to identify them.

Let's hope for some more clement weather....

The Sunday Drive

2010-01-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day today. I took my Mother for a drive around the 'manor' and managed to do a little birding on the way. Sowley Pond proved to be fruitful with:

8 Canada Geese
2 Great Crested Grebe
6 Scaup
Tufted Duck
Pochard
Mallard
Grey Heron
Cormorant

Hatchet Pond is always good for Gulls, Ducks, and Swans. Nothing special today, except for a Little Egret and a Cormorant drying his wings on a wooden post. Just across the way from Hatchet Pond is Rans Wood, where I saw a flock of Blue Tits, a beautiful Chaffinch preening himself, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew by.

Last stop was Calshot Spit and with the sun almost set, I managed to clock another Little Egret and a flock of Brent Geese. So, all in all, not a bad afternoon,s birding.

Dancing Gulls !

2010-01-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

I was walking through the park in Southampton, and couldn't quite believe my eyes - dancing Gulls:

I've been told that this marching induces worms to surface....?!

Pennington Marshes

2010-01-17T12:12:00.000-08:00

Went to Pennington marshes today, and there were plenty of birdwatchers enjoying the beautiful weather. I spotted the following birds:

Shoveler
Tufted Duck
Teal
Wigeon
Mallard
Pochard
Red Breasted Merganser
Shelduck
Little Egret
Brent Goose
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Grey Heron
Cormorant
Great Crested Grebe
Pied Wagtail
Great Black Backed Gull
Herring Gull
Black Headed Gull
Turnstone
Redshank
Greenshank
Curlew
Starling
Lapwing

A Barn Owl and an Avocet were also spotted, but unfortunately I missed out. The Merganser were spotted by an old couple, and they were gracious enough to let me use their telescope, as the birds were quite far away. I saw a flock of Brent Geese that numbered 600-800, flying in unison. Other birds were also spotted, mostly waders, but I couldn't identify them with any certainty. Hopefully, I'll be able to identify them soon. The trouble is that they all look the same....

P.S.

Driving back from Pennington marshes, I came across a herd of Fallow Deer trying to cross the road, by the cricket ground in Lyndhurst, at approximately 18:30.

Tuesday 12th January

2010-01-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Not a lot to report today. I went to see my brother, who lives locally. He's got a nice bird table with plenty of food. I spotted the following birds:

House Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Blackbird
Redwing
Jackdaw
Blue Tit
Robin
Dunnock

Robins are incredibly territorial. This one was attacking a Dunnock on the food table, even though a Blackbird was also there feeding. It was nice to see some Sparrows; my garden hasn't seen any for some time, but there are a lot of cats in the neighbourhood. I used to have Greenfinches nesting in my garden, but the cats killed them off.

I love animals, but there is definitely a conflict of interests here.....

Birding again after a 25 year hiatus !

2010-01-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

I have started birdwatching again after a 25 year hiatus lol, and decided to write a blog. In my youth we used to travel all over the place trying to see rare birds. I was never a serious 'twitcher', but managed to see some nice birds with my twitcher mates, including, Richard's Pipit, Spoonbill, Radde's Warbler, Red Breasted Goose, and Avocet.

I have written a blog about poker here for the last 4 years, documenting my journey of depravity on the green baize. I've worked in the gaming industry (casinos) for over 20 years, in many different countries, and have always liked a 'cheeky punt'.

Yesterday, I went to Hurst Castle and managed to see some lovely birds including,

Wigeon
Pochard
Mallard
Mute Swan
Lapwing
Black Tailed Godwit
Greenshank
Brent Goose
Turnstone
Oystercatcher
Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Rook
Herring Gull
Black Headed Gull

I would like to get in to bird photography sometime in the future. Lincsbirder's work is very inspirational.

Good birding....