Wednesday 29th January 2014
Newhaven Tide Mills
Decided to try again for Short-eared Owls at Rodmell after drawing a blank there last week. I made an early afternoon start so I decided to try Tide Mills first to look for the Black Redstarts that had been reported there lately. Weather conditions were not good but I wanted to get out for a couple of hours at least.
On the coast the winds were strong and soon it started to rain. I had no luck with the Redstarts but when I ventured onto the east pier I came across at least 10 Purple Sandpipers below the pier on the high tide water level. At least I had something to show for my efforts. On the way back I saw a flock of 12 or so Greenfinches on the pebble beach and a couple of Herring Gulls.
By the time I got back to the car to relocate to Rodmell for the Short-eared Owl search it was raining very hard and the skyline indicated it was likely to remain so for the rest of the day. With this in mind I decided to cut my losses and head home.
I was pleased to have squeezed in a couple of hours birdwatching even if I had not seen very many species.
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
29/01/14 Mandarin at Weirwood Reservoir
Wednesday 29th January 2014
Weirwood Reservoir
Another awful day weather wise so I headed for the protection of a bird hide. Weirwood Reservoir suited me fine and I wasn't to be disappointed. I targeted Mandarin and/or Kingfisher and/or Bullfinch.
A friend (BJ) from the Ashdown Birdgroup arrived and I benefited from his local knowledge and advice in relation to these species. He said that I was unlikely to see Kingfisher as they were mainly on the rivers while the water levels were high and tended to use the reservoir when the water levels dropped. He showed me which tress to look for the Bullfinches as they rarely visited the feeders.
After a short wait, two pairs of Mandarin emerged from the stream opposite to the left of the hide just where AJ had predicted . For a good 15 minutes we were privileged to admire the magnificent plumage, particularly of the two males - truly breathtaking, even in such drab conditions.
As predicted, they eventually flew to our side and settled at the estuary of the stream by Pintail Bank.
Today's species list:
Mandarin
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Pheasant
Blue Tit
Marsh Tit
Coal Tit
Great Tit
Chaffinch
Cormorant (10)
Black-headed Gull
Fieldfare
Redwing
Great-spotted Woodpecker
Long-tailed Tit
Dunnock
Moorhen
Coot
Canada Goose
Lapwing (20)
Woodpigeon
Pochard
Grey Heron
Addition to 2014 UK Year Bird List:
Mandarin (140)
Weirwood Reservoir
Another awful day weather wise so I headed for the protection of a bird hide. Weirwood Reservoir suited me fine and I wasn't to be disappointed. I targeted Mandarin and/or Kingfisher and/or Bullfinch.
A friend (BJ) from the Ashdown Birdgroup arrived and I benefited from his local knowledge and advice in relation to these species. He said that I was unlikely to see Kingfisher as they were mainly on the rivers while the water levels were high and tended to use the reservoir when the water levels dropped. He showed me which tress to look for the Bullfinches as they rarely visited the feeders.
After a short wait, two pairs of Mandarin emerged from the stream opposite to the left of the hide just where AJ had predicted . For a good 15 minutes we were privileged to admire the magnificent plumage, particularly of the two males - truly breathtaking, even in such drab conditions.
 |
| Male and female Mandarins Library picture only |
Today's species list:
Mandarin
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Pheasant
Blue Tit
Marsh Tit
Coal Tit
Great Tit
Chaffinch
Cormorant (10)
Black-headed Gull
Fieldfare
Redwing
Great-spotted Woodpecker
Long-tailed Tit
Dunnock
Moorhen
Coot
Canada Goose
Lapwing (20)
Woodpigeon
Pochard
Grey Heron
Addition to 2014 UK Year Bird List:
Mandarin (140)
Monday, 27 January 2014
27/01/14 Mealy Redpoll at Warnham
Monday 27 January 2014
Warnham NR near Horsham
A rare treat today when Sue joined me for a half day stint. We met up with friends Andrew and Kevin for a 1 hour trip to Warnham NR at Horsham. Our target bird was the Mealy Redpoll.
Within half an hour we achieved our goal, even if we had to deliberate some before being sure of our ID. It was at the feeders by the Woodpecker Hide and was feeding alongside the more common Lesser Redpolls. As we were only 5-10 metres away and the lighting was good, the photographers had a field day.
It goes without saying that this was a "lifer" for all of us.
Today's species list:
Mealy Redpoll
Greenfinch
Dunnock
Chaffinch
Great-spotted Woodpecker
Robin
Wren
Coal Tit (10)
Moorhen
Blackbird
Goldfinch
Reed Bunting
Magpie
Pheasant
Cormorant (20)
Coot
Hen Harrier (male - on way home at Ashdown Forest 3.30 to 3.40)
Today's species count = 22
New Addition to Life list of UK Birds:
Mealy Redpoll (243)
Additions to 2014 Year List of UK Birds:
Mealy Redpoll (137)
Lesser Redpoll (138)
Nuthatch (139)
Warnham NR near Horsham
A rare treat today when Sue joined me for a half day stint. We met up with friends Andrew and Kevin for a 1 hour trip to Warnham NR at Horsham. Our target bird was the Mealy Redpoll.
Within half an hour we achieved our goal, even if we had to deliberate some before being sure of our ID. It was at the feeders by the Woodpecker Hide and was feeding alongside the more common Lesser Redpolls. As we were only 5-10 metres away and the lighting was good, the photographers had a field day.
 |
| Mealy Redpoll Library picture only |
It goes without saying that this was a "lifer" for all of us.
 |
| Male and female Lesser Redpoll Library picture only |
Mealy Redpoll
Lesser Redpoll
Nuthatch
Greenfinch
Dunnock
Chaffinch
Great-spotted Woodpecker
Robin
Wren
Coal Tit (10)
Moorhen
Blackbird
Goldfinch
Reed Bunting
Magpie
Pheasant
Tufted Duck
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Cormorant (20)
Coot
Hen Harrier (male - on way home at Ashdown Forest 3.30 to 3.40)
Today's species count = 22
New Addition to Life list of UK Birds:
Mealy Redpoll (243)
Additions to 2014 Year List of UK Birds:
Mealy Redpoll (137)
Lesser Redpoll (138)
Nuthatch (139)
Sunday, 26 January 2014
24/01/14 and 25/01/14 Dungeness Double Helping?
Friday 24th January 2014 Dungeness with Mike Russell
Saturday 25th January 2014 Dungeness with Paul James
Managed to finish up doing Dungeness on successive days. This was not by design. Mike had arranged his programme well in advance whereas Paul, as usual, waited to the last minute to gauge the weather and the richness of the birding. I wasn't at all bothered because I knew Mike would be based on the nature reserve and Paul would be out and about - and so it turned out. The two trips complemented each other very nicely. The weather was not as forecast; Friday was sunny and dry whereas Saturday was overcast, misty at times with rain late in the day - a reversal of what should have been.
The strangest sighting was a Woodcock on Friday. It flew past us as we were heading for the Denge Hide, affording excellent views - once we had got over the surprise. This was the first time I had seen one flying in daylight.
Maybe I should listen more carefully to my daughter Sara as she was sure she saw one flying a few weeks ago as she was driving to work and I doubted her, suggesting it might have been a Snipe.
Another "oddity" on Friday was the number of Marsh Harriers seen on the ground. At one point I had a male and two females in the same scope view and all on the ground in the field. Equally bemusing was the count for Great-white Egrets which exceeded that of the more common Little Egrets by some way.
By far the star of the whole weekend for me was the fabulous drake Smew that we saw at the ARC Hanson hide. This has to be the best looking bird of the winter and one I had been eagerly awaiting.
We had seen the very attractive females for some time but lacked the males to complete the show. Now we had it. Apparently two have shown up so we should have lots of glamour and attraction for the rest of the winter.
On the "patch" the number of gulls was way above normal and it was difficult to keep up with the action. There were some Little Gulls there but I was perhaps the only one who couldn't make the ID. I just have not got my eye in for this species yet and neither Mike nor Paul could help much as there was really no point of reference because of the comings and goings of the birds. I need to do some homework and then try again in a less frantic situation.
Offshore there were hundreds of auks to be seen, mainly Guillemots but with the occasional Razorbill. The Red-throated Divers were present in good numbers as were the Little Grebes and Gannets. A flock of Scoters, numbering over 30, and including a Velvet Scoter near the rear flew west.
The characteristic white patch was clearly showing in sharp contrast to the others. This was my first this year and only my second ever, the last being last autumn in Norfolk. There was one "lifer" for me today; the Caspian Gull showed on the beach off to our left enabling us to study it carefully and tick off many of the attributes that differentiate it from a Herring Gull, principally the black eye and the parallel shape of the beak components.
Out and about we saw several interesting species. The rarest was probably the Tundra Bean Geese at Scotney GP.
Two of them were among the many Greylags in the field closest to the water. We managed to get quite close to make a good observation. White-fronted Geese, numbering almost 50, were seen a little further inland at Scotney Bridge North TR005195 where the views were distant but reasonable.
At Caldicott Farm TR047229 we got very good views of the 45+ Bewick Swans feeding in the field. The Long-tailed Duck at the east end of Scotney GP was a delight to see but hard to get in the scope because it kept diving. The Tree Sparrows too, as usual, were a delight to see at Boulderwall Farm on both days.
I missed the Bittern on Friday at the reserve on the way to the Denge hide. Only the lucky few who were at the rear managed to see it. We tried to see one on Saturday from Dengemarsh Road but we were unsuccessful but we did manage to see two Peregrines and a Kestrel. Our final stop at Pett Level on the way home was unfruitful with the Ruddy Duck deciding not to come out to play in the adverse weather conditions.
Another top-drawer birding trip with a species count well over 60. This was good compensation for a missed trip up north to go to Caerlaverock with friends in the the West Cumbria Birding Group.
Species list for combined trips:
Mute Swan
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Shelduck
Wigeon
Teal
Gadwall
Mallard
Pintail
Shoveler (10)
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Goldeneye
Smew
Red-throated Diver
Cormorant
Little Egret
Great White Egret
Grey Heron
Black-necked Grebe (20)
Little Grebe
Great-crested Grebe
Marsh Harrier
Kestrel
Buzzard
Pheasant
Water Rail (heard)
Cetti's Warbler (heard)
Moorhen
Coot (30)
Lapwing
Woodcock
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Guillemot
Razorbill
Woodpigeon (40)
Green Woodpecker
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Chiffchaff
Wren
Starling
Stock Dove (50)
Blackbird
Robin
Stonechat
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Meadow Pipit
Chaffinch
Bewick Swan
Tundra Bean Goose (60)
White-fronted Goose
Long-tailed Duck
Peregrine
Velvet Scoter
Caspian Gull
Species count for combined trips: 65+
Additions to 2014 UK Bird List:
Woodcock (132)
Caspian Gull (133)
Velvet Scoter (134)
Tundra Bean Goose (135)
White-fronted Goose (136)
Additions to Life List of UK Birds:
Caspian Gull (242)
Saturday 25th January 2014 Dungeness with Paul James
Managed to finish up doing Dungeness on successive days. This was not by design. Mike had arranged his programme well in advance whereas Paul, as usual, waited to the last minute to gauge the weather and the richness of the birding. I wasn't at all bothered because I knew Mike would be based on the nature reserve and Paul would be out and about - and so it turned out. The two trips complemented each other very nicely. The weather was not as forecast; Friday was sunny and dry whereas Saturday was overcast, misty at times with rain late in the day - a reversal of what should have been.
The strangest sighting was a Woodcock on Friday. It flew past us as we were heading for the Denge Hide, affording excellent views - once we had got over the surprise. This was the first time I had seen one flying in daylight.
 |
| Woodcock flying by day Library picture only |
Another "oddity" on Friday was the number of Marsh Harriers seen on the ground. At one point I had a male and two females in the same scope view and all on the ground in the field. Equally bemusing was the count for Great-white Egrets which exceeded that of the more common Little Egrets by some way.
By far the star of the whole weekend for me was the fabulous drake Smew that we saw at the ARC Hanson hide. This has to be the best looking bird of the winter and one I had been eagerly awaiting.
 |
| Drake Smew Library picture only |
 |
| Redhead Smew Library picture only |
On the "patch" the number of gulls was way above normal and it was difficult to keep up with the action. There were some Little Gulls there but I was perhaps the only one who couldn't make the ID. I just have not got my eye in for this species yet and neither Mike nor Paul could help much as there was really no point of reference because of the comings and goings of the birds. I need to do some homework and then try again in a less frantic situation.
Offshore there were hundreds of auks to be seen, mainly Guillemots but with the occasional Razorbill. The Red-throated Divers were present in good numbers as were the Little Grebes and Gannets. A flock of Scoters, numbering over 30, and including a Velvet Scoter near the rear flew west.
 |
| Velvet Scoter Library picture only |
Out and about we saw several interesting species. The rarest was probably the Tundra Bean Geese at Scotney GP.
 |
| Tundra Bean Geese Library picture only |
 |
| White-fronted Goose Library picture only |
I missed the Bittern on Friday at the reserve on the way to the Denge hide. Only the lucky few who were at the rear managed to see it. We tried to see one on Saturday from Dengemarsh Road but we were unsuccessful but we did manage to see two Peregrines and a Kestrel. Our final stop at Pett Level on the way home was unfruitful with the Ruddy Duck deciding not to come out to play in the adverse weather conditions.
Another top-drawer birding trip with a species count well over 60. This was good compensation for a missed trip up north to go to Caerlaverock with friends in the the West Cumbria Birding Group.
Species list for combined trips:
Mute Swan
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Shelduck
Wigeon
Teal
Gadwall
Mallard
Pintail
Shoveler (10)
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Goldeneye
Smew
Red-throated Diver
Cormorant
Little Egret
Great White Egret
Grey Heron
Black-necked Grebe (20)
Little Grebe
Great-crested Grebe
Marsh Harrier
Kestrel
Buzzard
Pheasant
Water Rail (heard)
Cetti's Warbler (heard)
Moorhen
Coot (30)
Lapwing
Woodcock
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Guillemot
Razorbill
Woodpigeon (40)
Green Woodpecker
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Chiffchaff
Wren
Starling
Stock Dove (50)
Blackbird
Robin
Stonechat
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Meadow Pipit
Chaffinch
Bewick Swan
Tundra Bean Goose (60)
White-fronted Goose
Long-tailed Duck
Peregrine
Velvet Scoter
Caspian Gull
Species count for combined trips: 65+
Additions to 2014 UK Bird List:
Woodcock (132)
Caspian Gull (133)
Velvet Scoter (134)
Tundra Bean Goose (135)
White-fronted Goose (136)
Additions to Life List of UK Birds:
Caspian Gull (242)
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
21/01/2014. Dorset and Devon again! Birding Bonanza
Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st January 2014
Dorset and Devon with Paul and Andrew
With the prospect of some decent weather and lots of good birding we left early on Monday with Andrew doing the driving.
Dorset on Monday 20th January
First stop was at Sopley in Dorset to see the Green-winged Teal. This looked an easy ID with the duck being to all intents and purposes similar to the Common Teal apart from a vertical, rather than a horizontal, white stripe down the sides of it's breast. In fact we struggled to find the bird but eventually our labour was rewarded with a superb sighting. It was with a large group of Teal and once located we were able to enjoy splendid views for the duration of our stay.
We were unable to find the Scaup at Poole Park Lake in Bournemouth despite a thorough search but we did stumble upon a large group of Siskins in an Alder tree. In fact the tree was "teeming" with them. This was some spectacle in the brilliant morning sunshine. Also seen were several Goldeneyes, including at least 2 drakes.
Next stop was Cheselbourne to see a pair of Cranes. They were by the reeds in a long, narrow field just off the roadside. From our slightly elevated position we were able to enjoy grandstand views as they were feeding.
It just gets better and better.
We finished the day at Portland Harbour before driving to our hotel in Devon. Andrew had missed our previous visit a couple of weeks ago and we were keen for him to see the Black Guillemot which would be a "lifer" for him just as it was for me previously. The harbour was quieter than last time and we were the only birders there. We were lucky last time to visit just after the storms when lots of sea birds were driven inland. Nevertheless Andrew saw his Black Guillemot as well as the divers, mergansers and all the expected sea birds - there was just fewer of them.
Dorset I love you!
Devon on Tuesday 21st January 2014
We stayed at the Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton, smack bang in the middle of the Tor Bay seafront and offering magnificent views of the bay. After a meal and a few pints to help us reflect on our Dorset experience it was off to bed early to get a good nights kip ready for an early start next morning.
After breakfast we headed off to Broadsands to an innocuous little car park made famous in the birding fraternity by a great guy called. Mike Langman who took it upon himself to put budgie seed down for the local population of Cirl Buntings for nearly 12 years now. In fact we were lucky to bump into him as we arrived. He was busy photographing a Siberian Chiffchaff as we arrived so we were "gifted" an unexpected rarity - a "lifer" for me, the second of the trip for me. He directed us to the feeding area where we witnessed some truly amazing birds as they enjoyed the feast. Use the link shown to find out more about this remarkable yet unassuming RSPB volunteer.
Mike Langman CIRL BUNTINGS
The light was still good enabling Andrew to take some nice photographs of the birds over a 30 minute period. There were at least 8 of them as well as a couple of Reed Buntings and lots of Chaffinches.
What a great start!
We knew the weather would change today with heavy showers expected later so we were anxious to pack in as much as we could.
Paul was anxious for Andrew to see the White-billed Diver that he and I saw a few weeks ago so we set off for Berry Head where it was last reported. While we were there we came across a brilliant colony of Fulmars who gave us an impromptu flying display of the highest order. Some beautiful Gannets were clearly visible out to see and we enjoyed the views. Unfortunately the Diver was not there so we decided to check Brixham Harbour where we actually saw it last time. However we were again unlucky.
With the weather now beginning to deteriorate we decided to visit Dawlish Warren near Exeter to look for the Bonapartes Gull that had been seen there yesterday. We barely saw any gulls at all so we headed for the hide to look at the waders on the sands. The gulls were few and far between here as well but a good selection of waders were seen including a couple of graceful Slavonian Grebes.
A wet, drab finish to our visit but we knew this before we set off. We were grateful that we managed to keep going until 2 pm. Andrew then performed heroics to drive us home for 7 pm.
A smashing trip with incredible friends!
2 "lifers", 9 additions to my 2014 year list and a species count of at least 58.
List of species seen:
Green-winged Teal
Teal
Wigeon
Moorhen
Lapwing
Redwing
Blackbird
Buzzard
Greylag Goose
Mute Swan (10)
Siskin
Tufted Duck
Goldeneye
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Canada Goose
Brent Goose
Oystercatcher
Redshank (20)
Pochard
Dartford Warbler
Stonechat
Great Northern Diver
Black-necked Grebe
Red-breasted Merganser
Raven
Shag
Cormorant
Guillemot (30)
Razorbill
Great Crested Grebe
Little Grebe
Crane
Stock Dove
Mediterranean Gull
Cirl Bunting
Siberian Chiffchaff
Reed Bunting
Chaffinch (40)
Greenfinch
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Buzzard
Fulmar
Gannet
Rock Pipit
Slavonian Grebe
Black Guillemot
Bar-tailed Godwit (50)
Knot
Turnstone
Dunlin
Curlew
Grey Plover
Little Egret
Shelduck
Heron
Species count = 58
Additions to Life List of Birds:
Siberian Chiffchaff (240)
Green-winged Teal (241)
Additions to 2014 UK List of Birds:
Dorset and Devon with Paul and Andrew
With the prospect of some decent weather and lots of good birding we left early on Monday with Andrew doing the driving.
Dorset on Monday 20th January
First stop was at Sopley in Dorset to see the Green-winged Teal. This looked an easy ID with the duck being to all intents and purposes similar to the Common Teal apart from a vertical, rather than a horizontal, white stripe down the sides of it's breast. In fact we struggled to find the bird but eventually our labour was rewarded with a superb sighting. It was with a large group of Teal and once located we were able to enjoy splendid views for the duration of our stay.
 |
| Green-winged Teal Library picture only |
We took the short ferry ride to Studland Bay on Poole Harbour and almost immediately we were greeted by the sound, then sight, of a lovely Dartford Warbler in the scrub by our path. Wow!
It was still there when we left over an hour later. On the water there were plenty of Red-breasted Mergansers, Black-necked Grebes, Great Northern Divers, Goldeneye, Shags, Guillemots and Razorbills.
The only bird not seen was the Surf Scoter that had been reported here by passengers on the Poole Harbour boat trips. On the way back to the car we even had the company of a Raven,"cranking" as it flew overhead. Studland Bay was something special today with weather conditions nigh on perfect and superb lighting. It was worth the visit just for the views alone. The fact that we also had a good range of scarce birds just added to a memorable experience.
 |
| Dartford Warbler Library picture only |
It was still there when we left over an hour later. On the water there were plenty of Red-breasted Mergansers, Black-necked Grebes, Great Northern Divers, Goldeneye, Shags, Guillemots and Razorbills.
 |
| Black-necked Grebes Library picture only |
 |
| Cranes Library picture only |
We finished the day at Portland Harbour before driving to our hotel in Devon. Andrew had missed our previous visit a couple of weeks ago and we were keen for him to see the Black Guillemot which would be a "lifer" for him just as it was for me previously. The harbour was quieter than last time and we were the only birders there. We were lucky last time to visit just after the storms when lots of sea birds were driven inland. Nevertheless Andrew saw his Black Guillemot as well as the divers, mergansers and all the expected sea birds - there was just fewer of them.
Dorset I love you!
Devon on Tuesday 21st January 2014
We stayed at the Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton, smack bang in the middle of the Tor Bay seafront and offering magnificent views of the bay. After a meal and a few pints to help us reflect on our Dorset experience it was off to bed early to get a good nights kip ready for an early start next morning.
After breakfast we headed off to Broadsands to an innocuous little car park made famous in the birding fraternity by a great guy called. Mike Langman who took it upon himself to put budgie seed down for the local population of Cirl Buntings for nearly 12 years now. In fact we were lucky to bump into him as we arrived. He was busy photographing a Siberian Chiffchaff as we arrived so we were "gifted" an unexpected rarity - a "lifer" for me, the second of the trip for me. He directed us to the feeding area where we witnessed some truly amazing birds as they enjoyed the feast. Use the link shown to find out more about this remarkable yet unassuming RSPB volunteer.
Mike Langman CIRL BUNTINGS
The light was still good enabling Andrew to take some nice photographs of the birds over a 30 minute period. There were at least 8 of them as well as a couple of Reed Buntings and lots of Chaffinches.
 |
| Cirl Buntings Library picture only |
We knew the weather would change today with heavy showers expected later so we were anxious to pack in as much as we could.
Paul was anxious for Andrew to see the White-billed Diver that he and I saw a few weeks ago so we set off for Berry Head where it was last reported. While we were there we came across a brilliant colony of Fulmars who gave us an impromptu flying display of the highest order. Some beautiful Gannets were clearly visible out to see and we enjoyed the views. Unfortunately the Diver was not there so we decided to check Brixham Harbour where we actually saw it last time. However we were again unlucky.
With the weather now beginning to deteriorate we decided to visit Dawlish Warren near Exeter to look for the Bonapartes Gull that had been seen there yesterday. We barely saw any gulls at all so we headed for the hide to look at the waders on the sands. The gulls were few and far between here as well but a good selection of waders were seen including a couple of graceful Slavonian Grebes.
A wet, drab finish to our visit but we knew this before we set off. We were grateful that we managed to keep going until 2 pm. Andrew then performed heroics to drive us home for 7 pm.
A smashing trip with incredible friends!
2 "lifers", 9 additions to my 2014 year list and a species count of at least 58.
List of species seen:
Green-winged Teal
Teal
Wigeon
Moorhen
Lapwing
Redwing
Blackbird
Buzzard
Greylag Goose
Mute Swan (10)
Siskin
Tufted Duck
Goldeneye
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Canada Goose
Brent Goose
Oystercatcher
Redshank (20)
Pochard
Dartford Warbler
Stonechat
Great Northern Diver
Black-necked Grebe
Red-breasted Merganser
Raven
Shag
Cormorant
Guillemot (30)
Razorbill
Great Crested Grebe
Little Grebe
Crane
Stock Dove
Mediterranean Gull
Cirl Bunting
Siberian Chiffchaff
Reed Bunting
Chaffinch (40)
Greenfinch
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Buzzard
Fulmar
Gannet
Rock Pipit
Slavonian Grebe
Black Guillemot
Bar-tailed Godwit (50)
Knot
Turnstone
Dunlin
Curlew
Grey Plover
Little Egret
Shelduck
Heron
Species count = 58
Additions to Life List of Birds:
Siberian Chiffchaff (240)
Green-winged Teal (241)
Additions to 2014 UK List of Birds:
Green-winged
Teal (123)
Siskin (124)
Dartford
Warbler (125)
Black-necked
Grebe (126)
Crane (127)
Stock Dove (128)
Cirl Bunting (129)
Siberian
Chiffchaff (130)
Black Swan (131)
Sunday, 19 January 2014
19/01/2014. Rye Harbour. Water Rails, Long-tailed Ducks and Barn Owls
Sunday 19th January 2014
Rye Harbour NR
East Grinstead RSPB Local Group (13)
Sue came along to this along with Chris and Anne. With very little wind and glorious sunny weather all day we had all the ingredients for a really good days birding and so it turned out.
Many birds were present on the reserve and our enjoyment was twofold. On the one hand the range of species present was pleasing and on the other the sheer number of some of the species was stunning. There were many highlights, some of the main ones are listed below:-
It resembled the murmuration of Starlings often seen on TV
Today's species count = 51
Today's species list:
Barn Owl
Black-headed Gull
Blackbird
Blue Tit
Brent Goose
Canada Goose
Carrion Crow
Cetti's Warbler
Chaffinch
Coot (10)
Cormorant
Curlew
Dunlin
Gadwall
Golden Plover
Goldeneye
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Crested Grebe
Great Tit
Grey Heron (20)
Grey Plover
Greylag Goose
Herring Gull
Kestrel
Knot
Lapwing
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Little Egret
Little Grebe
Long-tailed Duck (30)
Magpie
Mallard
Meadow Pipit
Mute Swan
Oystercatcher
Pochard
Redshank
Ringed Plover
Robin
Ruff
Sanderling
Shelduck (40)
Shoveler
Slavonian Grebe
Snipe
Sparrowhawk
Starling
Teal
Tufted Duck
Turnstone
Water Rail
Wigeon (50)
Woodpigeon
Additions to UK 2014 Bird List:
Barn Owl (119)
Sparrowhawk (120)
Sanderling (121)
Ruff (122)
Rye Harbour NR
East Grinstead RSPB Local Group (13)
Sue came along to this along with Chris and Anne. With very little wind and glorious sunny weather all day we had all the ingredients for a really good days birding and so it turned out.
Many birds were present on the reserve and our enjoyment was twofold. On the one hand the range of species present was pleasing and on the other the sheer number of some of the species was stunning. There were many highlights, some of the main ones are listed below:-
- The rarest species seen was probably the Long-tailed Duck with a pair swimming in the water on the Long Pit some 50 metres away. They stayed above water for a short time before diving for a much longer time. The views were excellent.
- There were huge numbers of Knot, Golden Plover and Lapwing and whether gathering together on the ground or flying overhead they presented a brilliant spectacle for all, including the non birders.
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| Flocks of Golden Plover Library picture only |
- At one point we saw at least ten Snipe among the waders from the Ternery Hide. At a distance of 50 metres or so they presented a superb sight in the fabulous lighting conditions.
- Soon after we arrived I saw my first Sparrowhawk of 2014. It flew past us quite low and close enough to enable us to enjoy it's lovely flight pattern for a short time.
- By far the most spectacular events happened when the rest of the group relocated to Pett Level, a few miles away, while we remained to take in the Bittern viewing area and Castle Hide before finishing off with fish and chips at Kettle o' Fish, our favourite place in the town of Rye. We saw a Slavonian Grebe gliding tantalisingly around the bend in the water before reappearing and then repeating the exercise a few times. A nearby Cetti's Warbler called loudly but, typically, we were not able to spot it. Sue remained at the viewing point while Chris, Anne and I made the long trek through the flooded fields to the Castle Hide.
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| Barn Owl Library picture only |
- On the way we saw a good number of species but he overwhelming memory was the sight of the Barn Owl as it hunted over it's territory to our left. At the hide we saw the Owl perched on a post and then as it flew off again to hunt along the field. We had to leave and so missed the Marsh Harriers as they came in to roost. Back at the viewing area Sue had been joined by Chris, one of the wardens, who was doing a WebsCount and they had seen the Barn Owl like us but they had the added bonus of seeing 3 Marsh Harriers as well as a silhouette view of the Cetti's Warbler. How lucky was that. We heard at least 2 Cetti's calling but could not see them but I did manage to see 2 Water Rails in the space of 5 minutes as they flew the short distance across the water from one side to their roost on the other side.
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| Water Rail Library picture only |
Today's species count = 51
Today's species list:
Barn Owl
Black-headed Gull
Blackbird
Blue Tit
Brent Goose
Canada Goose
Carrion Crow
Cetti's Warbler
Chaffinch
Coot (10)
Cormorant
Curlew
Dunlin
Gadwall
Golden Plover
Goldeneye
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Crested Grebe
Great Tit
Grey Heron (20)
Grey Plover
Greylag Goose
Herring Gull
Kestrel
Knot
Lapwing
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Little Egret
Little Grebe
Long-tailed Duck (30)
Magpie
Mallard
Meadow Pipit
Mute Swan
Oystercatcher
Pochard
Redshank
Ringed Plover
Robin
Ruff
Sanderling
Shelduck (40)
Shoveler
Slavonian Grebe
Snipe
Sparrowhawk
Starling
Teal
Tufted Duck
Turnstone
Water Rail
Wigeon (50)
Woodpigeon
Additions to UK 2014 Bird List:
Barn Owl (119)
Sparrowhawk (120)
Sanderling (121)
Ruff (122)
18/01/2014 Birding in the Arun Vallley.
Saturday 18th January
Birding in the Arun Valley and Surrounding Area with Paul James
Spent the day birding with Paul - just the two of us today.
We were less successful with the Whooper Swans and the Red-breasted Pochard on the Ivy Lakes. The Great Grey Shrike also eluded us, and fellow birders, at Greatham Bridge. We had another "dip" with the Little Owl at West Dean.
Today's species list:
Mute Swan
Bewicks Swan
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Brent Goose
Shelduck
Gadwall
Wigeon
Mallard
Shoveler (10)
Teal
Pintail
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Red-legged Partridge
Pheasant
Grey Heron
Little Grebe
Great-crested Grebe
Buzzard (20)
Kestrel
Moorhen Coot
Lapwing
Herring Gull
Black-headed Gull
Wood Pigeon
Great-spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Magpie
Carrion Crow (30)
Goldcrest
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Starling
Blackbird
Redwing
Song Thrush
Robin
Dunnock (40)
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Hawfinch
Total = 45 This is a minimum figure as we did not keep a careful watch for all species; we were after scarcities and the species count would probably have been over 50.
Addition to 2014 UK Bird List:
Bewicks Swan (116)
Hawfinch (117)
Red-legged Partridge (118)
Birding in the Arun Valley and Surrounding Area with Paul James
Spent the day birding with Paul - just the two of us today.
- First task was to locate the Bewick Swans that we knew to be at one of several favoured sites. After a thorough search we finally located them on the flooded fields by the side of Amberley Castle. There were two families of five, thoroughly at home in these conditions and looking majestic in the early morning sunshine. A cracking start to our day.
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| Bewick Swans Library pictures only |
We were less successful with the Whooper Swans and the Red-breasted Pochard on the Ivy Lakes. The Great Grey Shrike also eluded us, and fellow birders, at Greatham Bridge. We had another "dip" with the Little Owl at West Dean.
- The highlight of the day was a spectacular viewing of 12 Hawfinches at Monkton Farm in the West Dean woods. This was my first sighting of this species in Sussex but I have seen them before in Cumbria and in Surrey. They flew in and landed in the canopy of a high tree on the opposite ridge, providing us with wonderful views in our scopes. Truly awesome!
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| Hawfinch Library picture only |
I have never seen so much flooding anywhere in the country as what we saw in the Arun Valley. Most roads were flooded in parts and some were closed. When we went to Greatham Bridge in the morning the road had some pools at the side but it was quite easy to travel. The same route on the return visit was completely different even though there had been no rain. The river is tidal and the high tide had caused the water to overflow from one side of the road to the next making it quite deep and with a strong cross current. After some deliberation, we took the advice of a local dog walker and chanced going through rather than turn back; thankfully we were fine but not without some deep breathes and crossed fingers. The things we will do to spot birds!
Today's species list:
Mute Swan
Bewicks Swan
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Brent Goose
Shelduck
Gadwall
Wigeon
Mallard
Shoveler (10)
Teal
Pintail
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Red-legged Partridge
Pheasant
Grey Heron
Little Grebe
Great-crested Grebe
Buzzard (20)
Kestrel
Moorhen Coot
Lapwing
Herring Gull
Black-headed Gull
Wood Pigeon
Great-spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Magpie
Carrion Crow (30)
Goldcrest
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Starling
Blackbird
Redwing
Song Thrush
Robin
Dunnock (40)
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Hawfinch
Total = 45 This is a minimum figure as we did not keep a careful watch for all species; we were after scarcities and the species count would probably have been over 50.
Addition to 2014 UK Bird List:
Bewicks Swan (116)
Hawfinch (117)
Red-legged Partridge (118)
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