28/02/2015 Surf Scoter at Gosport

Saturday 28th February 2015
Stokes Bay, Gosport

I took Paul's advice and travelled down to Gosport in Hampshire to see the rare drake Surf Scoter.  With poor weather in Sussex and Kent it was sensible to go west to meet the incoming good weather.

• In contrast to yesterday, when I had to wait over 3 hours for the star item to appear, the Surf Scoter was showing well as I arrived.  The views from my telescope were the best I have had for this species.  It was with 2 Common Scoters and quite close to the south coast shores.  With the the Isle of Wight as background it was a most spectacular setting for me, a northern lad by birth.

Drake Surf Scoter Stokes Bay, Gosport
Library picture





Drake Surf Scoter (middle) flanked by 2 Common Scoters
Library picture

Thanks for the recommendation Paul.




Addition to BUBO UK 2015 Bird List:
Surf Scoter   (167)





The Surf Scoter is a large sea duck that prefers to breed throughout Canada and Alaska. In winter months, this bird will migrate southward to warmer climates, including the northern coasts of the United States, Western Europe, Great Britain and Ireland, and the Great Lakes.

27/02/2015 Ferruginous Duck at Slimbridge

Friday 27th February 2015
Slimbridge Wetlands Centre

This was forecast to be the best day for the next few days so I decided to go for a long trip.  I have never been to Slimbridge and with the added attraction of a Ferrungious Duck on site it was an obvious choice.

• I made an early start and so was on site by 10.30 - just enough time to miss the first sighting of the target bird.  The next opportunity was some 2 hours later and I missed this one too - I was watching White-fronted Geese and Common Cranes. 

• Learning my lesson, I stayed put and waited for the next showing.  Eventually, around 14.00, I got my sighting as the duck appeared on the grass at the far end of the lake before disappearing into the reeds again.  I have to confess that I would have missed this one too if it were not for an eagle-eyed, fellow birder who made the call.

• Other interesting birds present were Water Rail, Marsh Harrier and Peregrine.

• On the drive home I saw at least 2 Red Kites, flying low over the M4 motorway close to where it meets the M25

Addition to BUBO UK 2015 Bird List:
Ferrungious Duck   (166)

20/02/2015 Just had to go for the Harlequin Duck at Aberdeen. Goosanders, Buzzards and Goldeneye's at Baon's Haugh, Motherwell

Friday 20th February 2015


I was invited by family to take in the Celtic v Inter Milan UEFA cup tie on Thursday and decided to fly up and stay until early Saturday morning.  Things were such that we all had free time on Friday so I hired a car, determined to drive to Aberdeen from Glasgow to see the Harlequin Duck that has caused so much interest nationally.



I arrived mid-afternoon to find the duck exactly where it had been reported to be, on the banks of the River Don in Seaton Park, a few hundred metres from the car park.  I was fortunate to view it using a Hertfordshire birder's scope to complement the views from my binoculars.  The duck was showing well sitting exposed at the edge of the spit.  Obviously it was in non-breeding plumage but nevertheless a very attractive bird.




Harlequin Duck  at Aberdeen (winter plumage)
Library picture

Below is a picture of a Harlequin Duck seen a couple of years ago in the UK but this time in stunning breeding plumage. 



Harlequin Duck   (breeding plumage)
Library picture

There were also a couple of Goldeneye around, including a drake.  In the hour or so I spent there, I could not see either of the 2 Dippers that had been seen earlier in the day. 




Well worth the time and expense.  Another "lifer"!




Addition to BUBO UK Birds Life List:
Harlequin Duck   (287)

Addition to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List
Harlequin Duck   (165)





To put the rarity of this Harlequin Duck into context, the local RSPB group said there had only been 10 recorded sightings in the UK since 1950 and twitchers from all across the UK have travelled to catch sight of it. 

 The bird is normally found in North America and eastern Russia, often wintering in the warmer climes of Korea and California.








Thursday 19th February
Baron's Haugh RSPB, Motherwell

Arrived in Glasgow around 09.30 and used the hire car to go down to the delightful RSPB site at Baron's Haugh on the banks of the River Clyde at Motherwell.

I was greeted by 3 Buzzards displaying brilliantly in the bright skies overhead.  A Sparrowhawk and several corvids were also very evident.

On the lake itself there were almost 20 Goldeneye with at least 8 drakes looking absolutely fabulous.  A handful of Mute Swans and a couple of Mallards were also around.

On the River Clyde several Goosanders including 2 males were enjoying a nap on the far bank. 

What a lovely start to my visit!

18/02/2015 Old Lodge Little Bunting

Wednesday 18th February 2015
Old Lodge NR

• I joined Paul and 20+ other birder's this afternoon to enjoy splendid views of the Little Bunting at Old Lodge, my second sighting in 3 days in 2 different countries. 

• Also seen were a couple of Ravens and several Reed Buntings.

17/02/2015 Ashdown Forset

Tuesday 17th February 2015
Ashdown Forest

• I went looking for Dartford Warblers on the Ashdown Forest today but failed miserably at 3 possible sites. 

• I did see 6 Woodlarks, 20+ Fieldfare and a couple of Stonechats.

16/02/2015 In Wales Little Bunting and Lesser Scaup.

Monday 16th February 2015
Cardiff, Wales

Alastair and I made an early start for Wales, hoping to get there just as the wet weather was moving out towards the east.  This turned out to be the case - thankfully. On the way down we managed to see 3 Red Kites and 4 Buzzards flying over the M4.  Our main aim was to see the Little Bunting, the Lesser Scaup and the Bonaparte's Gull, all of which had been seen in the Cardiff area in the last couple of days.

• First port of call was the Forest Farm Country Park Warden Centre to see the Little Bunting.  After a short wait, during which we were entertained by a variety of woodland birds, including Bullfinches, Coal Tits and a Nuthatch, the star turn duly turned up and put on a truly stellar performance. 

Little Bunting
Library picture

• From distances of less than 5 metres we were able to check all the ID features and admire it's handsome looks.  With the Reed Buntings close by we were also able to compare the two.

Little Bunting
Library picture

• Alastair saw his first ever Dipper in the nearby River Taff as we acted on local knowledge and made the detour.  An obliging Kingfisher,  a  Sparrowhawk and 2 lovely Grey Wagtails added to the pleasure.

• Next stop was Cardiff Bay to look for the Lesser Scaup.  Alastair and Sam (from Nottinghamshire) spotted the bird over the far side of the bay to the west so we relocated there by car and came face to face with this delightful bird as it swam around close to the shore.



Lesser Scaup
Library picture



Lesser Scaup
Library picture

• From a point further east, near the sewage works, overlooking the heliport, we were unable to find the Bonaparte's Gull in the bay but we did witness a new spectacle - 120+ Pintails swimming around.

A lovely day out with 2 "lifers" leaving me now with just 14 more birds to find to pass the magical 300 in the UK. 








Additions to BUBO UK Birds Life List:
Little Bunting   (285)
Lesser Scaup   (286)

Additions to BUBO UK 2015 Bird List:
Little Bunting   (163)
Lesser Scaup   (164)



Little Bunting Ecology
The little bunting breeds across the taiga of the far north-east of Europe and northern Asia. It is migratory, wintering in the subtropics in northern India, southern China and the northern parts of south-east Asia. The birds remain in their winter quarters for quite long; specimens were taken in Yunnan in late March. It is a rare vagrant to western Europe.


Lesser Scaup Ecology
The Lesser Scaup is found only in North America and is one of the most abundant and widespread of the diving ducks in North America.

They are rarely—but apparently increasingly often—seen as vagrants in western Europe. The first documented British record was a first-winter male at Chasewater, Staffordshire in 1987 but by 2006, over 60 had been recorded, with an average of 2 per year. UK records are typically in the northern parts of the country

14/02/2015 Hampshire - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Goshawks

Saturday 14th February 2015
New Forest, Hampshire

Weather conditions were due to be "iffy" today.  Nevertheless a trip to the New Forest in Hampshire was long overdue so it was on.



Mark Ash Wood 

• With a little help from Matt and Adam, also visiting from Sussex, I was able to get my first view of 2015 of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.  It didn't last long, as the bird soon flew away, but it was full of quality as it perched on the bare branch of a tree about 100 metres from us.  We tracked it for several minutes before it finally disappeared into the forest.

• Earlier 4 Hawfinches showed in the canopy of the trees on the opposite side of the road to the car park.  More were seen at various points in the forest.

• Also seen were Bramblings and a Treecreeper.

The only "dip" was with the Tawny Owl which was not at it's usual roost tree.



Acres Down

• I had outstanding views of several Goshawks, mostly males with at least one stunning female.  Just before leaving I saw a pair performing their famous "aerial gymnastics" - amazing!

• Also seen were several Woodlarks, often singing as they went about their business.

Blashford Lakes
After "dipping" with the Ferruginous Duck on Kingfisher Lake I was more successful at the other lakes.



 Rockford Lake

•  A super male Long-tailed Duck was showing well.  Also seen was a drake Goldeneye.

 Blashford Lakes Centre

•  I saw my first Lesser Redpoll of the year - a stunning male, less than 5 metres away from the hide.

Gosport
The final "dip" of the day was the Ring-billed Gull at Gosport where the bird was nowhere to be seen - probably down to the rain which was now quite heavy. 






Incredibly I had seen the most difficult birds on my wish list and dipped on the one's that I considered to be bankers.  A super yet strange day with 5 additions to my 2015 BUBO UK Bird List.





Additions to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker   (158) 
Woodlark   (159)
Goshawk   (160)
Long-tailed Duck   (161)
Lesser Redpoll   (162)



Today's species list:
Mute Swan
Canada Goose
Egyptian Goose
Shelduck
Wigeon
Gadwall
Mallard
Shoveler
Pochard
Tufted Duck   (10)
Long-tailed Duck
Goldeneye
Great Crested Grebe
Cormorant
Little Egret
Buzzard
Goshawk
Coot
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull    (20)
Common Gull
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Woodlark
Pied Wagtail
Wren
Dunnock
Robin   (30)
Blackbird
Mistle Thrush
Song Thrush
Redwing
Long-tailed Tit
Coal Tit
Marsh Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Nuthatch   (40)
Treecreeper
Magpie
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Brambling
Goldfinch
Siskin   (50)
Lesser Redpoll
Hawfinch

11/02/2015 Dippers on the River Derwent

Wednesday11th February 2015
In and around Workington

River Derwent
Went with Brian along the banks of the River Derwent from the Old Bridge in Hall park to the Yearl.

• As expected we saw and enjoyed a pair of superb Dippers as they moved up and down and across the river.  This is always the highlight of any trip for me as this bird is a a particular favourite of mine and Sue's.

• Also seen were several Goosanders as they moved regally through the water.

Loweswater Lake
Picked up Kenny on the way to Loweswater Lake.

• The highlight was undoubtedly the 50+ Bramblings we saw feeding on the ground in the woods by the lake.  They were accompanied by Chaffinches and Tit flocks.

• Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch and Tree Creeper added to the enjoyment of the experience.

Soddy Gap
We relocated to Soddy Gap expecting to find large numbers of Goosander.  On arrival we were surprised to find none at all.

• The Snipe was the most interesting of the species that were present.

• Buzzards were very much in evidence.

• The bulk of the birds were the usual ducks, namely Wigeon and  Teal

Workington Harbour
I was desperate to meet up with "Stumpy", the one-legged Mediterranean Gull that is a local celebrity in these parts.  Brian and I tried on 3 separate occasions to catch sight of it but each time we were unsuccessful.

• We did see at least 4 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks during one visit at high tide time.

Drove home, non stop, after a fish and chip dinner with my sister Joan, arriving at 11.20 p.m.  A lovely trip - 4 additions to my year list, and great company of friends and family.




Addition to BUBO UK 2015 Bird List:
Dipper   (157)

10/02/2015 Black Redstart, Bramblings and Goosanders

Tuesday 10th February 2015
Cumbria Day 1



Carlisle Airport

• Met up with Brian and Ken and headed off straight away to Carlisle Airport to twitch the Black Redstart.  It was by the Vulcan Bomber that sits  proudly at the entrance.  The bird soon relocated to the area behind the plane and we were able to get better views of it as it moved between posts marking the boundary.

• A local birder then recommended that we comb the small reed bed in front of the plane where he had previously seen a Jack Snipe.  He also told us to come back in the afternoon when we had a good chance of seeing a Short-eared Owl as it hunted over the adjacent fields.  As I went into the reeds and Brian and Ken looked on, a Common Snipe flew out and away, followed soon after by a Short-eared Owl.  Pity we had to flush the sleeping owl but what a worthy compensation and no need to return in the afternoon!

Talkin Tarn

• The same birder advised us to detour to nearby Talkin Tarn where we were highly likely to see Bramblings in large numbers.  Once again he was spot-on with his information and we enjoyed splendid views of the birds as they fed on the ground in the woods by the visitors centre. 

• We were also fortunate to see a two lovely male Bullfinches in the trees surrounding the car park as well as a Tree Creeper and a Nuthatch.

• On the lake the most interesting species for me was the Goosander and again the views of the male and female were stunning.

Campfield Marsh NR
Our last port of call was to Cumbria's flagship reserve at Campfield Marsh on the Solway Estuary in the NW corner of the county. 
 

• It was lovely to see Tree Sparrows in my home county.  They were active on the feeders outside the visitors centre.

• In the hide, my favourite sighting was the Pintails which looked majestic in the evening light.

• I managed to add to my year list count when we spotted a flock of Knot on the shores of the Solway, one of the many species of wader showing at the time.

Additions to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Black Redstart   (155)
Knott   (156)


Today's species list:
Mute Swan
Greylag Goose
Barnacle Goose
Wigeon
Mallard
Pintail
Shoveler
Teal
Tufted Duck
Goosander   (10)
Pheasant
Cormorant
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Moorhen
Oystercatcher
Grey Plover   (20)
Lapwing
Knot
Snipe
Curlew
Redshank
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove
Short-eared Owl   (30)
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Skylark
Meadow Pipit
Rock Pipit
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Black Redstart
Stonechat
Blackbird   (40)
Song Thrush
Redwing
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Nuthatch
Tree Creeper
Jay
Magpie
Jackdaw
Rook   (50)
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Chaffinch
Brambling
Greenfinch
Bullfinch
Yellowhammer
Reed Bunting   (60)



Thanks boys for a super first day - you put on a good trip!

09/02/2015. Laughing Gull at New Brighton

Monday 9th February 2015
New Brighton, Cheshire

• On my way up to visit family in Cumbria I took a detour to twitch the Laughing Gull on the promenade at New. Brighton.  The gull was on a pontoon and surrounded by 15 Purple Sandpipers and over 30 Turnstones.





Laughing Gull
Library picture

Birdwatchers from all over the country are flocking to New Brighton after a rare sighting of the Laughing Gull.

• The bird is usually found in America and breeds year-round on the east coast of Mexico. There are only a few sightings in the UK each year.

• Summer adults have a crisp black hood, white arcs around the eye, and a reddish bill. In winter, the hood becomes a blurry gray mask on a white head.  The legs are reddish black to black. Immatures are much browner and more subtly patterned than adults; they take 2-3 years to gain adult plumage.

I have seen this bird, in summer plumage in the USA and it looks stunning.




Laughing Gull summer plumage
Library picture 

Laughing Gull summer plumage
Library picture

A new species for my UK Life List - now only 16 to go for the magical 300 total.

• Didn't have enough time in good light to go and see the Long-eared Owl that was just a few miles away.

 

• I received the usual "guard of honour" from the Red Kites on the M40 - this time I spotted 12 as I moved at high speed up the motorway from the M25 to Oxford.

Addition to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Laughing Gull   (154)
Addition to BUBO UK Birds Life List
Laughing Gull   (284)

08/02/2015 Super Isle of Sheppey Outing - Hooded Crow, Richard's Pipit, Bearded Tits and Merlins.

Sunday 8th February 2015
Isle of Sheppey

In fabulous weather, 6 of us made the trip to the Isle of Sheppey and once again we were rewarded with some terrific birds. 


Shellness

• We made the long trip west to the hide where Paul identified a bird perched on a post as the Hooded Crow which was top of our shopping list for the day; fortunately it stayed put until we all had the chance to get it in the scope and make the ID for ourselves.

• Soon afterwards we saw 4 Bearded Tits in the reeds in front of the hide and we were able to get really good views of these birds as they foraged for food. 

• If that wasn't enough we managed to spot the elusive Richard's Pipit on our way back to the car park; it was in the grassy area on the marsh side of the sea wall.  We were aided in making the ID by the close views and clear lighting.  To add to the ID items we also saw it's long wagtail-like tail as it flew as well as the characteristic hovering action as it was about to land.

• There was no sign of any Bean Geese amongst the Greylags but we did see at least 6 White-fronted Geese.  There were plenty of other birds on show including many Brent Geese, Marsh Harriers, Lapwings etc.

Capel Fleet
We had lunch at Capel Fleet where we saw several Marsh Harriers.


Elmley Marshes
We transferred to Elmley Marshes for the afternoon session to catch the high tide and the resulting high numbers of waders moving in. 

• As you would expect there were huge numbers of  Lapwing, Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Curlew, Shoveler etc.  The Pintails stood out particularly well.

• One of the outstanding periods of the day was when we saw 4 Short-eared Owls hunting over the marsh.  They were so close could see the vivid markings of the feathers and  really enjoy the spectacle.

• Unbelievably the birds kept coming and 2 female Merlins joined in, providing us with even more fun - one of them from close range as it perched at the top of a bush on the bank running at right angles to us.

• Best of all however were the 4 Bearded Tits we saw later on.  They were so close - less than 10 metres away - that we were afforded front of the house seats to watch them as they were feeding.  The one male in particular was absolutely stunning and was my bird of the day.  They were still showing well when we had to leave to return to the car - I have never before been in a situation where I have walked away from Bearded Tits.

What a terrific day out with lots of good healthy walking, good company and so many birds around, including 4 new species for my UK 2015 list!



Additions to 2015 BUBO UK Bird List:
Hooded Crow   (150)
Bearded Tit   (151)
Richard's Pipit   (152)
Merlin   (153)


Today's Species List:
Mute Swan
White-fronted Goose
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Brent Goose
Shelduck
Wigeon
Gadwall
Mallard
Pintail   (10)
Shoveler
Teal
Pheasant
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Buzzard
Marsh Harrier
Kestrel
Merlin
Moorhen   (20)
Coot
Ringed Plover
Golden Plover
Grey Plover
Lapwing
Dunlin
Snipe
Black-tailed Godwit
Curlew
Redshank   (30)
Black-headed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Woodpigeon
Short-eared Owl
Skylark
Meadow Pipit
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Stonechat   (40)
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Cetti's Warbler (heard)
Bearded Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Rook
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Hooded Crow   (50)
Starling
House Sparrow
Reed Bunting

06/02/2015 Slavonian Grebe at Arlington Reservoir

Friday 6th February 2015



Arlington Reservoir
Got a call from Paul about a Slavonian Grebe at Arlington Reservoir so I changed my plans which were to go to Pevensey Levels. 

The grebe was showing well,  just to the west of the main ducks and the 3 Egyptian Geese'  I was thankful to view it from the calm of the hide after catching the NE winds full on as I approached from the south. 

The ducks included Teal, Wigeon and Pintails.  Also much in evidence were the usual Gulls, Cormorants and Great-crested Grebes.

Addition to BUBO UK 2015 Bird List:
Slavonian Grebe   (149)




Pevensey Levels
I finally got to the Pevensey Levels after lunch.  My main aim was to walk from the Hailsham end into the marsh.  Parking the car was the main problem but the walk was as good as expected. 

The highlight was the huge number of winter thrushes around - mainly Redwings but also Fieldfares.  As well as the corvids there were lots and lots of Lapwings around.  I stopped after a while as the bitterly cold winds in this exposed area were really biting hard

05/02/2015 Two male Serins - Shoeburyness in Essex

Thursday 5th February 2015
Gunners Park, Shoeburyness, Essex


Made the 90 minute journey to Southend on Sea to twitch the 2 male Serins that had been in the area for the last couple of days.  I just couldn't resist the chance to see these lovely birds - for the first time in my life.  I arrived just on 12.00 in glorious weather; dry and cold but with lots of sunshine.

The actual sighting was almost "pantomimish". Two of us were watching the pond and surrounding wooded area where the birds had been seen earlier.  The 2 birds were actually right behind us,  only a couple of metres away, feeding in the scrub on the other side of the path.  I think we must have heard them screaming at us "we're behind you!".  Anyway we got to get some excellent views as the birds moved around.  Being males the colours were vivid, giving the impression of a very handsome species. 



Serin
Library picture


I signalled to a couple of other birders who had drifted off earlier looking for the birds,  Unfortunately when they arrived they were too keen and tried to get too close, causing the birds to fly further away.  The birders followed - again too aggressively - with the inevitable outcome that the birds flew away, round the corner, to a different part of the reserve.  

By way of a side show, a Stonechat and a Great Spotted Woodpecker added to the experience.



My UK Life List now has grown to 283 edging  me closer and closer to the magical figure of 300. 



Addition to 2015 BUBO UK Bird List:
Serin   (148)

Addition to BUBO UK Life List:
Serin   (283)



RSPB - facts:
Serins are small finches with short stubby bills and forked tails. Both sexes have streaky yellow brown upper parts, paler streaked under parts and lemon yellow rumps. Males have bright yellow heads with darker patches on the crown and below the eye, females and juveniles are much duller. They have been recorded annually in the UK in small numbers since the 1960s and have bred sporadically since the 1970s (Devon, Dorset, Sussex, East Anglia and the Jersey) but no more than one or two pairs a year.

04/02/2015 Snow Bunting at Bexhill on Sea

Wednesday 4th February 2015
Bexhill on Sea

Just before lunch I made the short journey to Bexhill to see the long-staying Snow Bunting.  The weather continued to be dry but very cold.

• After an unsuccessful search of the beach area where the bird had been seen earlier in the day I joined another couple of birders to try again.  Fortunately one of them noticed a photographer operating up a set of steps to the raised chalets. 

• The Snow Bunting was there on the concrete patio area and showing well from less than 10 metres.  Apparently it had been flushed from the beach by some dog walkers and had taken refuge on the higher ground above the path.  It may have been on it's own but what a beauty - a colourful male!

Ashdown Forest 15.00 to 17.00

After going home for lunch I had just enough time to do a stint on my patch at Churlwood in the Ashdown Forest.  the more interesting sightings included a Nuthatch, a Goldcrest, a flock of 20+ Redwings, 2 Buzzards, 2 Stonechats, a Coal Tit and a Treecreeper (only my second ever on this patch) 





Addition to BUBO  2015 UK Bird List:
Snow Bunting   (147)

03/02/2015 On the South Downs.

Tuesday 3rd February 2015
South Downs

Only time for an evening outing so I decided to go on the South Downs and see what turned up. 

• Thankfully I watched a distant Barn Owl for about 25 minutes from 16.30 as it hunted over the fields. 

• There were plenty of Corvids, Pheasants and Woodpigeons and several Blackbirds.  A single Redwing provided a very pleasing interlude.

• On a clear night, and a full moon, the latter stages were amazing with a beautiful sky.  Need to check my astronomy to identify the planets that I saw - should be easier than some of the bird ID's of late.

A lovely evening on the Downs, made all the nicer by the Barn Owl and the night sky.

02/02/2015 Another excellent day at the office!

Monday 2nd February 2015
Selsey, Medmerry and West Dean Woods

On a bitterly cold morning Paul and I visited Selsey where the action was very quiet but still fruitful for my year list.  A Shag, flying east and a Great Northern Diver were the main highlights along with 15-20 Common Scoter on the sea between Selsey and the Medmerry estuary.

At Medmerry itself, at least 2 of the Spoonbills could be seen in the distance and a number of waders were also showing well.

Around lunchtime we called in at Chichester GP to twitch the Tundra Bean Goose.  What a contrast to Saturday's failed effort; this time the goose was swimming in the lake alongside the Greylags and the ID was a formality. The beak was showing well and I also appreciated, for the first time, how significantly smaller in size this bird is compared to the Greylags.  An obliging Kingfisher also flew past us, on the lake behind us, as we were observing the goose.

At West Dean Woods, after stopping to see the Little Owl, Paul gave a masterclass on finding woodland birds.  He was on to the Siskins as soon as we arrived and near the end he found the elusive Hawfinches as well as at least one Firecrest and several Bramblings. An obliging Red-legged Partridge provide my 7th addition to the year list . 

Additions to BUBO 2015 UK bird List:
Jack Snipe   (140)
Shag   (141)
Great Northern Diver   (142)
Common Scoter   (143)
Tundra Bean Goose   (144)
Red-legged Partridge   (145)
Siskin   (146)


Today's species list:
Mute Swan
Tundra Bean Goose
Greylag Goose
Shelduck
Teal
Mallard
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Pochard
Common Scoter   (10)
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-legged Partridge
Common Pheasant
Great Northern Diver
Great-crested Grebe
Cormorant
Shag
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Spoonbill   (20)
Red Kite
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
Coot
Ringed Plover
Grey Plover
Dunlin
Jack Snipe
Snipe
Redshank   (30)
Turnstone
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Herring Gull
Woodpigeon
Little Owl
Kingfisher
Green Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Wren   (40)
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Goldcrest
Firecrest
Long-tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit   (50)
Marsh Tit
Nuthatch
Magpie
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Starling
Chaffinch
Brambling
Greenfinch
House Sparrow   (60)
Goldfinch
Siskin
Hawfinch

A cracking birding trip!

01/02/2015 A West Sussex Safari Great Grey Shrike, Tree Creepers and Grey Wagtails

Sunday  1st February 2015
West Sussex, North of Arundel



Burton Mill Pond and Chingford Pond
Most of our species were seen here.  The pick of the bunch included Marsh Tit, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Redwing.



Iping Common
The star of the show today just had to be the Great Grey Shrike and we were fortunate to get excellent views throughout our stay.



Ambersham Common
There was no sign of Dartford Warblers but we did manage to see 3 Bullfinches, my first sightings of 2015.




Additions to BUBO 2015 UK Bird list:
Treecreeper   (138)
Bullfinch   (139)


Today's species list:
Mute Swan
Greylag Goose
Gadwall
Mallard
Shoveler
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Pheasant
Great Crested Grebe
Cormorant   (10)
Buzzard
Kestrel
Coot
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Woodpigeon
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Grey Wagtail
Wren   (20)
Dunnock
Robin
Stonechat
Blackbird
Great grey Shrike
Egyptian Goose
Song Thrush
Redwing
Goldcrest
Long-tailed Tit   (30)
Marsh Tit
Coal Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Treecreeper
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Raven
Chaffinch
Goldfinch   (40)
Bullfinch




In tough conditions we were fortunate to see some lovely birds today.

31/01/2015 Scotney Cattle Egrets and Corn Buntings

Saturday 31st January 2015
Scotney Gravel Pits, Kent/Sussex Border

Received a text from Paul about Bean Geese and White-fronted Geese so I made a bee-line for  Scotney GP's on the Kent/Sussex border.  Unfortunately the White-fronted Geese had left by the time I got there and try as I may I could not find the 2 Bean Geese among the Greylags on the spit.  Many geese were leaving and heading west over Walland Marsh so I decided to go follow them, hoping for a sighting.  Unfortunately I failed but not before I had made a couple of interesting sightings.

• First and foremost I found 2 Cattle Egrets, almost certainly the same 2 that had resided at Denge Marsh Road for several weeks but had now just departed: they were on the east side of the concrete drive by Scotney Court Farm.   On the way back from the marsh I met several birders who had relocated to this point on the strength of my post on RareBirdAlert and they thanked me for the information; some had spent all morning on Denge Marsh looking for them in vain.

• I saw a small flock of 10 Corn Buntings feeding in the ploughed field close to the farm buildings, a useful addition to my 2015 Year List.

Addition to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Corn Bunting   (137)




This was not what I came for but, nevertheless, it was a welcome reward for some hard birding in the cold January conditions on the south coast.