Glossy Ibis, Saul Warth, Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire. 29th April 2007.

Glossy Ibis.

Marbled Duck.

Blue Tit.

Off to Frampton-on-Severn, Glos, today to see the flock of Glossy Ibis that have turned up at Saul Warth SO744081. Walking along the canal towpath from Fretherne Bridge a Lesser Whitethroat was singing from a bramble thicket on the opposite side of the canal, it didn't show so i decided to stop on the way back. After entering the fields overlooking the water it didn't take long to spot at least 5 of the Glossy Ibis feeding together in the mud, Another group of 3 could be seen feeding along the far side of the wetlands and another 2 single individuals were feeding separately on either side. They continued to probe the mud in frenetic fashion with only brief pauses to preen and scan the area.

A lone Spotted Redshank was feeding along with 2 Redshank, Skylark were in full song accompanied by the drumming of a Great-spotted Woodpecker and a Blackcap sung from the bushes that run along the towpath. Good numbers of Shelduck could be seen out on the Noose with at least 30+ feeding.

The Marbled Duck was finally found hiding amongst the vegetation on the adjacent pool with a single Greenshank close by.

Walking back along the towpath the Lesser Whitethroat was still in song and after a wait of 5 minutes it briefly showed at the top of the bramble thicket before disappearing again, 2 young Blackbirds were being fed by their parents underneath the hedge on the towpath.

Added To My Year List.

135. Glossy Ibis

136. Spotted Redshank

137. Marbled Duck

138. Greenshank

Henley on Thames, Oxon & Little Marlow GP's. 27th April 2007.

My first year sightings of both Swift and House Martin mid afternoon over Crisp Road, Henley. I heard the screaming calls long before 5 Swifts flew over, a small group of 8 House Martins were later circling closely high above before drifting out of view. 2 more groups of Swift flew over and by late afternoon i had counted 11 Swifts.

A early evening visit to Little Marlow GP's helped me add 3 more species to my year list. My first Common Terns of the year which were calling and squabbling nosily amongst each other on the spit and in the air. On the spit a few Pied Wagtails looked for insects in the vegetation, 2 Little-ringed Plovers fed along the waters edge along with a single Oystercatcher. The usual collection of escapee's include 2 Snow Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose and a single Egyptian Goose. Swift, Swallow, Sand & House Martins all present and a single Buzzard drifted over in the distance. A Kingfisher could be heard calling and a Great-spotted Woodpecker made a fly over.



Added To My Year List
130. Swift
131. House Martin
132. Oystercatcher
133. Little Ringed Plover
134. Common Tern

Theale, Berks. 18th April 2007.

Willow Warbler.

Young Robin.

Little Owl.

An afternoon visit to Theale, Berks today started off with a stop off at Burnthouse Lane, as i parked up i soon could hear the song of Lesser Whitethroat and after waiting 15 minutes finally got a quick view before it disappeared into the brambles again. Not much on the pits, a few Pied Wagtails and a small number of common ducks.

At Theale main pit a pair of Blackcaps were moving through the bushes by the gate and it didn't take long before i heard a Chiffchaff calling from the scrub near the pylon. As i approached i soon heard a number of Blackcaps calling followed by the Chiffchaff and finally a Willow Warbler perked up and joined the melee of Warbler song filling the air. As i waited for something to show itself the alarm calls of Lesser Whitethroat could be heard coming from the bramble thickets, the Willow Warbler continued to sing for at least half an hour above me and was perched in a tree by the pylon, i decided to take advantage by taking a few photos. Warblers are very rarely still and difficult to digiscope at the best of times.

Across the road at Hosehill LNR at least 2 Sedge Warblers were singing from the reeds, my first of the year. Another pair of Blackaps were moving through the bushes by the horse paddock, a single Mistle Thrush and 2 Pied Wagtails were feeding in the Paddock. A few Black-headed Gulls were squabbling amongst themselves on the raft with a small number of Cormorants looking on.

Driving home through Skirmett 2 Swallows were sat on the lines near to where they have nested before, and later 2 were feeding across the fields next to our cottage. A quick walk round the garden early evening, 3 Red Kites sat in one of the adjacent fields, presumably eating worms on the newly ploughed field, 2 Buzzards circling above, a single Red-legged Partridge wandered through the garden and off into the fields. A pair of Jackdaws have nested in the bottom of an Apple tree in the orchard and seem to be adding material to their nest. While watching the Jackdaws i could hear the calls of a number of young birds from the hedge and after a couple of minutes 2 Robin fledglings showed themselves, it wasn't long before the parents turned up with a beak full of food and led them along the hedge and out of sight. Seems a bit early to me but there seems to be plenty of food about. I could hear a Great Tit sending out a alarm call and made my way towards it, it was sat near the entrance to a nest box that it is currently occupying and was obviously very agitated, as i moved closer i soon found the source of the problem, the resident Little Owl was sat in the tree next to the nest box and obviously the Great Tit wasn't happy. The Owl finally got the message and moved along to a fence post and continued to watch the fields, it's been sat outside our cottage on the fence posts for the last week and seems to be taking food from the ploughed fields,Perhaps Worms, Beetles and other insects. A single Goldcrest has been feeding in the evergreen trees by the garden for the last few days and Wednesday morning brought an unusual flyover, 8:45am 2 Ring-necked Parakeets flew over heading towards Hambleden, their noisy calls could be heard well before they actually passed over. I have seen them recently as close as Bovingdon Green, Bucks, but have never seen or heard them this far out in the country, especially without large areas of water.

Added To My Year List.

127. Swallow

128. Lesser Whitethroat

129. Sedge Warbler

Ring Ouzel, Twyford GP, Berks. 11th April 2007.

With the news on http://www.berksbirds.co.uk/ that Adam Bassett had located a male Ring Ouzel at Twyford GP's, Berks, I decided to make a afternoon visit. As i arrived I was given the good news that the Ouzel was still present and after walking along the track from Park Lane the male Ring Ouzel was located in the Pony fields at SU785749. These are certainly the best views I've ever had of a Ring Ouzel, much closer than my previous experience's at Aston Rowant, and although the Ouzel often hid in a nearby thicket it seemed less nervous than others I have seen. It hopped across the fields 100 yards or so away, 2 Song Thrushes and a single Blackbird added to the Thrush clan as they busily searched for Worms.The Ouzels crescent white breast-band and silvery/grey wing fringes were very clean and clear, as too were the scaly markings underneath it's body, a really good specimen. A Willow Warbler was singing from one of the fishing lakes and a Chiffchaff was in full song above us as we watched the Ouzel, Green Woodpecker also made an appearance.

A Red-legged Partridge was found hiding behind our shed early morning, and Nuthatch and Marsh Tit on the feeders.

Spring Arrivals 9th April 2007.

A good start to the day as a Grey Partridge wandered through the garden and out towards the nearby fields, this is my second record for the garden this year and I'm hoping they have a successful breeding year. I was concerned they may have been bred for shooting and not wild birds but my understanding is that they are extremely hard to breed in captivity unlike the Red-legged Partridge which is bred for shooting and certainly a common sight in the Chilterns. I also spotted a single Grey Partridge crossing the fields near the convent at Parmoor on Monday.
The resident Little Owl was sat motionless sunning itself it the sun and only moved to the next post to avoid a number of Jackdaws, 2 Red Kites and 2 Buzzards were circling across the fields and a male Sparrowhawk that often visits the garden feeders had made a number of fly throughs, all unsuccessful. 2 Nuthatches and 2 Marsh Tits have been busy visiting the feeders, both presumably pairs.

At lunchtime I was alerted to a Warbler singing outside our cottage and ran outside to listen, I waited with baited breath for it to call again and was delighted to hear a Willow Warbler singing from the adjacent orchard, I grabbed my bins and off I went to investigate. I located the Willow Warbler as it perched up to sing from the very same tree I had found my first garden Chiffchaff of the year on 27th March. I watched it as it searched for insects around the tree tops and then thought I should try to get a photo, by the time I got back with my scope and camera the bird was long gone and I could hear it as it headed along the hedgerow towards Hatchet Wood, Skirmett. I gathered a few bits 'n' bobs and off towards Hatchet Wood I headed, it wasn't long before I could hear the Willow Warbler singing again and located it feeding through the hedgerows, it didn't hang around and I soon reminded myself that trying to get a photo was going to be almost impossible, I decided to leave it to feed and headed off along the path. I had walked a short distance when I heard another singing further along the path and doubled back to check it wasn't the first one I had seen, as I turned to walk along the path it started singing to confirm 2 in the area. I found the second in the tops of a hawthorn chasing the insects round the branches and another a few trees further along, I watched both of them for over 10 minutes as they constantly searched for insects in the afternoon sun, only stopping briefly to sing. The sun had obviously stirred up the insects and the Willow Warblers were taking full advantage to replenish fat reserves to continue their migration. By the end of the afternoon i was pretty confident of at least 4 Willow Warblers being present. 1 Goldcrest seen and another 3 heard in two separate areas, a single Mistle Thrush, 3 Red Kites and 2 Buzzards around Hatchet Wood.

Added to my year list.

126. Willow Warbler.

Linkey Down, Aston Rowant, Oxon. 8th April 2007.

Chiffchaff.

A return to Linkey Down at Aston Rowant today didn't produce any sightings of Ring Ouzel, in fact it was rather quiet. A lone Buzzard crossed Linkey Down and at least 5 Red Kites were circling above. At the top of the Downs 2 Chiffchaff were singing from the scrub feeding as they went. Back at home a Little Owl sat on a fence post in the garden late afternoon sunning itself.

Ring Ouzel, Linkey Down, Aston Rowant, Oxon. 6th April 2007.

An afternoon visit to Linkey Down at Aston Rowant in Oxfordshire today gave me my first year sighting of Ring Ouzel. A lone female was in their favoured patch at the bottom of the hill but very mobile, staying out in the open more often than other Ouzels i have seen it made it's way across to the far side of the down.

Added to my year list.
125. Ring Ouzel

Woolhampton GP, Berks. 5th April 2007.

I headed back to Woolhampton GP this afternoon hoping to catch up with the elusive Garganeys. I was in luck as both were sat quietly on the pond next to the larger pits. Both male and female were asleep but very wary of any unwanted attention and often made their way to the other side of the pond to hide amongst the reeds. While watching them a Goldcrest made an appearance as it made it's way around the Ivy on some nearby trees, 2 Chiffchaffs could be heard calling from the surrounding woods and later 2 Cetti's Warblers burst in to song from the surrounding reedbeds. Finally the Gargeneys woke up and slowly made their way across the pond, reaching the edge of the reeds the female got in amongst them and started to feed, the male on the other hand patrolled the waters edge where the female was feeding, the males striking white eyestripe was dazzling in the afternoon sun and it clearly stood out amongst the Tufted and Mallard Duck, a female Gadwall was also present. It is presumed that the Garganeys are a pair and although i didn't witness any mating behavior they never left each others side. They continued to fed through the reeds before going out of sight.

Making my way back to the car a number of Skylark were calling from the fields alongside the track, A male Yellowhammer was calling from the top of the bushes and a small flock of Reed Buntings flushed from the hedgerow and headed across the fields.

Added to my year list.

124. Garganey

Padworth GP, Woolhampton GP, Berks. Penn Wood, Bucks. 1st April 2007.

Brambling-Penn Wood,Bucks.

I headed off towards Theale today hoping to catch up with a pair of Garganey that had been present at Woolhampton gravel pits for the last week. Stopping at Theale main pit i soon bumped in to local birder Ken Moore, Ken watches the Theale area like no other and if something turns up he's often the one to find it. Ken gave me the directions to Padworth and Woolhampton and helped me with the access and viewing points, as we walked towards the lay-by a Chiffchaff burst in to song which on a beautiful day like today made it feel like Spring was well under way. Saying our goodbyes i got in the car only to see a male Blackcap perch up on a tree branch in front of the lay-by, a quick flit around the bushes and it soon disappeared again.

Next stop was Padworth, this is the first time i have visited Padworth Gp's and with the weather being so nice a walk round the whole pits was in order. 2 Chiffchaffs were calling from the trees along the River Kennet and a Mute Swan was sat quietly on it's nest. Scanning the gravel pits i soon found 2 Redshank as they probed along the waters edge, Pied and Grey Wagtail were busy checking the mud for insects and a solitary Green Sandpiper was busy wading further along the bank. 4 Egyptian Geese joined the number of Canada and Greylag Geese feeding and sleeping in the surrounding fields and at least 5 Shelduck were present.

Woolhamton Gp's is another site that i had never visited until today and on arrival it didn't take long to hear a Chiffchaff calling as i walked towards the gravel pits. Sadly there was no sign of the Garganey on the small pit but looking out across the largest pits 5 Shelduck were present, a few Cormorant and the usual odd and sods. My first year sighting of Sand Martin as at least 5 circled above and 2 Cetti's burst in to song from the reeds.

Off to High Wycombe next to see the mass Brambling flocks coming in to roost at Penn Wood, entering Penn Wood a Nuthatch was soon spotted clinging to the side of a beech tree and was soon joined by it's partner with a bill full of nest material, standing quietly gave me excellent views as it flew to the tree above me and disappeared into what i presume was an old woodpecker hole. A male Brambling flew out of the bushes and was joined by another 3 or 4 as they flushed in to the trees above, their wheezing calls could be heard distinctly from the tree tops. Continuing down the pathway a Chiffchaff was sat in a tree calling out across the woods and was soon joined by another close-by, their "chiff-chaff" calls echoed through the wood. Approaching the roosting spot the wheezing calls of Brambling could be heard once again, this time increasing in volume as small flocks joined up with each other in the tree tops. Small flocks alternately flew to the conifers to feed on the cones and clung on tightly as they were blown in the evening breeze. I was surprised to see how agile they were, much like the Siskin when they feed upside down on Alders. Goldcrest and Coal Tit also made a number of appearances. Walking back towards the car still more Bramblings were flying overhead, heading off to roost. I've seen large flocks of Brambling in Thetford, Norfolk but this flock dwarfs my previous sightings and 900+ have been recorded in Penn Wood recently.

The first Chiffchaff in the garden for this year was heard and seen on the 27th March, it sung for over an hour before departing along the hedgerow and out of sight, a Blue Tit carrying nest material was also seen entering a small hole in a Apple tree. I cleaned the next boxes out the previous week and found that 3 had definitely been used for roosting, within days of cleaning them out i watched 2 being entered by Great Tits and another being entered by a pair of Blue Tits. My Camera nest box is also in use by a pair of Blue Tits, last year a pair of Blue Tits successfully raised a brood of 12 in it.

I actually manged to see a Bullfinch which had been eluding me for this year, a female flew across the road in front of me near Skirmett, Bucks.

Added to my year list

119. Bullfinch

120. Blackcap

121. Green Sandpiper

122. Sand Martin

123. Brambling

Common Crane, Cropredy, Oxon. 17th March 2007

Off to Cropredy, Oxon today to see the Common Crane that has been feeding in flooded fields just NNE of the village. On the drive up i counted at least 19 Red Kites from home to the M40 and another 12 around the Aston Rowant area. On arrival at the location i soon met a few Bucks birders including Mike Collard who helps run the Buckinghamshire Badger Group, sadly Mike had found a dead Badger on the side of the road and deduced that it was probably a pregnant sow.

The Common Crane was feeding on the far side of the flooded fields alongside Appletree road SP475482; it continually searched for food through the long grass and only stopped briefly to preen and scan the fields.

Their favoured diet is plant material such as agricultural crops but will also eat insects, snails, worms, frogs etc. They breed on large areas of marshland, bogs, fields and meadows with water nearby and use large wetland and agricultural areas for roosting during winter. The largest breeding area of Common Cranes is found in the North-east of Europe and at the end of summer many of these birds will migrate South to Spain, North Africa and the Middle East.

A Little Owl was also present, sat in a tree sunning itself in the afternoon sun, 3 Fieldfare flew over, 2 Stock Doves were chasing each other round the trees, Skylarks could be heard singing from high above and a small flock of Pied Wagtails gathered together around the pools of water in the fields. 9 Mute Swans were also in the field with the Crane. Although the sun was shinning it was incredibly windy and after a couple of hours watching the Crane i decided to make my way home.

Padworth 13th March 2007.

Male Stonechat.

Female Stonechat.

An afternoon visit to Padworth, Berks today with the hope that I might get to see Jack Snipe, after the recent rainfall the pathways were flooded and I made a note to myself that I should really invest in a pair of wellies, as I did this I suddenly slipped and ended up in a large puddle with water slowly filling up my walking boots. Ok not a great start but at least now I didn't have to get worried about getting wet, trench foot was a concern but I had put a spare pair of socks in the car so as long as I didn't get lost I'd be alright.

As I entered the common a Buzzard slowly drifted over calling as it went, Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker could be heard calling. Two Chiffchaffs were in full song and it didn't take long to find one chasing insects round the bushes near to me, it briefly perched on the bush to preen and sing before continuing to feed on the abundance of insects that were about.

A male and female Stonechat suddenly appeared on a gorse bush near to me and began feeding on insects, I watched them for sometime before they disappeared over the bushes.

Towards the end of the afternoon a flock of Meadow Pipits gathered across the common ready for roost, as I approached them I flushed a Woodcock from the side of the path, it darted across the common before landing in dense bracken and disappearing from sight.

I didn't find the Jack Snipe but later found 2 Woodlark at an undisclosed site.

Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. 11th March 2007.

Dark Bellied Brent Goose.

Oystercatcher.

Curlew.

Ferry pool hosted the usual ducks, a couple of Shelduck a single Curlew and a few black-headed gulls.
Walking towards Church Norton soon Produced good numbers of Redshank and Oystercatcher as they probed the mud flats by the water sluice. Further along the path towards Church Norton a male Little Egret was stalking the ditch, it’s breeding plumes were clearly visible as it hunted the shallows searching for fish. It got closer and closer until it flew off to join another Little Egret which was feeding in the harbour. Plenty of Curlew, Oystercatcher and Redshank scattered around the harbour and a small flock of Dark-bellied Brent Geese were grouping on the waters edge near to the hide at Church Norton, small skeins passed over on route to Church Norton and were later found feeding on cereal crops in the fields near to the hide. No sign of any Pale-breasted Brents nor the reported Black Brant.
At the harbour Turnstone, Knot, Dunlin and a single Ringed Plover busily searched the islands and mud flats for food. On a nearby island in the centre of the harbour a rather tired and forlorn looking Red -breasted Merganser sat quietly while a number of Shelducks slept amongst a melee of Gulls including 2 Mediterranean Gulls.
The sea at Church Norton was quiet, the odd Cormorant fishing far out at sea, a possible sighting of Red-necked Grebe heading towards Selsey but little else, despite the sunny conditions the sea was quite choppy. My first year sighting of a Chiffchaff was a timely reminder that spring was on it’s way as it fed along the bushes between the severals and Church Norton, stopping every now and then to belt out its unmistakable “Chiff-chaff” call .
On the walk back towards the reserve centre a quick scan of the harbour again was well worth it as while scanning the Curlews feeding along the mud flats a single Whimbrel flew in and joined them. A selection of waders including Redshank, Oystercatcher, Dunlin and Grey Plover scoured the flats for food. The Ringed Plover still looked out of place amongst the greyer waders that surrounded it but wasn’t put of by numbers as it bustled it’s way around the mud. The Red-breasted Merganser was still looking rather ill and I didn’t rate it’s chances of survival, it’s always sad to see a sick bird but a Merganser which is majestic in it’s own right is especially sad, I guess that’s mother nature for you.

Barn Owl. 1st March 2007.

A quick drive round the valley tonight gave me my first year sighting of a Barn Owl as i neared home.It was sat on a fence post next to the road scanning the fields but didn't hang around long and flew off along the roadside hedge and across the fields.I'm pretty convinced this is the same bird i recorded in our garden.

Waxwing, Botley, Oxon. 27th Feb 2007.

On a cold, damp and fairly miserable day the news that a single Waxwing was still present outside a church hall in Botley near Oxford was too much to bear.As i approached the church hall in Botley i could see the unmistakable silhouette of a Waxwing perched in the top of a Rowen tree, i parked up and started watching the bird as it plucked a few berries and began eating them.I set up my camera and managed to get a few shots before a couple of thoughtless birders stood under the tree in an attempt to get a good view, the Waxwing flushed immediately and disappeared over the back of the church and didn't return.The Waxwing takes my year list to 100.
The Waxwing is one of my all time favorite birds and during early 2005 a large invasion culminated with a flock of 300+ being present at Bracknell, Berks and later a flock of 100+ turning up in Henley-on-Thames, Oxon.They are amazing birds to watch and can be very approachable as they gorge themselves on Rowen and Hawthorn berries, with their trilling calls they are certainly a bird that can brighten any winters day.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba).

This video was filmed in our garden in March 2006, when i finally added Barn Owl to the collection of common Owls that i had seen in the garden.I had heard the mechanical screeches late at night on a few occasions but had to wait till March to get my first sighting as one flew through the garden and out in to the surrounding fields, grabbing my binoculars i ran outside and watched as it flew across the fields hunting before it headed out of sight.It continued to fly through at the same time each afternoon completing laps of the fields before heading back up the valley towards Frieth.I then had a close encounter with what i presume to be the same bird, as i drove up the road towards Frieth a Barn Owl flew out from a hedgerow and continued flying in front of the car, it was so close to the windscreen i had to tap the brakes a number of times to avoid hitting it.We travelled up the road together before it peeled off in to a adjacent field and i can only imagine that it was hunting and was having trouble finding food in what was a poor vole year.It was a few days later when i waited patiently with my camcorder hoping that it might pass through on it's daily visit that i spotted it hunting through our orchard, i couldn't believe my luck when it flew towards me and perched on the fence in front of me.I stood as still as i could so not to scare it off and marvelled at what i was seeing, it glanced over at me and then continued searching for food, i know that there are Voles here as i have seen them on a number of occasions and the Owl obviously knew that too as it watched their tracks along the edge of the fence.After an unsuccessful hunt it took flight and disappeared over the fields back towards Frieth.

Although not rare the Barn Owl has become scarce and is on the Amber list which means it's a species of conservation concern.Over the last 50 years they have suffered large declines mainly due to degradation of prey-rich habitats through intense farming and a lack of suitable nesting sites.They favour open country with rough grassland especially farmland with barns, and coastal marshland.Mice, voles and shrews make up the majority of the Barn Owls diet but they will also take small birds and mammals.The Barn Owl prefers to lay it's eggs in barns, church towers, derelict buildings or holes in trees but makes no nest, with many derelict barns being converted in to living accommodation the need for Barn Owl nest boxes has become much needed to sustain the breeding population.The 4-7 eggs are laid at intervals to give the oldest chicks the maximum chance of survival during a food shortage, during a good breeding year when food is plentiful the parents have the capacity to rear the whole brood.If there is a bad food shortage it's not uncommon for the older chicks to eat the youngest and weakest chick in order to survive.

For more information on Barn Owls please visit the Barn Owl Trust website at http://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/index.html

The Partridge Family.

Red-legged Partridge.

Grey Partridge.

Red-legged Partridge.

Grey Partridge.

I was delighted to find a pair of Grey Partridge wandering through the garden mid-afternoon today, 26th Feb.I crept quietly towards were they were feeding and managed to take full opportunity of the glorious sunshine that shone over the surrounding countryside by getting plenty of photos.They stayed for over an hour before wandering off across the fields.

I first saw a pair at the end of 2006 as they crossed a nearby field but were soon off over the horizon and out of sight, since then i haven't seen any in the area until today.We are lucky enough to have both Grey and Red-legged Partridge in the area but the Red-legged vastly out numbers the Grey.The Grey is not a rare species but are becoming harder to see and are on the Red list meaning that there has been a rapid decline in the UK breeding population in the last 25 years.The Grey Partridge has a grey/brown mottled plumage, it's back is streaked and flecked with a grey breast and rusty orange face.They prefer cereal and pasture fields with hedges and wide field margins, hopefully the environmental stewardship offered to farmers will help stop the decline of the "English Partridge" by giving them back some of their natural habitat.Their favored diet is leaves, shoots, buds, insects and other vegetable matter and can be found feeding in stubble fields during winter.

The Red-legged Partridge on the other hand is a commoner species and originally introduced from Europe.It has a striking black and white face with red bill, plain brown back,barred flanks with a spotted neck and is larger than the Grey Partridge.It also favours farmland and feeds on seeds, roots and shoots.Can often be seen in large groups or "Coveys" crossing open fields.

Little Marlow GP's. 19th Feb 2007.

A quick stop at Little Marlow GP's late afternoon gave me my first year sighting of Yellow-legged Gull, no sign of any Mediterranean Gulls within the roost.
Back in Frieth i counted 14 Red Kites circling and the pair of Little Owls were sat on the farm roof together.

Red-crested Pochard, Dinton Pastures. 18th Feb 2007.

Red-crested Pochard.

An afternoon visit to Dinton Pastures, Wokingham, Berks today hoping to catch up with the Drake Red-crested Pochard.At Dinton I walked around White Swan Lake and caught up with the Red-crested Pochard feeding in the North-West corner, a pair of Coots shot out from the bank as I approached and disturbed everything including the R C Pochard, slowly it made it's way back towards the bank and began feeding again.The male is easily identified with it's flame red head, pink bill and white flanks.
With Lavell's Lakes a stone throw away I decided to pop in and see what was about, a Green Woodpecker called from the car park as I walked in to the reserve and a handful of Redwings were busy feeding on berries before flying off at the sight of me walking towards them.I entered Tern hide and set up my scope, the lake was fairly quiet and I concentrated on looking for the Bitterns.Looking through the reeds for what seemed like ages I needed to take a break as my eyes started getting "reeditus", a common problem encountered by bird watchers that have been staring through a scope at reed beds for too long, while I waited for my eyes to regain normal vision I spotted a male Roe Deer feeding on the bank, I could clearly see the velvet growing from his head that would in time form his Antlers, he only stopped his search for food to sniff the air and check for danger and when he knew he was safe he continued slowly along the bank.

After my vision had returned to normal I started looking through the reed beds again, concentrating on areas that the Bitterns had been seen previously in the main island, I was just getting to the point where I had seen them on my previous visits when I noticed the tops of the reeds slowly bending over before springing back up again, I watched closely as finally a Bittern appeared, it moved to one of it's usual locations and started preening deep in the reeds.This Bittern is the darker of the two birds that have been present and it's dark crown and markings stood out well through the reeds.It never ceases to amaze me that a bird this size can disappear in to reeds, their markings camouflage them perfectly and when the bird is motionless it can be extremely difficult to pick them out.I watched it from 3.30pm till 5pm when it slowly made it's way through the reeds and out of sight.
Back in Frieth the pair of Little Owls that were seen on Saturday were sat together on a farm gate.

Local Countryside. 17th Feb 2007

I decided to take a drive round the local countryside this afternoon and headed off towards Chisbridge near Bovingdon Green.As I drove along the country lanes I noticed a Red Kite perched in a tree by the roadside and decided to stop and see if I could get a photo or two, just as I set my camera up off it flew but I suddenly heard the call of Lapwing, turning round and looking in the fields next to me I spotted a single Lapwing running across the fields, it ran in to a ploughed section of field where it joined up with the rest of it's flock.Looking through the flock I noticed a few browner birds with them and closer inspection showed there to be at least 8 Golden Plover with the 50+ Lapwings, at this point a Skylark burst in to song from way above me and I searched in vain to find it, I hadn't seen one this year and I scanned the sky hoping to see it but with no luck, I pricked my ears up hoping to put a location on it's song when a bird flew down in the furrows of the field metres in front of me, I quickly got my binoculars on it to find a Skylark looking for food, it continued along the furrows and out of sight.I looked back across to the field to where the Plovers were only to find they had gone but a covey of 7 Red-legged Partridges were crossing the fields in hot pursuit of each other.
Heading back to Frieth through Chisbridge I stopped as I watched a flock of 500 Starlings fly over the car and start feeding in a field next to the road, a flock of 150+ Fieldfares joined them and a small number of Redwings.A female Kestrel flew over and perched on a telephone pole but was ushered on by 3 extremely agitated male Blackbirds that were feeding on berries in the bush below.In the fields 3 Hares were feeding and while I watched them 3 Red Kites flew in to view performing aerial combat, one of the Kites then dropped something in to the field and they all wheeled down to get it, two landed in the field and the third perched on a fence post at the side of the field.Within moments another 4 Kites and 2 common Buzzards were circling above and as I watched them a large pale raptor flew in to view and headed off across the fields, I wasn't too sure at what it was at first but as it came to rest on a telegraph pole I realised that it could only be a very pale common Buzzard, there have been a number of reports of a pale Buzzard in the area and can only guess that this could be this bird, it preened for a matter of seconds and headed off in to the distance. I have seen a number of pale individuals over the years but never this pale.
Back in Frieth the local Little Owls looked to have paired up, I found them sat on a farm gate preening each other.

Little Bunting, Amwell GPs. 11th Feb 2007

Water Rail.

Little Bunting.

Water Rail.

Little Bunting.

The Little Bunting was still at Amwell, GP's in Herts so that was the next trip.I've never seen Little Bunting before so to see that and the Yellow-browed Warbler in the same weekend would be a great weekend for me.A viewpoint looks out across the gravel pits and in front of this a large reed bed that circles the edges of the lake.At the viewpoint from which the bird had been seen a handful of people stood looking and chatting, they confirmed it was still about and had been watching it until it flew in to the reed beds, a long strip has been cut down through the reeds and seed had been put down to attract finches etc.
Looking out from the viewpoint a Dunnock flew down and started to feed followed by a few Chaffinches, i set up my scope and looked across the strip and as i did so a Water Rail popped in to my scope view, it slowly walked towards the reeds and disappeared in to them.It was at this moment i decided to get my camera ready in the anticipation of a good photo opportunity and while i did so the Water Rail walked out of the reeds and straight towards the viewpoint, it stood below the viewpoint and began it's search for food it stayed for sometime probing in the mud before running off in to the reeds again.
A few Reed Buntings had flown down and joined the feeding birds on the reed strip and within a couple of seconds the Little Bunting had joined them, it was difficult to get good views as the flock kept flying in to the reeds every few minutes, it was if they knew something was about!.I managed to get a few photos as the Little Bunting fed on the floor and it seemed a bit less jumpy, i spoke to soon, the birds suddenly panicked and flew in to the reeds and from out of nowhere a Sparrowhawk dived in for an attack, it was unsuccessful and rose back in to the sky and continued to soar higher and higher before it drifted out of sight on the far side on the lake.Within a few minutes feeding continued as normal and the Little Bunting was back on show and feeding below the viewpoint.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Hawley. 10th Feb 2007

Finally i get round to going to Hawley, Hants in the search for the Yellow-browed Warbler which is a species I've never seen before, this bird in particular has been seen since the 28th December 2006 behind a Industrial estate near the River Blackwater.Parking up at Admiralty Way Industrial estate the first thing to be heard was a Goldcrest calling and it was soon seen catching small flies as it clung to the Ivy which was growing around a Birch tree.Crossing over the bridge which straddles the River Blackwater the Yellow-browed Warbler soon appeared feeding in the ivy clad trees and Dogwood that encumbers the riverside, it was feeding on the abundance of small flies that were present along the river and only stopped to chase Goldcrests round the bushes.It didn't stay still for too long but gave really close views and there seemed to be a good number of Goldcrests present.
At home a Red Kite was perched on the fallen Walnut tree next to our cottage, i was interested to see a stick clenched in it's talons and would presume that nest building may have already begun.On a similar note i watched a pair of Coal Tits getting fruity last weekend in the trees by our garden.

Aston. 7th Feb 2007

I decided to take a visit to Aston this afternoon before the coming snow storm took effect.Driving past Remenham Church and along towards Aston i stopped and checked the fields beside the road, i counted 60 Mute Swans but very little else, no Lapwing or Golden Plover.
As i parked the car at Aston the first sound i could hear was the resident Ring-necked Parakeets calling to each other and as i walked along the towpath towards Hambleden Lock i soon found a pair inspecting a tree hole together.A flock of Redwing and Fieldfare were feeding in the fields alongside the river Thames towpath and were joined by 3 Mistle Thrushes, Tufted and Mallard Duck were present in good numbers on the river as were Canada Goose.Looking out across the fields towards Remenham both Red Kite and Buzzard were soaring low over the fields and a Green Woodpecker took flight from in front of me, i soon spotted a Grey Heron as it flew over shortly followed by a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
On my way back to Hambleden Lock i stopped at a wooded clearing which has a small stream/backwater passing through it, in the past i have seen Kingfisher using this stream during winter and was also extremely lucky to find a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker while watching Spotted Flycatchers.I waited patiently and before long a Robin flew in to the bush next to me and looked me up and down, after satisfying it's curiosity it continued on it's way, it was then a Wren burst in to song and suddenly the clearing came alive, a second Wren flew down to the streams edge and began to forage in the undergrowth and was soon joined by another, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits passed overhead and began hanging off the Alders as they fed.As i watched motionless i became aware of a single bird flitting through the bushes with them, it flew in to the bush in front of me and made it's way to the top of a branch, i soon got a close up view of a Marsh Tit which seemed to be eating seeds and i would imagine that it would have been from the Alders.It preened for awhile and then disappeared off through the bushes, the "pitchoo" calls could be heard as it disappeared in to the thicket.A passing dog walker soon flushed everything else so i headed off towards Hambleden Lock.At the edge of the field overlooking the lock i looked along a backwater ditch where a Little Grebe was diving for food, 2 Egyptian Geese and another Grey Heron flew over.Walking along the path towards the Lock a Song Thrush flew to the tops of the trees and began to sing, it's song filling the air.By the Lock a large flock of 150 plus Finches were feeding in a stubble area of the field, including Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Greenfinch and Chaffinch.
As i walked back along the towpath towards Aston i noticed a flock of birds feeding in the bushes of a nearby copse, i walked over and soon picked up on a couple of Blue Tits and 4 or 5 Great Tits passing through the trees and bushes feeding as they went, i waited patiently in the hope that something good would be in the ever growing flock, the calls of Long-tailed Tits could be heard long before they arrived in the trees in front of me, i counted 12 in one tree before they continued on their journey through the trees.A Marsh Tit appeared in a tree and while i watched it through my binoculars a Treecreeper slowly climbed the underside of a fallen tree behind it, i did a quick double take and looked again, it was still climbing the tree and continued to give good views until it flew to the next tree and disappeared out of sight.I was cursing not bringing my camera with me when a bird caught my eye as it flew in to bush close to me, i watched it fly to the next bush alongside the stream and slowly followed it, it perched up on the bush and i believed that it was another Marsh Tit but closer inspection proved me wrong.It showed a large black untidy bib, dull sooty black crown and had a thick neck appearance, getting a better view as the bird turned i noticed it had pale wing panels.All these point to the Willow Tit but identification of the two species can be extremely difficult and the call can sometimes be the only certain way to separate the two birds, i waited quietly and listened for the call as the flock slowly passed through the bushes and within a couple of minutes the Willow Tit proved it's identity with it's harsh and nasal call.

Once Bittern, Twice Shy. 3rd Feb 2007

I made a mad late afternoon dash to Lavell's lake near Wokingham, Berks today in the hope that i might see a Bittern.I really like Lavell's, it's has a good bird feeder viewing area, two good hides and the hard work that has been put in to the reserve has started to pay off with as many as 5 Bitterns being present in December 2005.
Upon arrival at the hide overlooking the lake a number of local birders had already been watching a single Bittern moments earlier and i believed that i was too late and had missed out.I set up my scope and within a couple of minutes of waiting a single Bittern moved through the reeds and onto the edge of the lake, it slowly stalked it's prey in the margins before striking and catching what looked like to be a good size Perch, after swallowing it's catch it sat in the open and digested the fish.I have never had such a good view of a Bittern and for over 10 minutes the bird sat in the open.As all of this was happening a second Bittern appeared further along in the island reed bed, it slowly climbed the reeds, stretched it's wings and got ready to roost.As the light slowly faded they both disappeared in to the reed bed.To see one was great but to see two at the same time was fantastic!.A Cetti's Warbler burst in to song a number of times while i was in the hide and while watching the scrape before the light finally got the better of everybody a Water Rail crept through the reeds.

Burnthouse Lane. 2nd Feb 2007

A quick stop at Burnthouse Lane near Theale, Berks today, Burnthouse used to consist of a number of gravel pits which sadly are being slowly filled in, a number of rarities have been seen there in the past which include Slavonian Grebe, White-fronted Goose, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dotterel and Red-footed Falcon.
After climbing the bank to the pits i was disappointed to find a number of workmen crossing through the pits which flushed almost everything except a Shelduck which was asleep and two Grey Herons.A few Gulls stayed on the far side of the pit which included a small group of Black-headed Gulls, a squabbling Herring and Great Black-backed Gull, before long the ducks circled back round and landed back on the water, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck and Gadwall.

Little Owl. 30th Jan 2007

Marsh Tit and Nuthatch were the best birds in the garden this morning and Black headed and Common Gulls are still feeding in the fields.This afternoon a male Sparrowahwk was circling over Frieth and a female Sparrowhawk flew low across the road at Bovingdon Green.Finally i found a Little Owl this year perched on a farm roof near Frieth,Bucks, there are a number of pairs in this area but they have been keeping well out of sight recently including a pair that are often seen in and around our garden.

Up On The Downs. 28th Jan 2007

Up to the Berkshire Downs today and as usual for the weather on the downs at this time of year it was windy, so much so that it soon drowned out any bird song.
The first birds seen along the Ridgeway were 2 Yellowhammers shortly followed by a flock of 80+ Golden Plover as they wheeled over the fields.A flock of 40 or so Corn Bunting appeared from out of the fields and perched in a number of bushes along the pathway and as the wind died down for a matter of seconds their "key jangling" call could be heard before they took to the air again and headed off in to the stubble fields. Further down the path a pair of Stonechats were sat on the fence posts and 2 Red Kites soared above in the wind,moments later a small flock of Meadow Pipits took to the air and struggled as the fought the strength of the wind which seemed to carry them off in the wrong direction.Looking out across the Ridgeway a flock of 40 or so Stock Doves were flying across the downs before coming to rest in a field and 2 Grey Partridges flushed from next to the pathway flying low over the fields and out of sight.Sadly no sign of any Owls.

Slavonian Grebe, Bray. 26th Jan 2007

I decided to return to Bray gravel pits today with the hope that i may get a better view of the Slavonian Grebe. On arrival i found the Grebe preening on the water right in front of the sailing club but before i had a chance to get my scope and camera it had began feeding and slowly moved across the lake.It spent much of the time under the water and before long had moved across the lake to the far bank.

Moor Green. 25th Jan 2007

Goosander

Goosander

Barnacle & Canada Geese

On a cold but sunny day i made my way over to Eversley to visit Moor Green Lakes LNR, Moor green is always a good site for Goosander in Winter and there's always a chance of seeing Little Egret.As i walked down the track towards the hide i could hear Geese calling from the fields next to the gravel works so i crossed over the path to scan the fields, as i peered through the hedgerow and out across the fields a large flock of Canada Geese were feeding in the fields with a small flock of Barnacle Geese and a single dark morph Snow Goose.The Barnacles and Snow Goose are believed to be feral(escapee) and have been visiting Moor green for sometime now.Continuing along the path i scanned the lakes but all was very quiet no sign of Goosander or Little Egret further down the path i soon realised why, work was being undertaken to clear the scrub and give some excellent viewing areas across the lakes which should improve viewing immensely.

As i reached Grove lake a Green Woodpecker flew in to the trees and perched on the trunk but was quickly ushered on by a pair of squabbling Jays.On the lake a male and female Goosander patrolled the waters edge and before long they were joined by another male.Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck and Mallard were present in good numbers, a few Cormorants were also present.As i walked back towards the car park i finally spotted a Little Egret stalking it's prey in the shallows.
After leaving Moor green i headed just up the road to Finchampstead Ridges, this is a reliable place to see Goldcrest and Firecrest during Winter.As i pulled up in the car a fellow birder pointed me in the direction of the Firecrest which was flitting through the bushes alongside the road,2 Goldcrest's were also in the same bush.

Slavonian Grebe, Bray. 24th Jan 2007

I headed off to Bray gravel pits today hoping to see the Slavonian Grebe that had been found.After checking the surrounding lakes unaware that i was in the wrong place i soon heard and saw my first Jay for the year, wandering back to my car i passed a gravel workings where i noticed a Grey Wagtail washing in one of the many puddles that adorned the workings.
As i drove back along the lane i decided to check the sailing club lake, i parked up and looked across the lake for the Slavonian Grebe, as i scanned the lake i noticed a couple of birders on the far side of the lake obviously looking for the same thing. Finally i found the Grebe on the far bank of the lake and with the light starting to fade i decided to call it a day.

The Kronker. 20th Jan 2007

This morning started with my first year sighting of Nuthatch as it fed on Sunflower hearts on the bird feeders, Marsh and Coal Tit both busy in and out of the garden.
Sadly an old Walnut tree came down in the storms, believed to be at least 80 years old it finally uprooted in the winds that ravaged most of the country, Red Kites sat in it most mornings calling across the fields to each other and many of the Corvids would gather in the tree before heading off to roost,Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle and Song Thrush and a whole host of other birds used it, sad loss but good firewood!.
Later in the afternoon a Raven flew over heading South-West, i was first alerted to the "Kronking" call and looking up watched as it flew overhead, the diamond shape tail could be seen clearly and i watched as it rolled and pitched before it flew over the trees and out of sight.