Snoozing Sanderling and Dunlin...
Then a long walk along the beach towards Point of Ayr in search of the Shore Lark, found nothing at all...
... and the Hawfinch at LLanreadr-y-Cennin weren't around either!
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Back to Gronant
Another visit to North Wales began at Gronant where the tide was in and around 200 waders were resting on the shore. Good to see five Grey Plover (only the second time I've seen these!) along with Sanderling, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Curlew and Oystercatcher plus Shelduck on the sea.
Snoozing Sanderling and Dunlin...
Then a long walk along the beach towards Point of Ayr in search of the Shore Lark, found nothing at all...
... and the Hawfinch at LLanreadr-y-Cennin weren't around either!
Snoozing Sanderling and Dunlin...
Then a long walk along the beach towards Point of Ayr in search of the Shore Lark, found nothing at all...
... and the Hawfinch at LLanreadr-y-Cennin weren't around either!
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Snow on the Beach
A trip to the north Wales coast today, with Jim being chauffeur on the snow covered roads! Hopes of a few lifers and some photo opportunities, began at Kinmel Bay in Conwy.
Snow Buntings had been present near the mouth of the River Clwyd for several weeks. These would be a lifer and hopefully an obliging subject for some pics?
First though, there was a surprise just a few metres from the car, a glimpse of a red tail dropping down from a fence. Was that really a Redstart!? A few seconds later it popped back up onto a post... a stunning juv/fem Black Redstart. What a fantastic start! Unfortunately it was very mobile, so a few record shots would have to suffice...
Walking to the edge of the beach we could hear finches and soon had four Snow Buntings fly over us and land in the grassy tufts.
They didn't stay long. As they headed off further along the beach, we checked out the waders. Lots of Redshank and Oystercatcher were present, a group of Sanderling dashing about at the water's edge, some Dunlin, Curlew and Ringed Plover and a lone Turnstone. On the sea Common Scoter could be seen and near the mouth of the river, a few Goosander.
As the Buntings still hadn't come back our way, we decided to check out Pensarn and maybe return here later. Hundreds of Common Scoter were present along with three Velvet Scoter, lots of GC Grebe, three distant Red-throated Diver and some RB Merganser.
From here we went to look for the group of Hawfinch that have been at Llanbedr-y-cennin. After an hour or so there was no sign. Just the commoner finch species, several Jay and Redwing and a year tick in the shape of a Greenshank - on the river bank seen from the churchyard. With time running out, we headed back to Kimnel Bay in the hope of better views of the Snow Buntings.
We soon found them and decided to pick a spot, wait and hope they came our way. This worked out well and before long the male and three females appeared from between rocks and headed towards us.
There were many tufts of grass in this area of the beach and they began clinging onto the stems and feeding on the seeds.
A distant blue wall provides an unusual background for this smart male...
A more natural grass background for this one...
They look even more attractive from the back I think...
Fantastic end to a great day with two lifers - RT Diver and Snow Bunting. Seeing the Blackstart, the scurrying Sanderling and watching the Buntings close up were definitely the highlights!
Snow Buntings had been present near the mouth of the River Clwyd for several weeks. These would be a lifer and hopefully an obliging subject for some pics?
First though, there was a surprise just a few metres from the car, a glimpse of a red tail dropping down from a fence. Was that really a Redstart!? A few seconds later it popped back up onto a post... a stunning juv/fem Black Redstart. What a fantastic start! Unfortunately it was very mobile, so a few record shots would have to suffice...
Walking to the edge of the beach we could hear finches and soon had four Snow Buntings fly over us and land in the grassy tufts.
They didn't stay long. As they headed off further along the beach, we checked out the waders. Lots of Redshank and Oystercatcher were present, a group of Sanderling dashing about at the water's edge, some Dunlin, Curlew and Ringed Plover and a lone Turnstone. On the sea Common Scoter could be seen and near the mouth of the river, a few Goosander.
As the Buntings still hadn't come back our way, we decided to check out Pensarn and maybe return here later. Hundreds of Common Scoter were present along with three Velvet Scoter, lots of GC Grebe, three distant Red-throated Diver and some RB Merganser.
From here we went to look for the group of Hawfinch that have been at Llanbedr-y-cennin. After an hour or so there was no sign. Just the commoner finch species, several Jay and Redwing and a year tick in the shape of a Greenshank - on the river bank seen from the churchyard. With time running out, we headed back to Kimnel Bay in the hope of better views of the Snow Buntings.
We soon found them and decided to pick a spot, wait and hope they came our way. This worked out well and before long the male and three females appeared from between rocks and headed towards us.
There were many tufts of grass in this area of the beach and they began clinging onto the stems and feeding on the seeds.
A distant blue wall provides an unusual background for this smart male...
A more natural grass background for this one...
They look even more attractive from the back I think...
Fantastic end to a great day with two lifers - RT Diver and Snow Bunting. Seeing the Blackstart, the scurrying Sanderling and watching the Buntings close up were definitely the highlights!
Friday, 19 February 2010
The last few days...
Sunday began with an hour or two of unsuccessful Crane hunting in the Crudgington area, looks like it might be just as elusive as last year! Two different Merlins were seen perched but not a lot else. In the afternoon, it was back to Shirlett where many Crossbills were present. Difficult to estimate numbers as they are in lots of small groups or pairs and in several areas, but there certainly seems to be plenty around this winter.
On Monday I was in town when two Peregrines arrived to do some food shopping of their own. They appeared low over the roof tops, putting up all the Feral Pigeons. A ten minute spectacle followed with the one bird mainly staying up high, circling and watching its mate repeatedly climb and dive into the Pigeon flock.
We were watching all this from a Town Centre car park, everyone else completely unaware what was going on just above! Eventually they gave up and we found one resting on a nearby building.
I got a few record shots, too distant for anything good. I like the gargoyle in this one though!
Today I walked on the Brown Clee, just part way up as I didn't have much time, (well that's my excuse anyway). There was a good 4-5 inches of snow on the paths, even on the lower parts. Most of it untrodden too! It was beautiful up there and I had it all to myself!
A few cronking Raven broke the silence every now and then and a group of Crossbill and Siskin were in the very tall conifers. Not much else seen but I did get distracted for quite a while by the numerous Goldcrest. Couldn't resist trying to capture these gorgeous little birds. They were quite happy to come within a few feet of me too! Just a shame they never kept still making a sharp image virtually impossible!
This one was alittle shy, playing peek-a-boo with me...
Hard to see how they find anything to eat in these conditions.
There's a tree under here somewhere...
On Monday I was in town when two Peregrines arrived to do some food shopping of their own. They appeared low over the roof tops, putting up all the Feral Pigeons. A ten minute spectacle followed with the one bird mainly staying up high, circling and watching its mate repeatedly climb and dive into the Pigeon flock.
We were watching all this from a Town Centre car park, everyone else completely unaware what was going on just above! Eventually they gave up and we found one resting on a nearby building.
I got a few record shots, too distant for anything good. I like the gargoyle in this one though!
Today I walked on the Brown Clee, just part way up as I didn't have much time, (well that's my excuse anyway). There was a good 4-5 inches of snow on the paths, even on the lower parts. Most of it untrodden too! It was beautiful up there and I had it all to myself!
A few cronking Raven broke the silence every now and then and a group of Crossbill and Siskin were in the very tall conifers. Not much else seen but I did get distracted for quite a while by the numerous Goldcrest. Couldn't resist trying to capture these gorgeous little birds. They were quite happy to come within a few feet of me too! Just a shame they never kept still making a sharp image virtually impossible!
This one was alittle shy, playing peek-a-boo with me...
Hard to see how they find anything to eat in these conditions.
There's a tree under here somewhere...
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Crossbills!
Went to Shirlett for a while this afternoon. Several Ravens and Buzzards about and some huge finch flocks feeding in the fields (mainly Chaffinch with Yellowhammer, Goldfinch and a few Brambling mixed in).
In the Larches, that are in several places along the lane, there were large numbers of Siskin and Redpoll with at least eight Crossbill too. I love seeing these.
Very difficult to photograph unfortunately but this gorgeous male was quite obliging, landing in a small tree near the road.
Now where's that Crane.....
In the Larches, that are in several places along the lane, there were large numbers of Siskin and Redpoll with at least eight Crossbill too. I love seeing these.
Very difficult to photograph unfortunately but this gorgeous male was quite obliging, landing in a small tree near the road.
Now where's that Crane.....
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Wednesday
A free day today which, if it went well, would result in Goshawk, RB Merganser, Whoopers, Hen Harrier and SE Owls! A nice selection, but would they all be where I hoped they would be?
It couldn't have began better with great views of two/three Goshawk circling and diving at each other over the woods! Two Ravens then appeared and started harassing them. The Goshawks began to spread out with one gradually getting closer, a Raven accompanying it.
I'd taken 70+ pics already by this time, trying to get some sort of record shots. Then 'Card Full' began flashing at me! Typical! I quickly grabbed another but the plastic case it was in refused to open! Talk about frustrating - there was now a Goshawk right above me! I was on the verge of stamping on the case to smash it, when at last...
Just managed four shots as it flew away towards another wood. The streaking on the body is clearly visible on this first winter bird. I was relieved I got anything but it should have been so much better! Reminder to self, never go out with a nearly full card and bin that case!
I then met up with Jim, on his half day off work, and headed to see the Whoopers near Wem. On arrival they were in a low area of the field. As you can see, we had fantastic views!!
Colemere was next and it was great to see the RB Merganser was showing well after not seeing it last Saturday. Interesting to see it close to the Goosanders for comparison. I'll spare you the record shots! A Kingfisher here was another for the Shrops year list, the fourth addition today.
Whixall Moss was the final destination. With plans to stay until dark, hopes of seeing the Hen Harrier and SE Owl were high, maybe even the Shrike would put in an appearance?
We met Andy in the car park and after piling on many layers, headed out onto the Moss. After an hour of the icy wind with nowhere to shelter and seeing nothing but Crows and Kestrels, I soon remembered why I don't visit the Moss very often! The second hour was just birdless and painful! Not the great end to the day we'd hoped for but I daresay my fingers and toes will soon forget and I'll be back out there sometime soon!
It couldn't have began better with great views of two/three Goshawk circling and diving at each other over the woods! Two Ravens then appeared and started harassing them. The Goshawks began to spread out with one gradually getting closer, a Raven accompanying it.
I'd taken 70+ pics already by this time, trying to get some sort of record shots. Then 'Card Full' began flashing at me! Typical! I quickly grabbed another but the plastic case it was in refused to open! Talk about frustrating - there was now a Goshawk right above me! I was on the verge of stamping on the case to smash it, when at last...
Just managed four shots as it flew away towards another wood. The streaking on the body is clearly visible on this first winter bird. I was relieved I got anything but it should have been so much better! Reminder to self, never go out with a nearly full card and bin that case!
I then met up with Jim, on his half day off work, and headed to see the Whoopers near Wem. On arrival they were in a low area of the field. As you can see, we had fantastic views!!
Colemere was next and it was great to see the RB Merganser was showing well after not seeing it last Saturday. Interesting to see it close to the Goosanders for comparison. I'll spare you the record shots! A Kingfisher here was another for the Shrops year list, the fourth addition today.
Whixall Moss was the final destination. With plans to stay until dark, hopes of seeing the Hen Harrier and SE Owl were high, maybe even the Shrike would put in an appearance?
We met Andy in the car park and after piling on many layers, headed out onto the Moss. After an hour of the icy wind with nowhere to shelter and seeing nothing but Crows and Kestrels, I soon remembered why I don't visit the Moss very often! The second hour was just birdless and painful! Not the great end to the day we'd hoped for but I daresay my fingers and toes will soon forget and I'll be back out there sometime soon!
Monday, 8 February 2010
Dudmaston, Cranmere and Chelmarsh
Sunday 7 February
Laura and I went for a look around Dudmaston and Cranmere today. There were several large flocks of Siskin and Redpoll, numerous Goldcrest and on Seggy pool 8 Goosander and 2 Goldeneye. Sadly no Crosssbill, we shall have to go further into the woods next time.
At Cranmere there were lots of RL Partridge, 50+ Fieldfare, Redwing, Yellowhammer and a field full of geese. With reports of Pinkfeet passing over Shrops at the moment could there be any taking a break here?! Nope... no such luck. We counted 136 Greylag, 26 Canadas and a Snow Goose, presumably this is the one from Chelmarsh. I wish I'd taken the camera, he's really quite sweet.... for a goose.
Friday 5 February
Seems I missed the best sighting at Chelmarsh, I heard a report of 2 or 3 redhead Smew spending a few days on the reservoir recently!
Plenty to see at the two feeding areas today with many Reed Buntings, Redpoll, finches, tits and a few Brambling gathered here. They really don't keep still long! But here's a few from by the hide late on Friday afternoon.
Laura and I went for a look around Dudmaston and Cranmere today. There were several large flocks of Siskin and Redpoll, numerous Goldcrest and on Seggy pool 8 Goosander and 2 Goldeneye. Sadly no Crosssbill, we shall have to go further into the woods next time.
At Cranmere there were lots of RL Partridge, 50+ Fieldfare, Redwing, Yellowhammer and a field full of geese. With reports of Pinkfeet passing over Shrops at the moment could there be any taking a break here?! Nope... no such luck. We counted 136 Greylag, 26 Canadas and a Snow Goose, presumably this is the one from Chelmarsh. I wish I'd taken the camera, he's really quite sweet.... for a goose.
Friday 5 February
Seems I missed the best sighting at Chelmarsh, I heard a report of 2 or 3 redhead Smew spending a few days on the reservoir recently!
Plenty to see at the two feeding areas today with many Reed Buntings, Redpoll, finches, tits and a few Brambling gathered here. They really don't keep still long! But here's a few from by the hide late on Friday afternoon.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Shropshire birding!
Saturday 6 February
A bit of a zoom around Shropshire with Jim today, could we beat the 70 species seen on New Year's Day?! No time to take pics, but here's a brief(ish!!) summary of the day.
At VP there were all the usual species on the pool, though the top field was rather quiet with the large Linnet and Goldfinch flocks not seen. Good numbers of Reed Buntings though and several Bullfinch near the car park making a total of 44 species.
Heading off north, the fog became much worse and on arrival at Colemere it was no surprise to find, it wasn't there! Not a chance of seeing anything, so we headed to Wood Lane to pass some time in the hope of it clearing.
Visibility wasn't a great deal better here but at least the first pool could be seen. Three Oystercatchers were a nice surprise, two Common Snipe probing the mud and a Common Gull flew in. Four Shelduck and some Teal were about all else that could be seen from the hide and two Goldcrests were in the trees near the car park.
Back to Colemere then and the fog had cleared just everso slightly! We decided on a walk in the woods first and soon came across around 50 Redpoll and a few Siskin feeding high in the tree tops. Two Willow Tit were a really nice surprise, with several Treecreeper and Nuthatch around too. A Tawny Owl was calling from somewhere deeper into the woods and a Raven was heard flying over.
Back out to view the Mere and with a scope it was now just possible to pick out a distant group of Goosanders. A walk around the other side eventually gave much better views of the 30+ birds. Sadly no sign of the RB Merganser that had been with them the previous few days and a walker (in a fluorescent yellow jacket!!) soon had them all spooked and flying off to somewhere quieter!
The Upton Magna area found several hundred Fieldfare and a couple of Redwing but surprisingly no Partridge of either species. A search for Corn Buntings in the Isombridge area turned up Meadow Pipits, Yellowhammer and around 50 Linnets with 20+ Curlew feeding further along the lane.
A brief stop at Priorslee added a pair of Gadwall and a GBb Gull. Then finally it was south to the Long Mynd, noting a few Golden Plover in with the 3000+ Lapwings by the A49 on the way there. On the Mynd we were hoping to spot a raptor or maybe a Red Grouse. It wasn't to be though, two Raven and a Buzzard were virtually the only birds seen!
A great day, just beating the New Year tally, with 72 species in all!
A bit of a zoom around Shropshire with Jim today, could we beat the 70 species seen on New Year's Day?! No time to take pics, but here's a brief(ish!!) summary of the day.
At VP there were all the usual species on the pool, though the top field was rather quiet with the large Linnet and Goldfinch flocks not seen. Good numbers of Reed Buntings though and several Bullfinch near the car park making a total of 44 species.
Heading off north, the fog became much worse and on arrival at Colemere it was no surprise to find, it wasn't there! Not a chance of seeing anything, so we headed to Wood Lane to pass some time in the hope of it clearing.
Visibility wasn't a great deal better here but at least the first pool could be seen. Three Oystercatchers were a nice surprise, two Common Snipe probing the mud and a Common Gull flew in. Four Shelduck and some Teal were about all else that could be seen from the hide and two Goldcrests were in the trees near the car park.
Back to Colemere then and the fog had cleared just everso slightly! We decided on a walk in the woods first and soon came across around 50 Redpoll and a few Siskin feeding high in the tree tops. Two Willow Tit were a really nice surprise, with several Treecreeper and Nuthatch around too. A Tawny Owl was calling from somewhere deeper into the woods and a Raven was heard flying over.
Back out to view the Mere and with a scope it was now just possible to pick out a distant group of Goosanders. A walk around the other side eventually gave much better views of the 30+ birds. Sadly no sign of the RB Merganser that had been with them the previous few days and a walker (in a fluorescent yellow jacket!!) soon had them all spooked and flying off to somewhere quieter!
The Upton Magna area found several hundred Fieldfare and a couple of Redwing but surprisingly no Partridge of either species. A search for Corn Buntings in the Isombridge area turned up Meadow Pipits, Yellowhammer and around 50 Linnets with 20+ Curlew feeding further along the lane.
A brief stop at Priorslee added a pair of Gadwall and a GBb Gull. Then finally it was south to the Long Mynd, noting a few Golden Plover in with the 3000+ Lapwings by the A49 on the way there. On the Mynd we were hoping to spot a raptor or maybe a Red Grouse. It wasn't to be though, two Raven and a Buzzard were virtually the only birds seen!
A great day, just beating the New Year tally, with 72 species in all!
Parkgate High Tide
Sunday 31 January
With a high tide of 9.9m a trip to Parkgate was planned. Though I was having second thoughts as I headed to Shrewsbury and snow showers began! There was lot more to come in Cheshire too, but the journey wasn't too bad and by 10am scanning the marshes for raptors began.
A distant Marsh Harrier was the first to be seen followed by several Kestrels and a ringtail Hen Harrier. A group of Pink-footed Geese flew along the estuary and Curlew, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe and other more distant waders were moving as the tide came in.
One of several Herons present captured an unfortunate Water Rail and spent a couple of minutes struggling to swallow its victim whole!
Soon the first of several Short-eared Owl were spotted, coming reasonably close, catching several voles and sitting amongst the grass. Too far for decent pics though I'm afraid!
The other highlight was seeing three foxes, one close by and one leaping up several times at the low flying Marsh Harrier! A Hare was also seen to make its escape from the rising waters and climb the wall to safety.
On then to Inner Marsh Farm where disappointingly there was only one wader, a Black-tailed Godwit. A ringtail Hen Harrier flying through twice was great to see and a pair of Stonechat eating caterpillars near the hide finally got the camera into action.
The day finished with a Spoonbill at the other end of Parkgate and a large group of Bewick's and Whooper Swans (89 in total) which were in the nearby fields at Shotwick.
With a high tide of 9.9m a trip to Parkgate was planned. Though I was having second thoughts as I headed to Shrewsbury and snow showers began! There was lot more to come in Cheshire too, but the journey wasn't too bad and by 10am scanning the marshes for raptors began.
A distant Marsh Harrier was the first to be seen followed by several Kestrels and a ringtail Hen Harrier. A group of Pink-footed Geese flew along the estuary and Curlew, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe and other more distant waders were moving as the tide came in.
One of several Herons present captured an unfortunate Water Rail and spent a couple of minutes struggling to swallow its victim whole!
Soon the first of several Short-eared Owl were spotted, coming reasonably close, catching several voles and sitting amongst the grass. Too far for decent pics though I'm afraid!
The other highlight was seeing three foxes, one close by and one leaping up several times at the low flying Marsh Harrier! A Hare was also seen to make its escape from the rising waters and climb the wall to safety.
On then to Inner Marsh Farm where disappointingly there was only one wader, a Black-tailed Godwit. A ringtail Hen Harrier flying through twice was great to see and a pair of Stonechat eating caterpillars near the hide finally got the camera into action.
The day finished with a Spoonbill at the other end of Parkgate and a large group of Bewick's and Whooper Swans (89 in total) which were in the nearby fields at Shotwick.
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