Not much happening on the birds front though, so headed to BSL and saw the Garganey yet again, this time I saw it fly over the tall Poplars toward Sandford at 07:25.
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Keep going
Out at LFGP first thing as normal, but I missed the pre sunrise which I was pretty gutted about because the entire sky was filled with pink wispy clouds, but I did catch the dying moments of it.
Not much happening on the birds front though, so headed to BSL and saw the Garganey yet again, this time I saw it fly over the tall Poplars toward Sandford at 07:25.
Not much happening on the birds front though, so headed to BSL and saw the Garganey yet again, this time I saw it fly over the tall Poplars toward Sandford at 07:25.
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
Same old
Sunday I got out for an early quick visit pre-work party and had the Peregrine over LFGP East, then South over the landfill 07:06, then shot to BSL for the Garganey too.
On the work party we had the Hobby low over Bittern hide.
Yesterday, there wasn't much to say first thing, but I went back for a quick car park scan and had 6 Skylark over, they may have dropped on to the landfill, but looked like they were drifting South at times. 9+5 more Meadow Pipit went over and a few Swallow.
Today, another brief but fine sunrise, but little birds to speak of until I noticed 5 Mandarin sat on the NE shore, they stayed there for a few minutes, but swam across the bay and behind the North spit and gone. You don't see flocks of Mandarin too often, so it was worth a shot or three, the last time was in 2008 when 2 pairs bred.
Sunrise was a bit samey
On the work party we had the Hobby low over Bittern hide.
Yesterday, there wasn't much to say first thing, but I went back for a quick car park scan and had 6 Skylark over, they may have dropped on to the landfill, but looked like they were drifting South at times. 9+5 more Meadow Pipit went over and a few Swallow.
Today, another brief but fine sunrise, but little birds to speak of until I noticed 5 Mandarin sat on the NE shore, they stayed there for a few minutes, but swam across the bay and behind the North spit and gone. You don't see flocks of Mandarin too often, so it was worth a shot or three, the last time was in 2008 when 2 pairs bred.
Sunrise was a bit samey
Saturday, 24 September 2016
Garganey again and raptor nightmares
At LFGP first thing, little was happening so I opted for another stab at the Garganey, sure enough it was there and showed well for 45 minutes
Sadly missed by others again.
On to Lavell's car park field, plenty of hirundines trickling thru, a few Meadow Pipits, then 4 Raven going East for a change at 08:50. 7 Ring-necked Parakeet landed in the trees by Lea Farm, but not much was happening, so I told John I was heading off.
At the car park, with my boot open ready all my sentiments of it being a bit quiet were about to vanish, when I looked up and lifted my bins to an all dark Buzzard sized raptor just going over us about 400 feet plus heading NW, "is that a raptor" I said to John, swapping to my scope it was gliding away from us quite quickly, on level wings, but without a flap.
First impressions thru the bins were that it was all black, pointed wings, not hugely broad, or deep, perhaps due to the angle it looked small headed, in the scope it was all the body parts and the under wings were very dark brown and I couldn't see any pale feathers in the primaries, it had a slightly longer tail than a Buzzard. "come on turn I said as it continued on in a straight line", finally as it got to around Lodge Wood, it turned and I expected to be able to say it had nice deep secondaries, or nice square wings and pale upper forewing and crown. But neither were apparent and this stumped me completely and even though I had been thinking "I might have a Honey Buzzard" but after it turned I could see that the tail was definitely a bit longer, but couldn't see how the wings shape added up to one, so I strained to see something else on it. And as it turned back towards us for a moment I thought I might be able to see pale on the fore crown.
As I was watching it I kept thinking is this a harrier, could it be a dark morph Montague's? But it was too big and thick set for that, Pallid, or Hen.
25-30 seconds isn't that long on a fly over bird of any sort, raptors present all sorts of problems and often light is a massive factor, but this time I couldn't understand why it hadn't been obvious from the very start.
After a bird has gone without confirming it's ID, there is little more you can do, scribble some notes if you have pencil and paper...I didn't, so had to wait until I got home to peruse images of all ages of Marsh Harrier, dark morph's of both Monty's and Honey Buzzard.
My conclusions which can hardly be called that, on probability it was a Marsh Harrier, but it didn't look much like one, because when it was closest too us, it lacked wing span, tail length and overall size.
From images I've found online it looked more like was a dark morph Booted Eagle
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgN7uEe5SHvcWrx8zNjYYgXmcSfRt8stFE7D7O31wEvIdHpRW2dtWIszeUPh2pOxpr2GDlS98uWwwZVfShwjYWhqXPucbZ2C2QkPW1Dq5R3bX0VWIstwyN9yFRPSzLwDQzQTGUna7RrM/s1600/Aqpen4Vilamoura09Jan2015.jpg
or
Image 26 of 39 on this chaps blog
http://blogbirder.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/raptor-watching-sakhalvasho-batumi-24th.html
In the real world I cannot really allow myself to imagine it was one, it is just too unlikely isn't it!??
Sadly missed by others again.
On to Lavell's car park field, plenty of hirundines trickling thru, a few Meadow Pipits, then 4 Raven going East for a change at 08:50. 7 Ring-necked Parakeet landed in the trees by Lea Farm, but not much was happening, so I told John I was heading off.
At the car park, with my boot open ready all my sentiments of it being a bit quiet were about to vanish, when I looked up and lifted my bins to an all dark Buzzard sized raptor just going over us about 400 feet plus heading NW, "is that a raptor" I said to John, swapping to my scope it was gliding away from us quite quickly, on level wings, but without a flap.
First impressions thru the bins were that it was all black, pointed wings, not hugely broad, or deep, perhaps due to the angle it looked small headed, in the scope it was all the body parts and the under wings were very dark brown and I couldn't see any pale feathers in the primaries, it had a slightly longer tail than a Buzzard. "come on turn I said as it continued on in a straight line", finally as it got to around Lodge Wood, it turned and I expected to be able to say it had nice deep secondaries, or nice square wings and pale upper forewing and crown. But neither were apparent and this stumped me completely and even though I had been thinking "I might have a Honey Buzzard" but after it turned I could see that the tail was definitely a bit longer, but couldn't see how the wings shape added up to one, so I strained to see something else on it. And as it turned back towards us for a moment I thought I might be able to see pale on the fore crown.
As I was watching it I kept thinking is this a harrier, could it be a dark morph Montague's? But it was too big and thick set for that, Pallid, or Hen.
25-30 seconds isn't that long on a fly over bird of any sort, raptors present all sorts of problems and often light is a massive factor, but this time I couldn't understand why it hadn't been obvious from the very start.
After a bird has gone without confirming it's ID, there is little more you can do, scribble some notes if you have pencil and paper...I didn't, so had to wait until I got home to peruse images of all ages of Marsh Harrier, dark morph's of both Monty's and Honey Buzzard.
My conclusions which can hardly be called that, on probability it was a Marsh Harrier, but it didn't look much like one, because when it was closest too us, it lacked wing span, tail length and overall size.
From images I've found online it looked more like was a dark morph Booted Eagle
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgN7uEe5SHvcWrx8zNjYYgXmcSfRt8stFE7D7O31wEvIdHpRW2dtWIszeUPh2pOxpr2GDlS98uWwwZVfShwjYWhqXPucbZ2C2QkPW1Dq5R3bX0VWIstwyN9yFRPSzLwDQzQTGUna7RrM/s1600/Aqpen4Vilamoura09Jan2015.jpg
or
Image 26 of 39 on this chaps blog
http://blogbirder.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/raptor-watching-sakhalvasho-batumi-24th.html
In the real world I cannot really allow myself to imagine it was one, it is just too unlikely isn't it!??
Friday, 23 September 2016
Raven
Back for another hour around the car park and I set up for a skywatch overlooking the landfill at 10:30, a few Meadow Pipit going thru and a steady, but not heavy flow of Swallows SE, probably 200+ over 1.5 hours.
At 10:47 I picked up a large corvid type coming in from the NNW, it was a Raven, shortly after at 11:03 another 2 came in from a little more to the NW. I stabbed at a picture and got these hilarious shots
A Red Kite perched quite near in good light, so took a couple of shots of that too.
At 10:47 I picked up a large corvid type coming in from the NNW, it was a Raven, shortly after at 11:03 another 2 came in from a little more to the NW. I stabbed at a picture and got these hilarious shots
A Red Kite perched quite near in good light, so took a couple of shots of that too.
Elusive ducks
At LFGP by 06:40, 58 Greylag had roosted and left before 07:00, 2 Pintail flew off toward DP and when I got to BSL the Garganey was again in the East side easily visible from the sailing club, associating with Mallard, but while I was looking at my rubbish pictures, it vanished by 07:32.
Richard just sent a WhatsApp to say a female Stonechat was in Tern meadow near the Barn Owl box.
Richard just sent a WhatsApp to say a female Stonechat was in Tern meadow near the Barn Owl box.
Thursday, 22 September 2016
Still mild but ducks a plenty
A couple of visits on Wednesday, one around late morning got me a Hobby over the East side of the landfill and a Raven, my first since 25th March. A trickle of around 100 hirundines SE.
Later I went back and had Hobby again, but little else.
This morning I was back out early and around 25 Greylag were leaving LFGP on my arrival, then a Pintail went over toward DP 06:47. 3 minutes later 6 more Pintail came in from the North, landing and looking rather nervous at first, but settling down quickly. Then another 3 Pintail came in, but circled and went back around, before heading South toward DP.....10 Pintail a new park record.
A good smattering of Teal, Shoveler and Wigeon, and again 2's and 3's of Meadow Pipit were going over SE. Marek WhatsApp'd the Garganey back on BSL, so this morning was obviously a good day for wildfowl.
Reviewing the month, I suddenly realised we haven't seen Common Gull all late summer, or autumn so far and I have been looking. Species most likely to occur in September still are
Red Crested Pochard
Common Gull
Linnet
And it's not too late for an Osprey or Marsh Harrier
Later I went back and had Hobby again, but little else.
This morning I was back out early and around 25 Greylag were leaving LFGP on my arrival, then a Pintail went over toward DP 06:47. 3 minutes later 6 more Pintail came in from the North, landing and looking rather nervous at first, but settling down quickly. Then another 3 Pintail came in, but circled and went back around, before heading South toward DP.....10 Pintail a new park record.
A good smattering of Teal, Shoveler and Wigeon, and again 2's and 3's of Meadow Pipit were going over SE. Marek WhatsApp'd the Garganey back on BSL, so this morning was obviously a good day for wildfowl.
Reviewing the month, I suddenly realised we haven't seen Common Gull all late summer, or autumn so far and I have been looking. Species most likely to occur in September still are
Red Crested Pochard
Common Gull
Linnet
And it's not too late for an Osprey or Marsh Harrier
Tuesday, 20 September 2016
Are the last 3 months of the year exciting?
Sitting on 132 for the year, with Tawny Owl to get, I was thinking about what has gone before now in the last quarter of the year, so I've tried to show it across the 3 months in species added view back to 2004, which is as far back as I can go accurately
Year October November December
2015 0 3 1
2014 1 2 3
2013 3 2 0
2012 2 0 1
2011 3 2 1
2010 1 3 2
2009 3 1 2
2008 1 1 1
2007 3 2 0
2006 1 1 2
2005 2 2 2
2004 1 4 1
2004
October : Pintail
November : Woodcock, Ring-necked Parakeet, Firecrest & Yellowhammer
December : Golden Plover
2005
October : Hawfinch & Rock Pipit
November : Short-eared Owl & Brambling
December : Smew & Ring-necked Parakeet
2006
October : Stonechat
November : Woodcock
December : Ring-necked Parakeet, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
2007
October : Jack Snipe, Stonechat & Nuthatch
November : Ring-necked Parakeet & Brambling
December :
Year October November December
2015 0 3 1
2014 1 2 3
2013 3 2 0
2012 2 0 1
2011 3 2 1
2010 1 3 2
2009 3 1 2
2008 1 1 1
2007 3 2 0
2006 1 1 2
2005 2 2 2
2004 1 4 1
2004
October : Pintail
November : Woodcock, Ring-necked Parakeet, Firecrest & Yellowhammer
December : Golden Plover
2005
October : Hawfinch & Rock Pipit
November : Short-eared Owl & Brambling
December : Smew & Ring-necked Parakeet
2006
October : Stonechat
November : Woodcock
December : Ring-necked Parakeet, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
2007
October : Jack Snipe, Stonechat & Nuthatch
November : Ring-necked Parakeet & Brambling
December :
2008
October : Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
November : Ruddy Duck
December : Mealy Redpoll
November : Ruddy Duck
December : Mealy Redpoll
2009
October : Merlin, Stonechat & Yellowhammer
November : Great White Egret
December : Ferruginous Duck & Little Owl
October : Merlin, Stonechat & Yellowhammer
November : Great White Egret
December : Ferruginous Duck & Little Owl
2010
October : Stonechat
November : Smew, Merlin & Firecrest
December : Taiga Bean Goose & Waxwing
November : Smew, Merlin & Firecrest
December : Taiga Bean Goose & Waxwing
2011
October : Ferruginous Duck, Merlin & Bearded Tit
November : Hen Harrier & Jack Snipe
December : Goshawk
November : Hen Harrier & Jack Snipe
December : Goshawk
2012
October : Sandwich Tern & Woodlark
November :
December : Ruddy Duck (last ever record)
November :
December : Ruddy Duck (last ever record)
2013
October : Rock Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler
November : Whooper Swan, Firecrest & Yellowhammer
December :
November : Whooper Swan, Firecrest & Yellowhammer
December :
2014
October : Alpine Swift
November : Woodcock & Short-eared Owl
December : Bewick's Swan, Smew & Goosander
November : Woodcock & Short-eared Owl
December : Bewick's Swan, Smew & Goosander
2015
October :
November : Rock Pipit, Firecrest & Crossbill
December : Ferruginous Duck
At the very least, presenting this information this way clearly shows the most likely new birds for the year and whilst we can never expect any of the above, looking back into the archives and including the rest of September, offers up even more 'possibles' such as;
Black-necked Grebe, White-fronted Goose, Scaup, Ruff, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit & others
November : Rock Pipit, Firecrest & Crossbill
December : Ferruginous Duck
At the very least, presenting this information this way clearly shows the most likely new birds for the year and whilst we can never expect any of the above, looking back into the archives and including the rest of September, offers up even more 'possibles' such as;
Black-necked Grebe, White-fronted Goose, Scaup, Ruff, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit & others
Grey and misty
I skipped Lea Farm this morning, opting for BSL instead and counted my best ever number of Grey Wagtail, I'd seen 4-5 on a few dates this month, but today's 7 was exceptional and likely to be a record.
Grey Wagtail is a tricky species to see early in the year, it used to breed under one of the bridges near Sandford Mill, but doesn't seem to anymore.
I've been noting Grey Wagtail passage in September for the last few years, but not made comprehensive notes and I expect far more go thru than we realise.
A Little Owl calling as the only other worthy mention, few warblers, few of anything really.
Grey Wagtail is a tricky species to see early in the year, it used to breed under one of the bridges near Sandford Mill, but doesn't seem to anymore.
I've been noting Grey Wagtail passage in September for the last few years, but not made comprehensive notes and I expect far more go thru than we realise.
A Little Owl calling as the only other worthy mention, few warblers, few of anything really.
Monday, 19 September 2016
One that didn't get away
Back out at Lea Farm GP first light and very few Teal, I quickly concluded the Garganey wouldn't be here. Water still high, so 1 Common Sandpiper on the shingle island was all the waders, 2 Little Egret South, then back North minutes later.
A few Meadow Pipit groups going over, probably around mid twenties, was it, apart from the nice sunrise, which also allowed a moment or two capture the light putting a group of ducks in silhouette
A check of Sandford and nearly devoid of birds.
Onto BSL, plenty of Shoveler and Marek picked up the Garganey before I did, but it never stopped moving, so the record shot is rubbish, nonetheless a lovely year tick putting me on 132.
The year is panning out to be somewhat like 2014, a stunning autumn of 10 year ticks so far.
A few Meadow Pipit groups going over, probably around mid twenties, was it, apart from the nice sunrise, which also allowed a moment or two capture the light putting a group of ducks in silhouette
A check of Sandford and nearly devoid of birds.
Onto BSL, plenty of Shoveler and Marek picked up the Garganey before I did, but it never stopped moving, so the record shot is rubbish, nonetheless a lovely year tick putting me on 132.
The year is panning out to be somewhat like 2014, a stunning autumn of 10 year ticks so far.
Sunday, 18 September 2016
One that got away?
Marek called to say he had a small duck that looked like a Garganey at Sandford, but wouldn't put it's head up, then as we spoke it did and he confirmed it right then. I was there quickly, but it had swam out of view and lost among the islands of Sandford.
Trevor, myself and Marek searched without success, so we all headed off in different directions to check other lakes. I'd just got to Lea Farm GP when Trevor called saying it was still on Sandford, but by the time I got back it was missing again.
I tried the hide once more, but it never came out. Meanwhile Marek and Trevor both caught up with the Stonechat and I had to leave.
Fingers crossed it will be still present tomorrow early morning.
Trevor, myself and Marek searched without success, so we all headed off in different directions to check other lakes. I'd just got to Lea Farm GP when Trevor called saying it was still on Sandford, but by the time I got back it was missing again.
I tried the hide once more, but it never came out. Meanwhile Marek and Trevor both caught up with the Stonechat and I had to leave.
Fingers crossed it will be still present tomorrow early morning.
Another chat
I had a lie in and arrived at LFGP around 07:40, the water had risen another 5" so all of the SW corner is now covered, only suitable for the longest legged waders.
A lone Common Sandpiper was flicking around still, 2 Snipe came off the East shore, a pair of Pochard were new, 51 Teal + 9-12 over, 12 Wigeon, the Mandarin, 32 Shoveler and 12 Gadwall.
11, then 23 more Meadow Pipit went over the landfill, then on the last sweep I picked up a male Stonechat on the willows of the Phragmites ditch, it kept moving East away and was lost behind the brow, a lone record shot was possible.
At BSL another 20 Shoveler and 5-6 Teal, nothing around the car park field.
A lone Common Sandpiper was flicking around still, 2 Snipe came off the East shore, a pair of Pochard were new, 51 Teal + 9-12 over, 12 Wigeon, the Mandarin, 32 Shoveler and 12 Gadwall.
11, then 23 more Meadow Pipit went over the landfill, then on the last sweep I picked up a male Stonechat on the willows of the Phragmites ditch, it kept moving East away and was lost behind the brow, a lone record shot was possible.
At BSL another 20 Shoveler and 5-6 Teal, nothing around the car park field.
Saturday, 17 September 2016
Autumn Pintail
It was always going to be a challenge matching Friday's excitement, but when an eclipse Pintail flew over from DP direction at 08:07, it got me thinking how many August to October birds have we had?
As it happens this bird circled and went back, twice in fact and wasn't seen on the deck until Ricahrd picked it up in the NE corner after 10:00.
So the history is;
Aug:1/25th 1981, female
Sept:1/29th 1986, female
Oct:3/26th 1988, over
Sept:3/10th 1989, over
Oct:1/16th & 17th 1992,
Oct:1/18th 1995
Aug:1/26th 2001, eclipse male Sandford
Oct:1/10th 2004, female BSL, 1/15th, male near green bridge
Aug:1/11th 2005, female Tern scrape, then a female again Sept:1/2nd, 4th, 12 to 18th & 21st. The Oct:1/1st & 23rd, 3/24th, 1 remaining til 29th.
Sept:2/11th 2009, juvs on Sandford, 2/14th Sandford & LFGP, 1/16th & 1/17th. Then Oct;2/17th Lavell's & LFGP
Aug:2/10th 2010, ad females LFGP, then Sept:1/22nd LFGP
Aug:1/21st 2012, f/juv LFGP, then 1/29th LFGP
Oct:4/13th 2013, 2 pairs over car park North
Sept:1/13th 2014, eclipse male LFGP, 3/14th, 2/21st & 2/22nd
Sept:5/9th 2015, f/juvs Sandford, then Oct:2/2nd, 4/3rd also Sandford, then 2/12th LFGP
Aug:1/20th 2016, f/juv LFGP, then 1/17th eclipse male over from DP
I remember seeing the Sept 29th 1986 bird and for a short while there being some question over the origins of a bird at that time of year, but it was soon discovered that Pintail are fairly frequent from late August across the County and our records show this trend continues with even greater regularity.
Like I often do, I have to question where are the records from the 90's? I think they were overlooked.
The Teal count was 65 today, so quite good. Mandarin again, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green was it.
As it happens this bird circled and went back, twice in fact and wasn't seen on the deck until Ricahrd picked it up in the NE corner after 10:00.
So the history is;
Aug:1/25th 1981, female
Sept:1/29th 1986, female
Oct:3/26th 1988, over
Sept:3/10th 1989, over
Oct:1/16th & 17th 1992,
Oct:1/18th 1995
Aug:1/26th 2001, eclipse male Sandford
Oct:1/10th 2004, female BSL, 1/15th, male near green bridge
Aug:1/11th 2005, female Tern scrape, then a female again Sept:1/2nd, 4th, 12 to 18th & 21st. The Oct:1/1st & 23rd, 3/24th, 1 remaining til 29th.
Sept:2/11th 2009, juvs on Sandford, 2/14th Sandford & LFGP, 1/16th & 1/17th. Then Oct;2/17th Lavell's & LFGP
Aug:2/10th 2010, ad females LFGP, then Sept:1/22nd LFGP
Aug:1/21st 2012, f/juv LFGP, then 1/29th LFGP
Oct:4/13th 2013, 2 pairs over car park North
Sept:1/13th 2014, eclipse male LFGP, 3/14th, 2/21st & 2/22nd
Sept:5/9th 2015, f/juvs Sandford, then Oct:2/2nd, 4/3rd also Sandford, then 2/12th LFGP
Aug:1/20th 2016, f/juv LFGP, then 1/17th eclipse male over from DP
I remember seeing the Sept 29th 1986 bird and for a short while there being some question over the origins of a bird at that time of year, but it was soon discovered that Pintail are fairly frequent from late August across the County and our records show this trend continues with even greater regularity.
Like I often do, I have to question where are the records from the 90's? I think they were overlooked.
The Teal count was 65 today, so quite good. Mandarin again, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green was it.
Friday, 16 September 2016
Friday 16th the sum of all the parts
It's been quite a day;
07:00 to 07:29 - LFGP : 7 Dunlin, with just a hint of chance one, or more might have been a Curlew Sandpiper. As said before the largest autumn flock ever.
10:10 to 15:15 - Sandford : Spotted Flycatcher on old dead Elms of LSW roost fame, stuck around for various locals to year tick
11:12 to 14:11 - LFGP : The 20th Wheatear and 7th Whinchat of the autumn, amazing numbers for our patch
11:22 to 17:38 - LFGP : 2 Red-legged Partridge, first record since 2013, but only the 2nd ever autumn record, the last being 4th October 1983.
12:40 to 13:00 - BSL : Common Tern in winter plumage, presenting interesting identification challenges. The latest since 1/16th 2010.
A good day for local patching!
And on the year list to date front;
September : 98 Species = 2nd place, pushing 2010's 97 into third place....not forgetting we have only reached hlaf way thru the month.
Total species this year to date : 136 Species = 2nd place, pushing 2011's 134 by the end of September, into third place.
This translates into October, November & December;
136 Species by end of October = third place, pushing 2008's 134 into fourth place
136 Species by end of November = equal third place with 2010
136 Species by end December = fourth place with 2008
So if we continue to add species, which frankly is ever harder the later we get into the year, then 2016 could hit the 140 mark.
Missing fairly frequent late autumn and winter species include;
Black-necked Grebe, White-fronted Goose, Smew, Rock Pipit, Firecrest, but also we shouldn't give up hope of a Garganey and Black-tailed Godwit yet.
07:00 to 07:29 - LFGP : 7 Dunlin, with just a hint of chance one, or more might have been a Curlew Sandpiper. As said before the largest autumn flock ever.
10:10 to 15:15 - Sandford : Spotted Flycatcher on old dead Elms of LSW roost fame, stuck around for various locals to year tick
11:12 to 14:11 - LFGP : The 20th Wheatear and 7th Whinchat of the autumn, amazing numbers for our patch
11:22 to 17:38 - LFGP : 2 Red-legged Partridge, first record since 2013, but only the 2nd ever autumn record, the last being 4th October 1983.
12:40 to 13:00 - BSL : Common Tern in winter plumage, presenting interesting identification challenges. The latest since 1/16th 2010.
A good day for local patching!
And on the year list to date front;
September : 98 Species = 2nd place, pushing 2010's 97 into third place....not forgetting we have only reached hlaf way thru the month.
Total species this year to date : 136 Species = 2nd place, pushing 2011's 134 by the end of September, into third place.
This translates into October, November & December;
136 Species by end of October = third place, pushing 2008's 134 into fourth place
136 Species by end of November = equal third place with 2010
136 Species by end December = fourth place with 2008
So if we continue to add species, which frankly is ever harder the later we get into the year, then 2016 could hit the 140 mark.
Missing fairly frequent late autumn and winter species include;
Black-necked Grebe, White-fronted Goose, Smew, Rock Pipit, Firecrest, but also we shouldn't give up hope of a Garganey and Black-tailed Godwit yet.
16th September - part 3
Back for my third trip of the day when a Sandwich Tern was claimed at BSL, on arrival I could see the legs were red, so no chance of Sandwich. It looked pretty like an Arctic coming into winter plumage, but now I've read up I am now leaning towards Common.
Here are my shots
Despite the bird flying off with a very elastic wing motion, the pictures show a long, but slender bill, upper wing grey with significant white along the shafts and dark tip extending well in, with secondaries quite dark, just visible in the open wing shot is the dark forewing.
I'm going to get other opinions on this bird.
Post script:
Now two friends have placed their belief in Common as the ID, I have also found a good article on the link below, I'll be reading it more fully at leisure over the next day or so, but wanted to share it for all those interested.
https://britishbirds.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/article_files/V94/V94_N06/V94_N06_P268_277_A002.pdf
Here are my shots
Despite the bird flying off with a very elastic wing motion, the pictures show a long, but slender bill, upper wing grey with significant white along the shafts and dark tip extending well in, with secondaries quite dark, just visible in the open wing shot is the dark forewing.
I'm going to get other opinions on this bird.
Post script:
Now two friends have placed their belief in Common as the ID, I have also found a good article on the link below, I'll be reading it more fully at leisure over the next day or so, but wanted to share it for all those interested.
https://britishbirds.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/article_files/V94/V94_N06/V94_N06_P268_277_A002.pdf
When you want it so badly
I arrived at LFGP 06:15, so early and in more or less dark, mostly due to it being so rainy and overcast, a lot of rain fell and the storms kept me optimistic.
Over 70 Mallard roosting in the SW corner, which pretty much all left by 07:00, 44+ Teal, the Mandarin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green.
I was midway thru counting the Teal when a flock of small waders passed through my scope view, panicked I scanned the far East shore intensely for 5 minutes, before finding them. They looked like Dunlin, but the light was terrible and I was straining to see them against the stoney shore, but after 20 minutes I was fairly sure they were Dunlin, 6 of them. I carried on watching them and they were unnerved by the Teal, so began to make their way right very slowly.
I kept on looking and began to think one looked paler, "were the bills longer?" I asked myself, 3 had the hint of dark on the belly, so definite Dunlin, but one had more of a supercillium and was browner, but I could not discern any longer legs at that range. A couple washed and even fluttered up revealing very white looking around the tail, but as they were side on I couldn't see if the rumps were all white.
To my horror they suddenlt got spooked and flew right and gained height, hoping they would head for the SW corner, my hopes were soon dashed as they headed out West and out of sight. I could swear I heard calls unlike Dunlin and began to wonder if 2 or more might well have been Curlew Sandpiper, but they were gone and no means to adding more to the possibilities.
I have to put them all down as Dunlin as none showed any real evidence of longer legs, necks, or bills and did not behave any differently. Still 7 Dunlin is the third largest flock ever, only eclipsed by the 11/9th May 2007 and 8/26th April 1982, so the largest autumn flock will do.
A few hours later and Steve sent a text saying "Spotted Flycatcher on old Lesser Spotted Woodpecker roost trees". I was there in 10 minutes and got my 130th species for 2016, just brief views before it shot off down the backwater hedgerow. I more or less written off my chances of adding this one for 2016.
Feeling optimistic I headed back to Lea Farm GP and met Alan, counting the wildfowl again, there were 44 Shoveler, 40 Teal, 6 Wigeon, the Mandarin and 2 Common Sandpipers still.
Others arrived and scanning the landfill I picked up yet another Wheatear, then my fourth Whinchat of the Autumn, last scan and I was amazed to find 2 Red-legged Partridge on the brow of the far landfill, the first since 2013.
What a day, celebrating it with an awesomely poor record shot of the 2 Red-legged Partridge
Over 70 Mallard roosting in the SW corner, which pretty much all left by 07:00, 44+ Teal, the Mandarin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green.
I was midway thru counting the Teal when a flock of small waders passed through my scope view, panicked I scanned the far East shore intensely for 5 minutes, before finding them. They looked like Dunlin, but the light was terrible and I was straining to see them against the stoney shore, but after 20 minutes I was fairly sure they were Dunlin, 6 of them. I carried on watching them and they were unnerved by the Teal, so began to make their way right very slowly.
I kept on looking and began to think one looked paler, "were the bills longer?" I asked myself, 3 had the hint of dark on the belly, so definite Dunlin, but one had more of a supercillium and was browner, but I could not discern any longer legs at that range. A couple washed and even fluttered up revealing very white looking around the tail, but as they were side on I couldn't see if the rumps were all white.
To my horror they suddenlt got spooked and flew right and gained height, hoping they would head for the SW corner, my hopes were soon dashed as they headed out West and out of sight. I could swear I heard calls unlike Dunlin and began to wonder if 2 or more might well have been Curlew Sandpiper, but they were gone and no means to adding more to the possibilities.
I have to put them all down as Dunlin as none showed any real evidence of longer legs, necks, or bills and did not behave any differently. Still 7 Dunlin is the third largest flock ever, only eclipsed by the 11/9th May 2007 and 8/26th April 1982, so the largest autumn flock will do.
A few hours later and Steve sent a text saying "Spotted Flycatcher on old Lesser Spotted Woodpecker roost trees". I was there in 10 minutes and got my 130th species for 2016, just brief views before it shot off down the backwater hedgerow. I more or less written off my chances of adding this one for 2016.
Feeling optimistic I headed back to Lea Farm GP and met Alan, counting the wildfowl again, there were 44 Shoveler, 40 Teal, 6 Wigeon, the Mandarin and 2 Common Sandpipers still.
Others arrived and scanning the landfill I picked up yet another Wheatear, then my fourth Whinchat of the Autumn, last scan and I was amazed to find 2 Red-legged Partridge on the brow of the far landfill, the first since 2013.
What a day, celebrating it with an awesomely poor record shot of the 2 Red-legged Partridge
Thursday, 15 September 2016
A little passage
06:20 at Lea Farm GP and 25 Teal, 17 Shoveler, joined by 3 more, 2 Green Sandpiper, but 1 left towards Lavell's 07:00. The usual Mandarin, which left North 07:00, 82 Coot, then 4 Wigeon dropped in 06:42, followed by 14 more 06:49.
At BSL 20 Shoveler, 2 Teal and on entering the car park field, a lone Meadow Pipit over, then 3 Yellow Wagtail over low South calling, 17 more Teal on Lavell's itself, 3 more Shoveler too.
Back to Lavell's at 10:00 and little happening until 4 Hobby were circling over Lea Farm GP and drifting South, 2 Meadow Pipit went over ENE as I was about to leave.
At BSL 20 Shoveler, 2 Teal and on entering the car park field, a lone Meadow Pipit over, then 3 Yellow Wagtail over low South calling, 17 more Teal on Lavell's itself, 3 more Shoveler too.
Back to Lavell's at 10:00 and little happening until 4 Hobby were circling over Lea Farm GP and drifting South, 2 Meadow Pipit went over ENE as I was about to leave.
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
Much more quiet
Continuing with early mornings, little has been happening, Teal count around 40, varying from 15-23 LFGP, 12-22 Tern scrape. Shoveler varying 12-23 LFGP, 17-40 BSL. Just 2 Common and 1 Green Sandpiper this morning, little else.
A Water Rail heard from Bittern hide was new for Sept, putting us on 97 and 2nd place, only 7 more to equal 1st.
At BSL a Shoveler left with a smaller duck, probably just a Teal, but as I couldn't get enough on it, I put out a WhatsApp message to ask folks to check for Garganey.
Moor Green is still pulling waders, so we should be too, fingers crossed it changes again to our favour.
A Water Rail heard from Bittern hide was new for Sept, putting us on 97 and 2nd place, only 7 more to equal 1st.
At BSL a Shoveler left with a smaller duck, probably just a Teal, but as I couldn't get enough on it, I put out a WhatsApp message to ask folks to check for Garganey.
Moor Green is still pulling waders, so we should be too, fingers crossed it changes again to our favour.
Sunday, 11 September 2016
Weekend of 2 halfs
Saturday was rainy most of the day and I'd hoped for some wader excitement, but it never happened, 2 Common Tern flew in at LFGP, 2 Green and 3, possibly 4 Common Sandpiper, was about it, the Mandarin was on show quite close for a change. 2 Wigeon and a Snipe was all to be said there.
A good flock of 700-800 House Martin over BSl, held a the odd Swallow and Sand Martin.
Sunday was a much cooler and brighter morning, little breeze and perfect for passage, Brian had already had Lesser Whitethroat and Wheatear before the bird walk began.
We headed for the car park field straight off, I'd picked up one small job over, but didn't get enough on it to ID it. On the left side of the field a Whitethroat, plenty of Blackcap, then I picked up a male Redstart around the Elders behind Lavell's which moved to the middle compound of the car park field itself. The Wheatear showed quite close, but half hidden in long grass by the nearest vent.
I now picked up more small jobs and deduced they were Meadow Pipit, 4+3+11+ 3 more much later over LFGP. The first of the autumn they are well timed in relation to recent years;
2009
Sep:10+5th, steady passage S/SW all morning. 20+/20th over SE in 2-3's often with Swallows. 21st onwards, further passage 2-8 birds at a time (8+/26th).
2010
Sept:1/8th W over LFGP (FJC), 3/12th over NW, 11/13th, 5+2+1+3 W/NW, 2/15th over. 4-5/20th over, 30+/28th over SE @17:00, 10+/29th in landfil near/NE Lodge Wood.
2011
Sept:5/9th (3+2 over S/SE), 3-5/15th landfill, 20+/19th am, 30+/pm, 20+/20th at N end + Ken Puglsey. 20+/23rd (2's & 3's then 11+) all S/SE, 15+/27th LF landfill, 2's & 3's over.
Oct:50-100/5th SE LFGP
2012
Sept:20+/12th South (FJC), 30+/13th over in 3-5's.
2013
Sep-3/10th SE over car park 10:00 (FJC), 2/11th (BTB), 6+/12th SE off landfill (FJC), 5/16th, 2 then 3 E/SE 07:00,
2014
Sept:1/6th LFGP (FJC & BTB) East over landfill, 4/7th NW (FJC), 2/11th N (MFW & FJC), 10+/22nd probably many mor thru NW
2015
Sept:2/3rd possibles dropped onto landfill 10:20 in front of scrub (FJC). 2/11th over LFGP (PSc), 3-5/15th moving about landfill (FJC, TAG & BTB), 3+5/17th 3 over, 5 landfill, 70+/19th, 17+12+30+, plus numerous 2-5's, 20+ remaining on landfill (FJC), 100+/24th 09:30 on landfill (FJC), c150/26th (FJC), c200/28th grass cut (BTB), 8/29th
The rest of the bird walk was okay, but little to speak of at LFGP, Lavell's held 55 Tufted Duck and the autumn's first Pochard, a juvenile.
These two new ones for September place the month on 95, level with 2008 and 2011, one more to put us on 3rd place held in 2014. 2nd place is 97 held in 2010. We are missing Water Rail and Garden Warbler and often see Redwing and Siskin in before month end, but not forgetting a much awaited Garganey and perhaps some other waders.
A good flock of 700-800 House Martin over BSl, held a the odd Swallow and Sand Martin.
Sunday was a much cooler and brighter morning, little breeze and perfect for passage, Brian had already had Lesser Whitethroat and Wheatear before the bird walk began.
We headed for the car park field straight off, I'd picked up one small job over, but didn't get enough on it to ID it. On the left side of the field a Whitethroat, plenty of Blackcap, then I picked up a male Redstart around the Elders behind Lavell's which moved to the middle compound of the car park field itself. The Wheatear showed quite close, but half hidden in long grass by the nearest vent.
I now picked up more small jobs and deduced they were Meadow Pipit, 4+3+11+ 3 more much later over LFGP. The first of the autumn they are well timed in relation to recent years;
2009
Sep:10+5th, steady passage S/SW all morning. 20+/20th over SE in 2-3's often with Swallows. 21st onwards, further passage 2-8 birds at a time (8+/26th).
2010
Sept:1/8th W over LFGP (FJC), 3/12th over NW, 11/13th, 5+2+1+3 W/NW, 2/15th over. 4-5/20th over, 30+/28th over SE @17:00, 10+/29th in landfil near/NE Lodge Wood.
2011
Sept:5/9th (3+2 over S/SE), 3-5/15th landfill, 20+/19th am, 30+/pm, 20+/20th at N end + Ken Puglsey. 20+/23rd (2's & 3's then 11+) all S/SE, 15+/27th LF landfill, 2's & 3's over.
Oct:50-100/5th SE LFGP
2012
Sept:20+/12th South (FJC), 30+/13th over in 3-5's.
2013
Sep-3/10th SE over car park 10:00 (FJC), 2/11th (BTB), 6+/12th SE off landfill (FJC), 5/16th, 2 then 3 E/SE 07:00,
2014
Sept:1/6th LFGP (FJC & BTB) East over landfill, 4/7th NW (FJC), 2/11th N (MFW & FJC), 10+/22nd probably many mor thru NW
2015
Sept:2/3rd possibles dropped onto landfill 10:20 in front of scrub (FJC). 2/11th over LFGP (PSc), 3-5/15th moving about landfill (FJC, TAG & BTB), 3+5/17th 3 over, 5 landfill, 70+/19th, 17+12+30+, plus numerous 2-5's, 20+ remaining on landfill (FJC), 100+/24th 09:30 on landfill (FJC), c150/26th (FJC), c200/28th grass cut (BTB), 8/29th
The rest of the bird walk was okay, but little to speak of at LFGP, Lavell's held 55 Tufted Duck and the autumn's first Pochard, a juvenile.
These two new ones for September place the month on 95, level with 2008 and 2011, one more to put us on 3rd place held in 2014. 2nd place is 97 held in 2010. We are missing Water Rail and Garden Warbler and often see Redwing and Siskin in before month end, but not forgetting a much awaited Garganey and perhaps some other waders.
Friday, 9 September 2016
3rd chat of my autumn
Usual morning route, just 35 minutes later and again felt quiet, LFGP : 1 Green and 1 Common Sandpiper, 13 Shoveler, Grey Wagtail heard.
BSL had 23 Shoveler, but a reasonable flock of around 250-300 mostly House Martin kept me scanning for a bit. In the car park field and overlooking the landfill, I found virtually nothing, no Wheatear, chats, or wagtails, just 2-3 Chiffchaff's in the Elders, 1-2 Blackcap calling.
Walking across the car park towards my car I could swear I heard a Tree Pipit call once, but saw nothing, back at the car I'd packed my scope away and was doing a last scan with bins, when a small bird on top of the big Hawthorn caught my eye. Hoping for Spotted Flycatcher I got my scope out and to save time I just set it up without legs extended and squatted down to look thru it quickly.
It was my third Whinchat of the autumn and at that point I realised my iPhone scope adapter was at home, so rushed off 4-5 poor shots without it. It moved off to the right along the back hedgerow, so speculate it might have been re-found near the balancing pool.
I love that big Hawthorn, it produces birds on a regular basis, but so does the car park field.
BSL had 23 Shoveler, but a reasonable flock of around 250-300 mostly House Martin kept me scanning for a bit. In the car park field and overlooking the landfill, I found virtually nothing, no Wheatear, chats, or wagtails, just 2-3 Chiffchaff's in the Elders, 1-2 Blackcap calling.
Walking across the car park towards my car I could swear I heard a Tree Pipit call once, but saw nothing, back at the car I'd packed my scope away and was doing a last scan with bins, when a small bird on top of the big Hawthorn caught my eye. Hoping for Spotted Flycatcher I got my scope out and to save time I just set it up without legs extended and squatted down to look thru it quickly.
It was my third Whinchat of the autumn and at that point I realised my iPhone scope adapter was at home, so rushed off 4-5 poor shots without it. It moved off to the right along the back hedgerow, so speculate it might have been re-found near the balancing pool.
I love that big Hawthorn, it produces birds on a regular basis, but so does the car park field.
Thursday, 8 September 2016
Stint joy - 31 years of waiting over
Back out at 06:20 and LFGP was fairly quiet, just 2 Green and 2 Common Sandpiper, the same LRP also present. 23 Teal, 2 Shoveler and a Wigeon calling in the NE corner and a Little Egret.
At BSL a Green Sandpiper flew off from just right of the pontoon, a Grey Wagtail went over, 38 Shoveler on the East side of the lake, then down the car park field I looked back towards BSL and saw 3 Wigeon and 12 Teal heading North, no doubt come off the East side.
Nothing in the car park field, where it seems it has to warm up before Redstarts show, so a short debate with myself on if I could be bothered to go to Bittern hide and I decided that maybe a Spotted Flycatcher might be near the benches.
No flycatchers and I went on to Bittern Hide, seeing the Kingfisher on the nearby perch I got my iPhone adapter out, I clicked 2 shots and noticed a small wader flick out from behind the bund under the Kingfisher. I lifted my bins and thought "yesterday's Dunlin", panned down with the scope and instantly realised it was a Little Stint, I clicked 4 shots before 2 Green Sandpiper flew over it, which caused it to fly and all 3 birds left to the right.
Here are my 3 of my 4 shots
And the cropped versions
Now 2016 is turning into a special year, two 31 year long awaited patch lifers in 9 days.
With the day coming to an end I've been thinking of the timing of it all....just one decision, I nearly didn't go to Bittern hide at all. And then had I not lingered looking for Spotted Flycatcher, I'd have arrived 2 minutes before and left seconds before it flew out from behind the bund.
It all blows my mind and again find myself contemplating numerous birds in the past, the decisions to look in a certain place, or direction that suddenly looked in that gave rise to my seeing the bird.
Because it is such a long time in coming it somehow feels more poignant and when such events place you on the cusp of a landmark, I guess it should, as this places me on 199 for my park list and I can't believe I am here....but love being here.
I wish it had stayed for at least an hour, or two to allow my good friends to enjoy it too, the recent chance to catch up with so many of you at the Nightjar, made it truly special.
At BSL a Green Sandpiper flew off from just right of the pontoon, a Grey Wagtail went over, 38 Shoveler on the East side of the lake, then down the car park field I looked back towards BSL and saw 3 Wigeon and 12 Teal heading North, no doubt come off the East side.
Nothing in the car park field, where it seems it has to warm up before Redstarts show, so a short debate with myself on if I could be bothered to go to Bittern hide and I decided that maybe a Spotted Flycatcher might be near the benches.
No flycatchers and I went on to Bittern Hide, seeing the Kingfisher on the nearby perch I got my iPhone adapter out, I clicked 2 shots and noticed a small wader flick out from behind the bund under the Kingfisher. I lifted my bins and thought "yesterday's Dunlin", panned down with the scope and instantly realised it was a Little Stint, I clicked 4 shots before 2 Green Sandpiper flew over it, which caused it to fly and all 3 birds left to the right.
Here are my 3 of my 4 shots
Now 2016 is turning into a special year, two 31 year long awaited patch lifers in 9 days.
With the day coming to an end I've been thinking of the timing of it all....just one decision, I nearly didn't go to Bittern hide at all. And then had I not lingered looking for Spotted Flycatcher, I'd have arrived 2 minutes before and left seconds before it flew out from behind the bund.
It all blows my mind and again find myself contemplating numerous birds in the past, the decisions to look in a certain place, or direction that suddenly looked in that gave rise to my seeing the bird.
Because it is such a long time in coming it somehow feels more poignant and when such events place you on the cusp of a landmark, I guess it should, as this places me on 199 for my park list and I can't believe I am here....but love being here.
I wish it had stayed for at least an hour, or two to allow my good friends to enjoy it too, the recent chance to catch up with so many of you at the Nightjar, made it truly special.
Tuesday, 6 September 2016
Stintless annoyance
Another 06:25 at Lea Farm and 3-4 Common Sandpiper and 3 Green, but more Greens kept arriving and soon it became a rather nice group of 7 together in the SW corner. But not for long, 4 were very mobile and off they went. The LRP was still present and a Snipe dropped in on the NE shore, but without sounding ungrateful, I heard later today that Moor Green's 2 Little Stints, have become 3...good grief.
One, all I ask for is one.
I missed the female Redstart seen by Alan mid afternoon, but did get my first autumn Yellow Wagtail over at 16:32! Shortly before I was admiring Small Copper butterfly.
One, all I ask for is one.
I missed the female Redstart seen by Alan mid afternoon, but did get my first autumn Yellow Wagtail over at 16:32! Shortly before I was admiring Small Copper butterfly.
Monday, 5 September 2016
Know which day to have a lie in
I didn't get up today, but I either dodged a bullet, or will never know what I missed. An LRP was seen early this morning and Marek obviously went back and found a Redstart in the usual autumn car park field location, which I managed to see quickly after it was found.
Saturday, 3 September 2016
Waders again
06:45 Lea Farm GP this morning, 3-4 Common Sandpiper and 3 Green Sandpiper, hearing Redshank, it took nearly an hour before the sun rose enough to see into the NE corner, to find that there were 2, an unusual species in September, this being just the fourth ever record, one in 1981 (no date), 1/6th 2003, 1/6th 2008 and today.
The Snipe appeared to our left, but then came around to the right and gave stunning views and a chance for a good shot, I I've left in the one with the Pied Wagtail because you can see the tail is still slightly open after it appeared to use it as a sign of aggression.
4 Little Egret was nice, but no sign of anything else, so a look around the other end only produced a Whitethroat, a Coal Tit heard and a brief Hobby.
The Snipe appeared to our left, but then came around to the right and gave stunning views and a chance for a good shot, I I've left in the one with the Pied Wagtail because you can see the tail is still slightly open after it appeared to use it as a sign of aggression.
4 Little Egret was nice, but no sign of anything else, so a look around the other end only produced a Whitethroat, a Coal Tit heard and a brief Hobby.
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