Search for returning birds

Monday 22nd August 2016

Interesting morning. Started at Focus Optics where Tim very kindly sorted out by bins after the Leica people at the Birdfair had somehow 'disabled' them while giving them a much needed clean. Moved on to Shustoke Res. but saw nothing noteworthy. So after picking up a Gales Pasty from a farm shop on route, as you do, ended up at Mill pool, Alvecote. Counted 9 Common terns and a Common Snipe before picking up the Great White Egret in its favoured location. A Common Sandpiper was on the Railway pool and an elusive Common Redstart was found in the teal pool hedge.

Great White Egret, Mill pool, Alvecote

Common Sandpiper

In search of returning Migrants

20th August 2016

A few images from the past week's birding,despite the distractions of the Olympics, Birdfair and so on.

Spotted Redshank, Middleton Lakes RSPB

Spotted Redshank with Wood Sandpipers

Spotted Sandpiper

Marsh Harrier, one of two seen at Middleton Lakes

Marsh Harrier

I'm led to believe that the dot in the middle is a a Lesser Yellowlegs, Blythe bay, Blithfield Res.

Other waders seen at Blithfield included Curlew Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Ruff and Wood Sandpiper. Also a Hobby at Canwell, Sutton Coldfield on the return journey.

In search of returning Migrants

20th August 2016

A few images from the past week's birding,despite the distractions of the Olympics, Birdfair and so on.

Spotted Redshank, Middleton Lakes RSPB

Spotted Redshank with Wood Sandpipers

Spotted Sandpiper

Marsh Harrier, one of two seen at Middleton Lakes

Marsh Harrier

I'm lead to believe that the dot in the middle is a a Lesser Yellowlegs, Blythe bay, Blithfield Res.

Other waders seen at Blithfield included Curlew Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Ruff and Wood Sandpiper. Also a Hobby at Canwell, Sutton Coldfield on the return journey.

Whinchats at Alvecote pools

17 th August 2016

A few distant images of the Whinchats at Alvecote today.

Whinchat, Alvecote

Whinchat

Whinchat

Whinchat

Local stuff

Tuesday 16th August 2016

Not a great deal to report.Two Peregrines and two Ravens on the Caldecote walk yesterday (no sign of any returning Migrants yet) and a Hobby at Middleton Lakes RSPB this morning. Visits to Mancetter hills and Alvecote pools have also seen little movement.

Alvecote Pools

Tuesday 9th August 2016

A images few from Mill pool Alvecote today

Great white Egret

Hobby

Dunlin

Great white Egret

Pubs have their uses !

Monday 8th August 2016

After a bit of birding at Alvecote (Gt white Egret & Green Sandpiper) and a bit of shopping at ALDI (Beer, bread etc.) I made my way home along the busy A5. As I came to the end of the dual carriageway I saw a large raptor over fields near the river Anker. Clearly not another Common Buzzard I needed to check it out. But how? I needed to stop but I clearly had to get off the road but not so easily done with traffic travelling at speed. But then as I rounded the bend The Bull at Witherley, complete with convenient car park came into view. Within seconds as was on the bird with my bins. A Red Kite. Worth stopping the car for. It circled and drifted away towards the Mancetter hills.

A visit to Draycote Water

3nd August 2016

A few images from Draycote Water yesterday

Wood Sandpiper, Draycote Water

Wood Sandpiper

Wood Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper

Dunlin

Dunlin

The Purple Swamphen at Minsmere rspb

Tuesday 2nd August 2016

Well August has begun well with a trip to Minsmere in the sun yesterday and Draycote Water in the rain today. Both trips were very enjoyable. I travelled to Suffolk with John H. John B.and Steve N. We went to have a look at the Purple Swamphen which had taken up residence on one of the smaller Reed fringed pools of the reserve. We travelled overnight arriving at daybreak and joined a small group of birders to make our way to the pool. As the light came up the group started scanning the reeds, and it wasn't to long before we got our first sighting as the bird worked its way along the bases of the reeds showing very well at times.I was beginning to rue the fact I had decided to leave my camera at home for once. I'm indebted to Steve Nuttall for e'mailing me some of his excellent images.
         We made the most of, which for me was a rare visit to Minsmere RSPB. We saw part of the rich variety of species to be seen there including : Bearded Tit, Cetti's warbler,Cuckoo, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Little Stint, Greenshank, Dunlin, Curlew and Black tailed Godwit.

Purple Swamphen, Minsmere

Purple Swamphen

Purple Swamphen - all photos courtesy of Steve Nuttall

Many thanks to John Boden for driving.