12/11/2014 Dungeness and another birding bonanza!

Wednesday 12th November 2014
Dungeness
with Brian and Paul

The highlight of Brian's visit was always going to be a trip to Dungeness and despite a slow start it lived up to expectations. 

We left Uckfield at 06.30 to start our day with some seawatching from the fishing boats.  We joined Plodding Birder and 4 others in dry but blustery conditions.  Paul had high hopes after yesterday afternoon's report of a Leach's Petrel and 9 Pomarine Skuas.  Although we managed to spot a distant Pomarine Skua and a small group of Red-breasted Mergansers, things turned out to be very quiet.  We then went in search of a Black Redstart for Brian but the conditions were unfavourable and we didn't see any.

Around 10.00 we decided that it was time to pick up the tempo and see some interesting birds so we headed for the ARC Hanson Hide.  On the way we saw our first Great White Egret of the day. At the hide we quickly located the Slavonian Grebe

Slavonian Grebe
Library picture

and soon afterwards we found a second one.  There were several Goldeneye around including both sexes.  Our star item however was the female Smew seen at the far end of the water.  This lovely redhead had only been here a few days and we were a bit surprised to see it so early in the winter. 




Female Smew - a" Redhead"

Paul spotted the first Spotted Redshank of the day on one of the few islands remaining after the recent heavy rainfall. 

 

Spotted Redshank
Library picture

On the reserve we found another 2 Spotted Redshanks and 7 Greenshanks.  The next "big" event was our sighting of the Cattle Egret in the fields adjacent to the Denge Hide.  

Cattle Egret
Library picture

  Quite soon after we were afforded superb views of a Bittern flying across us.  Then a stunning female Merlin flew ahead of us, leaving us gobsmacked. 

Merlin (f)
Library picture

By this time we were joking of having seen Cattle Egrets and Great White Egrets but no Little Egrets; this was corrected on the way back to the centre when we saw up to 3 of them and a further 4 Great White's flying over the water before settling on the edge. 

We ended the day on Walland Marsh where the star species were the Marsh Harriers and the fleeting views we got of the Bearded Tits in the reeds in front of us.   


Today's species list:

Barnacle Goose

Bearded Tit

Bittern

Blackbird

Blackcap

Black-headed Gull

Blue Tit

Barnacle Goose Bearded Tit Bittern   (10) Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Brent Goose Buzzard Carrion Crow Cattle Egret Cetti's Warbler Chaffinch   (20) Chiffchaff Collared Dove Coot Cormorant Dunnock Fieldfare Gadwall Gannet Goldcrest Golden Plover   (30) Goldeneye Goldfinch Great Black-backed Gull Great Crested Grebe Great Tit Great White Egret Great-spotted Woodpecker Greenshank Grey Heron Herring Gull   (40) House Sparrow Kestrel Kingfisher Lapwing Little Egret Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Marsh Harrier Meadow Pipit   (50) Merlin Mistle Thrush Moorhen Mute Swan Peregrine Pied Wagtail Pintail Pochard Pomarine Skua Raven   (60) Red-breasted Merganser Redwing Reed Bunting Robin Rook Shoveler Slavonian Grebe Smew Song Thrush Spotted Redshank   (70) Starling Teal Tree Sparrow Tufted Duck Water Rail Wigeon Woodpigeon Wren

Paul can't be with us for Brian's final day tomorrow so what a send off he arranged with some stunning birds including no fewer than 4 "lifers" for Brian.

11/11/2014 Brian (cont) Rough-legged Buzzard

Tuesday 11th November 2014
Groombridge Lagoons, Jevington and Belle Tout
with Paul and Brian

Up at the crack of dawn to show Brian the Ringtail Hen Harrier.

Today was also my first chance to show Brian our little project at the Groombridge Lagoons for the Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Society.  I was also delighted to have Paul along to give us an experienced birder's survey of the site.  The highlights included our first Redwing sighting of the autumn and first ever sightings here of  Snipe, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Siskin and Collared Dove.  At the end of week 6 we have seen a remarkable 43 species on this tiny site.

After coffee Paul, Brian and I headed off to Jevington to see the Rough-legged Buzzard that was still showing well.  We spent a delightful hour watching this bird as it used the favourable winds to give us a  masterclass in hovering. 




Rough-legged Buzzard
Library picture



Rough-legged Buzzard
Library picture

Our next stop was Belle Tout Wood to look for the Yellow-browed Warbler and the Tawny Owls that had been seen there recently.  Unfortunately our efforts were in vain and we were unable to see either species. 

Our final stop was to see the Ringtail Hen Harrier return at the end of the day but, once again, we were unsuccessful.

Today's Species List:
Collared Dove
Chaffinch
Little Grebe
Magpie
Redwing
Stock Dove
Pied Wagtail
Jay
Woodpigeon
Blackbird    (10)
Siskin
Chiffchaff
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Moorhen
Coot
Robin
Goldfinch
Herring Gull
Song Thrush   (20)
Snipe
Grey Wagtail
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Dunnock
Reed Bunting
Fieldfare
Starling
Linnet
Meadow Pipit   (30)
Rough-legged Buzzard
Goldcrest




A much quieter day, by choice, but with a star species to make it a memorable one.

10/11/2014 Brian visits - Firecrests, Marsh Tit and Red Kites but no Hen Harrier or Mandarin

Monday 10th November 2014
Brian Day 1
Staying local a.m. and Arundel p.m.

Despite the awful rain, expectations were high as Brian and I took up our place in the Ashdown Forest just after dawn to look for the Ring-tailed Hen Harrier.  Reports from the previous evening confirmed that it had gone to roost as normal.  Unfortunately we were unsuccessful and we missed the bird, the obvious reason being that it had left before we arrived.

Next stop was Weirwood Reservoir where I was sure we would see the resident  Marsh Tit and the reliable Mandarins.



Marsh Tit
Library picture

While we appreciated repeated views of the former the latter did not show in the time we were on site.  The Nuthatch was the pick of the other birds seen. 




Nuthatch
Library picture

After a refreshing breakfast at home we headed west to Arundel, picking up Paul on the way, hoping for better luck.  At the Watercress Beds we had no luck with the Mandarins but at the Waterwoods we saw a pair of Firecrests,  




Firecrest
Library picture

our pick of the day and the target species. Suddenly the whole day seemed better.   The couple of Goldcrests somehow seemed to be a sideshow. 

Goldcrest
Library picture

Last stop was The Burgh, on the outskirts of Arundel, where we had magnificent views, all afternoon, of Red Kites  with a conservative estimate of 15 seen. 

Red Kite
 Library picture

Also seen were numerous Buzzards and Kestrels.  A single Corn Bunting flew by and landed on a nearby bush, enabling us to get great views. 




Corn Bunting
Library picture

 
No visit to the Burgh is complete without good views of the Grey Partridge and ours was no exception. 

Grey Partridge
Library picture

Several Ravens flew over to add to the occasion. 

Raven
Library picture

Remarkably, throughout the day, there were no other birders or dog walkers around - very welcome and perhaps to be expected with the uncertain weather conditions. 


Today's species list:
Goldcrest
Firecrest
Wren
Marsh Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Treecreeper
Nuthatch
Robin
Dunnock   (10)
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Linnet
Chaffinch
Reed Bunting
Corn Bunting
Meadow Pipit
Grey Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Skylark   (20)
Blackbird
Jay
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Raven
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Collared Dove
Stock Dove
Woodpigeon
Grey Partridge   (30)
Pheasant
Lapwing
Moorhen
Coot
Little Grebe
Gadwall
Mallard
Tufted Duck
Pochard
Greylag Goose   (40)
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Herring Gull
Cormorant
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
Red Kite   (50)
House Sparrow
Starling

Not bad for our first day!

North Kent 3 Shore Lark

Saturday 8th November 2014
Reculver, Kent

Made a flying visit to "twitch" the Shore Lark.  A very early start was called for as I had to be back for the Brighton & Hove Albion match against Blackburn Rovers at the AMEX Stadium in the afternoon.

Shore Lark at Reculver
Library picture

Shore Lark at Reculver
Library picture

Thankfully both the Shore  Lark and the Desert Wheatear were present and showing well.  The Shore Lark was on the shingle barely 5 metres away. 

What a superb looking bird!

Addition to 2014 UK Bird List:
Shorelark   (274)

"Mostly a scarce winter visitor to the north sea coasts of England and Scotland from it's breeding grounds in Scandinavia. Very rarely breeds in Scottish highlands." 

06/11/2014 North Kent again - a Desert Wheatear, Short-eared Owls and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose

Thursday 6th November 2014
Shellness on Isle of Sheppey then Reculver
with Paul

Paul had picked up from the Sussex Birders facebook page that the spread of Little Auks down the east coast had reached Shellness on the Isle of Sheppey so we decided to make the journey into north Kent to give it a go.  If all else failed I could show Paul the site of my Lapland Bunting sighting on Monday.  It was a bright, sunny morning although we could have done with northerly winds.

At Shellness we immediately saw a Short-eared Owl hunting over the marsh while out at sea we witnessed an altercation between a Bonxie and a Merlin but no sign of any Little Auks.  There were plenty of Brent Geese and a smattering of Grey and Ringed Plovers.  Before we could reach the wader spit we got an alert from Bird Guides about a Desert Wheatear that had just been seen at Reculver some 25 miles south on the north Kent coast.  We immediately headed for the car and before reaching it we saw our second Short-eared Owl and Paul got fleeting view of a Little Auk flying over the marshes with a flock of Starlings.

At Reculver we quickly joined the other birders to watch the delightful male Desert Wheatear that was parading on the rocks of the groyne less than 20 metres from us.  It was quite unsettled and soon flew onto the pebble beach, then back to the groyne before flying about 50 metres to another groyne to the west. 



Male Desert Wheatear at Reculver
Library picture



Male Desert Wheatear at Reculver
Library picture




Just like it's UK counterpart this Moroccan bird was very attractive but with more black in the tail and around the face.  After watching this rare bird for about 30 minutes we then picked out the Pale-bellied Brent Goose from the flocks of geese in the nearby field and watched it until it sat down and fell asleep. 



Pale-bellied Brent Goose
Library picture

Next stop was Swalecliffe, a 20 minute drive away, but this time we were to be disappointed with no sign of the Lapland Bunting or the Black Redstart or the Kingfisher.  What a difference a couple of days makes! 

Despite the quiet ending we both agreed it was a great day out and well worth the effort.  I had picked up another "lifer" and a year tick and Paul had the added advantage of seeing the Little Auk.

Addition to 2014 UK Bird List:
Desert Wheatear   (272)
Pale-bellied Brent Goose(273)


Addition to UK Bird Life List:
Desert Wheatear   (284)
Pale-bellied Brent Goose(285)




"The Desert Wheatear occurs across North Africa, through the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula, and into Asia, as far east as China. It is also sometimes recorded outside of its normal range, in parts of Europe. This species is migratory, with populations generally moving southwards in winter."

03/11/2014 Lapland Bunting - another "twitch", this time in Kent

Monday 3rd November 2014
Swalecliffe, Kent


Got a call from Alastair asking if I was up for some birding today.  Within the hour we were on our way to the North Kent coast to attempt a "twitch" of the Lapland Bunting that had been showing at Swalecliffe for the last couple of days.  The weather forecast for the day was awful but there was a time lot between 12.00 and 15.00 where we might get our chance to see this rare bird.

• The plan worked brilliantly - the weather held off and at 13.30 we saw the star bird right there in front of us just a few metres away.  All we had to do was to sit back and enjoy the show as the Lapland Bunting went about it's business. 

Lapland Bunting
courtesy of Alastair Gray



Lapland Bunting
courtesy of Alastair Gray

• What a great bird, especially around the head with it's contrasting bands.  Yet another "lifer" for me and to see it today of all days was a real bonus.

• On the way back to the car we spotted a beautiful male Black Redstart in the churchyard to add to our great day out. 



Black Redstart (male)
courtesy of Alastair Gray



• Hundreds of Starlings adorned the sky as we reached the car to give the feeling that, here today, this was a truly special place.   

The Lapland Bunting breeds across Arctic Europe and Asia and in Canada and the northernmost USA. It is migratory, wintering in the Russian steppes, the southern USA, Northern Scandinavian arctic areas and down to coastal Southern Sweden, Denmark and Great Britain. This is the only Eurasian species of the longspur buntings, and while it probably did not evolve there, it has been present in Eastern Europe for at least about 30,000 years.





Addition to UK 2014 Bird List:
Lapland Bunting   (271)


Addition to UK Birds Life List:
Lapland Bunting   (283)

Thanks Alastair - I owe you!

01/11/2014 Franklin's Gull in Hampshire - a difficult "twitch"

Saturday 1st November 2014
Blashford Lakes
Hampshire

With poor weather forecast for Sunday onwards I took the opportunity to travel down to Blashford Lakes in Hampshire, in good weather, hoping to see my first ever Franklin's Gull as it went to roost on Ibsley Water.  The Tern Hide was jammed full of birders but I managed to squeeze in and get ready for the big event.  This rarity has lingered in Hampshire since mid October and had been seen here from 28th October.  Received wisdom was to visit at roost time to ensure a sighting.

Word came through, on the phone, that the bird was heading our way but it took the combined efforts of all birders to find it on the lake with no one managing to see it land on the water.  It was finally spotted on the water, directly out from our hide, on the opposite side of the lake just before 17.00.  Once spotted you dare not take your eye of it for fear of losing it.  There were thousands of gulls in the way and it took a real effort to get keep your eye in.  Over the next 15 minutes or so we enjoyed distant but good views before the fading light drew events to a close.  A difficult twitch but a very enjoyable one.  We all left with a sense of achievement - of having found the proverbial needle in the haystack!




Franklin's Gull
Library picture

Franklin's Gull Franklin's Gull breeds on marshes and lakeland wetlands from southern Canada to South Dakota and Iowa and in scattered marshland in the western USA. It spends the winter mainly along the western coastline of South America. The species was named after the Lincolnshire born Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin. It was originally named Franklin's Rosy Gull after the rosy-coloured hue to its breast in summer plumage. Franklin's Gull is unique among Laridae in that it has two complete moults each year rather than one. This equips it for the demands of the 5,000 mile migration it undertakes. This is what the bird looks like in it's breeding plumage  Franklin's Gull breeding plumage Library picture  Addition to UK 2014 Year List: Franklin's Gull   (270) Addition to UK Lifetime List: Franklin's Gull   (282) Well worth the long drive down into Hampshire!