Bob the Birder

Stubber's Green revisited

2012-01-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

Tree Sparrow, Whitemoor Haye, Staffs.
Caspian Gull, Stubber's Green, West Mids.

Saturday 28th January 2012

Back to Stubber's Green to check out the gulls. Quite a popular spot for Gull watching but unfortunately I just missed the near adult Iceland Gull. However, the Adult Caspian gull did put in an appearance and thankfully there were no ifs, buts or maybes about the ID. On the way back a short detour took me to Whitemoor Haye. I was joined by Mr TP who located the Little Owls and a decent flock of Tree Sparrows but there was no sign of any Corn Bunting.

Les's last Ding

2012-01-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

Les's last Ding at the Church End Brewery Tap (photo courtesy of Mark Maddox)

Thursday 26th January 2012

Forgot that Thursday was work party day at Brandon Marsh. Lots of work going on so not much bird activity except Kingfisher and woodland species. The volunteers were certainly getting on with it so well done to them. The evening saw the last shift of Les Hall, well liked and respected barman at the Church End Brewery tap. Les has worked at the tap from its beginings in 2002 and has pulled alot of pints in that time. The Thursday club made a small presentation and our best wishes go with him. No doubt he will continue to frequent a variety of Real Ale pubs in the area.

Birding has been typically quiet locally: a few Shelduck and Common Snipe at Alvecote, Grey Wagtail on the river at Mancetter and the usual woodland species at Bentley Wood.

The Warwickshire 13

2012-01-25T01:27:00.000-08:00

Beer No. 13
Wednesday 25th January 2012

Thats it, job done. The Warwickshire 13 are in the bag. After a phone call and and dash across to Tamworth to complete my mission. Appropriate as my destination was the Flare-path (RAF) club. The urgency was that they didnt have much 'Merry miner' left, but in the event the barman put one by for me. The 5% porter isnt really to my taste but I enjoyed the club atmosphere with a skittles match going on. It will be the Warwickshire 14 next month when the Nelson Inn Brewery, Ansley starts production but I understand their first 'brew' wont be ready till the middle of February. So thats it, a bit of fun to start the year.

One to go

2012-01-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

Iceland Gull, Stubbers Green, West Mids,
Iceland Gull
Beer No 12, Byatt's

Tuesday 25th January 2012
Well I've strayed on to a slippery slope now. Drinking in Wetherspoon's at 10.30 am. I'd been ringing round a few breweries, as you do, to try and locate outlets for my last 2 Warwickshire independant breweries. The Byatt's brewery told me that the Felix Holt in Nuneaton town centre had it on. I rang the pub to confirm the report and was off. Bit like twitching really, once you know its there you've just got to go, you know it could go at any time and you dont how long you've got to wait before you get another chance. In the end it was a pleasant experience and at £2.15 a pint not an expensive one. Ironically the last brewery I need is the closest to home. Again it has very restricted outlets and seems to supply mainly private clubs, perhaps I'll have to start wearing a tie if I can find one.
After lunch the persistent rain eased off, so I decided to have another look at Stubbers Mill. There were far more large gulls about, including a near adult Iceland gull.

Answers on a postcard, please.

2012-01-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

Mystery gull, Stubbers Green, West Mids.
Monday 23rd January 2012

Disappointing day at Stubbers Green, West Mids. Very few large gulls came down on the pool in the time I was there. Large numbers of gulls did circle over the old pit but only a few found their way to the pool. An Iceland gull was seen distantly in flight but that was it. A candidate for adult Caspian Gull was seen and discussed at length but although it showed a number of characteristics of Caspian, no one was very confident about its ID.

Night Heron in Warwickshire

2012-01-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

Night Heron (of captive origin), Atherstone, Warks.
Night Heron
Night Heron - no more photos please
Zander

Saturday 21st January 2011

Reports of an adult Night Heron a few miles up the A5 at Atherstone created a bit of local interest even if was always likely to be of captive origin. The bird had been seen during the previous few days but news was slow to leak out as it was in an area with very limited access.

The bird was roosting in a tree over a drained section of the Coventry canal. Dave Hutton managed to get some close up shots of the birds metal ring which suggested it had been the 'property' of Arnhem Zoo in the Netherlands at some stage. For an 'escape' the bird had been about a bit and it would be fasinating to know the details of its travels thus far.

The Ale Trail leads South

2012-01-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

Beer No.10 from the Patriot Brewery, Whichford
A pint of Gnats....

Beer/Brewery No.11 The North Cotswold Brewery

Friday 20th January 2011
With heavy rain forecast for the day I took the opportunity to travel to the extreme South of Warwickshire in the quest to sample a beer from all the breweries in Warwickshire in January. The first target was The Norman Knight, home of the Patriot Brewery in the typical Cotswold village of Whichford right on the Oxfordshire border. I enjoyed a pint of 'Gnats....' ,which was anything but. The next target proved a nightmare. I first tried a pub just outside Shipston the nearest pub to the North Cotswold Brewery in fact. They had stocked it in the past but 'had problems'. I found the brewery itself at a farm to tried and get some more up to date information. I bought a couple of bottles just in case and moved on to Moreton in the Marsh as I was told there were a couple of pubs there that had it. They didnt. If the brewery staff didnt know where their beer went I'd got no chance. Looks like the bottled stuff is as near as I'm going to get.

Lunchtime

2012-01-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

Sparrowhawk from inside the car
Beer No.9 -Saddleback bitter, Slaughterhouse Brewery

Slaughterhouse brewery

Wednesday 18th January 2012

Had a wander around Leamington Spa and would you Adam and Eve, it found a pub, The Woodlands Tavern, selling ale from the Slaughterhouse Brewery from Warwick. So just had to try one. It would have been rude not to really. The remaining Warwickshire breweries will prove more difficult as they are deep into the south of the county near the Gloucestershire border.

Thursday 19th January 2012

Popped into Broomey croft, Kingsbury to eat my lunch and was joined by a male Sparrowhawk on the lookout for his lunch. No camera of course, except my battered old phone so apologies etc but you get the idea.

The Spanish sparrow in Hampshire

2012-01-18T01:09:00.000-08:00

Spanish sparrow, Calshot, Hants.
Spanish sparrow

Spanish sparrow

Dark eyed Junco, New Forest, Hants

Dark eyed Junco

Hawfinch, Blackwater Aboretum, Hants.

17th January 2012

Met Julian at Coleshill for a day out in Hampshire. After a familiarization of the New Forest excercise Julian and I ended up in Calshot. There were only a couple of cars in the car park when we arrived but we soon got our bearings and headed up the road where we were invited into the kitchen of one of the houses. Very similar situation to the Rufous Turtle Dove twitch last year. After a short wait the Spanish Sparrow appeared in the garden. A few more visitors arrived but the kichen was never crowded and everyone got excellent views thanks to the hospitality of the house owner. After a few snaps we were on the road again for a short drive to the site were a Dark eyed Junco had been seen. It finally appeared on some fallen pine trunks and showed well if rather more distant than the sparrow. It was also a good site to see Common Crossbill in the surrounding trees. To round off the day we went to the Blackwater Aboretum again just out of Beaulieu. It was supposed to be a good place to see Hawfinch during the late afternoon and so it proved as 6 birds were seen to fly in and perch in the tops of the tallest trees.

Beer today, tomorrow THE Sparrow !

2012-01-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday- Beer No 7 from the Wood farm Brewery
Beer No. 8, Atomic Brewery, Alexandra Arms, Rugby
Monday 16th January 2012

If I'm going to complete my Quest to sample a beer from all the independant breweries in Warwickshire in the month of January I've got to get a move on. I dont want it to become a chore, I would like to enjoy every pint, and so far I have. Trouble is I'm limited to a single pint as I'm driving and I dont want to be driving all over the county anyway. I could get organised if knew certain pubs stocks the same beers but many change their 'guest' beers constantly. Even the 'breweries' change. I went to the Alexandra Arms in Rugby today after a walk round Draycote (drake Smew still there). The brewery has been renamed the Atomic brewery and the much loved Petite Blonde brewed by the former Alexandra Brewery no longer exists. Similarly with the Nelson Inn brewery, formerly Tunnel brewery, which should commence brewing shortly. It all makes things complicated, but then its just a bit of fun. At the moment its 8 down 5 or 6 to go.

Tales of the River Bank

2012-01-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

Chiffchaff, River Tame
Chiffchaff
Frost

A bit of 'Cool' photography

Frost

Beer No. 5 Pint from the WeatherOak Brewery

Beer No. 6 Pint of 'One of my Favourites, Griffon Inn Brewery

Giffon Inn Brewery

14th January 2012
Not a Water Vole in sight but a walk along the river at Dosthill/Middleton lakes did produce a Chiffchaff with a small flock of Chaffinch. Little else to report though on a fine frosty morning. It was a short walk as there were other things to be done but I did manage to squeeze in a visit to The Griffon Inn near Shustoke. What a gem, great atmosphere and terrific choice of Ales including their own brew and a beer from the WheatherOak brewery, Studley.

A bit of January sunshine

2012-01-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Kingfisher, Brandon Marsh N.R.
Bittern, over Newlands Brandon Marsh N.R.

Bittern

Sunset from the A5, the only advantage of being stuck in Friday traffic on the A5 is that you can take a few shots from the car.

Friday 13th January 2012

Glutton for punishment or slow learner? I'm not quite sure which but I decided to give the Red breasted Merganser one more shot. I just have to keep telling myself that walking backwards and fowards from one side of Draycote Water to the other is good for me. Anyway no sign of said Merg. and no second prize, at Draycote anyway. Lovely day though after the early morning mist had cleared. The drake Smew was showing well but alot more mobile than yesterday. After a coffee at Morrison's it was on to Brandon Marsh for a late afternoon stint! I had to wait some time in Carlton hide before being rewarded by first a Kingfisher and then the real prize a Bittern, flying low over Newlands. It was distant but I gather sightings have been few and far between recently so it was an excellent end to the day.

Smew at Draycote Water

2012-01-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

Smew
Thursday 12th January 2012

A day of 2 halves at Draycote Water today. First half of showers, drizzle and strong winds turning north westerly. Second half pleasant sunshine with a gentle breeze. I walked to the valve tower and back several times in the hope of seeing the Red breasted Merganser. No luck but then there were very few Goosander around the inlet. The drake Smew showed well at the Valve tower and the adult Iceland Gull was off Draycote Bank (duly reported). Other birds noted, Dunlin 2, Sparrowhawk, Bullfinch, Linnet.

Makeover for Cliff pool, Kingsbury Water park

2012-01-11T09:18:00.000-08:00

Birthday Greetings
Wedenesday 11th January 2012

Spent most of the day trying to tidy up Cliff pool on Kingsbury Water Park with a group of volunteers that Steve Cawthray had got together. The remaining bit of the Park which is designated as a Nature Reserve gets very little attention and is becoming overgrown with Willow scrub leaving very little open shoreline for passage waders in particular. When my back told me it was time to go I popped into Dosthill Water Ski centre to check the bunds for Short eared Owls. Sure enough 2 birds were quartering the mounds and showed well.

PS You have to be 65 to appreciate the card

Glaucous Gull in Warwickshire

2012-01-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Glaucous Gull, juvenile -Lawford Heath
Glaucous gull

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous gull, juvenile - just visible(honest) back,centre of flock

Beer No. 4 -Mad Goose Purity Brewery, Shilton Arms

Pint of Mad Goose

Monday 9th January 2012

Started the day with a circuit of Lawford Heath. A gathering of gulls could be seen distantly on one of the few 'green' fields, but with no real viewing point I moved on. A few Yellowhammers were seen near the farm but no sign of any Corn Bunting.

A walk round Draycote Water also produced very few birds, there was a small flock of Goosander but duck numbers seemed to be generally low, like the water level, and no sign of the hoped for Red breasted Merganser. There were few woodland species with only single Treecreeper, Sparrowhawk and Song Thrush. I decided to give the Heath another go. Good decision. At one point it was possible to view the gull flock, albeit distantly, over a couple of fields. Through a gap in the hedge sat a juvenile Glaucous gull. Outstanding. Even more outstanding when most of the flock got up and flew over my head back to the tip. I grabbed the camera and managed to get a few shots as the Glauc flew close by. All this excitement had given me a bit of a thirst so I popped into the Shilton Arms at Shilton on the way home for a pint of Mad Goose from the Purity Brewery.

Busy Day

2012-01-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

Great grey Shrike, Upper Longdon, Staffs.
Great grey Shrike
Great grey Shrike
Great grey Shrike - hovering

Great grey Shrike

Bullfinch

Stonechat

Beer 2. Church End Brewery Tap

Beer No. 3 Tunnel Brewery, Horseshoes, Nuneaton

Pint of Good Evans

Selection of Tunnel Brewery Ales

Saturday 7th January 2012
I must admit I'm struggling already with my self imposed targets for 2012. The challenges are proving to be just that. I've already missed a few birds such as Whooper Swan and Tundra Bean goose which might be difficult to get back but worse than that with a week already gone in January I've only sampled beers from 3 Warwickshire Breweries. Still its nice when you can combine the two. Take today, I started out at Upper Longdon, Staffs. It was a case of third time lucky as the Great grey Shrike was perched on the highest dead Pine when I pulled up. I had the bird to myself and was able to watch it hover for nearly a minute, something I cant remember seeing before. I moved on to the Shooting Butts area and had a good walk round looking for Crossbill. I did see Peregrine, Raven, Stonechat, Siskin and Bullfinch as well as a probable this and a possible that, flying over. It was then back to the good old Tame valley for a look round Middleton and Dosthill but there wasnt much doing so I dropped in to the Horseshoes in Nuneaton for a pint of the very LOCALe Beer from the Tunnel brewery.

Fruits of the Forest

2012-01-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

Dipper, Wyre Forest
Grey Wagtail
Wyre Forest

Friday 6th January 2012

A rare trip to Worcestershire, to the Wyre Forest to be exact. After a brief and unsuccessful look for the Tundra Bean Goose at Highgate Common near Enville, Staffs. There were a few birders looking but no sign of the Bean goose or the Greylag flock it had been with. A Green Sandpiper on the Meer Farm pools was no compensation. Moving on to the Wyre Forest the Dippers took a bit of finding but there was no sign of any Hawfinch. Besides the 2 Dipper other birds included Marsh tit, Raven, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail.

Another day in Staffs.

2012-01-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Brambling, Upper Longdon, Staffs.
Brambling

Wednesday 4th January 2012

Unfinished business in Staffs, so a swift excursion to Cannock Chase was called for but not before popping in to Kingsbury Water Park for a quick look round and to tick off Smew for the year as there were 2 Red heads at the back of Cliff pool. Pity Staffs birds arent so obliging. Plenty of Staffs birders and a few tourists from further afield like myself but unfortunately no Great grey Shrike. Again there was a strong breeze but the rain didnt arrive so there was a good opportunity to have a stroll round. Best birds were undoutedly a small flock (I saw 6) of Brambling in the Larches and Beeches adjacent to the Clearfell area. There was also a big (200+) flock of Siskin/Redpoll and a pair of Raven.

Targets

2012-01-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

Pint No 1 -The Warwickshire Brewing Co.Market Tavern, Atherstone

Every year at this time I set my self targets, usually related to Birding - a Warwickshire year list, a West Mids year list, a self found list, that sort of thing. I've never been one for New year's resolutions and I have health and safety issues with home improvement projects like decorating. Ladders and paint brushes dont mix. Leave it to the professionals I say, or just leave it. Anyway to get out of the January doldrums I've set myself 2 challenges. How long they will last is anybodies guess but I'm setting off with good intentions. Challenge 1 - as already mentioned the aim is to sample a beer from each brewery in Warwickshire during January. Challenge 2 is to see as many species as possible in the West Mids during the year (hence the enthusiasm for visiting Staffordshire). Actually its Worcestershire I have problems with. The last time I did a West Mids list in the year 199? I can remember wasting a day at the back of beyond searching for a reported Little Bunting in a crop field which either turned into a Chaffinch or developed Birder phobia.

So I'm a little wary of chasing everything and anything. I love watching the more unusual species that turn up in the Midlands so I think I'll be quite selective and see how it goes.

A day in Staffordshire

2012-01-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

Monday 2nd January 2011
The plan was to focus a days birding around Staffs and try and see a number of good local species in the same area. First stop was Gailey reservoir to see the Black Redstart which showed really well on the shoreline near the Sailing clubhouse. Unfortunatey I missed the Med. Gull by about 10 minutes but saw the first Nuthatch and Grey wagtail of the year. I teamed up with Gailey regular Steve Richards to drive the few miles up the M6 to Doxey marshes at Stafford. The aim being to see a wintering Water pipit. The pipit proved extremely elusive, Steve heard the bird call a couple of times but the bird didnt show for nearly 2 hours. Eventually it left the reeds and perched up in a bush for a few seconds. Steve managed to confirm the ID through his scope but I couldn't get on the bird before it flew back to the reedy margins in front of us. At least we now knew where the bird was. After another wait the bird gave itself up and showed well for a short time. Other 'marsh' species were a Kingfisher and a pair of Stonechat. I had planned to move on to the Great grey Shrike at Upper Longdon but with the wind getting stronger and the temperature dropping decide to head back. I'd enjoyed my day in Staffs. must go back again one day !

The Birding Year

2012-01-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

1st January 2012
2011 was an interesting Birding year which could and should have been so much better. Locally it was below average in terms of quantity of species seen and quality. Only 1 new species was added to my County list, the Earlswood Night Heron. My first 'Self found' County list ended up with a meagre 122. There were several notable birds missed; Turtle Dove, Black Redstart, Slavonian Grebe and Corn Bunting to name a few. A reflection of my lack of effort and the increasingly scarce status of these species in the County. A total of 155 species seen in the county over the year. Only 7 species better than the worst ever total in 1998. On a more positive note 3 birds were added to my Midlands list; Rufous Turtle Dove, Pied Wheatear and Desert Wheatear.
Nationally despite adding 4 new birds to the UK list and a couple of new sub species it was a tale of what might have been if I'd made a decision at the right time. Letting so many good birds slip through your fingers is annoying but I only have myself to blame.
A couple of Birding trips; one to the Shetland Isles and one to Kuwait were very different but both very rewarding in terms of birds seen, different experiences and friendships. Talking of friends, many thanks to all those who have offered information or lifts or both and made it such a great birding year. Have a great 2012 one and all.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

Peregrine, Dordon fields
Peregrine

Golden plover, initially a small flock of 9 was joined by another flock of 15

Golden plover

Christmas Eve

A short walk over the fields at Dordon produced a pair of Peregrine falcon and a flock of Golden plover.

Sunday 1st January 2012

After a suberb late full english cooked by our hosts for New year's eve in Leamington, a bit of a gentle stroll round Draycote on the way home seemed a sensible thing to do. Jan and I walked round to the valve tower. I kept an eye out for the Red breasted Merganser and Shag but to no avail. There were 40 or so Goosander and then a white winged Gull was picked out just off the over flow channel. What a great start to the New year's birding, crackin views of an adult Iceland Gull. We continued along towards the Valve tower but only saw a single Little Egret. By the time we got back to the overflow there was no sign of the Gull but a motor boat had been driving around for no apparent reason, flushing birds as it went.

A local walk

2011-12-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

An area of scattered Hawthorns which attracts a number of passage migrants such as Redstart in the Autumn as well as good numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare in winter.
Fieldfare
Redwing

Spoil heaps from local Quarries

Paths cut across stubble fields which attract flocks of Skylark, Meadow pipit and Linnet

Skylark

The river Anker

The flood meadows attract passage migrants such as Wheatear and Yellow wagtail in spring,

Reed Buntings are regular in river side vegetation and hedges

Bridge over the river Anker

Open fields and hedges attract Whinchat on passage

The area of rough grassland and Docks are worth checking for Stonechat while Grey Heron can be seen anywhere along the river.

I only got the briefest of glimpses of Kingfisher today but they can be seen from several bridges which cross the river.

The flood meadows support at least 4 Kestrel

Rough grassland and fragments of Woodland, which still support Nuthatch,Treecreeper and both Great spotted and Green Woodpecker.

Rough grassland

Lane down to the Riding stables

The Sheepfields are good for Yellow wagtail, and even attracted Blue-headed Wagtails 2 years ago.

The Coventry canal, there must have been some sort of competition going on near the Marina. I often wonder why fishermen need poles to allow them to fish 6 inches from the far bank when they could just walk round to the opposite bank and use a 'normal' rod. All the blokes were in deep concentration or bloody miserable as they either completely ignored me or grunted a response when I quipped that I was too old to be limbo dancing under or hurdling over the poles that stretched over the tow path.

I only managed to see a single Redpoll today , but the canal side Alders usually have flocks of Goldfinches and sometimes Lesser Redpoll and Siskin.

The canal continues north passing Mancetter and Atherstone before leaving Warwickshire near Polesworth.

The Anchor pub, journeys end.

Wednesday 28th December
Seems like I haven't been out of the house over Christmas so a bit of exercise was needed today.So I took the camera out for a bit of a jaunt. The walk is about 5 miles using paths and canal towpaths around the hamlet of Caldecote which is between Nuneaton, Atherstone and Hartshill. Other birds which have been seen on this walk in the past include Great white Egret, Grey Partridge, Grey Wagtail, Reed warbler and Tree sparrow.

Dream on

2011-12-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve
Wish I'd got a stunning image of a Hawk Owl on a snow covered pine stump in Bentley Woods, Atherstone this morning but couldnt even manage any snow, so the fantasy goes on. I cant even manage a Robin on a bit of Holly so you will all have to make do with my Best wishes for a happy Christmas and the odd Mega in the new year.

Volunteers wanted !

2011-12-22T09:15:00.000-08:00

Thursday 22nd December 2011
The shortest day of the year was also one of the sunniest, a great day to be away from the shops and a great day to be out enjoying open spaces. The few birds I did see around Kingsbury Water Park were also enjoying unseasonably mild weather. Little Egret, Kingfisher and Common Snipe looked particularly respendant on Cliff pool from the canal hide. A fellow watcher from the hide was ecstatic about the behaviour of the Kingfisher trying to stun a fish at such close range. Clearly a novice with her Mitchell Beazley Birdwatcher's Guide at the ready it was great to see the excitement watching birds can generate and the pleasure watching relatively common birds can give. Cliff pool was one of the venues I visited regularly when I rediscovered Bird watching, as it was then called, back in the 1980s. It has been somewhat neglected of late and Steve Cawthray is organising workparties to try and improve the habitat.

The first session is on Wednesday 11th January 2012. Volunteers are asked to meet at Broomey Croft at 10.00am.

Is it Christmas yet ?

2011-12-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 21st December
Pre Christmas birding has been typically quiet. A bit of birding here and there in between visits to various butchers to buy the traditional festive pork and game pies etc. I'm in charge of cold meats and pickles you see, which I suppose is reasonable as 50% of my family is vegetarian. I'm also in charge of alchohol, enough said. Although I should perhaps mention the brewery challenge. The challenge is to sample a pint of ale from each of the 12 independant breweries in Warwickshire during the month of January when the birding is a bit slow. I've already started my research and come up with a complication straight away. The Tunnel brewery, formally based at the Lord Nelson is moving to a farmhouse a couple of miles away and the Lord Nelson is setting up its own brewery at the pub and hopes to be up and running in January.
Highlights of various local walks in the last couple of days has produced Raven at Bentley woods and Kingfisher on the Coventry canal near Mancetter, like I said, its a bit quiet.
Had a walk round Middleton Lakes yesterday but same story, a single Redshank, Water Rail and 25 or so Golden plover, while at Middleton Hall lake there was another Redshank and 2 Green Sandpipers. The gull roost at Coton was also also disappointing with only one Yellow legged Gull and another Water rail.

Bird of the Day

2011-12-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

Common Snipe, Brandon Marsh N.R.
Thursday 15th December 2011
Bird of the Day: Common Snipe - Brandon Marsh, Good views from East Marsh hide but not much else around at Mid-day except the work parties hard at it on Newlands. Best of the rest: Sparrowhawk, Golden plover, Bullfinch, Kingfisher and Cetti's warbler.

More Ducks

2011-12-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Eider, Rudyard Lake, Staffs.
Tuesday 13th December 2011

Well Duck in the singular. Went in search of a lonely drake Eider on Rudyard lake in North Staffs. Again a lovely area to explore with the moors and wooded valleys not far away. Met up with Graham Mant who wanted to lead me to a secret spot for Dipper watching after viewing the Eider. Trouble was, it was so secret Graham couldn't find it. So once again I dipped on Dipper. It started to snow a bit so I left Graham to search the moors. I hope he finds his way back OK. As to whether the Eider is real or not I wouldn't like to say. The only other one I've seen inland was on a small lake in Worcestershire. They very occasionally do turn up in the Midlands but I'm still waiting for my first Warwickshire Eider.

Day for Ducks

2011-12-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

Pintail, Draycote Water, Warks.
Pintail, 3 of the 4 birds on site today

Pintail, a rather scruffy looking 1w

Red breasted Merganser

Dunlin

Monday 12th December 2011
Visited Draycote Water this morning. Despite the almost cloudless skies and light wind there were very few visitors around. I was joined by Francoise complete with bicycle, camera and off-piste skiing jacket, along Hensborough bank. She spotted a pair of Pintail straight away. Other Draycote regulars were in fine form as Bob and Keith had located the female Red breasted Merganser on Draycote Bank. I did manage to locate 4 Dunlin for myself, which were flying around with a flighty flock of Lapwing but Bob ended up Top birder for the day with a female Common Scoter on the opposite shore from the Sailing club.

Blue Birds

2011-12-11T02:21:00.000-08:00

Roller, Cyprus
Little green Bee-eater , Israel
Kingfisher, Brandon Marsh

White headed Duck, Turkey

Blue cheeked Bee-eater, Turkey

Palestine Sunbird

Jay, Lesbos

Blue Rock Thrush, Morocco

Blue headed Wagtail, Cyprus

Azure Tit, Finland

Red flanked Bluetail, Shetland Isles

Sunday 11th December 2011

Continueing the theme of the colour Blue, I've dug out a few images of 'blue' birds to brighten up a fairly dull December day.

Blue is the colour

2011-12-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

Friday 9th December 2011
Garden stuff, - building up a nice little feeding group of House sparrows, hardly worth a mention a few years back but numbers have fallen alarmingly in my area. A nice change from Blackbirds and Woodpigeons. Also 8 unidentified geese heading SW, this morning ,definitely black geese and definitely not Canadas so may have been Brent.
Bit of local birding on what started out as a lovely morning weatherwise. A stroll round Caldecote Hall produced a number of regular species including: Skylark c60, Kestrel 3, Peregrine imm., Heron 3, Sparrowhawk, Stock Dove 15, Green Woodpecker and Mistle Thrush. Numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare were much lower than last week. It was then on to Bentley Woods. About 25 Chaffinch and Pied wagtail were feeding in the Maize stubble field at the entrance. Further into the wood a mobile finch flock fed in the Larch trees, among the Redpoll, Siskin and Goldfinch were 3 Crossbill. Other birds seen or heard were Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Greater spotted Woodpecker and Common Buzzard. Unfortunately my visit was cut short by a heavy shower.
And another thing;
Claret and blue is good, blue on a Kingfisher is stunning, blue on a Red flanked Bluetail amazing but blue Christmas lights draped around somebodies garage door like the entrails of a radioactive cow I find frankly, quite gawdy, Its an age thing I know but I dont find the penetrating electronic blue which seems so popular this year in any way attractive or in the least bit Christmasy. There, I've said it, my little rant is over. A couple of months ago it was Chinese lanterns polluting the countryside, today its blue lights next year I'll find something else to moan about I'm sure.

Doors, floors and a Drake Smew

2011-12-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

Smew,Middleton Lakes RSPB, Staffs.
Smew

Smew

Wednesday 7 th December 2011

Not much time for birding today, had to supervise the laying of the flooring in the kitchen. When I say supervise I mean I was there. Have I already bored everyone with the Saga of our kitchen? Its worth a blog of its own. I will just tell you the latest episode though, the bit before the flooring was put down. The idea was to have a new kitchen door and while we were at it a new front door as well. Well when the doors came they were the wrong way round. The house number, knocker etc. what they call in the trade the furniture was on the inside. I kid ye not. I mean I know where I live, at least most of the time if you dont count Thursdays, so whats the game. I give up. Just dont mention home improvements at the moment. One day it will all be alright, I hope. Anyway did manage a mini bird at Middleton Lakes on the way to Sutton Coldfield. The drake Smew was in evidence and the 3 Dunlin were seen in flight with flocks of Lapwing and Golden plover.

Around the Tame valley

2011-12-04T02:09:00.000-08:00

Water Rail, Ladywalk N.R. - Water Rail numbers undoubtedly declined during the severe early winter weather last year. This showy individual at Ladywalk may well become a popular attraction during the coming winter period.
Water Rail

Water Rail

Little Egret

Sunday 4th December 2011

Visited a good many sites in the Tame valley, in an area between Coleshill and Tamworth, over the past week. A brief summary of some of the birds seen: Shustoke- Siskin, Whitaker Heath- Coal tit, Ham's Hall - Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff and Grey Wagtail, Ladywalk: Bittern, Water Rail, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Cetti's warbler, Tawny Owl, Grey Wagtail, Coton: Cetti's warbler, Kingsbury W.P. Little Egret, Middleton Lakes: Dunlin, Redshank, Golden plover, Goldcrest, Lesser Redpoll, and Stonechat. Nothing to get too excited about but I'll keep looking and enjoy what does turn up locally.
And by the way: if anyone has tried to contact me by e'mail and wonders why the ignorant so-and-so hasnt bothered to reply it aint entirely my fault. Ive had to get a new e'mail address and cant access messages sent to the old one. Sorry but Talk- Talk arn't very cooperative when it comes to Talk,talk. Similarly with the comments on the blog. I cant reply to those good folk kind enough to make positive comments. Sorry, particularly regular contributors like Max and John and Sue from Cornwall.

Bittern Naturally

2011-11-29T01:25:00.000-08:00

Bittern, Ladywalk N.R.
Bittern
Water Rail

Water Rail

Thursday 1st December 2011

I had neglected Ladywalk recently, so decided to give it a go today. The bushes on the walk down to the hides seemed to hold good flocks of winter thrushes, with Bullfinchs and Great spotted Woodpeckers also showing. A grey wagtail was also seen on the puddles formally known as the fishing pools. From Hide B I only had to wait a matter of a few minutes before the Bittern was seen creeping through the reeds. Although it was never out in the open it was still a treat to see such a magnificent bird. It flew further along the reed bed and showed briefly before disappearing completely for the rest of the afternoon. A Water rail was seen moving restlessly in the reeds and a Sparrowhawk was seen at close quarters. Other birds seen on the reserve included roosting Tawny Owl, and Goosander with Cetti's warbler heard at the North end.

Desert Wheatear in the Midlands

2011-11-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

Desert Wheatear, female, Clee Hill, Shropshire
Desert Wheatear
Saturday 26th November 2011

I travelled to Clee Hill near Ludlow in the depths of Shropshire with Steve Haynes to see a female Desert Wheatear. Steve was familiar with this probably underwatched area. It was certainly new to me though. The Wheatear had been in an area of derelict buildings just below the car park near the summit of the hill. The bird was in view as we parked up, appearing briefly on the top of a grassy bank before disappearing over the other side. There were also a good many familiar faces from the West Mids birding fraternity many with cameras. There was alot of movement as birders attempted to get better views which in turn made the bird mobile although thankfully it stayed in the same general area. Eventually the bird settled in a mossy hollow and gave everyone excellent views. The bird found some relief from the strong westerly wind in the hollow while the birders made their own arrangements to avoid the cold blast on the more exposed slopes as the wind continued to strengthen. On the way back we checked out a site for Dipper but only managed a Kingfisher. Despite the heavy cloud cover the views across the miles of unspoilt countryside were outstanding. An area I would certainly like to visit again.

First Bittern of the Winter

2011-11-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

Bittern, Brandon Marsh N.R., Warks.
Bittern
Bittern

Bittern

24th November 2011

Visited various sites in the Tame valley today but didnt see much. Drew a blank at Shustoke. When I say blank I mean I didnt see anything that I wont see every time I go over during the next 4 months. Had Common Snipe and Cettis warbler at Coton but again nothing at Kingsbury Water Park, Dosthill or Fishers Mill. Four Dunlin were seen in flight with the Lapwing flock and 4 Goosander flew down the river at Middleton Lakes RSPB. A Sparrowhawk nearly took my head off as it flashed across the canal but that was about it.

25th November 2011

Brandon Marsh was the venue for a few hours birding today. The East Marsh hide proved to be the most productive as it provided my first Bittern of the winter, although they've been around for a while. The bird was seen to fly in and showed well, if distantly for 10 minutes or so.

Humming bird? I dont think so.

2011-11-22T08:18:00.000-08:00

Stonechat, Middleton Lakes, RSPB. Staffs
Stonechat

Stonechat

Tuesday 22nd November 2011

More like 'the old days' today at Middleton Lakes RSPB with the hardcore regulars outnumbering the visitors. The birdlife too was pretty regulation. Numbers of winter thrushes had increased to several hundred and numbers of Wigeon and Golden plovers had increased since my previous visit. There were still a few Dunlin about according to Geoff Williams, and a single Common Snipe was feeding with Lapwing on the 'New Reedbed' pool. At least 4 Little Egrets were seen dotted about but no sign of any SE Owls. A 1st winter Stonechat popped up near the track at the North end of the reserve and did a very good impression of a humming bird but that was as exciting as it got.

Great grey Shrike on Cannock Chase

2011-11-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

Great grey Shrike, Cannock Chase, Staffs.
Great grey Shrike

Great grey Shrike

Monday 21st November 2011

A few images of the wintering Great grey Shrike around the shooting butts area of Cannock Chase. Again chose the perfect day for photography, heavy mist and drizzle but managed to get a few images when I eventually found the bird nearly a mile away from its favoured Holly bush.

White fronted Geese and Flying Weasels

2011-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

White fronted Geese, Adult and Juvenile, Draycote Water
Weasel
Weasel

Weasel

Flying Weasel

White fronted Geese

19th November 2011

It was destined to be another gloomy day at Draycote Water. As I drove past Coventry it became quite foggy and prospects of seeing anything at Draycote didnt look good. However, when I got there it was possible to make out the 10 White fronted geese although they were distant. Fortunately on a later visit to Toft they were seen in flight and then much closer in the field next to the service road. A Weasel provided some entertainment as it ran over the rocks near the visitors centre until confronted by workmen. It then retraced its steps, again at high speed. Meanwhile, other birds seen included female Common Scoter, 3 Dunlin, Adult Yellow legged Gull, and Grey Wagtail. Minor irritation was caused by a small dog called Mollie with a liking for Denim. I fantasised about a large eagle species swooping down and carrying the dear little thing off. I also had to content with gangs of cyclists in yellow passing, silently at Mach speed, but apart from that it was a pleasant enough walk round.

Other 'Eastern' birds

2011-11-17T01:38:00.000-08:00

Eastern Yellow wagtail, Sumburgh Farm, Shetland
Eastern Yellow wagtail
Eastern Yellow wagtail

Eastern Yellow wagtail

Thursday 17th November 2011

There seems to be a debate developing on the status of eastern forms of a number of species familiar in the U.K. fuelled by the late influx of 'eastern' birds recently. I can offer no insight into the status of such species or sub-species, I'll leave that to the 'experts' but I can offer some images of what was suggested was an eastern Yellow wagtail taken on the Shetland Isles this autumn.

Comparison of sub-species of Black Redstart

2011-11-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

Black Redstart, Margate, Kent
Black Redstart

Black Redstart, Eastern Turkey, June 2009

Black Redstart, Morocco, 02.10

Black Redstart, Coleshill, Warks.,02.09

Black Redstart, Coleshill, Warks.

Monday14th November 2011
Travelled down to Kent today with Tony Shepherd to see perhaps one of the rarest birds to visit our shores this year- an interesting Eastern sub species of Black Redstart. We set off at mid day on a dismal day which got gloomier as we crossed the Thames. With speed restrictions on the M25 and the fog getting thicker we began to wonder if we would make it in time. We did, and were rewarded with excellent views as the bird fed on the sand and mud at the end of a concrete ramp with Turnstone and Rock pipit.

Have included a number of other images of Black Redstart encountered on my travels for comparison.

Bewick swans arrive in Warwickshire

2011-11-13T01:30:00.000-08:00

Bewick Swans, part of a group of 9 at Mill pool, Alvecote,Warks.
Bewick Swans

Bewick swan

Bewick swan, adult and juvenile

Putative 1w Scaup

13th November 2011

A significant movement of winter migrants occured through North Warks over the past couple of days with sightings of small groups of Whooper and Bewick Swans, White fronted and Brent geese. Only the party of Bewick swans (7 adults and 2 juvs.) on Mill pool, Alvecote stayed for any length of time but with easterly winds forecast for next week there is a good chance other wintering species may be found in the county. A putative 1w Scaup caused a bit of head scratching showing features of both Tufted and Scaup so hybrid cannot be ruled out. Unfortunately the photos are probably too distant to be a great help.

Dreary days

2011-11-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Dunlin

Tuesdsay 8th November 2011

This week has been dedicated as putting in a new kitchen week. Not by my good self you understand. No, by people who do know one end of a Screwdriver from the other. There have been sacrifices Microwave meals and not much birding spring to mind although a few meals out have been pleasant. Today I did manage to get out and do a local patch round Caldecote. It was a typical November morning, damp, grey with rain in the air. Nothing unusual in the bird line but a definite increase in numbers of Skylarks, Meadow pipits, Linnets and Reed Bunting. The Linnet flock was c100 birds with perhaps 30 Skylarks and slightly fewer Meadow pipits. I think I'll have to take a scope to check out the flocks more thoroughly. Very little else though apart from a Fieldfare/Redwing flock, Grey Heron and couple of Kestrels. I stopped to chat to a couple of fellas ferreting, who were having quite a successful day. They commented that the Rabbits were in excellent condition. I presume that was prior to them being dispatched after being netted.

Wednesday 9th 2011

Its official Dead Fish are more important than Living Birds. Thats according to the people running the fishing at Draycote Water. I suspected this during the summer after witnessing some brainless individual trying to run 3 Cormorants out of town by chasing them around for nearly an hour in a inflatable. Not much success with the Cormorants but did manage to disturb the rest of the wildlife using the Reservoir. Then today it was reported to me that the same people felt no responsibility towards protecting the wildlife on the reservoir or cooperating with the birders in anyway. OK, the fishery is a business, people may have invested their life savings into it and expect a financial return but in taking on a business so dependant on the natural environment they take on a certain responsibility for that environment in the same way any landowner would? Climbing off high horse there was bit of birding to be done. It must have been a while since I went to Draycote last because the water level was an all time low at least since the 90s anyway. Unfortunately I missed seeing both the Purple Sandpiper and the fly over Brent geese.

A rock pipit was seen briefly and there was a small flock of 13 Dunlin and a single Redshank at the overflow. Meanwhile back at the mansion its time to make the kitchen fitters another cup of tea.

Short eared Owls at Dosthill Lakes, Warks.

2011-11-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

Short eared Owl, Dosthill Lakes, Warks.
Short eared Owl

Short eared Owl

Short eared Owl with prey

Short eared Owl

Saturday 5th November 2011

Two Short eared Owls were seen both on the ground and hunting over the bunds at the Water skiing centre at Dosthill lakes. The Owls were active just after midday despite persistent drizzle but 'disappeared' when the rain stopped and people, including birders, walked on top of the bunds. Other species seen included Little Egret, Green Woodpecker, Meadow pipit, Kestrel and Common Snipe. There was also a large flock c50 Goldfinch on Rush Lane, Dosthill.

Squacco Heron, Attenborough NR, Notts.

2011-11-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

Squacco Heron, Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottingham
Squacco Heron, the bird drew large numbers of local admirers, also some, like myself travelling as far as from the West Midlands. The Squacco's favoured feeding area, under a railway bridge over the River Erewas allowed good viewing from the adjacent road bridge and prevented the over enthusiastic getting too close.
Squacco
Squacco

Squacco

Operation Daylate

2011-11-02T01:29:00.000-07:00

2nd November 2011
Operation Daylate began in the early hours of Monday morning. It was a typical early morning jaunt with a local fox carrying a rat and a Barn Owl seen on route to the secret airfield hidden on an Industrial estate somewhere in North Yorkshire. Skylarks could be heard as the other members of the group arrived as dawn broke. The air was full of expectation. The pilot arrived, the mission was set. We lounged in the easy chairs or paced the worn carpets of the reception area. We waited for word. Communications, so vital to the success of the mission, were checked and re checked. Our 'eyes on the ground' was in position, waiting, searching. As the minutes rolled by anxiety started to show. Still no word. Another group had travelled by sea and would now be on site but still no intell. Contigencies were discussed as the minutes turned into hours with still no sign of our objective. Things were becoming serious, we could not longer hide our disappointment with the odd witty remark or tales of twitches past. Deadlines were set and reset but 'GO' never came, the Siberian Rubythroat had gone. The mission was aborted - a day too late. The views of Squacco heron at Attenborough Nature Reserve on the way back were no consolation.

Pied Wheatear in Gloucestershire

2011-10-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Pied Wheatear, 1w female - Oldbury on Severn, Gloucs.
Pied Wheatear
Pied Wheatear
Pied Wheatear
Pied Wheatear

Pied Wheatear

Severn Bridge

Wednesday 26th October 2011

In the shadow of the Severn bridge lies Thornbury Sailing Club which played host to a delightful 1w female Pied Wheatear today. The bird favoured the Sailing club buildings and thanks to the good will of the members of the club, birders were allowed free access to the site and enjoyed excellent views of this unexpected visitor to the western side of the UK.

New arrivals

2011-10-25T01:52:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 25th October 2011
Its been a frustrating few days. After getting over the irony of the Siberian Rubythroat turning up at 'our' patch a couple of days after we'd left the Shetland Isles, I chickened out of the opportunity to go back twice. Once because of the fact I knew I would be severely sea sick and the other due to the imminent arrival of my second grandchild. Good birds continued to arrive but I backed losers everytime; Rufous tailed Robin, Scarlet Tanager....alot of mileage for nought. The Scilly ticks continued to nag but I didnt want to be away for more than a day. The arrival that really mattered was on Sunday, a little girl. Mother and baby doing fine. I can catch up with Northern Waterthrush and Siberian Rubythroat another time. Arrgh!

Grey Phalarope at Daventry

2011-10-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

Grey Phalarope, Daventry C.P.
Grey Phalarope
Grey Phalarope

Grey Phalarope

21st October 2011
Rather than brooding over the Rubythroat twitch which I decided against I took myself of to Daventry for another go at the Grey Phalarope. Scant consolation I know but it was something and at least this time the bird was close enough for a good look and even a couple of snaps.
22nd October 2011

My patch watch around Merevale near Atherstone was interupted by a phone call about another potential twitch to Cornwall. T S and I agreed there was no point in setting off straight away but there might be something on tomorrow. I resumed the walk around Legion Wood but it was generally quiet both on the ground and overhead.

Little to report

2011-10-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 18th October 2011
After the activity of the weekend, the birding action is experiencing a bit of a lull with very few new birds being found while the strong westerly/north westerly airflow continues. The southern end of the Tame valley seemed very quiet with only a single Green Sandpiper at Lea Marston and the same at Cliff pool. A handful of Fieldfare were seen to fly over and there seems to be a population explosion of Coots but little else to report.

Left overs

2011-10-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Curlew, Pool of Virkie
Olive backed Pipit, Baltasound
Search for the American Buff-bellied Pipit, Quendale
American Buff-bellied Pipit
Eider, Grutness

Local Brew

Porpoise, Quendale Bay

Long tailed Ducks, Grutness Bay

Black Guillemot

Guillemot

Sea Urchin

View from the digs

Common Seal

Monday 17th October 2011

A final few images from the Shetland Isles trip and a comment on another dip this Autumn. I knew it wouldn't be there or even if it was I wouldnt see it for one reason or another. No I knew from the start there was no chance of adding Rufous tailed Robin to my list. Why did I go then when the whole episode had dip written all over it ? Its a birding thing, we'll leave it at that. Anyway taking the positives, it was great to be back in Norfolk on such a glorious day, but are there always so many birdwatchers about? After leaving Wareham Green John Terry and I moved on to Holme NOA where it was good to see so many familiar faces. The West Mids was well represented. We can dip as well as any of them. I did get good, albeit brief views of the main attraction, a Red flanked Bluetail. Amazing really, considering the bird was very mobile and the large number a people on site. The only other highlight was a roosting Tawny Owl.

PS Respect to the Welsh Rugby team in the World Cup !

Spoonbill at Draycote Water

2011-10-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Spoonbill, Draycote Water

Spoonbill

14th October 2011

News from the Scillies, 'There is a Spoonbill at Draycote' an unusual way to find out about a local scarcity but the phone call from John Judge was none the less welcome. Unfortunately I was involved in that most delightful activity choosing tiles for the kitchen. Pretty high up in my list of things I dont want to spend my life doing. Anyway I got away eventually and with confirmation from Kevin Grewcock and Dennis Woodward that it was still there I headed off. It was another glorious day when I arrived and the paparazzi were there to greet me. Having already filled their boots it was a little frustrating that the bird was out of sight but it wasnt too long before the juvenile Spoonbill came into full view and I was clicking away with the best of them.

The end is in Sight

2011-10-16T02:20:00.000-07:00

'Eastern' Yellow Wagtail
Yellow Wagtail

Yellow Wagtail

Sunday 16th October 20 11

I'm playing catch up at the moment trying to finish off the Shetland Isles saga and doing some local birding with the odd big dip thrown in for good measure. Anyway returning to Shetland our last day saw a return to more southerly winds after being battered by westerlies for a week. We had time for a mornings birding before our flight home and concentrated on the Sumburgh area. A yellow wagtail had been reported near the hotel and it wasnt too long before we located it on the track up to the farm. It was an interesting bird with only the slightest hint of yellow in the plummage. It had been suggested it might have been of 'eastern' origin. Now fieldcraft or lack of it is often mentioned when it comes to Birding and Bird photography. Blending in with the habitat is important. Many people get dessed up to make themselves look like a tree but birds aint daft, they know trees dont move about. A good way if you must move closer is to find a herd of cows. Wagtails quite often associated with cows, and move with them. Health and Safety warning: avoid herds with Bulls or calves. Anyway using aformentioned fieldcraft skills I managed to get a couple of shots and a taste for grass.

Back to the Patch and beyond

2011-10-14T01:36:00.000-07:00

Wheatear (this bird was photographed the previous week on the Shetlands but you get the idea)

Wednesday 12th October 2011

I extended my usual walk around Caldecote Hall, feeling the need for some exercise and in the hope there might be a few migrants around. The fields were now bare but there seemed to be plenty of birds around with maybe 30 Skylarks, with fewer Meadow pipits Linnets and Reed Buntings.The highlight though were 3 Wheatears showing well next to the track.

RockPipit

Thursday 13th October
I was slow to react to a call from Kevin Grewcock about the Grey Phalarope at Daventry. Had it been in Warwickshire I might have got my backside in gear a bit quicker. Anyway by the time I got there it was fairly distant and got even more distant as the morning wore on. Nice bird though and there were flocks of Redwings going through and Golden Plover trying to make up there minds whether to land or not. I moved on to Draycote Water to catch up with the Rock Pipits but didnt see much else apart from the odd Dunlin

Shetland Isles 2011

2011-10-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Olive backed Pipit, Baltasound, Unst
Citrine Wagtail, Fleck

Citrine Wagtail

Grey Plover, Grutness

7th October 2011

It was becoming a bit of a ritual now - the daily search for Earl Gray's Rosefinch. It was only a Common Rosefinch and I did see it for a Nano second but it was now a personal thing, a mountain that had to be climbed. Again as yesterday I didnt even reach base camp. So what were the pluses. A smart Grey Plover at Grutness, a couple of Little Gull, along with a large group/pod of Porpoise in Quendale Bay, Pallid Harrier and Short eared Owl on the deck trying to keep out of the wind and Oh yes an American Golden Plover. All near Quendale.

8th October 2011

The day took a long time to get going, just like England in the Rugby World Cup. Unlike England though our day ended on a high. After watching the Rugby we headed South. The Quendale/Brake area had produced good birds throughout the week and so it continued with not one but two Common Rosefinches in the same field as the Isabelline Shrike.Thank Gawd for that. I celebrated with a flyover Hawfinch at Toab. The bird perched up briefly on a building but was extremely mobile. The Citrine wagtail was worth another look at Fleck before word came through that there was an American Buff Bellied Pipit above Quendale Mill. We were soon scanning the Kale field and as more and more people joined us the bird was located. Typically the bird took flight before most people had got on it. It flew away, and away landing on a distant hillside. A group of birders set off in pursuit. While those conserving their energy waited on developments. The dots in the distance made a broad sweep of the hillside, but then seemed to focus on something. They were clearly on to the pipit so off we set. Initially the bird was on a track but then flew to a small Quarry where everyone was able to see it. Even the boys from Coventry who had just come off Fair Isle. Putting the Rugby aside our last full day's Birding had been excellent.

Shetland Isles - Better than expected

2011-10-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Isabelline Shrike, Brake
Isabelline Shrike

Isabelline Shrike

6th October 2011

Not that I'm preoccupied with the weather you understand but it does have a profound effect on Birding on Shetland and on the enjoyment of Birding on Shetland. I know you could say that about anywhere but Shetland can be a pretty desolate place when the weather is really bad cos there aint much else to do. Today the weather was better than expected with only occasional showers and moderate winds. We toured the now very familiar sites on the South Mainland but they kept coming up trumps. This time it was another Isabelline Shrike, an adult female and a very showy individual the old 7D was going 10 to the dozen. Enjoy.

Shetland Isles 2011 - Raining alot

2011-10-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

Little Bunting, Geosetter
Isabelline Shrike 1w, Levenwick
Isabelline Shrike 1w, Levenwick

Red throated Diver, Voe harbour

Blackcap, most common migrant on the Islands

Sea watching, West Mids. style

3rd October 2011

The weather took a turn for the worst overnight with persistent rain continuing throughout the morning. We tried Kergord, being a more shetered location but we still got wet. The only consolation for me was finding 5 Brambling feeding on the ground and a female Crossbill at Lower Voe. By late afternoon the wind had strengthened but we still managed to get good views of the juvenile Isabelline Shrike back at Levenwick during an isolated sunny spell. The bird was sheltering in a garden and the owner kindly allowed a few birders/photographers in to view.

4th October 2011

The strong winds and intermittant showers continued. We toured South Mainland adding only Peregrine, Little gull and Sanderling to the trip list, but we did see another juvenile Citrine wagtail with a liking for manure heaps. This one in a farmyard at Fleck. At Channerwick we followed up a report of another Olive backed Pipit. We got there just in time to see it fly into cover. The last call of a relatively quiet day was to loch Spiggie where Tom located a pair of Purple Sandpipers.

5th October 2011

A Rustic Bunting reported on Unst and the fact that the low listing member of the team, who will remain anonymous, still needed it had us making a second visit to said island. It was a miserable day, a howling gale and persistent rain. No sign of the single observer reported Rustic Bunting. but we did add Garden warbler and Siskin to the trip list. Wow! The highlight of the day though was undoutedly a confiding Olive backed Pipit at Baltasound school(the 3rd OBP of the trip) which gave great photo opportunities despite the gloomy light. (Images in next post) We stopped for something to eat at Voe on the way back. With no decent draught beers on offer I resorted to trying the only unchilled bottled beer they had in the place from the Valhalla Brewery on Unst. The beer was called White Wife and had a very distinctive peaty flavour. The Valhalla beers were stocked at Tescos in Lerwick, so that was me sorted for the rest of the stay.

Shetland Isles 2011 - still sunny

2011-10-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Citrine Wagtail
Yellow browed warbler
Yellow browed warbler, Quendale
Yellow browed warbler

Yellow browed warbler

Olive backed Pipit, Brake

Alpine Swift with Merlin in hot persuit!

Alpine Swift

Pallid Harrier mobbed by Hooded Crow

Pallid Harrier

1st October 2011

It was a late start, watching the first half of England v Scotland. No comment! When we did get out it was clear there had been a significant fall of birds with large numbers of Redwing and Yellow browed warblers at most sites we visited during the morning. There were 3 at Wester Quarff for example, and 4 at Hoswick. At Geosetter we picked up an obliging Little Bunting. After a visit to Sumburgh the pace started to hot up. A Citrine wagtail was seen briefly in the farmyard at Quendale and then an Olive backed pipit was found at Brake, with the Pallid Harrier still performing in the background but getting little attention. A message that there was an Alpine Swift at Cunningsburgh led to a speedy evacuation and a short drive north to watch this rare visitor so far North. The swift flew low around farm buildings until 'attacked' by a Merlin. A sight you dont see every day!
2nd October 2011

We started where we left off the previous day, with news of an Isabelline Shrike at Levenwick. The bird was always difficult to get at and only gave very distant views. Nearby the Alpine Swift was still performing well, watched from the main road. We moved back to the Quendale area where Julian picked out a juvenile Citrine wagtail in a farmyard overlooking the Loch of Hillwell. At Virkie it was my turn to come up with something, a Curlew Sandpiper. At Toab Tom and I had the briefest of views of our one and only Barred warbler of the trip while I struggled to get to grips with Common Rosefinch.

The Shetland Isles 2011- the Sunny bit

2011-10-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

Lesser Grey Shrike, Laxo

Lesser grey Shrike
Hen Harrier, nr. Brake

Whinchat, Brake

Whinchat

Black headed Bunting, Belmont House,Unst

Red backed Shrike, Unst

Monday 10th October 2011

On Thursday 29th September Julian Allen, Tom Perrins and myself set off for our now annual pilgrimage to the Shetlands. After a good flight we were soon checking out sites on the South Mainland, no sign of either of the 2 Pallid Harriers around the Loch of Hillwell so we moved north to Laxo in the hope of catching up with a Lesser Grey Shrike, although quite distant we logged our first rarity of the trip. We tried again for the Pallid Harrier but although there was still no sign we were compensated by a Short eared Owl close to the road.

30th September 2011

Late news of a Great Snipe being seen near where we were staying meant an early start the next day, as an organised search had been arranged for just after dawn. About 30 birders made it but alas there was no sign of the bird. After breakfast at the airport we returned to the Quendale/Brake area to watch a Hen Harrier and a rather less active Pallid Harrier. It was now a beautiful day and we drove North to Unst where a juvenile Black headed Bunting had taken up residence not far from the ferry terminal. The bird showed well, basking in the sunshine with local House sparrows. Despite a good search of the Northwick area we only came up with Pied Flycatcher and Red backed Shrike during the rest of our visit to Unst.

A short Stint at Middleton Lakes

2011-09-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Little Stint, Middleton Lakes, Staffs.
Little Stint

Little Stint

Monday 26th Sept. 2011

Having dipped the Long toed Stint at Weir reservoir in Sussex it was back to the local scene with a walk round Middleton Lakes today. Beautiful day with a few waders on the 'new reedbed pool' Maybe 10 Ringed plover, 3 Dunlin and a couple of Little Stints. Having carried my camera round the 'wetland' circuit I took a couple of shots of the waders knowing that the birds we too far away for any reasonable images but what the hell. Anyway after a quick look at Coton and Shustoke and adding only Little Egret,Wigeon and Pochard to the day list it was back home for a much needed cup of Tea. Knowing the insatiable appetite of my Blog followers for news, views and quality snaps I checked out the days images. The odd Fungi, a small Heath Butterfly, something flying by which might have been a Sparrowhawk and loads of shots of a Little Stint with olive green legs. Hum! I pondered. What if ? Better safe than sorry I contacted a few friends, with descriptions, concensus was Little Stint.

A local roundup

2011-09-19T08:56:00.001-07:00

Black necked Grebe, Napton Reservoir, Warks.

Black necked Grebe
Monday 19th Sept 2011

After the relative 'excitment' of the previous week it was very much a return to business as usual. I got a decent walk out of it but not much doing birdwise. There was a nice flock of about 40 Skylarks in the stubble on the Caldecote circuit. A Green Sandpiper is still on the river at Kingsbury, a Kingfisher at Broomey Croft, a Little Egret on the river at Fisher's Mill and a few Ringed plover on Fishers Mill north scrape. There were very few migrants about, only the dwindling numbers of Swallows. A Cetti's at Coton was about the only warbler around.

Tuesday 20th Sept 2011

Having decided not to go twitching the Scillies I settled for Brandon Marsh instead. Bad move some would say. Only time will tell, but it wasnt exactly humming with excitement I must admit. A pair of Dunlin on Teal pool was the best on offer. I had the place to myself, perhaps everyone else is heading for the Isles of Scilly. I moved on to Napton Reservoir to see the Black necked Grebe and then back to Draycote. It was now raining quite heavily and again I had the place to myself. There was quite alot of activity on Farborough and Toft banks with flocks of Pied and Yellow Wagtails, a small flock of Meadow pipits, 2 Wheatear and a Grey Wagtail. On Farborough spit were 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed plovers and a Greenshank while over the centre of the water was a Juvenile Little Gull, an Arctic tern and a juvenile Black tern.

Seabirds in the Strangest places

2011-09-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Shag, Stoneydelph, Tamworth, Staffs.
Shag

Shag

Saturday 17th Sept. 2011

The nearest, or at least the easiest to get to M and S to Jan and I is now at Tamworth. So news that a young Shag had turned up in Stoneydelph fitted in well with Jan's plans for a bit of Saturday afternoon shopping. Finding the shops was easy but finding the pond the Shag had chosen to hold up at was a nightmare. Anyway we got there in the end thanks to to guidance of TP and dozens of locals braving the heavy downpours. The bird was on a grassy bank next to the pond surrounded by Swans and Ducks. As I approached a couple of ladies were bearing down on the bird with armfulls of bread for the ducks. I quicked my step and managed to intercept them before the feeding frenzy began explaining my interest in the unusual visitor. They graciously moved further along the bank to scatter their bread, taking the ducks with them.

Waders at Draycote Water

2011-09-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Little Stint, Draycote Water
Sanderling

Greenshank

Turnstone

Curlew Sandpiper

Wheatear

Friday 16th Sept 2011

Ok, still a bit of a retrospective, I'm afraid I haven't been out today. You dream of autumn days like today searching for Wrynecks and Grey Phals and then spend the day sorting out the TV and your Broadband and kitchen tiles and....... well, no way to top up the old self found list. Having said that I did manage a Redstart at Caldecote on the 5th and a presumed Reed warbler in the most unlikely habitat on the ground near Merevale hall, Atherstone. Hobby are still around with one at Whitacre Heath NR on the 12th along with 40+ Yellow wagtails in the cow field. There were also 10+ Yellow wags at Draycote, as well as Wheatear, Curlew Sand., Little Stint and the Gannet which was found sadly dead this morning. I popped in to Sutton Park on the 14th to find a couple of Common Redstarts but very few willow/chiffs and no sign of any Spotted Flycatchers. I bumped into Steve Haynes who had noted a movement of Meadow pipits, picking out the calls of birds as they flew over. Sadly I was unable to hear the pipits at all, its an age thing you know. I was going to make some witisism about missing a Shag at Draycote but I dont think I'll bother.

Midlands Pelagic

2011-09-15T02:26:00.000-07:00

Kittiwake, Shustoke Reservoir
Kittiwake

Manx Shearwater, Draycote Water - one of possibly 5 seen in Warwickshire during the last week.
Manx Shearwater
Sabine's Gull, Belvide Res., Staffs.
Sabines Gull
Sabine's Gull

Sabine's Gull

Gannet, Draycote Water

Gannet

Common Tern, Draycote Reservoir

Thursday 15th Sept. 2011

Back at last, lack of posts was nothing to do with some extended birding adventure but I switched to a hopefully more reliable Broadband provider. Anyway its been an interesting few days with the strong winds bringing in several pelagic species to the Midlands, particularly the larger reservoirs. Focus of attention was initially Belvide Reservoir where a Sabine's Gull had taken refuge on the 7th Sept. close into the dam wall but very distant from the gate. The small group of enthusiasts were given permission to go on to the dam and obtain better views and a few record images from a reasonable distance. With the winds continuing to batter the west coast it wasnt surprising that Manx Shearwaters started to turn up with Draycote water being the prime location with probably 4 different birds being involved. A young Kittiwake was seen at Shustoke on the 8th and then it was back to Draycote for an adult Gannet to complete a set of species seldom seen so far inland. Waders too were forced to take shelter and feed where they could with a good variety again turning up at Draycote water. A few images to follow!

Middleton Lakes pulls them in

2011-08-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Monday 29th May 2011
The Bank holiday brought out the usual crowds to Drayton Manor Park but a new attraction up the road at Middleton Lakes RSPB also pulled in the visitors. Despite a fresh wind and sporadic showers hardy Midlands birders were drawn to the newish reserve and there were plenty of birds on view. I hadn't got out of the car before a Hobby flashed over the Car park scattering the flock of House Martins feeding over the Reedbed next to the Heronry. On the new reedbed 'pool' the Curlew Sandpiper flock had increased to 3. There were still 2 Dunlin, 2 Little Stint, a Redshank, several Ringed Plovers and a couple of Little Egret. A Greenshank was also heard from the direction of the Fishers Mill pool. Scanning for waders on the Fishers Mill pool is much more difficult because of thr number of reed covered islands. From the screen the Greenshank was eventually located in company with a smaller wader I couldnt ID. The birds only showed their backs and quickly disappeared around the back of an island. At this point I was pleased to see J A, the Simon King of the West Midlands(although not quite as tall) I told him about the mystery wader. Fortunately it wasn't too long before it showed again and JA had it sorted straight away, juvenile Wood Sandpiper. There were still a few Common Swift and the odd scarecrow about as I walked back to the car to conclude a good couple of hours birding.

Warts and all

2011-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Caterpillar of the Buff Ermine Moth

Sunday 28th August 2011
Blogging isnt just about tales of jollying off to see a bird thats just turned up in the Tame valley or Brandon Marsh. Oh no, its much more hit and miss than that. Silly Bloggers like me only tell you about the good times, about birds theyve found or got crippling, once in a life time views of. Today I failed, I dont mind admitting it. OK it was only the Black necked Grebe at Shustoke and as I'm not doing a County year list this year its not so important to see it, but it was irritating not to find it. I did get some exercise though as I practically ran round the pond as Jan was waiting patiently in the car on our way to Sutton. You see you get the real story on this blog, warts and all, not just the glamour. The only bits of hot news I can dredge up involve a sighting of a young Common Whitethroat in the garden yesterday and a Hobby at Shustoke today. Add to this the only photo Ive taken in the last 2 days is of a Buff Ermine caterpillar and you can see I'm really scrapping the barrel. Talking of scrapping the barrel I did get some amazing glamour shots of the Draycote regulars Messrs BH, RH and CP returning from their daily romp but having taken advice I'll just post the Moth larvae.

The New Reedbed pool, Middleton

2011-08-27T01:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday 27th August 2011
May I begin with an apology to those people who post comments about the blog. I have tried to reply, but recently my setup wont let me. I shall keep trying! Yesterday I was relieved to get a message from Geoff Williams via Tom P. that there was a Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint at Middleton lakes. With heavy showers still about there was a good chance of more 'drop ins'. So having been 'Kept in' by the persistent rain most of the day it was a good excuse to get out. I met Steve Cawthray in the car park and walked round to the 'new reed bed' pool. In reality this scrape has the least number of reeds of all the pools on the reserve and being very shallow with a large area of exposed mud is superb habitat for migrating shorebirds at the moment. It would be a tragedy if it is eventually covered over with yet more Reedbeds.
Steve and I soon located the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper as well as 2 Little Stint, 2 Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, maybe 10 Ringed Plovers, several Little ringed Pover, a Greenshank and a flyover Green Sandpiper. We also had 10 Swift overhead. With the rain coming down again it was time to move on. I had a date - with a pint of Hop Gun.

Draycote Water

2011-08-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sanderling, Draycote Water
Sanderling
Black tern

Sanderling

Sanderling with Dunlin

Sanderling

Sanderling with Dunlin

Juvenile Ringed Plover

Wednesday 24th August 2011

With water levels at there lowest for several years the prospects for a bumper crop of shorebirds at Draycote Water in September looks good. Prospects for photography, however, are not so good with the shoreline getting further and further away from the dam walls. Today there were just 7 wader species on show with Sanderling, Dunlin, Ringed plover, Little ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper in the region of the Farborough spit and Greenshank and Ruff at the Inlet. A further 3 Ruff flew past the inlet towards Rainbow corner but were not relocated. There was no sign of the Black necked Grebe reported yesterday but a juvenile Shelduck and 2 Wheatear were seen. There were also 3 Black terns a juvenile Arctic tern and 2 or 3 Common terns over the water.

Migrants on the Move

2011-08-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Whinchat, Caldecote, Warks.
Whinchat

Whinchat - 2 of the 4 at this site

Common Redstart, Sutton Park N.N.R.

Spotted Flycatcher

Typical scene in North Warwickshire

Monday 22nd August 2011

With rainfall forecast over the next few day it could well be worth exploring a local patch for migrants. Certainly there are a good many birds on the move at the moment judging from todays evidence. Caldecote flood meadows near Nuneaton produced 4 Whinchats, 2 Wheatear and a Stonechat while Sutton Park NNR had up to 20 Common Redstart, several Spotted Flycatchers and a Crossbill.

Birds,Banter and Beer

2011-08-20T00:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday 20th August 2011
A walk round Caldecote Hall on Thursday produced a Stonechat, 20 Skylark, 6 Yellow wagtails, 200 Lesser black backed Gulls and 3 Herring gulls. On Friday I went to the Birdfair at Rutland Water. The car park was further away from the marquees than ever but there was no queuing, except for the toilets. A bonus though was the Village Hall where the ladies of the village had excelled themselves with an impressive display of home made cakes at very reasonable prices as opposed the the ridiculous prices inside the show. Every year I wonder why I go, perhaps I'm curious to see what new indispensible accessories have been discovered for folk to spend their money on. Although to be honest the Marquees were much the same as previous years. I did meet some old friends from various trips, which was great, and I did enjoy part of an entertaining talk from Simon King. Stopped at Eyebrook Res. on the way back where there was a sprinkling of the commoner waders including Dunlin, Ruff, Greenshank, Redshank, Ringed plover and Little ringed Plover. Nearer home, a need for a refreshment break forced me to stop at The Wood Farm Brewery to sample their excellent Webb Ellis Bitter.
As a footnote: I had a phone call from Malta this morning telling me Jan and I had been selected for a 80% paid holiday in Malta. The poor girl in Malta then had to endure a 10 minute lecture on why I would never go to Malta because of their record on hunting migratory birds.

Blessing in Disguise

2011-08-16T02:23:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 17th August 2011
I managed to sprain my ankle at Middleton lakes on Monday. After connecting with the Wood Sand and a sleepy Greenshank I managed to hobble to Cliff pool, Kingsbury, where there was a rather more active Greenshank, Hobby and Little Egret. Tuesday was a write off with the ankle playing up so its was a quiet sort of day. Blessing in disguise really cos I spent the day sorting out my BTO Atlas data. Also learnt of a pair of Barn Owls fledging 4 young just over half a mile from my house. Only other local observations have been the odd Swift still over the house. Today (Wednesday) I did manage to check out Caldecote meadow and Alvecote pools. The most notable birds were a pair of juvenile Greenshank on Teal pool, a Little Egret and a few adult Common Tern.

Little Gull at Shustoke Res., Warks.

2011-08-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Little Gull, juvenile, Shustoke Reservoir, Warks.
Little Gull
Little Gull

Little Gull

Saturday 13th August 2011
A juvenile Little Gull at Shustoke today brought to an end a week when there were strong indications that the Autumn passage is starting to pick up some momentum. Greenshank were certainly on the move with 3 seen at Draycote Water in the week and 4 together on Fisher's Mill pool yesterday as well as another Wood Sandpiper on the superb 'Reedbed pool', also on the Middleton Lakes reserve. There has also been an increase in sightings of Common Redstart in suitable habitat in the area with 4 seen yesterday.

Pigeons progress

2011-08-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well I expect you've been wondering how my garden (Wood) pigeons have been getting along since being featured in a previous post recently. To be honest I havent seen much of them until this morning and they seem to have started feeding independantly on the ground. They just better leave my Courgettes alone or they'll be in trouble

The Antler, this attractive little moth found its way into the moth trap a few days ago. The first one recorded in the garden. Below is a small selection of moths also seen recently in the garden

Ruby Tiger

Orange Swift

Lime speck Pug

Sallow Kitten

Mother of Pearl, Kingsbury Water Park

As regards birding had a good look round the Tame valley from Shustoke to Middleton lakes. It turned out to be a Green Sandpiper and not much else day. There was 1 at Middleton Lakes, 1 on Cliff pool and 3 on the River Tame at Kingsbury but apart from that the best bird of the day was a Hobby which flew past the end of my garden. Oh, and I had a bit of shock this morning. Stopped at Atherstone for a haircut and provisions for the day and guess what, the Pie shop, ie Gales Farm foods: locally sourced produce, save the environment, save local enterprise etc, etc
is no more, just a notice on the window about the greedy landlord wanting too much rent.

Wood Sandpiper, Draycote Water - Take 2

2011-08-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Wood Sandpiper, Draycote Water, Warks.
Kestrel,enjoying the strong wind

Wood Sandpiper
Little ringed Plover

Wheatear

Black tailed Godwit

Monday 8th August 2011
With a fresh wind and the prospect of the odd heavy shower Draycote Water seemed as good a place as any to spend half a day birding. I was greeted with the now customary waving of arms from Farborough spit. This time it was a guy called Keith who I'd met last week at Brandon. He was accompanied by Bob H. who I swear hadn't moved since Friday. Whether or not it was the same Wood Sandpiper he was photographing we'll never know but although it was in the same place Bob thought it was a different bird. Despite the heavy showers over the weekend the water level had dropped even more and the prospects for wader watching over the next couple of months could be excellent. Dunlin numbers had increased on the spit with a few juvenile Little ringed plovers and a Wheatear. At the inlet a single summer plummaged Black tailed Godwit was trying to rest while up to 200 House Martin and 9 Common Swift flew overhead.

Wood Sandpiper, Draycote Water

2011-08-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Wood Sandpiper, Draycote water, Warks.
Wood Sandpiper

Wood Sandpiper

Dunlin, juvenile

Dunlin, Adult

Red breasted Merganser

Thursday 4th August 2011

It was always going to be a Wood Sandpiper day and with the forecast for rain during most of the day it seemed sensible to head for somewhere with a hide. So Brandon Marsh it was then, plenty of rain but no sign of the Wood Sandpiper seen earlier in the day. 3 Green Sandpiper and 1 Common Sandpiper but no sign of the Wood Sand. As the rain eased I moved on to Draycote Water in the hope the Red breasted Merganser might still be there. As I began to walk towards Toft bay I detected a moment in the distance at Farborough spit. It looked as if it could be a birder and he was definitely trying to attract my attention, either that or the unfortunate demented sole was being attacked by a swarm of killer bees. Even in the bins I couldn't make out who it was (although I should have guessed), but he certainly had my attention. Now years of not very selective breeding have given birders the innate ability to respond to certain stimuli, like, 'I think I'm on the bird' will illicit the immediate response 'where the bloody 'ell are you looking' etc. Similarly a sudden coordinated mass moment of birders will trigger off others to follow. In this case the wild beckonings from Farborough spit caused me to run, well shuffle, at a fair pace though, along Farborough bank. Using the accepted order of magnitude the gesticulations had to rate a Spoon-billed Sandpiper at least. As I approached I could make out Richard Mays and cap. The beckoning signals had changed to slow down you'll have a heart attack you old goat signals. Bob Hazel was completely unconcerned about the goings on as he continued to photograph a Wood Sandpiper. Having missed what could have been the same bird at Brandon it was great to see this one at relatively close range. There was also a couple of Dunlin and a Ringed Plover in the same area. In my hast I'd ignored the Red breasted Merganser back along the bank but going back it was still giving good views. Just before the heavy clouds rolled over again we had 2 Hobby high overhead to conclude an eventful morning at Draycote Water.

Highs and lows

2011-08-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

Common Blue, good numbers at Middleton Lakes,RSPB
Common Blue

Tuesday 2nd August 2011

I've been doing some smash and grab birding over the last few days so this is really a summary. Mill pool, Alvecote has been quiet with only a couple of Lesser Whitethroats and a single Little Egret to get excited about. I know, that good. Middleton Lakes and Kingsbury produced Greenshank(both days), Wood Sandpiper, LRP, Barn Owl, Raven, Sparrowhawk, Hobby, Kestrel, Buzzard and Cuckoo. The Cuckoo was perhaps the biggest surprise flying past at head height as if I wasn't there. A couple of people reported Black tailed Godwit but I didnt see any sign despite a good look.

Drama on the A5

2011-07-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Juvenile Willow warbler, Broomey Croft, Kingsbury
Juvenile Chiffchaff, good numbers of juveniles around the pools at Kingsbury W P including Blackcaps, Garden warblers, Common Whitethroats and Treecreeper

Purple Hairstreak

Comma

Little Egret

Thistle seeds, signs of early Autumn? - with many Wasps in some hides and abundant Blackberries around.

Drama on the A5

'Needs a bit of a paint job '

Thursday 28th July 2011

It had been a tranquil day: counting Mute Swans at Coton (159), looking for Butterflies and Dragonflies along the canal at Kingsbury, watching another Little Egret using different fishing techniques in the crystal clear waters of the only bit of Cliff pool that isnt carpeted in algae and eating a superb ham/salad Baguette at the Cedars cafe,Lea marston. Then the drive home via my Dads place. First some prat tries to write me off going round Dunton island and then I get to spectate at a car fire which blocked the A5 at Grendon. Some might say it was the most exciting event of the day. Nah, I'll stick with finding a Purple Hairstreak, more than enough excitement for me.

Green Sandpiper

2011-07-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Green Sandpiper, Brandon Marsh
Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper

Kingfisher

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Visited Brandon Marsh today without going anywhere near the East Marsh hides. I might have done, but there seemed to be a bit of a party going on in the main hide which I decided wasn't really my scene. I enjoyed some good birds nonetheless, 3 Green Sandpipers, Kingfisher, and Hobby and a host of wetland warblers, with a variety of woodland species Green and Great spotted Woodpeckers, Jay and Bullfinch.

Blithfield Res., Staffs.

2011-07-26T01:15:00.000-07:00

Osprey, Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs.
Monday 25th July 2011

Blithfield Reservoir isnt one of my regular haunts I must admit. I usually go when something a bit different has turned up or I happen to be passing. Yesterday I just fancied somewhere a bit different. It was a beautiful day, unfortunately I'd put my back out digging up a tree stump in the garden so I was a bit restricted getting around. It was quiet, gloriously quiet I only saw one couple walking and a couple of Birders. An Osprey could be seen distantly in the top of a conifer and an Arctic tern was picked out but nothing else was seen apart from the usual Common tern, Warblers and Waterfowl. Hard to believe there wasnt a single wader somewhere but then again theres a lot of shoreline to check at Blithfield and I only saw a fraction of it.

Little Egret, Middleton Lakes

2011-07-24T00:58:00.000-07:00

Little Egret, some images of one of the two Little Egrets at Middleton Lakes yesterday

Sunday 24th July 2011
Also of interest, 3 Redshank, 3 Kestrel, Common Sandpiper, a Stoat and Emperor Dragonfly.

Middleton Lakes, RSPB

2011-07-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Black tailed Godwit, Fishers Mill, Middleton lakes RSPB - showing well against the leaden skies
Black tailed Godwits
Black tailed Godwit
Monday 18th July 2011

Highlight of a visit to Fishers Mill, Middleton Lakes RSPB was undoubtedly a fly past by a small squadron of Black tail Godwits still in breeding plummage. Other attractions were a juvenile Peregrine which made two low, high speed passes over the pools before climbing to circle high above Dosthill hill. Other waders included a Ruff, Common Redshank, Common Sandpiper and several Little ringed Plovers. A Little Egret was also seen over Fishers Mill, North pool. Another Little Egret was seen high up in trees at Middleton Hall lake together with the 3 Green Sandpipers with have been there for several days.

Juvenile Woodpigeon

2011-07-18T02:40:00.000-07:00

Woodpigeon, juvenile
Woodpigeon

Woodpigeon

Sunday 17th July 2011

My Sunday morning pruning was interupted when a recently fledged Woodpigeon appeared amongst the branches I was trimming. As I've said before Woodpigeons would be better described as Garden pigeons as they become ever more common in the Urban environment. However, I cant remember seeing a juvenile before. The reason might be that they dont appear to feed on the ground at this stage and spend hours just perched in the same spot in trees.

Gutter Press

2011-07-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

Common Tern, Kingbury Water Park

Common Tern
Common Tern
Common Tern

Feeding time

Barn Owl

Common Shrew, freshly dead

Saturday 16th July 2013

Found myself in the gutter on Thursday but had a much better day birding in the Tame valley yesterday but more of that later. How did I come to end up in the gutter? Well, all you need is a very powerful dog, Boxer, American Bulldog sort of thing, first aid kit, attractive lady distributing free newspapers and a trolley. Actually the attractive lady is optional but something that produces an unexpected noise next to you is important. You've probably sussed out what happened already: lady approaches, trolley makes noise, dog bolts, hits me, me lands in gutter after a bit of spontaneous gymnastics, minor injuries ensue, lots of sympathy from newspaper distributor.

Really enjoyed a dog free walk around bits of the Tame valley, even with a sprained wrist I managed a few photos. It was a very warm day in the sun and Butterflies were plentiful, Gatekeepers were particularly plentiful in some areas. Highlights among the birds on show was a Greenshank seen and heard in flight to verify the ID, a Redshank, Greater black backed gull, Green Woodpecker and Barn Owl. Having commented on the lack of Common tern breeding activity at Kingsbury Water Park it was nice to watch a pair of Common tern fledglings being fed on the small island in front of the main hide.

The Emperor's New clothes, or the Great(er) Greenshank fiasco

2011-07-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Greenshank, Daventry Country Park - viewed from a sensible distance !
Wednesday 13th July 2011

I'd been thinking about it for sometime, getting to grips with the wilderness bit of the back garden. A nature corner is all well and good if you can actually see anything. No something had to go and today was the day to do it. I'd got as far as finding the extension cable for the saw when the dreaded Mega alert went off. Please not Scotland again. Oh joy, a Greater Yellowlegs just down the road. A Midlands tick was well worth postponing the tree surgery for. There were a great many familiar faces at Daventry reservoir when I arrived all studying the Yellowlegs which was in company with a couple of Black tailed Godwits. A steady stream of Midlands birders joined the throng along with a sprinkling of 'Suits' who obviously had business meetings in the area. Everyone was happy they had got to grips with what is a very rare visitor to the UK, let alone the Midlands. Even some of the most notable twitchers around didnt immediately question the ID. We all saw what we wanted to see. A lesson learnt? I doubt it.

A visit to Brandon Marsh Nature reserve

2011-07-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

Hobby, Brandon Marsh N.R.Hobby
Hobby

Green Sandpipers

Saturday 9th July 2011

Had a pleasant couple of hours at Brandon Marsh Nature reserve on Saturday. The place was very quiet and I had the hides to myself for most of the time I was there. Carlton hide was the most productive with the build up of Green Sandpipers well underway, 5 were on show. There was also a Kingfisher, a pair of Redshank, a Common Snipe, Sparrowhawk and a Jay. Around the fringes of the reed beds there were good numbers of Whitethroat, Reed warbler and a family group of Linnets. On West Marsh a Hobby flashed through low and East Marsh was alive with activity, with Common tern, including several juveniles, Lapwing and Little ringed Plovers taking centre stage.

Common Tern in the Tame valley

2011-07-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

Common Tern, Kingsbury Water Park

Common Tern
Common Tern
Common Tern
Common Tern
Common Tern

Oystercatcher

Holly Blue, Shustoke Reservoir

Wednesday 6th July 2011

Had a wander round the southern end of the Tame valley. Shustoke Res.was quiet, no dogs but few birds either, a Lesser Black backed Gull and about 4 Common terns drifted about, a couple of Lesser Whitethroats were in hedges near the Sailing Club and about 20 Sand Martins were over the water. A bloke emptied a bin liner full of bread rolls into the water clearly eager to put Shustoke res. on the map by winning the Fattest Ducks in Britain competition. The ducks would have been better employed consuming the filamentous algae which is rapidly clogging up the wetlands in the Tame valley.

There was a Little ringed Plover on Cliff pool, Kingsbury WP as well about 12 Common Tern, 2 Kingfishers and again 20 or so Sand Martins as well as the usual selction of Ducks, warblers and Hirundines.

The status of the Common Tern as a breeding species in the Tame valley is unclear. The large colonies of a few years ago have dispersed due to competition from Black headed gulls for prime sites. There are still Common Terns in the southern parts of the Tame valley but there was no evidence of breeding.

Garden Tick

2011-07-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Banded Demoiselle, river Anker at Caldecote yesterday

Banded Demoiselle, female

Monday 4th July 2011

Banded Demoiselle graced the garden this afternoon but little else noted today except 2 Green Sandpipers at Middleton Hall lake still.

Mill pool, Alvecote

2011-07-02T01:45:00.000-07:00

1st July 2011
Quick look around Mill pool, Alvecote. A Common Sandpiper was on one of the Tern rafts, up to 4 Common Terns drifted around the various pools, a Lesser Black backed Gull flew over with a handful of Swifts and assorted Hirundines. Several Blackcaps were heard on the other side of the road. Surprisingly few Butterflies about and no Dragonfly activity yet.

2011-06-30T01:28:00.000-07:00

Yellow legged Gull, Draycote Water
Yellow legged Gull

Little ringed Plover

Common Sandpiper

Rook

Clouded Border, Kingsbury Water Park

Marbled White, good numbers at Draycote Water

Ringlet,widespread and abundant

Common Whitethroat, Fishers Mill

A young Long tailed Tit in Black and White

Thursday 30th June 2011

All very quiet on the Birding and Mothing fronts, and I cant work up much enthusiasm for trapping the same moths as last year or photographing the same Butterflies and Damselflies I've photographed many times before, beautiful as they may be. I could of course be developing my photographic techniques but then I use photography as a means of recording what I see not as an end in itself. Had a brief wander round the Fishers Mill area of the Tame valley yesterday though, good to see the well vegetated areas alive with tit and warbler fledglings but the only other birds of note was the 20+ flock of Stock Doves in the Cow field.

Today I had a long overdue visit to Draycote Water. Not too many folk about but there were a few black clouds looming. A sub adult Yellow legged Gull on the shore line and a single Common Tern was a good start followed by a pair of Grey Wagtails along Draycote Bank. A single Cormorant flew over high but not much else in the sky except House Martins and Swifts. In Biggin bay a party of 6 Common Sandpipers were feeding on the water's edge. The only other waders seen were 3 Little ringed Plovers in Toft Bay.

Red footed Falcon, Breaston,Derbys.

2011-06-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Red footed Falcon, 1st summer female - Breaston, Derbys.

Tuesday 22nd June 2011

News of a 1st summer female Red footed Falcon at Breaston near Long Eaton, Derbys. had me foot footing it up the M42 just after lunch. The Sat Nav took me to the start of a footpath but it didnt tell me which direction to head in. Inevitably I took the wrong one just as the heavens opened I wasnt the only one to make the silly mistake or to get wet. Anyone thinking of going if the bird sticks around, should take the path (Nomad way) parallel to the road for 400 yards to just beyond the stables. Its a delightful bird, not an adjective often used to describe raptors but this is a real charmer.I'm sure there will be some amazing photos around in due course but in the meantime I'll post a few of mine.

Back to the Tame

2011-06-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Monday 20th June 2011
I'm still suffering from car lag or post twitch fatigue syndrome, but I dragged myself round Middleton lakes, Coton and Shustoke this morning. The Safari hats were out in force at Fishers Mill but numbers decreased as I headed North. A number of Gulls, mainly Lesser black backs were loafing on Fishers Mill, north but there were also 3 Yellow legged Gulls. Two adults and what I took to be a second summer, sub adult anyway. The only other sighting of note was a flock of C30 Sand Martins heading South. At Coton the Mute Swan count was 113 birds visible from the hide and at Shustoke there were 4 Common Tern.
PS. Apologies for the lack of stunning photos from the Scottish expedition. It would have been nice to get some shots of the area and the Scoter flock which, as I said is very impressive, but the main aim was just to pick out and ID the four Scoter species present.

American White winged Scoter

2011-06-19T01:10:00.000-07:00

18th June 2011
John T picked me up just after eight for a little jaunt to Aberdeen yesterday. We picked up Gary from Kingsbury and Kris from Barnsley on route. Navigation in Barnsley proved challenging but we eventually headed in a northerly direction with our full compliment. The journey after that was uneventful and we arrived at the Murcar Golf club at about 5.30 am. There were maybe 20 birders on site already but no one had pinned down 'the bird' although there was plenty of speculation and 'have a look at this one'. It was an amazing sight, several hundred birds bobbing about on the sea mainly Common Scoter and Eider with good numbers of Velvet Scoter mixed in. The scale of the task of identifying a single American White winged Scoter amongst the ever changing flock was daunting although the main flock was a lot closer in than I'd imagined. Also the viewing conditions were good with no glaring sun to contend with. In my first sweep I picked out a Surf Scoter, a relatively easy achievement. It was great getting your eye in picking out Velvet Scoters and other and other species in the flock. After 20 minutes or so the guy just in front of me picked out a candidate for the AWWS, as more people got on the bird interest increased. Trouble was though, getting on tho the bird was easier said than done with Scoters constantly diving or disappearing in the swell. You needed a stroke of luck and mine was provided by a slow moving Red throated Diver which served as a focal point from which to navigate to the Scoter. Many thanks to the chap just in front of me for his help and knowledge. I think most people standing near the fourth Tee got on the bird before the rains came although there were certainly others that didn't. We made our way back across the Golf course to the car. Despite our best efforts one of the team hadn't managed to see the White winged Scoter, which was a shame after travelling such a long way but it didnt seem to bother him too much.
We moved on to the Ythan estuary with the rain now belting it down. Another Golf course another rare duck. Despite the rain the drake King Eider showed well, at least everyone saw that one. It had been a good morning, as well as the Scoters we'd seen Arctic Skuas, a variety of Terns and several Red throated Divers.With negative news on the Greater Sandplover thoughts turned to breakfast and the long journey home.

BTO Survey

2011-06-16T05:17:00.000-07:00

Got nearly all the data in now for the BTO Atlas, just a question of sorting it all out and submitting it. Had quite a good morning checking out local farmland near where I live. Its good because I cover areas I wouldn't normally go. The area isn't spectacular in terms of birdlife as a good deal is urban and the rest mixed farmland so its good to find something like a small colony of Tree Sparrows or a pair of Grey Partridge as I did this morning. Also nice to see small flocks of Linnet and a couple of pairs of Yellowhammers in the area. The only other birds of note were a Little Owl and a couple of House Martins which have become quite scarce in the area.

The one that got away

2011-06-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Red necked Phalarope, Shustoke Reservoir
Sunday 12th June 2011

This amazing photograph of a Red necked Phalarope was taken at Shustoke Res., Warks. a fortnight ago from a Sailing club rescue boat by a member of the Sailing club. Apparently the bird was not seen by any local birders.

Is Birding a Sport?

2011-06-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Birding OlympicsWednesday 8th June 2011

Went shopping with Jan yesterday to Fosse Park, Leicester. What I mean is I drove the car to some shops at Fosse Park, which as far as I'm concerned is only memorable for the fact that it was the starting point for a dash to Nottingham for the Little Swift twitch in May 2001. I well remember dragging Jan and her shopping bags out of Next. Calming her with such phrases as 'they have shops in Nottingham too' and 'but its a Mega'. No such excitment yesterday. As part of my M&S avoidance strategy I had a browse round W.H.Smiths. I looked for the Birding Mags. Could I find them? - could I 'eck. Home and gardens - not likely. Health and Beauty- no chance. Sport nah. What about Hobbies and pastimes next to Trainspotters monthly - no sign. I went round again.I had a closer look at Sport having heard a rumour that Birding was being considered as an exhibition sport at the 2016 Games in Brazil, along with Rock climbing and underwater Volleyball. I must admit I hadn't taken the rumour seriously. Probably started by some Blogger trying to get a cheap laugh when he or she had run out of things to talk about. Anyway, it got me thinking about the feasibility of such an event. Certainly Brazil would be an outstanding venue for the event. Birding is certainly International and can be extremely competitive. Maybe, just maybe there's a grain of truth in the rumour. Of course the purists would reject the idea straight away and the BOURC would take until well after 2016 to make their minds up and then have to revisit the issue. There would be other problems to resolve: the format of the competition, would it be run on the popular Bird Race idea? Verification of species seen would be tricky but I'm sure LGRE could sort out any adjudication that needed to be done. Eqiupment would have to be standardised and the amateur status of competitors checked. Yes, there would be problems but it could work. Certainly worth thinking about?

White throated Robin, Hartlepool

2011-06-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

White throated Robin, Hartlepool headland, Cleveland
Monday 6th June 2011

I'm sure Ive been in this situation before but bare with me. I get a phone call whilst in the middle of morning ablusions so I'm dashing about with my trousers round my ankles and various bits of paper in my hand looking for the phone. I didnt know it was about a twitch but all the calls I've had over the last week have been important. Anyway it was John Terry informing me of the White throated Robin in Cleveland and suggesting we got moving. So we did. Thanks to some excellent directions from Tony Sheherd who was 40 minutes ahead of us we found the Bowling Club and as we pulled up the crowd were clearly focussed on the bird. With people giving the position of the bird I wrestled with my Tripod as the bird flew into some gardens surrounded my a high wall. We were reassured the bird had done this before and returned to the bushes at the edge of the bowling green. You couldn't but curse and think if only you'd got there a minute earlier. The minutes ticked by, if only we hadn't done this or that. No worries, people the other side of the green were looking at something. Thats it, the bird ran between the bushes and then stopped in full view before disappearing into the garden again. Brilliant with no need to resort to peeking over garden walls.

The two that got away

2011-06-03T02:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday 2nd June
Havent done much birding this week for one reason or another but did manage to miss a Red necked Phalarope at Shustoke last Sunday. Apparently it was missed by everybody except the guys on the safety boat at the sailing club who even photographed it. I'm trying to get hold of the photo to verify the record. I also missed a Red Kite over Ridge Lane, Atherstone. If I'd been sitting in the Church End Brewery garden rather than in the porch I would have seen it and been able to add it to my - birds I've seen while having a pint list. C'est la vie.

Life in the Reeds

2011-06-02T01:26:00.000-07:00

Reed warbler, a few images of some of the activity in and around our local reedbeds
Sedge warbler fledgling

Sedge warbler

Reed warbler

Dunnock fledgling

Wednesday 1st June

A visit to Uttoxeter Quarry

2011-05-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Monday 30th May 2011
Another dreary Bank holiday and with family matters to attend to I hadnt anticipated any birding. In the event the lure of another good bird in Staffs. was too strong and I made time for a dash to Uttoxeter Quarry for a wader I'd never seen in the 4 Counties before, a Lesser Yellowlegs. The walk along the footpath was a little damp but at least the persisent heavy rain had stopped, at least long enough to have a good look at the dainty shorebird. The main pit provided some excellent habitat with a variety of species present including Sanderling, Dunlin and LRPs. all viewable from the Public footpath. There was just time to exchange a few pleasantries with a motley selection Staffs birding legends before heading back.

Snake in the grass

2011-05-29T01:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday 29th May 2011

Birding in Warwickshire can be a bit samey away from reservoirs and old gravel workings. Particularly with songbirds in decline. I got quite excited yesterday hearing 3 Lesser Whitethroats singing in the hedges along my walk around Caldecote Hall, between Nuneaton and Atherstone. Birds were few and far between, keeping down in the strong wind. I heard a few Whitethroats and saw a small flock of Linnets and a dozen or so Skylarks. So nothing unusual, its times like these that the mind starts to wander, imagining what might be on the track just round the next bend or perched up in the next group of bushes. What comes into your mind comes into my mind are species which are extremely unlikely but just possible. In the past it might have included Wryneck or Golden Oriole but now I'd be happy to see a Turtle dove or Spotted Flycatcher in North Warwickshire. The fantasy list has got bigger. So, back in the real world I was also pleased to find a pair of Grey Partridge on the walk. Other species encountered included a single Yellow Wagtail, 6 Stock Doves, a pair of Lapwing, a Yellowhammer and the a couple of Kestrel. Corvids were well represented paticularly Magpies and Jackdaws, the numbers of both have increased dramatically in my area in recent years. They must be heavily predating ground nesting species at the moment in these dry conditions. Even the Wheat is barely a foot high and many other crops with the exception of Oil seed Rape has barely germinated, offering very little cover for nesting birds.
The walk also produced a Grass Snake which moved very slowly through some long grass at the edge of one of the Wheatfields.