25/09/2015 to 02/10/2015 Unst and the Shetland Mainland

Friday 25th September 2015 to Friday 2nd October 2015
Unst and the Shetland Mainland

The weather was warm and dry with clear skies so we were able to fly out of Fair Isle in a 7 seater plane for Lerwick on the mainland of Shetland. 

Excitement levels were running high with news  that a Thick-billed Warbler had been seen at Quendale by Graham when he left the previous day.  Unfortunately this extremely rare bird had left overnight - so near yet so far!.

After picking up our hire car in Lerwick we headed up to Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland islands and 2 ferry rides away! 

• En-route we managed to spot a Whooper Swan, our first of the autumn and several Tysties (Black Guillemots).

• By far the best bird of the first day was another, different, Pallid Harrier, seen at Northdale in the evening as it came in to roost.  We watched from an elevated position on the hillside as it swept in over the farmhouses and settled on a fence post 200 metres from us.  We returned to this area several times during the week for further views of this very special bird.   

Pallid Harrier
Courtesy of Shetland Nature

• We saw our first Brambling of the trip as we drove home. 

• Our last port of call of the first day was Haroldswick where we saw an Otter close to the seaweed, a few metres from the shore-line - the first of several visits to see it.

• An Arctic Warbler was present at Uyeasound but it turned out to be a tricky bird to locate.  We missed out completely on the first day and things were looking bad on the second day as we braved the drizzle and scoured the bushes and hedges.  After an hour or so Paul spotted it and from then on we got some smashing views.  This particular bird had little or no tail!

Arctic Warbler - sans tail
Courtesy of Neil Simpson

• We visited Hermaness NNR, principally to see the Gannet colony but also to see Fulmars and Bonxies but also to appreciate the spectacular views from this most northerly point on the most northerly isle in the Shetlands



Hermaness NNR Gannet Colony
Library picture

• The Keen of Hamar is a local nature reserve overlooking our cottage at Keenlee.  From here we saw mainly Golden Plover flocks but Paul, on his pre-breakfast walks also saw Snow Buntings and Pink-footed Geese.

• Most of the waders were seen at Uyeasound including Easter Loch and Baltasound. 

• We were still seeing Yellow-browed Warblers but not the numbers we had on Fair Isle.

• On the high grounds of Skaw we saw 12 Snow Buntings and at Norwick we latched on to a Barred Warbler, a Redstart and a White Wagtail.

• By Tuesday, the Arctic Warbler appeared to have left and no new rare birds had been sighted so we decided to twitch the Pechora Pipit on mainland Shetland near Loch Norby. A 2 hour trip, complete with 2 ferry rides, was rewarded with good flight views of the Pipit but only a very fleeting view of it on the ground. 



Pechora Pipit
Courtesy of  @GarrityPete

We also spotted 2 other rarities on mainland Shetland when we left Unst to spend our final night at the Sumburgh Hotel.

• An inspired bit of birding by Paul enabled us to locate the Red-breasted Flycatcher at Wester Quarff . 

Red-breasted Flycatcher
Courtesy of Shetland Nature
 

• The Bluethroat we spotted at Quendale Quarry near Sumburgh was the icing on the cake for this superb trip.

Bluethroat
Courtesy of David Aitken
 

Additions to BUBO UK Life List of Birds:
Arctic Warbler   (303)
Pechora Pipit   (304)
Bluethroat   (305)

Additions to BUBO UK 2015 List of Birds:
Arctic Warbler   (262)
Pechora Pipit   (263)
Red-breasted Flycatcher   (264)
Bluethroat   (265)


Species List for Unst and Mainland Shetland:
Barred Warbler
Black Guillemot
Blackbird
Blackcap
Brambling
Chiffchaff
Common Gull
Cormorant
Curlew
Dunlin
Fulmar
Gannet
Golden Plover
Goldeneye
Great Black-backed Gull
Grey Heron
Grey Wagtail
Greylag Goose
Herring Gull
Hooded Crow
House Sparrow
Kestrel
Lapwing
Mallard
Meadow Pipit
Merlin
Osprey
Pied Wagtail
Raven
Red-throated Diver
Redshank
Ringed Plover
Rock Dove
Rock Pipit
Ruff
Sanderling
Shag
Skylark
Snipe
Snow Bunting
Sparrowhawk
Starling
Swallow
Teal
Tufted Duck
Turnstone
Twite
Wheatear
Whooper Swan
Wigeon
Willow Warbler
Yellow-browed Warbler
Wren
Woodpigeon
White Wagtail


(57)



Despite the lack of favourable winds I still managed to add 3 more birds to my life list and 4 to my year list. 

Unst is a beautiful place and well worth a visit.  It has the added advantage of offering the chance to bird on mainland Shetland if and when rarities show up.


Arctic Warbler Biology

• The Arctic warbler (Phylloscopus borealis) is a widespread leaf warbler in birch or mixed birch forest near water throughout its breeding range in Fennoscandia and northern Asia. It has established a foothold in North America, breeding in Alaska. This warbler is strongly migratory; the entire population winters in southeast Asia. It therefore has one of the longest migrations of any Old World insectivorous bird.

• The nest is on the ground in a low shrub. Like most Old World warblers, this small passerine is insectivorous.

• This species occurs as an autumn vagrant in western Europe and is annual in Great Britain.

Pechora Pipit Biology

•  It is named after the Pechora River Valley in northeastern Russia, where it breeds and nests.

• Pechora Pipit: Breeds in the tundra of northern Asia, eastwards of Russia. It is a long-distance migrant, moving in winter to Indonesia. Rarely in September and October, the Pechora Pipit may be observed in Western Europe.

• Although the call is generally helpful when identifying pipits, this species calls far less than most.

• It creeps mouse-like in long grass, and is reluctant to fly even when disturbed.

• The Pechora Pipit was first described in 1863 by Robert Swinhoe, an English naturalist.

• This, combine with its skulking habits, makes this a difficult bird to find and identify away from its breeding grounds in the Arctic.

• The Pechora Pipit was first described in 1863 by Robert Swinhoe, an English naturalist.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Biology

• Scarce passage visitor to the UK.

• Birds breed in central Europe and winter in Asia.

•  Most likely to be found along south and east coast of England, less common in Scotland.

• Open forest and mixed woodland areas provide habitat.

Bluethroat Biology

• Bluethroat: Occurs widely across Europe, Asia and in some parts of North America. Main breeding grounds found in Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia, some parts of west and central Europe, to the Himalayas. Migratory species, overwintering in Africa, Europe, mainly Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, and in some parts of Asia.

• As Siberian populations have increased with the recent warming trend, this species has been able to spread across the Bering Strait into Alaska.

• Spends winters mostly on salt marshes, or around the edges of reed beds.

• They were discovered on June 5, 1851 by Edward Adams, a surgeon and naturalist aboard the British ship Enterprise. He was traveling overland from Norton Sound to the Koupac River in northwestern Alaska.

18/09/2015 to 25/09/2015 Fair Isle

Friday 18th September to Friday 25th September 2015
Fair Isle, Scotland


The long-awaited trip to Fair Isle turned out to be as spectacular as we expected.  With excellent accommodation, good food, lovely scenery and lots of birds (and birders) we had all the ingredients needed for a successful trip.

• On arrival, the most significant bird present was the Pallid Harrier.  We found it flying low over the fields south west of the observatory and over the course of the week it showed really well on at least 4 occasions.  In the bright sunlight it looked terrific as it  went about it's business with it's white rump showing prominently. 

Pallid Harrier
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory

Pallid Harrier
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory



•  Also on the first day, we spotted our first Barred Warbler, nestling among the Angelica in a garden close to the shop. 

Barred Warbler
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory

• Twite flocks were seen all over the place and continued to show all week much to the delight of all present.

Twite
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory

Twite flock
Courtesy of RSPB

• Several Rosefinches were seen, the best view being of one in the garden of the observatory at the end of the first day. 

Common Rosefinch
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory

• No trip to Fair Isle at this time of year would be complete without seeing Yellow-browed Warblers and this one was no different.  After drawing a blank on the first day we eventually located a couple in the garden of a nearby croft on the second afternoon.  However this was trumped a day later after a "fall" of these beauties resulted in a record 53 being reported.  There were Yellow-browed Warblers everywhere and with hardly any trees on the island they were quite easy to see in the Angelica's, on the walls and fences and even on a pebble beach. 



Yellow-browed Warbler
Courtesy of Shetland Nature

• On Sunday our first new "rarity" arrived on the island. James, visiting from Bedfordshire, spotted a Blyth's Reed Warbler skulking in the gardens of Stoneybrek.  It was trapped for ID verification before being released back into the garden.  Thankfully it stayed around, allowing us to enjoy splendid views, from close range, all afternoon.  It subsequently moved to another garden a few hundred metres further south  for the next couple of days.  Paul had arrived by now and was able to catch up with the bird in it's new environment. 

Blyth's Reed Warbler
Courtesy of James Walsh

• One of my favourite birds is the Great Skua or Bonxie.  Even though we visited after the breeding season, there were still 100+ remaining on the island and boy did they make their presence known.  They totally dominated the skyline on the higher grounds.



Bonxie
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory





• Fair Isle is famous for it's Gannets and Fulmars.  We managed to get to both Gannet colonies.  Fulmars occupied most of the cliff-top positions and were a delight to see.

Gannet colony at Fair Isle (north)
Library picture

Fulmars
Library picture

 

The final species count for the visit was 67, most of which were "rarities" or "scarcities". 

• Snow Buntings were present in huge numbers.  We saw at least 17 but 90+ were recorded.

• A single Ring Ouzel was seen when Paul and I headed to the North Lighthouse.

• There are few if any Corvids on the island other than Ravens and Hooded Crows and we saw huge numbers of both.

• Black Guillemots or "Tysties" breed here and we saw lots of these on the seas, close to the eastern shoreline.

• Eiders were also seen in good numbers on the seas.

• Lapland Buntings were seen but in flight view only.

• Good numbers of Merlin were seen.

• 2 Ringtail Hen Harriers were seen within minutes of the plane touching down on the island.

Species List for Fair Isle Trip
Barred Warbler
Black Guillemot
Blackcap
Blyth's Reed Warbler
Chiffchaff
Collared Dove
Common Gull
Common Rosefinch
Cormorant
Curlew
Dunlin
Eider
Fulmar
Gannet
Goldcrest
Golden Plover
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Skua
Grey Heron
Grey Wagtail
Hen Harrier
Herring Gull
Hooded Crow
House Martin
House Sparrow
Jack Snipe
Kestrel
Lapland Bunting
Lapwing
Lesser Whitethroat
Linnet
Mallard
Meadow Pipit
Merlin
Oystercatcher
Pallid Harrier
Peregrine
Pied Wagtail
Raven
Red-breasted Merganser
Redshank
Redstart
Redwing
Reed Warbler
Ring Ouzel
Ringed Plover
Robin
Rock Dove
Rock Pipit
Ruff
Shag
Skylark
Snipe
Snow Bunting
Song Thrush
Sparrowhawk
Starling
Swallow
Teal
Turnstone
Twite
Wheatear
Whinchat
Willow Warbler
Wren
Yellow Wagtail
Yellow-browed Warbler
(67)




Additions to BUBO UK Life List of Birds:
Pallid Harrier   (301)
Blyth's Reed Warbler   (302)

Additions to BUBO UK 2015 List of Birds:
Pallid Harrier   (255)
Barred Warbler   (256)
Twite   (257)
Common Rosefinch   (258)
Yellow-browed Warbler   (259)
Blyth's Reed Warbler   (260)
Lapland Bunting   (261)





Other Wildlife Sightings

• The highlight had to be the 7 Killer Whales (Orcas) seen on Saturday as we returned to the Observatory for breakfast after the early morning bird trap round. 

• Two species of Butterfly were seen - a Painted lady and a Red Admiral.

A Typical Day on Fair Isle

We stayed in the observatory in a 3 star double room with en-suite shower on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch and evening meal).  It is situated on the NE side of the island. 




The Observatory
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory

• The day usually started with an early morning (07.00) walk around the Heligoland traps in the north of the island with one of the Observatory wardens.

Heligoland traps
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory

• Trapped birds were then taken to the observatory for ringing at 07.45.  This was an open session which we followed religiously each day.

• A substantial breakfast was served at 08.30

• Everyone headed out for the first bidwatching session of the day after breakfast.  The default route was south where the bulk of the migrants are usually found.

Map of Fair Isle
Courtesy of Fair Isle Observatory

• We returned to the observatory each day at 1 p.m. to enjoy a substantial lunch of soup (with home-made bread) and a second course.  Fair Isle is only 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide so we could get there and back fairly quickly.

• Dinner was served at 18.00 each night.  Although there was no choice, everyone seemed to enjoy the 2 course meal that was served up

• 20+ birders were were staying at the observatory, including a large group of BTO top brass.  So having drinks in the bar was a must do, after dinner activity.  On 2 occasions we attended a talk by the BTO staff - one entitled Migration and another on birding in the Middle East.

• The day finished with the Wardens Log when the wardening team (3) reported on their survey results for the day before we were invited to add our own results if needed.

Final Comments

• 2 "lifers" and 7 "year ticks" was not bad going for a week in which the elements did not work in our favour.  The winds were invariably from the south each day and never looked like changing to the much-needed north easterlies. 

• The trip was unique in many ways  with so many rare birds to see and loads of birders around to help and share information.  Steve and Bert from Cleveland, James from Hertfordshire and Graham from Norwich became particularly close colleagues. 

• The observatory staff were all geared up to supporting the birders and they created a real community feeling.  The room was excellent and the food was just right for hungry birders on an isolated island in the north sea in autumn.  

Every birder should visit Fair Isle at least once in their life!

 

  

Pallid harrier biology

• The pallid harrier preys on small mammals, birds and large insects. These include voles, mice and gerbils, larks and pipits, grasshoppers and locusts . It spends a large part of its day hunting , foraging over 20 kilometres from its roost . It flies low over the ground, dropping down to capture prey spotted on the ground . Tall grass provides valuable cover as the harrier steals up on flocks of larks feeding on the ground.

 

• The pallid harrier’s present breeding range extends from the Ukraine and southern Russia, to north-western China and western Mongolia . Formerly, the breeding range used to be much greater, extending further into Eastern Europe. It winters mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, and from Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, east to south China.

 

• Globally, pallid harrier populations are drastically declining, particularly in Europe, where numbers declined by up to 30 percent from 1970 to 1990 and the species continued to decline from 1990 to 2000 . The declines are so significant that the pallid harrier no longer occurs in Moldova, Belarus and Romania, where it used to breed .



Barred Warbler

• Infrequent visitor to UK on passage between breeding grounds in eastern Europe and winter home in Africa.

• In late summer first winter birds are sometimes seen on south and east coasts of England.

• Look for them foraging in mixed forest, open woodland, scrub areas, and in towns.

• This warbler was one of the birds included in Morris's British Birds, 1891.

• Its song can be confused with that of Garden Warbler, but it is less melodious.

Twite

• Breeds on the moorlands of the Scottish Highlands, northern England and N Wales.

• In winter some remain in N and W Scotland, near the coast, while others, including Continental birds, move to the coast of eastern England where they can be found on saltmarshes and coastal fields.

Common Rosefinch

• Found in throughout Western Europe and much of Asia.

• Breeds across northern Eurasia and winters across southern Eurasia.

• Rare vagrant to the western Aleutians and Alaska during migration.

• Preferred habitats include scrubby areas, especially near water and often near human habitation.

Yellow-browed Warbler

• Scarce passage visitor to Britain.

• Birds breed in arctic Russia and then head south. Birds are most likely to be seen on autumn passage near east and south coasts of Britain, though records in Ireland exist.

• Can be found in the canopies of open forest and woodlands.

• This tiny warbler is prone to vagrancy as far as western Europe, despite a 3,000 km distance from its breeding grounds. For example, this species occurs in late autumn in Great Britain regularly enough that it is not classified as rare there.

Blyth's Reed Warbler biology

• It breeds in temperate Asia and easternmost Europe.

• It is migratory, wintering in India and Sri Lanka. It is one of the most common winter warblers in those countries.

• It is a rare vagrant to western Europe.

Lapland Bunting

• Winter visitor and scarce breeder in Britain. Birds are found along east coasts of Scotland and England.

• Though birds can be seen from autumn through late spring, highest concentrations are visible during the winter months.

• Can be found in coastal wetlands and wet grasslands.

 

 

15/09/2015 Ospreys in Sussex at Thorney Island

Tuesday 15th September 2015
Thorney Island, West Sussex
Paul and Group   (7)

On a day not conducive to finding migrants we managed to eke out quite a good list of sightings.  The weather was wet and windy early on but by mid morning things were brighter and by lunchtime the winds had eased considerably.

• The undoubted highlight of the day were the Osprey sightings at the start and end of our outing.  2 were seen, both perched on posts about 100 metres away.  It is so good to see them here in Sussex - it adds to the smashing views I had at Bassenthwaite in the spring.

• There were scores of migrant Wheatears around and they were with us for most of the way round this  7 mile circuit.  At least 2 Whinchats and 6+ Stonechats were seen which pleased everyone.

• We had a glut of Kestrels, a couple of Buzzards and a Peregrine.

• The main estuary birds were Dunlin, Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpipers, Oystercatchers, Sanderlings, Curlews,  a Whimbrel, 4 Brent Geese, a couple of Shelduck, Redshanks and a Ringed Plover.

The Ospreys made this a very special occasion and was one of over 50 birds seen today.  Thorney Island has to be the premier site to see Ospreys in Sussex.




As an added bonus we were perfectly placed to witness the aerial display of Spitfires and Hurricanes to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

On the way home I called in at the Ferry Pool at Siddlesham, Pagham to twitch the Pectoral Sandpiper which had been around for several days and a newly arrived Grey Phalarope.  This was compensation for missing the East Grinstead RSPB outing last Sunday due to us witnessing a nasty motorbike accident en route and deciding not to travel any further.






Additions to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Pectoral Sandpiper   (253)
Grey Phalarope   (254)








Pectoral Sandpiper

•  Breeds on arctic tundra from western Alaska across extreme northern Canada to the Hudson Bay; also found in Siberia. Spends winters in South America and Australia. During migration, may occur throughout North and Central Americas. Preferred habitats include marshes and grassy pools.

• They are promiscuous: males mate with multiple females, and females mate with multiple males

Grey Phalarope

• Migrant visitor to the UK. Most often seen in winter, blown ashore by storm winds.

• Breeds in arctic areas of Greenland and Iceland and winters in southern oceans near Antarctica. On passage may be seen in coastal areas.

• This bird usually stays far out to sea.

09/09/2015 Crow Link

Wednesday 9th September 2015
Crow Link
Brighton RSPB Local Group   (14)


Spent 4 hours on the south coast again, this time with the Brighton RSPB local group.  Just like yesterday, the conditions were not conducive to us seeing large numbers of migrants.

• The highlight for me was the altercation between a Buzzard and several corvids including at least one Raven.  Other birds of prey included a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel.

• We saw several Wheatears, a Whitethroat, a Redstart and several Chiffchaffs.

• We had our lunch overlooking the sea where we saw Curlews, Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, Great Black-backed Gulls and a couple of Fulmars.

A lovely outing!

08/09/2015 Into the 300 Club with a Honey Buzzard!

Tuesday 8th September 2015
Beachy Head, East Sussex
Paul and Group  (8)

Episode 3 of our hunt for migrant birds on the south coast took us to Beachy Head.  Starting at Birling Gap we headed east, taking the low level paths passing Horseshoe Plantation, spending some time at Shooters Bottom before turning at the Old Ringing Station and returning on the high level paths.

The migration was not happening in a big way, with lower than expected numbers of most species and an absence of some.  The outing however had a real surprise in store and it turned out to be a momentous one for me.  

• As we were approaching the Old Ringing Station, at the half way point, a Buzzard was spotted in the skies above us.  It was being chased by a couple of crows.  Gradually it dawned on us that it was, in fact, a Honey Buzzard!  After 25 to 30 hours spent this summer looking specifically for this species, there it was in all it's majesty flying east!  We could not have wished for a better view.  Thanks to John Cooper for allowing me to use his smashing images of the bird.

Honey Buzzard
Pictures courtesy of John Cooper

Honey Buzzard
Pictures courtesy of John Cooper

 

• The main migrants were Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Common Whitethroats and  Lesser Whitethroats as well as a couple of Wheatears and a Spotted Flycatcher.

• Migrating into the country, of course, at this time of the year are the Siskins and we saw plenty of evidence for this with several flocks seen overhead in the skies.

•  Hirundines were present, of course, with hundreds of Swallows, scores of House Martins and small numbers of House Martins. 

• Other birds of prey included Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Peregrine.

• On the sea the main activity involved Gannets and Fulmars.

• Other birds seen included a couple of Rock Pipits and a Skylark.

Butterflies Too!

Clouded Yellow
Library picture



Painted Lady
Library picture

Comma
Library picture

So pleased to join the 300 Club today and what a bird to bring it about!
 
So fitting it should be with Paul and Andrew who have been instrumental in all of this. 





Addition to BUBO Life List of UK Birds:
Honey Buzzard  (300)

Addition to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Honey Buzzard   (252)

 

 

 

European honey-buzzard range

The European honey-buzzard is a highly migratory species, breeding in countries across Europe during the summer months, before migrating south to spend the winter in Africa. During migration, the European honey-buzzard makes its way primarily overland, with most migrating individuals crossing into Africa through the Straits of Gibraltar.  From there, migration continues into areas throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where the European honey-buzzard will overwinter.



 

 

 

 

 

 

04/09/2015 Long wait is over - Black Stork!

Friday 4th September 2015
Bexhill, East Sussex

At the third attempt and after nearly 8 hours of observation I finally got my reward when I saw the Black Stork flying over the Little Common Recreation Ground at Bexhill.  I very nearly missed out though!



Black Stork
Library picture

I arrived at 11.45 to find I was the only birder present.   Unbeknown to me, some 15 minutes earlier, the stork had been seen but went down north of the usual viewing point so the birders had relocated to try and find it again.  After nearly an hour, without success, they came back to where I was.  At this point I was nearly out of time and needed to get home.  I started to move towards my car, cursing my bad luck, only to be called back because the stork was showing again.  For a good 5 minutes or so we enjoyed good flight views before it went down again behind the trees.

What a relief!

Addition to BUBO UK life List of Birds:
Black Stork   (299)

Addition to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Black Stork   (251)

What a rarity in the UK!

• The black stork (Ciconia nigra) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It is a widespread, but uncommon, species that breeds in the warmer parts of Europe (predominantly in central and eastern regions), across temperate Asia and Southern Africa. This is a shy and wary species, unlike the closely related white stork. It is seen in pairs or small flocks—in marshy areas, rivers or inland waters. The black stork feeds on amphibians and insects.

• During the summer, the black stork is found from Eastern Asia (Siberia and China) west to Central Europe, reaching Estonia in the north, Poland, Lower Saxony and Bavaria in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and Greece in the south, with an outlying population in Spain and Portugal. They are not abundant in these western parts of their distribution, but more densely inhabit the eastern Transcaucasus. A population of black storks is also resident in Southern Africa.

• The black stork is a strong migrant, wintering in tropical Africa and India. A broad-winged soaring bird, the black stork is assisted by thermals of hot air for long distance flight, although are less dependent on them than the white stork. Since thermals only form over land, storks, together with large raptors, must cross the Mediterranean at the narrowest points, and many black storks can be seen going through the Bosphorus. They fly approximately 100 to 250 km (62 to 155 mi) a day with daily maxima up to 500 km (310 mi).

• The storks migrate from the middle of August to the end of September. They return in the middle of March. About 10% of the western storks choose the passage Sicily - Cap Bon, Tunisia. The common route goes over Gibraltar. Many birds are fly around the Sahara next to the coast. Most birds are wintering in the wetlands of Nigeria or Mali. The eastern birds take the route Bosphorus-Sinai-Nile to Africa. Birds that summer in Siberia winter in northern and northeastern India. In Southern Africa, black storks that nest in the central montane areas perform season winter movements to warmer coastal and subtropical zones.

02/09/2015 Autumn Migration Outing 2 Pagham Harbour, East.

Wednesday 2nd September 2015
Pagham Harbour, East
Paul and group (11)

After the recent wet weather it was nice to get out in sunshine and experience dry conditions.  I enjoyed a smashing day out with friends, seeing 60+ species including a Yellow-legged Gull to bring up my 250th UK bird of 2015.

Today we  concentrated on the eastern side of the harbour including White's Creek which was a new stretch for me.   Unusually, we started at 10.00 so we could catch the waders along the North Wall on the large afternoon high tide.

There  were lots of highlights:

• Perhaps the most unexpected sighting was the Short-eared Owl that was flushed out as we made our return to the cars at Little Welbourne - unusual in that we would not normally see this species here at this time of year.  A real bonus!

• Obviously the Yellow-legged Gull was a treat for me and a landmark sighting for my 2015 Year List.  This was one of the first birds we saw as we walked along White's Creek - thanks to Paul who had  obviously targeted this species for me.



Yellow-legged Gull
Library picture

• A group of 6 Mediterranean Gulls provided the best spectacle of the day; I have never ever seen a  flock of these birds for quite some time now - 1's or 2's usually.

• Migrant passerines were well represented with good sightings of Wheatear, Whinchat and Linnet.

• Pagham Harbour is always a great place to see ducks, waders and gulls.  As well as a few Wigeon and Teal we saw a couple of Pintails.  The 2 Spotted Redshanks were perhaps the pick of the waders, closely followed by the Grey Plovers and Turnstones in there stunning summer plumage. 

Summer plumage Grey Plover
Library picture

 

Summer plumage Turnstone
Library picture

 

• As well as scores of Black-tailed Godwits there was also  at least 1 Bar-tailed Godwit. a Ruff, a Sanderling,  20+ Ringed Plovers, 20+ Knot, 20+ Dunlin, several Greenshanks and a couple of Golden Plovers.

 

• Birds of Prey included Buzzard, Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk but alas not Osprey on this occasion.

• I managed to miss the Kingfisher on 2 occasions.

• Swallows provided a magnificent backdrop throughout our visit.

• A Whimbrel was seen along with loads of Curlews, Herons and Little Egrets.

A really good birding experience.  Pagham never ever disappoints and today was no exception with good weather, lots of birds to see including a couple of "specials".



Addition to BUBO 2015 UK Bird List:
Yellow-legged Gull   (250)

• The yellow-legged gull has only recently been recognised as a species in its own right, having previously been considered to be a race of herring gull. 

•  Adults have darker grey backs and wings than herring gulls, but are paler than lesser black-backed gulls. They have more black in the wing tips than herring gulls and smaller white 'mirrors'. The legs are bright yellow, there is a red ring around the eye and the bill is yellow with a large red spot. In non-breeding plumage, the head is less streaked and whiter than herring gulls. 

•  Juvenile yellow-legged gulls are very similar to juvenile lesser black-backed gulls, but tend to be whiter-headed and start to gain a grey 'saddle' on their backs quickly as they moult to first winter plumage. Immature birds gain adult-like characteristics as they mature over the course of five years with the legs turning yellow and dark grey feathers replacing the brown and black immature feathers.

Overview

Latin name

Larus michahellis

 

 

Family

Gulls (Laridae)

 

Where to see them

Yellow-legged gulls can be found on reservoirs, on rubbish tips, in fields, on coastal marshes and in large evening gull roosts on reservoirs and lakes. They are most often found among large gatherings of lesser black-backed gulls.

When to see them

A northward spread from the Mediterranean and an increased awareness among British birdwatchers of how to identify yellow-legged gulls means they are now a regular sight in many parts of Southern Britain. They can be found throughout the year in varying numbers, but there is a marked peak in numbers during late summer and autumn when both adults and immature birds disperse after nesting.

 

 

What they eat

Ominivorous - a scavenger.

Population

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	1 pair	1,100 birds	-