SWEDEN MIGRATION – 27th – 28th August 2010

Friday
We met at Stansted for our short flight to Copenhagen and were soon on the road heading for Sweden. Our first HOODED CROWS were seen along with COMMON BUZZARD and RED KITE – things were looking promising! Arriving at a large area of heathland a few birders were already in position for a spot of raptor watching and only a few minutes later a LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE flew over, being seen for a minute or so before drifting off with large numbers of COMMON BUZZARDS. Two HONEY BUZZARDS joined the melee of birds in the sky and allowed good comparison with their more common relations. An unexpected bonus of a flock of 21 WHITE STORKS migrated south. Large numbers of TREE PIPITS and YELLOW WAGTAILS were seen flying over attracting the attention of the many SPARROWHAWKS passing through. A couple of RED-BACKED SHRIKES were on the brambles and OSPREY, HOBBY, MARSH HARRIERS and a BLACK KITE were noted flying over. After lunch we checked out an area of Silver Birch close by, yielding massive numbers of WILLOW WARBLER along with up to 15 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER’S, PIED FLYCATCHER, GARDEN WARBLER, WOOD WARBLER and a possible ICTERINE WARBLER that was seen briefly. COMMON REDSTARTS could also be watched feeding on the many mosquitos and flies in the area. Moving onto our favourite bakery for a coffee/cake stop, we then drove inland and came across another small flock of WHINCHAT and a PIED FLYCATCHER feeding close to the road, whilst further on we located a family party of COMMON CRANES feeding in a stubble field. The remainder of the afternoon was spent at a bird-rich lake with surrounding countryside where more warblers and flycatchers were seen, along with good numbers of GOLDENEYE as well as two COMMON SANDPIPER and another four COMMON CRANES, which rounded off an exciting days birding. We then checked into our accommodation and visited a restaurant nearby for a very enjoyable evening meal.

Saturday
We awoke early to reach the migration site at Falsterbo as early as possible. As we left the accommodation, plenty of TREE PIPITS and YELLOW WAGTAILS flew over as well as MARSH HARRIER and SPARROWHAWK. On arrival at Falsterbo the mosquitos immediately came to say hello so plenty of repellent was applied. SISKINS and COMMON CROSSBILLS flew overhead and we had good views of two summer plumaged BLACK-THROATED DIVERS over our heads and hundreds of YELLOW WAGTAILS fed on the golfcourse. A stop overlooking the coast produced a superb juvenile MONTAGU’S HARRIER that flew close in front of us giving outstanding views. Continuing south we stopped to hear a calling WRYNECK that failed to show. At the point itself we found plenty of waders to search through including GREENSHANK, SPOTTED REDSHANK, KNOT, AVOCET, DUNLIN and best of all two RED-NECKED PHALAROPES that were great to see. A few HONEY BUZZARDS headed out to sea and good numbers of SPARROWHAWKS were seen. After a welcome coffee/cake stop at Falsterbo lighthouse we continued back to the heathland for a spot of raptor watching. The moderate northwest wind kept numbers down although we did have good sightings of HONEY BUZZARD. We visited a new site with good habitat for wader watching and walked down to a viewpoint on the waters’ edge. A small party of BARNACLE GEESE flew over and the flooded fields attracted PINTAIL, TEAL and COMMON SNIPE. On the shoreline were over 50 RUFF, GREEN SANDPIPER, SPOTTED REDSHANK, GREENSHANK and massive numbers of duck and geese with the usual SPARROWHAWK and MARSH HARRIERS in attendance. Heading inland, we tried a site that is great for eagles but as we arrived a particularly heavy shower came through so we ate lunch in the van. When the rain stopped we walked to a good viewpoint to see a small number of MARSH HARRIER, RED KITES and one of the highlights, a BLACK KITE – a scarce bird in southern Sweden. RAVENS frequented a distant hill and four COMMON CRANES were seen before we decided to try elsewhere in search for eagles. However, we only travelled 400 metres when two WHITE-TAILED EAGLES were seen soaring over the road. Happy with the sightings we spent the remainder of the day searching woodland, where we found NUTHATCH of the northern race, MARSH TIT, BLACKCAP and RED SQUIRREL and the heard the call of a distant BLACK WOODPECKER. The drive back to Copenhagen was good and we arrived back at Stansted after a very enjoyable weekend with some fantastic birding.

BRIDGES OF ROSS – 13th – 16th August 2010

Friday
We met bright and early for our flight to Shannon Airport and with the flight time just over 1 hour, were soon on our way to the Bridges of Ross for our first seawatching session of the weekend. MANX SHEARWATERS flew by close inshore whilst we had good views of GREAT and ARCTIC SKUAS. FULMAR & GANNETS were present in good numbers, accompanied by ARCTIC TERNS and KITTIWAKES. Later we settled in at our accommodation for the weekend and enjoyed a good meal washed down with Guinness.

Saturday
A pre-breakfast seawatch produced larger numbers of MANX SHEARWATERS than the previous day but little else moved by, although after breakfast we found up to 12 STORM PETRELS feeding offshore before we were interrupted by rain. With the weather looking slightly dodgy we opted to head along the coast and seek out waders and gulls. At our first stop we found GREENSHANK, BAR-TAILED GODWITS, several SANDWICH TERNS and offshore a feeding flock of MANX SHEARWATERS. As we continued north, a stunning male HEN HARRIER flew close by – an incredible sight. Lunch was enjoyed overlooking a harbour, which was pretty birdless due to holidaymakers enjoying the area. Not to be put off, we tried another harbour not far away and there was only one bird when we arrived – a third summer GLAUCOUS GULL! We had excellent views of it as it fed and preened before flying even closer. Carrying on back towards the Bridges of Ross we stopped to check out a bay and found four LITTLE EGRET, GREENSHANK and WHIMBREL plus juvenile WILLOW WARBLERS and WHITETHROAT in the scrub. Conditions at the Bridges had calmed down and the sea was relatively calm, allowing for good cetacean watching possibilities. It didn’t take long before we were watching some BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHINS at close range and over 100 COMMON DOLPHINS.

Sunday
We awoke to find thick fog and pretty much zero visibility, so postponed our early morning seawatch in favour of a walk around the village, the highlight being a single CHOUGH and a family party of SEDGE WARBLERS. After a warming breakfast we ventured out to the Bridges where the fog had now been burnt off with a stunning day forecast – not ideal seawatching conditions! We soldiered on and had a surprisingly good day, with up to six STORM PETRELS, ARCTIC TERNS, RED-THROATED DIVER and a massive feeding group of MANX SHEARWATERS that totalled over 3000. This in turn attracted at least 10 BALEARIC SHEARWATERS and a single SOOTY SHEARWATER as well as the usual pods of BOTTLE-NOSED & COMMON DOLPHINS. As we headed back for a well-deserved meal, a female HEN HARRIER flew right in front of us and as we enjoyed our meal outside, at least 10 BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHINS swam close past the bay.

Monday
The fine weather of the previous day had disappeared and we were back to cloudy skies and intermittent drizzle and rain, so after saying our goodbyes we had our last seawatching session back at the cliffs. A fishing boat attracted over 30 STORM PETRELS and we had good views of a single SOOTY SHEARWATER. Two COMMON SCOTERS flew south and two PUFFINS were noted. The passage had stopped so we headed inland and a little while later were found watching a fine adult BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER at close range. This scarce wader had been found the previous evening and we couldn’t resist having a look. It performed wonderfully with only ten birders watching it. Other waders present included two juvenile KNOT, SNIPE and DUNLIN. Late afternoon we headed back towards Shannon and paid a visit to the Airport Lagoons where we found more LITTLE EGRETS, still a scarce bird in Ireland, as well as TEAL, WIGEON, 500 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS. We finished up with a female HEN HARRIER hunting over the reedbeds. Although the conditions were not perfect, we all had a very enjoyable time with Irish hospitality at its best.

WADERS IN SUFFOLK - 7th August 2010

The day started very wet, so after a breakfast stop we arrived at the RSPB Boyton Marshes reserve just as the rain stopped. It was immediately clear that there was a fall of passerines in the bushes with over 20 WILLOW WARBLERS, BLACKCAP and smaller numbers of BLUE, GREAT and LONG-TAILED TITS. A pair of TURTLE DOVES and a LITTLE OWL were also noted. The first flash produced a fine juvenile WOOD SANDPIPER as well as GREEN SANDPIPER, CURLEW and BLACK-TAILED GODWITS of both continental and islandic races. SEDGE & REED WARBLERS and WHITETHROATS fed in the weedy margins whilst a SPARROWHAWK was being mobbed by a large flock of SWALLOWS. Several MARSH HARRIERS hunted over the fields and flushed a couple of COMMON SNIPE from the ditches. On the river, we found a two COMMON SANDPIPERS and at least two WHIMBREL and large numbers of AVOCET flying over. With the skies looking decidedly heavy, we left the site and headed north towards Blythburgh. A search for Mediterranean Gull failed although LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS of the races Graelsii & Intermedius as well as another COMMON SANDPIPER were seen. We arrived at Minsmere RSPB reserve and had lunch in the car park when a single GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER flew over. PAINTED LADY and GRAYLING BUTTERFLIES showed well around the visitor centre. We headed straight to the scrape although waders were in short supply, so we continued to the sluice for a seawatch. Two ARCTIC SKUAS (pale and dark phase) flew south along with three GANNETS, COMMON SCOTER, two adult KITTIWAKES and two summer-plumaged KNOT. On the beach we saw six SANDERLING and a single RINGED PLOVER before walking south to an area of pools. Here, GREENSHANK, RINGED PLOVER, DUNLIN and several REDSHANK were seen. We walked back to the centre and close to the toilet block we found a superb BROAD-BORDERED BEE HAWKMOTH nectaring on the Buddleia. After a brief interlude for refreshments we visited Island Mere hide and after a thorough search of the wildfowl, located the long-staying female FERRUGINOUS DUCK. As we walked back to the car park, the heavens opened although we got absolutely soaked, we thoroughly enjoyed the day.

BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES IN KENT - 1st August 2010

We arrived in south Kent to gloomy skies and it wasn’t long before this turned to heavy rain – not ideal conditions to look for Butterflies! Thankfully, soon the rain eased and we walked up onto the chalk downland where we hit our first target very easily. The area was alive with hundreds if not thousands of CHALKHILL BLUE BUTTERFLIES, flying as we walked through the wildflowers, looking like clouds of confetti. Eventually, the sun came out, albeit briefly and we found a couple of second brood ADONIS BLUE BUTTERFLIES gleaming in the sunshine. MARBLED WHITES fed on the plentiful Knapweed plants, which included a plant of the white form. Several female GREAT GREEN BUSH CRICKETS were found and we had brilliant views. A HUMMINGBIRD HAWKMOTH was also seen briefly. After lunch, we visited Grove Ferry NNR, where from the viewing ramp we watched good numbers of GREEN SANDPIPERS with a WOOD SANDPIPER for company. A GARGANEY fed amongst the TEAL and MALLARDS, whilst six BLACK-TAILED GODWIT and a single RUFF were noted. Up to three MARSH HARRIER and a single HOBBY were seen flying over the reedbeds. With the reserve a little quiet, we headed back via Oare Marshes where the rising tide on the River Swale pushed large numbers of waders onto the lagoons, including many summer plumaged Golden Plover, a wonderful sight in the sun. The most common waders were BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, still resplendent in the rusty summer plumage. GREENSHANK, DUNLIN and REDSHANK were also noted as well as a moulting SANDWICH TERN, a fine end to the day.

THURSLEY COMMON - 24th July 2010

The day started with a RING-NECKED PARAKEET flying over Clacket Lane Services as we stopped for a comfort break. We arrived at Thursley Common to find a full car park with everyone enjoying the warm conditions. On the Moat Pond we saw our first RED-EYED DAMSELFLIES on Lilypads and a few BLACK-TAILED SKIMMERS were noted. Out on the heath, a BLACKCAP and a juvenile STONECHAT were seen in the bushes. SILVER-STUDDED BLUES flitted amongst the Heather and BLACK DARTERS were seen in large numbers. EMERALD DAMSELFLIES gave us good views on several pools and KEELED SKIMMERS became active as the weather warmed up. It didn’t take long before we had good views of SMALL RED DAMSELFLY and FOUR-SPOTTED CHASER. COMMON LIZARDS basked in the sunshine and several LABYRINTH SPIDERS hunted in the grass. We also took a look at some plants which included BOG ASPHODEL, MARSH ST. JOHNS WORT, COMMON SUNDEW and COTTON GRASS. A male EMPEROR DRAGONFLY patrolled one of the ponds and afforded good views whilst in the trees we watched GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER and TREECREEPER before having lunch. After lunch, we drove the short distance to woodland where we found NARROW-LIPPED & BROAD-LEAVED HELLEBORINES, the former a very rare plant. SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARIES performed in the sunshine. Our last site of the day was Bookham Common and although the weather had become a little overcast we watched a smart BROWN ARGUS close to the carpark. Plenty more SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARIES and a couple of tatty WHITE ADMIRALS were seen but the stars of the show were the large numbers of PURPLE HAIRSTREAKS including at least 25 on one bramble bush.

PRIVATE TOUR - WILDLIFE OF THE NEW FOREST – 24th – 26th June 2010

Thursday
We met in the New Forest and spent some time overlooking the surrounding woodland. COMMON REDSTARTS were common, as were SISKINS that flew over constantly. After a while, we picked up a soaring female GOSHAWK that gave us good views as it gained height. A little later on, a male was seen also and a TREE PIPIT was seen briefly as was a HONEY BUZZARD that appeared, only to disappear behind some trees! After a while, we took a walk through the woodland and could immediately hear singing WOOD WARBLERS. After a while we had very good views of a male singing in the trees. Back on the main path we located a pair of nesting FIRECREST, which although constantly moving, performed admirably and a GOLDEN-RINGED DRAGONFLY was seen. We enjoyed a break at the New Forest Reptile Centre where we finally caught up with large numbers of SISKINS on the bird feeders, as well as a few NUTHATCHES and MARSH TITS. We took a peek at the live pictures of a Goshawk nest (was it the pair we saw earlier?) and had and enjoyable walk around the reptile pens. Afterwards, walked around an area of heathland where the weather continued to be hot and sticky. SILVER-STUDDED BLUES and a few KEELED SKIMMERS were seen on the pools and more COMMON REDSTARTS were noted. A brief female DARTFORD WARBLER was seen but promptly disappeared from view. The long walk round yielded a nice number of FALLOW DEER and we finished up finding WILD GLADIOLI, which only occurs in the New Forest and nowhere else in Britain.

Friday
We started the day at Blashford Lakes where LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS gave extremely close views in front of the hides along with LAPWING, COMMON SANDPIPER and OYSTERCATCHER. Good numbers of ducks and geese where present on the lakes whilst COMMON TERNS and SAND MARTINS fed over the pits. A walk to another hide saw us finding a good number of BEE ORCHID and a few COMMON BUZZARDS soaring over surrounding woodland. Plenty of juvenile birds were also see including several GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS and NUTHATCHES. With the weather continuing hot, after lunch we spent the rest of the afternoon at a dragonfly site within the Forest. BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLES flitted over the stream and glistened in the sunshine whilst over on the seepage areas we found good numbers of SCARCE BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY along with SMALL RED and LARGE RED DAMSELFLIES, AZURE and COMMON BLUE DAMSELS and also large numbers of BROAD-BODIED CHASERS and KEELED SKIMMERS. After our evening meal, we visited a large area of heathland and with temperatures becoming bearable we saw a superb male DARTFORD WARBLER singing from the heather. Up to a dozen LESSER REDPOLLS flew over and dropped in to Willows presumably to roost. HEATH SPOTTED ORCHIDS were seen and as the light dropped we could hear the churring of NIGHTJARS. After a few minutes, we found one perched atop of a large bush and watched the male and female flying around – sheer magic! Another couple of birds were also seen briefly.

Saturday
The morning was spent at Keyhaven Marshes overlooking the Isle of Wight. A 1st summer MEDITERRANEAN GULL was loafing on a lagoon close to the road whilst SANDWICH TERNS called overhead. The walk along the seawall was pleasant in the sunshine and the sea-breeze kept the temperature down. A superb adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL was also seen preening on another lagoon whilst small numbers of CURLEW were pushed off the saltmarsh by the tide. We carried on noting plenty of nesting REDSHANK and LAPWING, which were good to see. A 1st summer LITTLE GULL swam around the pools and a summer plumaged DUNLIN was seen with a small number of BLACK-TAILED GODWITS. A wader that was heard calling turned out to be a moulting summer plumaged CURLEW SANDPIPER. After an excellent morning, we took a stroll around one of the many enclosures within the Forest. The birdlife was a little quiet due to the heat but MARSH TIT, NUTHATCH and TREECREEPER were seen with SILVER-WASHED and PEARL-BORDERED FRITILLARIES rounding off a great few days.

EARLY SUMMER IN BULGARIA – 19th – 22nd June 2010

Saturday
After our early morning flight to Sofia, we met up with our guide for the weekend and headed southwest. At our first site we were treated with the sight of over 500 ROSE-COLOURED STARLINGS, ISABELLINE WHEATEARS, BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR, CALANDRA LARKS, BEE-EATERS, GOLDEN ORIOLE and a melanistic LITTLE OWL. Nearby we visited an area of fishponds where we had stunning views of LITTLE BITTERN and GREAT REED WARBLER whilst LESSER GREY and RED-BACKED SHRIKES were watched in the scrub. A pair of SYRIAN WOODPECKERS were seen before we headed off. At a site high in the mountains we watched a pair of BLUE ROCK THRUSH, ROCK BUNTING and LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD. Near to the hotel we visited an ALPINE SWIFT colony where over 100 birds flew close over our heads. We settled in to our excellent hotel in the mountains and enjoyed a great meal.

Sunday
Our pre-breakfast walk gave us good views of BLACK REDSTART, SERIN and a NUTCRACKER. After breakfast we drove into the nearby gorge where it took just ten minutes to see our target – WALLCREEPER. Over the next few hours, we watched a pair of these fantastic birds at close range. After a good lunch in the local restaurant we visited the upper hills where ROCK BUNTING, GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER, NUTCRACKER and good numbers of butterflies were seen. Also a BLACK WOODPECKER was heard and FIRECREST, RED-BACKED SHRIKE and ALPINE SWIFTS were seen. Another enjoyable meal was well received.

Monday
We left the hotel early in the morning for our drive north. A brief stop yielded BLACK STORK and ROCK BUNTING whilst nearby we watched SHORT-TOED EAGLE and WOODCHAT SHRIKE. We drove into an area of dry hills that held good numbers of ISABELLINE and NORTHERN WHEATEARS, ORTOLAN BUNTING, SHORT-TOED LARKS, HOOPOE and a small flock of ROSE-COLOURED STARLINGS. SHRIKES were in good supply and included a male MASKED SHRIKE, a species that is scarce in Bulgaria. After lunch we headed to an area of marshland where the weather took a turn for the worse although despite this we managed to see some good birds. MARSH and SAVI’S WARBLERS sang and gave good views whilst PENDULINE TIT, COMMON & LITTLE BITTERNS, PURPLE & GREY HERONS and a QUAIL sang although remained elusive. As we left the site, a BITTERN sat in full view in the rain. We spent the rest of the day at another area of marsh where BLACK-HEADED BUNTINGS and BLACK-HEADED WAGTAILS gave good views. We transferred to our hotel in the mountains overlooking Sofia.

Tuesday
The pre-breakfast walk gave us a chance to see some mountain species although the wind made things a bit nippy. We managed to see up to 8 NUTCRACKER, RING OUZEL, TREE PIPIT and BLACK WOODPECKER before going back to the hotel for breakfast. We then drove into Sofia towards the airport where we said our goodbyes before our flight back to the UK. An excellent long weekend with 122 species seen and 30 species of Butterflies noted.

MID WALES & ANGLESEY – 11th – 14th June 2010

Friday
We just couldn’t go to Wales without seeing the recently present MARMORA’S WARBLER. This exceptionally rare bird gave good views in front of us as it performed song flights and sang from exposed perches. A small number of breeding WHINCHATS, STONECHAT and REED BUNTING were also seen. We progressed into mid-Wales and made a stop in an area of Oak woodland where COMMON REDSTART, PIED and SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS, WOOD WARBLERS, LESSER REDPOLLS and a few RED KITES were seen. We arrived at our hotel in good time to see up to 11 RED KITES and 5 COMMON BUZZARDS frequent a newly cut field.

Saturday
Our pre-breakfast walk produced the usual RED KITES as well as COMMON WHITETHROAT and BLACKCAP. After breakfast we visited an area of dunes where some good specimens of NORTHERN MARSH ORCHID were photographed. A short distance away we watched several hundred MANX SHEARWATERS and GANNETS feeding just offshore giving good views on the morning sun. The remainder of the morning was spent at a nearby reserve where both COMMON REDSTARTS and PIED FLYCATCHERS were noted but the highlights were a pair of LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKERS seen and heard in the trees above us. GOLDEN-RINGED DRAGONFLY was also noted. After lunch we visited a RED KITE feeding station where over 100 RED KITES were seen at very close range, which meant lots of photographs were taken. RAVEN, COMMON BUZZARD and GOOSANDER were also seen, rounding off a great day.

Sunday
We headed up towards Anglesey, stopping only to see a pair of OSPREYS nesting near Porthmadog although views were distant and reached Anglesey to find the weather had got significantly worse with heavy rain falling. We got to nearby South Stack and as we had lunch the weather brightened and the sun came out. Over the next few hours we had a real seabird spectacle with large numbers of GUILLEMOTS, RAZORBILLS, FULMARS, KITTIWAKES and up to 10 pairs of PUFFINS being seen with a small number of CHOUGHS flying around us. After a welcome cup of tea, we popped into Holyhead where we enjoyed some good sightings of BLACK GUILLEMOTS and SHAGS before ‘twitching’ a nearby BLACK-NECKED GREBE that showed well but briefly on a small pond.

Monday
We said goodbye to the hotel and visited the north of the island and the reserve at Cemlyn Bay. There was no sign of the Bee-eater reported the previous day although the sight and sound of 300 pairs of SANDWICH TERN along with smaller numbers of ARTIC and COMMON TERNS made for good viewing. A summer plumaged MEDITERRANEAN GULL was in the tern colony and a pair of RINGED PLOVER were seen nesting on the beach. Offshore we saw another BLACK GUILLEMOT and a few RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. On the way home we called in near Derby to see the long-staying GREAT REED WARBLER. Despite it singing at very close range it did take a long time to see. A great end to the weekend.

EARLY SUMMER IN BULGARIA – 5th – 8th June 2010

Saturday
After an early morning flight, we arrived at Sofia in good time and met up with our guide for the weekend. We were straight onto the motorway and our first break gave us good views of BLACK-HEADED BUNTING and RED-BACKED SHRIKE with large numbers of HOUSE MARTINS nesting in the forecourt roof. After an hour and a half we headed off to a large quarry in the hills where OLIVACEOUS WARBLERS and LESSER GREY SHRIKES frequented the surrounding hillsides but the stars of the show just had to be up to 250 summer plumaged ROSE-COLOURED STARLINGS. A small colony of nesting BEE-EATERS were seen and several LITTLE OWLS were also noted. Overhead we watched LONG-LEGGED and STEPPE BUZZARDS with a hovering SHORT-TOED EAGLE nearby. Another stop at an area of fishponds produced LITTLE BITTERN and GREAT REED WARBLER. As we headed to the hotel in the mountains we saw ALPINE SWIFT, GOLDEN ORIOLE and ROLLER before the weather closed in for the day. At our hotel we enjoyed a good meal before retiring to bed

Sunday
The low cloud and rain was still present before breakfast but had significantly brightened up before we ventured out. RED-RUMPED SWALLOWS fed over the fields and SERIN and BLACK REDSTART sang everywhere. We drove the short distance to the Trigrad Gorge where we found the Wallcreeper nest but no Wallcreeper. A search of the area provided us with good views of HONEY BUZZARD, also BLACK WOODPECKER and plenty of singing FIRECRESTS. We went off for lunch and returned to find the male WALLCREEPER at just 4 metres range – absolutely fantastic!! The rest of the afternoon was spent around the village where highlights included singing male ROCK BUNTING and a family party of SOMBRE TITS. Butterflies seen were, GLANVILLE FRITILLARY and ORCHIDS included TOOTHED ORCHID. Dinner that evening was of local Brown Trout.

Monday
We left the mountains and headed towards the city noting ORTOLAN BUNTING, 200 ALPINE SWIFT, the male WALLCREEPER and WHINCHAT amongst others before fighting our way around the Sofia ring road. We reached a fantastic area of marshes where we had exceptional views of PENDULINE & BEARDED TITS, both LITTLE & COMMON BITTERNS, PURPLE & GREY HERONS, RED-BACKED SHRIKE, ROCK BUNTING, GREAT REED WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED WAGTAIL, FERRUGINOUS DUCKS, WHISKERED & BLACK TERNS, HOBBY, GREAT WHITE EGRET and GARGANEY and many more species besides. We reached our hotel in the mountains rather late but tucked in to a wonderful home-cooked meal.

Tuesday
Our pre-breakfast walk was pretty fantastic with brilliant views of NUTCRACKER perched above our heads, LESSER KESTREL, RING OUZEL of the race Alpestris, FIRECREST and a few PALLID SWIFTS for good measure. We just had enough time after breakfast to visit the summit of the mountain where WATER PIPITS displayed and both GREY WAGTAILS and BLACK REDSTARTS were in good numbers. We arrived back at Sofia for our late morning flight home.

WHERE THE PAGER TAKES US – 30th May 2010

A fantastic day with a truly Mediterranean feel. We started off at Wilstone Reservoir in Herfordshire for a 1st summer male RED-FOOTED FALCON which performed admirably, perching, preening and flying off to feed before returning to its favoured hawthorn. Three RED KITES around the area were good to see and thousands of COMMON SWIFT fed low over the water. Our second port of call was Walderslade in Kent where the unlikely setting was home to a singing male IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF. After an unsuccessful initial search, we eventually found this little gem and obtained good views as it sang right in front of us. With luck going our way, we tried the reserves at Dungeness. Pulling up at Dengemarsh there were several other birders who had been there for 4 hours with no sign of the breeding pair of Purple Herons but 10 minutes after arriving we watched a brilliant PURPLE HERON sail over the reeds and land, followed by the other one which came out and landed on the open field affording us superb views – 2 PURPLE HERONS in ten minutes! HOBBY and MARSH HARRIERS performed in front of us before we decided to try the area around the power station. With a strong south-westerly blowing we didn’t hold out much hope but several GANNETS and a single FULMAR and SANDWICH TERN flew past us whilst over a hundred COMMON TERNS fed over the sea. A few of us latched on to a ROSEATE TERN as it slowly flew by but disappeared from view. On the power station itself, we found a pair of BLACK REDSTART and nearby we watched a fine male WHEATEAR. Around the sheltered side of the station, another male BLACK REDSTART was seen well before we popped back to the RSPB reserve to use the facilities. A HOBBY hawking over the car park bushes was a fine sight to end the day.

PORTLAND BILL WEEKEND 22nd – 23rd May 2010

Saturday
We headed down to Portland Bill where we stopped at one of the many quarries where we briefly saw a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER and butterflies included SMALL and COMMON BLUES as well as a few DINGY SKIPPERS. Moving straight on for the west cliffs where plenty of GUILLEMOTS and RAZORBILLS were seen flying backwards and forwards to their nesting colonies close by. Offshore, GANNETS, KITTIWAKES and FULMARS gave us good views and we saw ROCK PIPITS and a pair of WHEATEARS flitting amongst the rocks before we walked to the bird observatory to get recent bird news. Due to the fine weather little had been seen, so we took a walk up through the top fields and promptly found a fine WHINCHAT along with a STONECHAT. We finished the walk back at Portland Bill where we enjoyed a welcome drink. Then moving on to Ferrybridge, where a small flock of DUNLIN and RINGED PLOVER were seen, a pair of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were unseasonal and 14 BAR-TAILED GODWIT and a WHIMBREL were good to see. It took a short time to get to our accommodation before enjoying a good meal.

Sunday
We started the day with a pre-breakfast walk around the RSPB reserve at Lodmoor. SEDGE and CETTI’S WARBLERS sang from the scrub, whilst nearby good numbers of COMMON TERNS were seen. The low water levels produced four DUNLIN, TURNSTONE, BAR-TAILED and BLACK-TAILED GODWITS and 2 GREY PLOVERS. After breakfast we went back to Portland for a morning seawatch. Due to the good clear conditions little was seen but the highlight had to be a HOBBY seen migrating in off the sea and almost catching a ROCK PIPIT. Another search of the west cliffs again gave us our wanted PUFFINS and a total of four were seen. At the Obs we reported our Hobby and sat in the sun watching BROAD-BODIED CHASERS fly over the pond and also enjoyed a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER in a tree close by. We stopped at various other points on the island but noted very little so decided to spend the afternoon at Arne on the Purbeck coast. The weather was scorching hot and birds were a little quiet but over the next few hours we watched several DARTFORD WARBLERS, NUTHATCH and MARSH HARRIER and saw a few SIKA and FALLOW DEER. From a hide, we watched a female MARSH HARRIER flush two Herons - 1 GREY and 1 PURPLE! What a way to finish a scorching hot weekend.

MAGICAL SPEYSIDE - 19th – 24th April, 26th April – 1st May and 10th - 15th May 2010

A fantastic couple of weeks birding with the highlights as follows:

ALL 3 DIVERS IN SUMMER PLUMAGE
SLAVONIAN GREBE
PINK-FOOTED GEESE
GREENLAND WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
LONG-TAILED DUCK
RED KITE
GOLDEN EAGLE
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE
RED GROUSE
PTARMIGAN
BLACK GROUSE
CAPERCAILLIE
WOODCOCK
GREAT SKUA
ARCTIC TERN
LITTLE GULL
RING OUZEL
CRESTED TIT
SCOTTISH CROSSBILL
BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHIN
PINE MARTEN
BADGER
Plus much, much more.

SPANISH PYRENEES – 9th – 12th April 2010

Friday
We all met at Stansted for our evening flight to Zaragoza, which went very smoothly. We loaded up and headed off north to the Boletas Birdwatching Centre where we were greeted and shown to our rooms for the night.

Saturday
An early morning walk around the village produced excellent views of ROCK SPARROW, SPOTLESS STARLINGS and the very numerous CORN BUNTING. Birds of Prey included a fine adult EGYPTIAN VULTURE as well as BLACK KITES and COMMON BUZZARD. We headed back for a fine breakfast before heading out for the day. We spent some time a short distance away from the village while the weather was warming nicely. Up to three WOODLARKS sang and we found a small flock of ROCK SPARROW as well as several THEKLA LARKS and a single male CIRL BUNTING. BLACK & BLACK-EARED WHEATEARS showed well and as the morning warmed up even more, a continual stream of GRIFFON VULTURES drifted by accompanied by a single RED KITE. Two male BLUE ROCK THRUSHES gleamed in the sunshine and a TAWNY PIPIT was good to see. Heading north in search of raptors started well with a male GOSHAWK flying over the hillside during our journey. We parked up and had good views of a male SUBALPINE WARBLER and several FIRECRESTS not to mention a pair of RED SQUIRRELS. The air was alive with vultures as well as SHORT-TOED & BOOTED EAGLES with ALPINE SWIFTS and CRAG MARTINS feeding on the numerous insects. We struck gold finding a summer plumaged WALLCREEPER on a cliff face that gave good scope views to all. We enjoyed lunch in the warm sunshine before trying a couple of sites to the south. At the first we enjoyed more views of BLACK, COMMON & BLACK-EARED WHEATEARS allowing good ID comparisons before visiting a large reservoir. Three STONE CURLEW were seen well and on the water’s edge we found four BLACK-WINGED STILT, 5 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, COMMON SANDPIPERS, 2 WATER PIPITS and GREENSHANK whilst on the water were some immaculate RED-CRESTED POCHARDS. A GREAT WHITE EGRET, 3 CATTLE EGRETS and an adult PURPLE HERON were good to see. After freshening up, we sat down to a wonderful meal and afterwards took a walk into the village where we had exceptional views of three SCOPS OWLS.

Sunday
The early morning walk provided us with the usual suspects so after breakfast we drove south to the area of Los Monegros. A brief stop gave us good views of a WRYNECK as well as CUCKOO and an EGYPTIAN GRASSHOPPER. A search of surrounding countryside saw us finding a nice number of BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE as well as two distant PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE in flight. A male MONTAGU’S HARRIER floated by disturbing the many CALANDRA LARKS displaying. GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO’S did a fly by before the haze and high temperatures saw us move off for lunch. We found a shady spot in the trees and watched two HOBBIES, CHOUGH and GRIFFON VULTURES before moving to a different area. More GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOOS were seen and we had good views of two skulking SHORT-TOED LARKS. As we drove along we spotted a flock of BEE-EATERS feeding but these quickly moved off. A visit to a lake gave us over 50 RED-CRESTED POCHARDS, 18 BLACK-NECKED GREBES, PURPLE HERON, 6 GREAT REED WARBLERS as well as WATER PIPIT, WOOD SANDPIPER and three TREE SPARROWS before we returned back to Boletas. After dinner, the SCOPS OWLS showed once again for us all.

Monday
After breakfast, we drove towards the French border in search of some alpine specialities. A comfort break gave us brief views of a LAMMERGEIER, which quickly disappeared into cloud although a WRYNECK and a few BLACK REDSTARTS kept us entertained. We arrived at the ski resorts to find low cloud and freezing conditions which kept Alpine Accentors away but we did watch a large flock of ALPINE CHOUGH and many summer plumaged WATER PIPITS. After a warming coffee, we drove back down to the pre-pyrenees stopping to see an adult GOLDEN EAGLE followed by a superb adult LAMMERGEIER. On a nearby river, a BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER was seen and a TREECREEPER in riverside trees. After a cooked lunch we drove a short distance and spent the rest of the afternoon birding in a river valley. Over the next few hours we had excellent views of a good number of PIED FLYCATCHERS, 6 WRYNECKS, WESTERN BONELLI’S WARBLER, 2 GOLDEN EAGLES, 3 WOOD WARBLERS, COMMON REDSTARTS, WOODCHAT SHRIKE and 17 BEE-EATERS. We packed up our luggage and said our goodbyes before driving back to Zaragoza, noting a GOLDEN EAGLE and BLACK STORK on the way.

THE BRECKS – 4th April 2010

We started the day at a site close to Thetford where we took a walk into the forest. Several CHIFFCHAFFS called and a female YELLOWHAMMER was seen before we settled in to view the skies. The cold north-westerly kept the temperature down but it didn’t take long before a male GOSHAWK slowly flew along the tree line giving us good views. Up to four SPARROWHAWKS were also noted along with a very distant flock of COMMON CROSSBILLS. Three WOODLARK were seen, one of which sang above us and two LESSER REDPOLL flew over calling. Just as we were getting cold, the male GOSHAWK flew along again and this time it was joined by the female giving a good size comparison – she was massive! We moved on to Santon Downham and took a walk over the river. COMMON CROSSBILLS gave excellent views and NUTHATCH, TREECREEPER and MARSH TIT were seen. A drumming LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER was heard and luckily we all managed to see it on a dead tree before it flew off. We had lunch at Lynford Arboretum with a singing male BLACKCAP nearby before taking a walk around the Arboretum. Although busy with people enjoying Easter, we found a secluded spot where we were treated to three FIRECRESTS giving very close views. Two birds ended up in the same tree so perhaps this is their chosen nesting site this year. Very happy, we stopped for a brief look at a nearby heath and quickly saw a lone STONE CURLEW sheltering from the cold breeze before we stopped for a warming drink. We decided to pop in to Cavenham Heath NNR to look for more Stone Curlews. Along the track we stopped to look at an information board and spotted a fine RED KITE drifting over the reserve – what a surprise. It flushed a STONE CURLEW from the ground, which flew behind a ridge and out of view. Up to 40 FIELDFARE fed on the short turf and a pair of COMMON BUZZARDS showed well. Surprisingly, the RED KITE was spotted again, this time much closer with several Swallows and a Sand Martin. Our last stop of the day was at Lackford Lakes, where spring had arrived with plenty more SWALLOWS and smaller numbers of SAND MARTIN. A good selection of common ducks were on the lakes and we finished an excellent day with a singing male WILLOW WARBLER.

EXTREMADURA – 24th – 27th March 2010

Wednesday
We landed at Madrid airport on time and were soon on the motorway southwest. It didn’t take long to note our first WHITE STORKS and SPOTLESS STARLINGS. A lunch stop produced SERIN, CRESTED LARK and best of all, a dark-phase BOOTED EAGLE sat on a WOODPIGEON. Several BLACK-WINGED STILTS and a GREENSHANK were noted on motorway pools. We visited a large reservoir where PURPLE SWAMPHENS and up to 6 PURPLE HERONS were seen along with GREAT WHITE EGRET, FAN-TAILED WARBLER, IBERIAN GREY SHRIKE, LESSER KESTREL and SAVI’S WARBLER. We visited a nearby church and had further views of LESSER KESTREL before a torrential thunderstorm hit the area. We retreated down to our hotel and after welcoming drinks and nibbles we enjoyed an excellent three-course meal washed down with a local wine.

Thursday
A pre-breakfast walk gave us two GREAT-SPOTTED CUCKOOS, HOOPOE, AZURE-WINGED MAGPIES and SARDINIAN WARBLER. We headed to an area of steppeland but didn’t get far when it started raining and continued to do so on and off for the rest of the day. Despite this we enjoyed some excellent birding with 24 GREAT BUSTARDS, 11 LITTLE BUSTARDS and plenty of BLACK KITES, CALANDRA LARKS and six BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE. A bonus in the form of a 2nd year SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE was watched at very close range but due to Spanish traffic laws, we just could not stop – typical! We visited the ricefields area and did reasonably well with two COMMON CRANES, RED AVADAVAT, ‘GREENLAND’ WHEATEAR, 8 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER as well as loads of CATTLE EGRETS. Our last site was a nearby reservoir that had over 300 SHOVELER, PINTAIL and over the surrounding countryside we watched RED-RUMPED SWALLOW, BLACK KITES and on the ground we found BARBARY NUT IRIS and plenty of SAWFLY ORCHIDS. Another scrummy meal was had back at the hotel and a warm bath was very welcome after the days’ weather.

Friday
We spent the day in the Monfrague National Park and with much better weather forecast we hoped to see plenty of raptors. It didn’t take long to see our first BLACK & GRIFFON VULTURES of the day, quickly followed by two SHORT-TOED EAGLES. PALLID SWIFT, CRAG MARTIN and RED-RUMPED SWALLOW fed overhead on the numerous insects present in the warm sunshine. A stop further on saw us watching BOOTED EAGLE and a few EGYPTIAN VULTURES and a walk to the nearby castle yielded two CHOUGH, PEREGRINE, two HAWFINCH not to mention hundreds of GRIFFON VULTURES. With lunchtime approaching, we spent some time at a raptor viewpoint where we saw a brief adult SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE as well as RED KITE and at least three BLACK STORKS. We had a lovely picnic lunch in the sunshine watching SWALLOWS, BLACK REDSTART and a stunning male WHITE WAGTAIL before driving through the park. A stroll along the road gave us good views of a male SUBALPINE WARBLER and up to three BLUE ROCK THRUSH including two males. With the bad weather the previous day we had missed out on trying to see Black-winged Kite so with the weather looking good we tried the late afternoon for them. As we neared the site, the heavens opened and things were not looking too good. We parked and the sun came out and so did the birds and over the next hour we had great views of two BLACK-WINGED KITES hunting in front of us. TREE PIPIT, EGYPTIAN VULTURE, RAVEN and a male HEN HARRIER rounded off a great day. Before pour evening meal, we watched a male SCOPS OWLS singing in the garden.

Saturday
After breakfast we loaded up and headed off to the steppes for a mornings birding. CALANDRA LARKS, GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO and IBERIAN GREY SHRIKE were seen and we good views of a THEKLA LARK. Overhead we could hear the calls of several PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE and eventually had distant views of them feeding on the ground. Three LITTLE BUSTARDS were present but this was eclipsed by the 42 GREAT BUSTARDS seen. More BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE, BLACK VULTURE, SPANISH SPARROW and a BLACK STORK rounded off a good morning. The journey back to Madrid gave us SHORT-TOED EAGLE, HEN HARRIER, RED KITES and a flock of 20 BLACK-WINGED STILTS. We arrived back in England after a slight delay but had thoroughly enjoyed the trip and can’t wait to go back.

OWLS & WOODPECKERS, SWEDEN – 19th – 22nd March 2010

Friday
We took an early evening flight to Stockholm and after meeting our guide, we headed off looking for owls. At the first site we could not find any Tengmalm’s but as we were driving off a URAL OWL flew over the vehicles but unfortunately, not everyone got to see it. We arrived at the accommodation just before midnight and went straight to bed.

Saturday
We left at 6.30am and headed north, deep into the Swedish forest. At our first location we had good views of CRESTED TIT and COMMON CROSSBILL as well as three WHOOPER SWANS flying north. Moving along a track we waited a while to see one of our targets – SIBERIAN JAY. Two of the beautiful birds were seen very well and everyone was very happy. A male BLACK WOODPECKER fed on a feeder and several WILLOW TITS gave good views. We moved away a short distance only to get a phone call from local birders to say that they had found two GREY-HEADED WOODPECKERS! We quickly rushed back and had excellent views in the morning sunshine. After breakfast we drove south to an area where a Hawk Owl had been residing. We searched for over an hour with only a GREAT GREY SHRIKE and several COMMON BUZZARDS for compensation. We left the area and had one last check of the trees and there sat a fine adult HAWK OWL. Although views were distant, you could make out the jizz and shape quite well and a few plumage details. A search of a clearfell area produced a soaring WHITE-TAILED EAGLE and several PARROT CROSSBILLS. We finished the daylight hours on the Baltic which was completely frozen except for a small patch of open water. SMEW, GOOSANDER, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and hundreds of GOLDENEYE were noted along with two juvenile WHITE-TAILED EAGLES squabbling over the remains of a dead fish. After a lovely dinner in a local restaurant we spent the evening looking for owls. During the next few hours we saw two PYGMY OWLS and heard a male URAL OWL very close and a calling TAWNY OWL. An excellent end to the day.

Sunday
A walk around the local area produced only MARSH TIT, NUTHATCH and TREECREEPER before heavy snow set in for the rest of the day. We visited the village’s nature centre as well as a cafe for refreshments and a chance to do the bird list. During the day over 8 inches of snow fell and pretty much curtailed the days birding.

Monday
We awoke to find bright sunny conditions although heavy snow had made the roads difficult to drive on. We headed along a secluded forest track and there in front of us was a stunning male CAPERCAILLIE which we all got good views of. We explored another area of clearfell and discovered a singing male PYGMY OWL that was being mobbed by the local CROSSBILLS and NORTHERN BULLFINCH. In the woods we heard two THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS but just could see them! BLACK, GREEN and GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS were also noted drumming. Further along the tracks we had superb views of PARROT CROSSBILLS 10 feet away which included a wing-barred bird that got us going for a bit. Another search for woodpeckers included two BLACK WOODPECKERS that perched in front of us calling for ages. CRESTED TIT, LONG-TAILED TIT, 100’s of MEALY REDPOLLS and a brilliant adult WHITE-TAILED EAGLE that soared over our heads were also seen. We finished the day close to the airport where NUTCRACKER was heard briefly and plenty of woodland birds were present. A river close by gave us good views of WHOOPER SWANS and several CANADA GEESE. Despite the weather, we all enjoyed the weekend with some good birds seen in beautiful surroundings.

SUFFOLK COAST – 13th March 2010

We started the day alongside the Orwell Bridge where good numbers of waders were present along the shore. KNOT, REDSHANK, CURLEW & OYSTERCATCHER predominated and a few distant LAPWING were also seen. On the river we found up to 12 PINTAIL, plenty of GREAT CRESTED GREBES and two LITTLE GREBES. After a brief breakfast stop we popped in to North Warren RSPB reserve where we saw more PINTAIL on the marsh. Offshore we had good views of nearly 50 RED-THROATED DIVERS on the sea. Moving on to the north marsh we couldn’t find any of the recently reported Pink-footed Geese but did see plenty of STOCK DOVE, MARSH HARRIER, a FOX and a male MUNTJAC DEER. Before lunch we took a walk north of Dunwich towards Walberswick where we had excellent views of SKYLARK as well as two winter plumaged SPOTTED REDSHANK. As we continued, we stumbled across a flock of around 30 TWITE, some of which were colour-ringed in the Pennines. Offshore we watched an amazing flock of over 300 RED-THROATED DIVERS take to the air! We drove to Minsmere RSPB for lunch before taking a walk around the scrape. Noisy Black-headed Gulls were very common although we did find up to 9 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS amongst them. Small numbers of AVOCET, TURNSTONE, BLACK-TAILED GODWIT and DUNLIN were seen. Around the work centre, a NUTHATCH was on the feeders as well as a very brief MARSH TIT. We finished the day at Island Mere where a red-head SMEW was seen in flight. MARSH HARRIERS were ever present and a SPARROWHAWK flew threw at a rate of knots. A single BITTERN flew past briefly and soon after I had left to get the vehicle, the group were treated to a flyby SPOONBILL! A fine end to the day.

OWLS & WOODPECKERS, SWEDEN – 5th – 8th March 2010

Friday
We all met at Stansted Airport for our early evening flight to Stockholm Vasteras airport. After a good flight we landed to conditions of -15 degrees and ice and deep snow on the ground. We were very much looking forward to our long weekend of birding in Sweden.

Saturday
We left the accommodation at 6.30am and headed north. During the journey the outside temperature fell to -22 degrees! Arriving at a site deep within a coniferous forest, it didn’t take long to see one of our targets, the GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER. A female visited a feeder several times affording good scope views and the male was heard calling and was seen flying over. The excitement continued with five SIBERIAN JAYS coming in to feed. These scarce birds gave us excellent views as we warmed up in the early morning sunshine. Good numbers of WILLOW TIT were noted while we had breakfast in the woods. A short drive later and after picking up lunch, we went to a site that held northern race NUTHATCH as well as COMMON CROSSBILL, BULLFINCH and plenty more WILLOW TITS. We headed back to the village for an afternoon break and on the way noted a male GOSHAWK flying over. Once back in the village all of us continued birding. On the river we found DIPPER and GOLDENEYE whilst overhead a fine adult WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew past. In the snow we found Otter tracks but failed to locate any. We drove to a site that has a resident Eagle Owl but due to the very cold conditions it wasn’t seen although we did have compensation in the form of ten WAXWINGS and a FIELDFARE. After having an evening meal we tried for URAL OWL and heard a female calling from 100 metres but sadly it was not seen.

Sunday
We started the morning north of the village looking for woodpeckers. Several COMMON CROSSBILLS started us off though deep snow made walking difficult. Reaching an area of feeders we saw a few NUTHATCHES, TREECREEPER, GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER and heard a very brief drumming THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. A BLACK WOODPECKER called in flight but was not seen. We headed back to the vehicles for breakfast before making a drive south for over an hour and a half. Arriving on site we immediately picked up our target – an adult HAWK OWL! Although distant we had good views through the scopes and at times it was mobbed by a GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER and a BULLFINCH. Along the same hedge we found a GREAT GREY SHRIKE. The Hawk Owl came flying towards us and gave us excellent views in flight before being mobbed by Corvids and returning to a conifer plantation. Elated at seeing this fantastic bird we drove a short distance where up to 10 PARROT CROSSBILLS displayed and sang in the sunshine. Three WHOOPER SWANS were also seen flying over. Another site nearby was visited where again we found more PARROT CROSSBILLS along with a few COMMONS. Two BLACK GROUSE were also seen, one of which was feeding on Birch buds high in a tree. Back to the village for a bit of local birding where we still could not find the Otter although another WHITE-TAILED EAGLE and two DIPPERS were still around. After an early dinner we again tried for Ural Owl, hearing a distant male and a visit to the previous nights calling female produced silence.

Monday
We loaded up and headed south to an area we had previously visited. On arrival we watched up to 8 PARROT CROSSBILL taking minerals from the snow fallen off parked vehicles and 4 BLACK GROUSE feeding in the Birch Trees. A GREEN WOODPECKER seen distantly was a new bird for the weekend. After breakfast we drove to Uppsala where in a small cul-de-sac were at least five stunning LONG-EARED OWLS. We had excellent views of these birds roosting in old fruit trees and also of one flying around the back garden! These birds had attracted a lot of local attention and plenty of locals came to see them. TREE SPARROWS frequented a bush and STARLING and ROOK were seen indicating spring was on its way. After lunch we headed west noting a GREAT GREY SHRIKE on the way before visiting a feeding station deep in the woods. Plenty of the common tits came down to feed but we had to wait quite a while before the real stars of show came in. Eventually two NUTCRACKERS flew in to gasps of excitement. They didn’t stay too long before flying off but we were delighted. COMMON CROSSBILLS and SISKINS flew over and several NUTHATCHES came in to feed before we suddenly heard a calling NUTCRACKER. It ended up above our heads calling in the bright sunshine before disappearing into the forest. Before going to the airport, we popped into a site that can be good for owls and we were not let down with the last bird for the weekend being a PYGMY OWL that called from nearby before flying in to less than 20 feet away. Plenty of photographs were taken before it disappeared into the woodland. Despite the deep snow and very cold conditions the birding was fantastic and we can’t wait to go back.

CAMARGUE – 26th Feb – 1st March 2010

Friday
We met at Gatwick for our lunchtime flight to Montpellier and on arrival in the departure lounge were informed that the flight had been cancelled due to a French Air Traffic Controllers strike! After some consultation, we decided to have a long weekend in Norfolk instead! Not quite what was planned but we intended to have a good time, so after the hassle of getting our luggage back and checking out we headed off to Norfolk arriving early evening.

Saturday
Starting afresh we visited Hunstanton cliffs where conditions were ideal. Over 30 FULMAR were seen and on the sea we found two GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS, 500 COMMON SCOTER, two EIDER, up to 15 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and a small flock of BRENT GEESE. With conditions so perfect we drove east to the Yare Valley, stopping first at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve. Three LESSER REDPOLL flew over and two MARSH TIT were seen before we headed off to Cantley and it took us a very short time to locate a feeding flock of TAIGA BEAN GEESE. We had fantastic scope views as over 30 of these birds fed with a flock of EUROPEAN WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. Over the marsh we saw seven SPARROWHAWKS, five COMMON BUZZARDS and several MARSH HARRIERS enjoying this fine spring day. Our next stop was Great Yarmouth where 11 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS of varying ages kept us entertained. Chedgrave Marshes was our next stop and the walk to the viewpoint produced several flyover SISKINS, COAL TIT and FIELDFARE. We reached the viewing mound and immediately saw a ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD but then a very heavy prolonged shower sent us sheltering under the trees. After quite a wait the sun came out and so did the birds! We were treated to amazing views of two ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS, at least six SHORT-EARED OWLS, female HEN HARRIER, two BARN OWLS and four MARSH HARRIERS, which was very nice indeed. We finished the day at Stubb’s Mill raptor viewpoint where a distant male HEN HARRIER, 30 MARSH HARRIERS and another three BARN OWLS were seen. Two COMMON CRANES flew south and as we walked back to the carpark 30 WHOOPER SWANS flew over.

Sunday
The weather forecast for the day was atrocious and it remained that way for the whole day. Undeterred we soldiered on noting several CORN BUNTINGS at Choseley Barns and after negotiating a badly flooded road and seeing a couple of BARN OWLS at Burnham Norton, we arrived at Wells. On the boating lake, the four SCAUP were seen well, often with TUFTED DUCKS allowing a good ID comparison. Salthouse beach produced a flock of over 100 SNOW BUNTINGS that fed incredibly close to the vehicle and despite disturbance from dog walkers we enjoyed these smart birds in the heavy rain. Moving on to Sheringham, we parked and walked down to the beach and immediately located the first winter GLAUCOUS GULL on the beach with HERRING & GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS. The Glaucous performed right in front of us and a first-winter KITTIWAKE flew west. With rain still falling we continued around to North Walsham for lunch and an appointment with two WAXWINGS in Sainsbury’s car park. A fine adult and first winter were seen incredibly well despite the rubbish weather and allowed close approach. A brief interlude at nearby Felbrigg Hall left us soaked so we drove back to spend the rest of the day at Titchwell. After a warming coffee we spent the time in island hide where the rain had actually started to ease! Three superb HEN HARRIERS including a 2nd summer male performed close by over the reedbeds affording great views along with a couple of MARSH HARRIERS, two BARN OWLS and a brief BITTERN. On the freshmarsh, the water levels were incredibly high although despite this we watched several RUFF, SPOTTED REDSHANK and over 50 AVOCET. A female PEREGRINE caused mayhem amongst the local WOOD PIGEON community and another BARN OWL rounded off a great day.

Monday
We awoke to find calm, clear conditions so we thought we would have a stab at Holkham. Two BARN OWLS hunting at Brancaster were a nice start. A stop on the A149 produced yet more BARN OWLS and a flock of 200 EUROPEAN WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and a couple of MARSH HARRIERS. We walked around Holkham Gap but unfortunately failed to locate any of the recently present Shorelarks. A WOODCOCK that flew in front of us was a surprise. With conditions calm, we visited Lynford Arboretum and started well with up to a dozen COMMON CROSSBILLS feeding silently above us. The flock included some fine males until a SPARROWHAWK flushed them deeper into the wood. The walk to the paddock gave us a large flock of SISKIN calling in the Alder woods and it didn’t take long for us to locate our first HAWFINCH quickly followed by another. Very unexpected birds here were two COMMON CRANES that flew north. Another male COMMON CROSSBILL sat on top of the trees and at least two COMMON BUZZARDS and two SPARROWHAWKS soared in the sunshine. With time getting on, we walked slowly back and eventually found a couple of NUTHATCHES before coming across a brilliant male FIRECREST singing in the bushes which gave us unbelievable views as it raised its vivid orange crest. We tucked in to lunch and popped in to Santon Downham where up to 15 BRAMBLING were still present and although searching, we couldn’t locate any Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. A male YELLOWHAMMER and calling TAWNY OWL rounded off a brilliant weekend. Despite our disappointment of not visiting the Camargue, we had a great time, saw some fantastic birds and stayed at a brilliant hotel with good company!

BIRDING IN NORTH NORFOLK – 21st February 2010

We headed up to the Norfolk coast via Lynford Arboretum where it took us just one minute to see a fine male HAWFINCH, very quickly followed by a flock of 21 COMMON CROSSBILL. Another two HAWFINCHES were also seen before heavy snow started falling. With the weather deteriorating very quickly we drove north to Salthouse to find a flock of over 30 SNOW BUNTINGS feeding on the shingle ridge before being flushed by a dog walker. By now the conditions were atrocious and the roads quickly became covered in snow. A very slow drive west produced a Barn Owl close to the road before we arrived at Wells, where the beach was entirely covered with a blanket of snow, which was not forecast! From here we walked towards Holkham in search of a small flock of Shorelarks that had recently been seen although despite searching amongst the 100 SKYLARKS present we failed to find any. Close to Lady Annes drive a flock of approximately 100 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew directly overhead and 40 BARNACLE GEESE and some PINK FOOTED GEESE were seen over the marsh. An amazing 9 BARN OWLS quartered the grazing marsh affording excellent views. After lunch we went towards Titchwell, making a slight detour south to see a white-morph SNOW GOOSE in a flock of Pink-feet, which also included three TUNDRA BEAN GEESE. Arriving at Titchwell, we enjoyed a warming drink before walking down towards the sea. A WATER RAIL fed below the feeders and yet another BARN OWL was seen close to the path. The freshmarsh held good numbers of wildfowl including some stunning drake PINTAIL and a little further on we had stunning views of a SPOTTED REDSHANK alongside a COMMON REDSHANK giving good comparisons for ID. On the sea were a massive flock of 1500 COMMON SCOTER along with a female RUDDY DUCK that we were surprised to see. Several RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and GOLDENEYE were noted whilst on the beach were KNOT, SANDERLING, OYSTERCATCHER, GREY PLOVER and BAR-TAILED GODWIT. On the return walk we found a WATER PIPIT, 5 RUFF and a flock of AVOCET roosting on the freshmarsh. The journey home produced yet another BARN OWL – our 13th for the day!

BIRDING IN CAMBRIDGSHIRE – 13th February 2010

We started the day at the Ouse Washes RSPB reserve, where behind the carpark we found a herd of WHOOPER SWANS in a nearby field. From the visitor centre we spotted one of our targets – TREE SPARROW and watched as several fed alongside HOUSE SPARROWS allowing us good views. REED BUNTINGS and YELLOWHAMMERS were present in good numbers, some coming very close to feed on grain put out for them. A nearby barn had several displaying STOCK DOVES on it and a pair of GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS displayed to each other on a telegraph pole. A walk along the bank saw us watching a female KINGFISHER perched in a Willow. A female MARSH HARRIER gave us a close flyby, no doubt hunting for any rodents displaced by the high water of the washes. From the hides we saw four distant TUNDRA SWANS and slightly disappointing numbers of duck including WIGEON, TEAL, POCHARD, TUFTED DUCK and MALLARD with a few SHOVELER and surprisingly no PINTAIL. The WHOOPER SWANS eventually flew onto the washes to bathe and drink and amongst them were several family parties. As we left the hide we soon entered white-out conditions as sleety snow fell quite heavily so we retreated to Grafham Water. As we had lunch, a cold north wind blew forcing us to take shelter on the north side of the reservoir. A walk to the dam produced a stunning GREAT NORTHERN DIVER along with a flock of GOLDENEYE and small numbers of GREAT CRESTED GREBES. Two COMMON BUZZARDS soared over a pine plantation before we headed for a warming drink. We then visited the north-west part of the reservoir and took a walk along the shore which proved to be completely sheltered. In the hedgerows we found a TREECREEPER and at least four BULLFINCHES before flushing a WOODCOCK. A scan of the water gave us another two GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS that could be seen swimming together and a PEREGRINE, which flew over our heads. The increasing numbers of gulls roosting included an adult YELLOW-LEGGED GULL and four GOOSANDER flew out of the murky distance to give us a flyby. From the hide, possibly the same or another PEREGRINE was seen perched on a distant pylon and a COMMON BUZZARD disturbed WOOD PIGEONS from their trees. Again despite the weather conditions we managed to see a good selection of species.

BIRDING IN NORFOLK WEEKEND – 6th – 8th February 2010

Saturday
We started our weekend in Norfolk with a visit to Whitlingham Country Park where almost immediately we found the RED-NECKED GREBE alongside GREAT CRESTED GREBES giving an ideal ID comparison. As we walked along the shoreline, the long-staying GREAT NORTHERN DIVER appeared very close by and proceeded to preen and sit in the water in full view. Plenty of photographs were taken of this magnificent bird before we spotted two female GOOSANDER on the far side of the broad. Continuing along the shore we scoped the flocks of ducks adjacent to the island and it didn’t take long to spot the female RING-NECKED DUCK as it slept with TUFTED DUCKS & POCHARDS. Eventually it woke up and gave us a good show along with two redhead SMEW. Close by saw a first-winter male SCAUP with a flock of TUFTED DUCKS. Very satisfied with our sightings we drove the short distance to Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve and took a look from the reception hide to see another female SMEW and a BITTERN, which was seen briefly in flight over the reedbeds. A couple of MARSH HARRIERS quartered the reedbed and overhead we had good views of four COMMON BUZZARDS, no doubt encouraged to soar with the nice sunny weather. The woodland produced a nice flock of SISKIN as well as GOLDCREST, MARSH TIT and GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. With the weather so good, we went to Cantley Marshes and took a walk down over the railway crossing to look for Bean Geese. After a few minutes we were scanning the marshes when a bank of low cloud and fog descended and visibility was severely reduced. We decided to head for lunch in Great Yarmouth where we eventually found at least 10 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS in varying plumages before making the decision to head up towards Fakenham and visit Sculthorpe Moor for the last hour of daylight. With the fog still thick we were informed that a Golden Pheasant was feeding in front of one of the hides so we scuttled down to find a superb male GOLDEN PHEASANT. A look at the feeders nearby produced a MARSH TIT, COAL TIT and female SPARROWHAWK looking for supper. The journey up to Old Hunstanton produced a BARN OWL hunting just south of Docking. The evening was spent relaxing whilst enjoying a great meal in lovely surroundings.

Sunday
After breakfast, our first port of call was Snettisham RSPB reserve and as we walked to the shingle bank we had good views of a PEREGRINE over our heads and several GOLDENEYE on the fishing pits. We reached the seawall and met Essex Birder Adrian Kettle who by luck had just located our quarry – 2 SHORELARKS. We watched these superb little birds for over half an hour as they fed along the tideline. On the vast mudflats of The Wash we were treated to several thousand BAR-TAILED GODWITS in flight along with smaller numbers of KNOT, REDSHANK, RINGED PLOVER, LAPWING and OYSTERCATCHERS feeding on the open mud. A walk to the first hide yielded plenty of WIGEON and GREYLAG GEESE but little else, so we headed back to the carpark having another look at the SHORELARK on the way! A quick look in Hunstanton produced up to eight FULMAR before arriving at Titchwell RSPB reserve. As we left the visitor centre we stumbled across a MEALY REDPOLL feeding alongside GOLDFINCHES in the Alders adjacent to the path. The Redpoll eventually gave us good views as it fed constantly. The reserve was looking good with plenty of wildfowl and waders including PINTAIL, AVOCET, three SPOTTED REDSHANK, RUFF, COMMON SNIPE and DUNLIN. On the beach, over 3500 COMMON SCOTER looked fantastic but like a giant oil slick on the sea and nearby we had good views of two VELVET SCOTER. More distant were two RED-BREASTED MERGANSER along with a couple of GREAT-CRESTED GREBES. On the waterline, SANDERLING, KNOT, TURNSTONE and a few BAR-TAILED GODWIT fed voraciously for invertebrates. We had a coffee and lunch in the carpark before going the short distance to Choseley Barns. A flock of over 25 YELLOWHAMMERS & 25 CORN BUNTINGS was a sight not seen very often these days. By now the weather had again closed in with cloud and heavy drizzle. We had a look at Holkham and found a nice flock of over 100 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE alongside larger numbers of PINK-FOOTED GEESE and a very distant BARN OWL before finishing up in Wells with a brief view of the long-staying male and female SCAUP. Another enjoyable evening was spent in the hotel.

Monday
We awoke to a cold morning with outbreaks of snow and sleet so a decision was made to spend the day in the Brecks where we would get some relative shelter from the cold conditions. Our first site was Abbey Farm, Flitcham where the heavily falling snow kept most of the birds in shelter although we did find a nice pair of GREY PARTRIDGE in nearby fields. We got to Lynford Arboretum with the snow still falling and as we walked round the paddocks a flock of over 30 SISKIN flew over. We were lucky to find a female HAWFINCH perched on a tree in the distance before it dropped down into cover, never to been seen again. With the snow still falling we drove down to Santon Downham and watched a flock of over 50 BRAMBLING feeding on beechmast under the trees. MARSH TIT, GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, NUTHATCH and TREECREEPER were also seen before we decided that we’d had enough of the weather and went for a coffee and lunch to warm up. We finished the day at Lackford Pits where TREE SPARROW and up to three adult YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS were found amongst the thousands of gulls roosting on the sailing lake. Despite the weather, we enjoyed a great weekend at an excellent hotel and some fantastic birds.

ISLE OF SHEPPEY, KENT - 31st January 2010

We started the day at Leysdown where on arrival the first bird we set eyes on was a PURPLE SANDPIPER, which after a few minutes promptly disappeared never to be seen again. As the tide came in we were treated to the sight of many waders mainly SANDERLING, OYSTERCATCHER, KNOT and TURNSTONE feeding frantically on the shoreline whilst hordes of HERRING & BLACK-HEADED GULLS loafed around offshore. A walk over to some flooded fields yielded plenty of LAPWINGS and STARLINGS whilst a couple of MARSH HARRIERS quartered the reedbeds. Back to the seawall to watch the waders again and we found an injured Dunlin flapping in the sea as the tide came in. It was so cold the sea had ice forming on the tideline. Unfortunately the poor bird did not last long. Trying to warm up, we drove round to Capel Fleet where GOLDEN PLOVER, REDWINGS and FIELDFARES were seen before a female MERLIN came through the flock and put them up. It was relocated on fence posts before being disturbed by a foraging MARSH HARRIER. We then moved on to the RSPB reserve at ELMLEY, which was heaving with waders roosting and feeding whilst it was high tide on the Swale. Over 300 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT were picking amongst the flooded fields and a similar number of CURLEW were seen. We had lunch in the car park where we saw a distant LITTLE OWL on a post. After lunch we took a walk down to the first of the hides noting a PEREGRINE, PINTAIL, BRENT GEESE and a few GREAT CRESTED GREBES on the way. In front of the hide large numbers of GREY PLOVER, KNOT, DUNLIN and RINGED PLOVER were seen and the ever-present MARSH HARRIERS put up flocks of WIGEON. In the distance we had views of up to three COMMON BUZZARD and up to 20 BEWICK’S SWANS that could be seen in flight. With the light now dropping we popped to the adjacent hide where a pair of STONECHAT were the only birds of note. We then took the long walk back stopping to see a fine BARN OWL that flew in front of us. It was a great day in beautiful light if not a little chilly in the cold wind.

CRANES & RAPTORS IN NORTHEAST NORFOLK - 30th January 2010

With snow overnight, conditions were tricky at Ness Point first thing especially and there was no sign of any Purple Sandpipers. We tried the south pier and immediately located six PURPLE SANDPIPERS roosting on a ledge. These along with a nice ROCK PIPIT gave us good views. We then headed the short distance to Lake Lothing, where after a refreshment break we enjoyed watching a BLACK-THROATED DIVER that looked great in the morning sunshine. Several GREAT CRESTED and LITTLE GREBES were also seen as well as a GREY SEAL. Our next stop was Waveney Forest, where we had to wait before a ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD flew up onto a gatepost. The bird was somewhat distant and the biting northwest wind in our faces didn’t help viewing. Several BEARDED TITS ‘pinged’ from the reedbeds and vast flocks of PINK-FOOTED GEESE could be seen in the distance. A ringtail HEN HARRIER was also seen distantly. As we walked through the pinewoods we heard and saw plenty of COAL TITS. With lunchtime approaching fast we stopped at Waxham and walked down onto the beach to shelter by the breakwater whilst eating lunch in the sun and were shocked to find 20 PALE-BELLIED BRENT GEESE on the sea close inshore. Several RED-THROATED DIVERS flew south and a couple of SANDERLING flew north. The rest of the afternoon was spent at the raptor watchpoint at Stubbs Mill where straight away we saw 2 adult and 1 juvenile COMMON CRANES, which give us a flypast. MARSH HARRIERS were everywhere and we were lucky to see a brief flyby KINGFISHER and WATER RAIL. We also found a BITTERN and continued to watch it for over 3 minutes as it flew by slowly. A male MERLIN was found perched on a metal rail only to be replaced by a female! We also had really close sightings of a BARN OWL as it fed in front of us. As the afternoon wore on we saw another seven COMMON CRANES and the MARSH HARRIER count reached over 30 birds. As the sun set, the light was magnificent over the marsh and another BARN OWL rounded off a fantastic day.

DUNGENESS & BEDGEBURY PINETUM - 24th January 2010

Our first port of call was Dungeness Power Station where on the sea we had good views of GUILLEMOTS including two in summer plumage as well as plenty of RED-THROATED DIVERS flying past along with some COMMON SCOTER and a flock of up to 10 GANNETS feeding offshore. Around the patch we watched some KITTIWAKES and hundreds of HERRING GULLS. A small party of BRENT GEESE flew east and a PIED WAGTAIL came in off the sea. Moving round to the ARC pit we were treated to good views of seven TREE SPARROWS with some HOUSE SPARROWS for ID comparison. Three female MARSH HARRIERS frequented the reedbeds where a CHIFFCHAFF foraged for insects. From the viewpoint we found a female SMEW amongst the large numbers of WIGEON and TEAL and right at the back of the pit were 6 female GOOSANDER. We then moved on to the main part of the RSPB reserve and immediately saw the wintering female BLACKCAP on the feeders. The hides were rather cramped due to a Bittern Safari taking place so we strolled around the reserve noting a lovely SLAVONIAN GREBE that gave good views as it fed on small fish. In the bright sunshine we watched a female STONECHAT and a PEACOCK BUTTERFLY basking in the surprisingly warm sunshine. On Denge Marsh we saw BLACK-NECKED GREBE and found a female DARTFORD WARBLER in some brambles. Back near the centre, we enjoyed lunch in the carpark watching the Blackcap feasting on an apple. Along the coastal road to Rye we came across a flock of presumably feral BARNACLE GEESE and a lone LITTLE EGRET. A short while later we arrived at Bedgebury Pinetum to a busy carpark full of mountain bikers. Luckily for us, once we headed off the main paths we found a nice secluded spot in the woods. Small numbers of GREENFINCHES appeared along with a few CHAFFINCHES and three SISKINS flew over. As the afternoon got on the finch numbers increased and we found at least two BRAMBLING, one of which gave us good scope views. GOLDCRESTS fed around us and a couple of COAL TITS called. A small flock of FIELDFARE called overhead and a SPARROWHAWK caused panic amongst the smaller birds as it glided through the trees. Sadly, we could not locate any Hawfinches amongst the other birds. Nonetheless it was a good day with plenty of quality sightings.

WINTER IN NORTHWEST NORFOLK - 23rd January 2010

On our way to the coast we popped into Lynford Arboretum to see if any Hawfinches were about. The visibility was very poor and we could only just see the trees in the paddock through the gloom. The best we could find for our troubles was a REDWING and KESTREL. We arrived at the RSPB reserve at Titchwell and walked towards the sea noting four BULLFINCHES and at least two lovely WATER PIPITS on some flooded islands. The scrapes were full of wildfowl and waders that included PINTAIL, BRENT GEESE, AVOCET, DUNLIN, RUFF, GOLDENEYE and many more whilst the saltmarsh pools held a nice SPOTTED REDSHANK that gave good ID comparisons beside a COMMON REDSHANK. At least four MARSH HARRIERS were seen around the reserve and as we got close to the sea we had brief views of a WATER RAIL. From the beach we had very good views of a single PURPLE SANDPIPER on the pillbox and on the waters edge we watched a good number of SANDERLING. On the sea were a large flock of COMMON SCOTER along with two EIDER, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and large numbers of GOLDENEYE. A FULMAR flew west and the odd RED-THROATED DIVER could be made out flying in the gloom. With a cold wind blowing we walked back towards the centre, this time getting much better views of a WATER RAIL on the saltmarsh and another close to the centre itself. We partook of a hot drink and headed for lunch. As Steve walked back he noted a WOODCOCK feeding in the woodland around the picnic tables and quickly summoned everyone to see. It proved elusive but we all got good views. Suitably refreshed, we went to Wells boating lake via Choseley Barns (noting two BARN OWLS, YELLOWHAMMER and CORN BUNTING on the way) where we immediately found the pair of SCAUP that had been present recently. We enjoyed excellent views of the drake as he preened and dived. A large female SPARROWHAWK as well as GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER was also seen. Lady Anne’s Drive at Holkham was our last stop of the day and we were not disappointed with the masses of PINK-FOOTED GEESE present on the marsh. A bigger surprise was the WOODCOCK that fed 30 yards in front of us in the open allowing outstanding views. Suddenly all the geese went up and we picked out the GREATER SNOW GOOSE quite easily, at times resembling a Gannet in flight! It eventually landed with the Pink-feet. We found up to 20 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and a COMMON BUZZARD was spotted in a tree. Two more BARN OWLS were seen including one at close range. To finish the afternoon we walked to the Washington hide where up to 60 BARNACLE GEESE could be seen and we had brief views of a BITTERN on the pool. We left Holkham to the sound of up to 60,000 PINK-FOOTED GEESE, a truly magical end to a great days’ birding.

POOLE HARBOUR WINTER WEEKEND 16th – 17th January 2010

Saturday
We reached Dorset in good time and immediately headed for the RSPB reserve at Arne where we enjoyed excellent views of MARSH TIT and NUTHATCH in the carpark as well as the first of many SIKA DEER. With steady rain falling we went straight to the hide on Coombe Heath for shelter and from here we located a fine adult YELLOW-LEGGED GULL and over 250 AVOCETS. After lunch we walked to Shipstal Point where a first winter SPOONBILL flew past and on the sea we found numerous RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and a female SCAUP. On the land, a COMMON CROSSBILL and two LESSER REDPOLL flew over, a RAVEN was seen and we also had brief views of a superb male DARTFORD WARBLER. The remainder of the afternoon was spent at Hatch Pond LNR where we had outstanding views of three BITTERNS walking around the close reedbeds and flying to and fro. Also WATER RAIL, CETTI’S WARBLER, GOOSANDER and four SNIPE rounded off an excellent day.

Sunday
After a hearty breakfast we travelled around Poole Harbour, starting off at Baiter where we found our first BLACK-NECKED GREBES of the weekend as well as juvenile GREAT NORTHERN DIVER and up to six SHAG as well as more RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. We overlooked Brownsea Island and noted a female SPARROWHAWK putting up a large flock of DUNLIN on the lagoon. We spent a while around Sandbanks (an area than can claim the fourth highest land prices in the world!) An exploration of the rocky areas eventually gave us our target of PURPLE SANDPIPERS as well as some SANDERLING before the large number of walkers enjoying the sunshine disturbed them. We took the ferry over to the Studland Peninsula and took a look into Brands Bay. More BLACK-NECKED GREBES were seen along with another GREAT NORTHERN DIVER and PEREGRINE, also two female EIDER and a female LONG-TAILED DUCK were present, but distant. We stopped briefly at Littlesea where we saw a female DARTFORD WARBLER, 2 RED-CRESTED POCHARD and some RED DEER. We had lunch at Middle Beach and found yet more BLACK-NECKED GREBES and three MEDITERRANEAN GULLS. The rest of the afternoon was spent look for Bewicks Swans and a Firecrest but we failed as light faded and temperatures dropped. A fantastic weekend with some excellent birds seen.

CRANES & RAPTORS IN EAST NORFOLK - 13th December 2009

The day got off to a good start when, on our way north, we saw a BARN OWL close to the A12 at Blythburgh and a nice flock of EGYPTIAN GEESE at Benacre. We visited the south pier area of Lowestoft first where a few RED-THROATED DIVERS were seen and we found 2 roosting PURPLE SANDPIPERS on the breakwater. After a coffee and breakfast to warm up we popped round to Ness Point where we watched three PURPLE SANDPIPERS, several TURNSTONE and an immaculate adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL immediately above our heads. We just managed to get back before an icy squall came off the sea. Our next stop was near Potter Heigham where we located a herd of 67 BEWICK’S SWANS in a sugar beet field before heading round to Waxham for lunch. Out to sea we found three male EIDER, two COMMON SCOTER and plenty of RED-THROATED DIVERS as well as two GREY SEALS very close inshore. The rest of the afternoon was spent at the Stubbs Mill Raptor Roost where we saw seven COMMON CRANES, a BARN OWL, up to 25 MARSH HARRIERS, LESSER REDPOLL and 2 CHINESE WATER DEER before another cold and icy squall sent us returning back to the car park. An excellent day and a fine end to another years’ birding.

COASTAL SUFFOLK – 28th November 2009

We began the day near Ipswich where on the river Orwell we found several GOLDENEYE as well as the more common waders before having a ‘full English’ just off the A14. We arrived at Minsmere and almost immediately a MARSH HARRIER flew over whilst on the feeders we had good views of MARSH TIT and COAL TIT plus numerous finches. The sea was quiet but we managed to pick out two COMMON SCOTER flying south and along the path we saw a nice pair of STONECHAT. From the hides we enjoyed good views of BEWICK’S SWANS, WATER PIPIT, SPARROWHAWK, two AVOCET and an adult YELLOW-LEGGED GULL. Whilst walking round the reserve we also saw BEARDED TIT, KINGFISHER and another WATER PIPIT amongst the large numbers of WIGEON, TEAL and SHOVELER. A SISKIN called from the woodland and a LESSER REDPOLL flew over and we had good views of a TREECREEPER. Island Mere hide produced some fantastic sightings of BITTERN, one of which having an altercation with a MARSH HARRIER. Then we ended the day at Snape Maltings where an RSPB watchpoint had been set-up for enjoyment of the spectacular STARLING ROOST. In reality we only saw c.350 STARLINGS and not the 15,000 that had been reported. It was nonetheless a great day and the weather stayed kind to us.

ISLE OF SHEPPEY, KENT – 15th November 2009

The torrential rain cleared quite quickly away as we arrived on Sheppey and the day remained dry and bright with a slight breeze. Leysdown was our first port of call and the tide was in pushing waders onto the adjacent fields. A single RUFF was amongst the many CURLEW, GOLDEN PLOVER and LAPWING whilst a few MARSH HARRIERS flew over the marshes. From the shoreline we watched a flock of over100 COMMON SCOTER, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, BRENT GEESE and several GREAT CRESTED GREBES. Along the shore we found several TURNSTONES, a SANDERLING briefly and up to three PURPLE SANDPIPERS, which were great to see. Moving to Elmley, we enjoyed lunch in the sunshine overlooking the reserve and almost immediately saw a female MERLIN perched on a post before being disturbed by a CARRION CROW. We took a walk and to our surprise found a lovely JACK SNIPE on a pool before having great views of a pair of PEREGRINES. STONECHAT, MEADOW PIPIT and some SKYLARKS were noted and on the river Swale we found BAR & BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, AVOCET and GREY PLOVER. At dusk we had good views of a BARN OWL before enjoying Annette’s homemade fruitcake.

COTO DONANA - 6th – 9th November 2009

Friday
We met at Stansted for our evening flight to Seville before travelling to El Rocio and our hotel for the stay.

Saturday
On awaking we found the lagoon at El Rocio almost completely devoid of water, as there had been no rainfall since April! Nevertheless we saw RED KITE, MARSH HARRIER, COMMON BUZZARD and a female MERLIN along with SPOTLESS STARLING, BLACK REDSTART and STONECHAT. After breakfast we visited a nearby nature reserve where AZURE-WINGED MAGPIES were present in good numbers along with HOOPOE, FIRECREST, THEKLA LARK, SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER and three young WILD BOAR. Moving along the coast, we visited a lagoon that gave us our first views of PURPLE SWAMPHEN, SQUACCO HERON and BOOTED EAGLE. We enjoyed lunch whilst watching BLACK-WINGED STILT, GREATER FLAMINGO and LITTLE STINTS before moving a short distance where WHIMBREL, two OSPREYS and plenty of CRESTED LARKS were seen. During the afternoon we saw several HEN HARRIER, another OSPREY, PURPLE HERON and good numbers of the more common waders. Another lagoon we visited was pretty dry so we proceeded to seawatch nearby. Almost immediately we noted good numbers of GANNETS quickly followed by three close CORY’S SHEARWATERS – a fine end to the day.

Sunday
A quick look at the lagoon again produced the usual suspects so we headed off south towards an area of rice fields and open plains. On our way we saw WOODLARK, SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE, HEN HARRIER, hundreds of CHAFFINCHES, RAVEN and RED KITES, before taking a break and then spotting a stunning BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE nearby. Excellent views were had before we continued south and found a flock of at least 475 COMMON CRANES that gave us a brilliant show, calling and wheeling overhead against the blue skies. A small flock of BLACK STORKS stood in a nearby field and a few FAN-TAILED WARBLERS flitted amongst the undergrowth. Lunch was taken overlooking a lagoon where PURPLE SWAMPHENS were present in good numbers and MARSH HARRIERS were always in view. Overhead we noticed a large flock of GRIFFON VULTURE and amongst them were three SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLES (2 adults and a juvenile), which we watched for a while. The vultures came down in a sheep field and looked to be feeding on a carcass along with 12 RAVEN. We took another route back to the main road noting over 2000 GOLDFINCH - quite a sight and a small number of GREEN SANDPIPER. An area of rice fields gave us SPOONBILL, GREAT WHITE EGRET, GLOSSY IBIS, WHITE & BLACK STORK and LITTLE & CATTLE EGRETS with over 100 COMMON CRANE nearby. A LESSER KESTREL was also seen before darkness beat us.

Monday
The day was spent south of Seville where an excellent birding area was visited. Two BOOTED EAGLE got us started before we reached a small lagoon where PENDULINE TITS flitted in the reeds and a nice roost of 12 NIGHT HERON were spotted. Three GLOSSY IBIS and several CASPIAN TERNS were seen in flight. An area of allotment-type fields yielded a YELLOW WAGTAIL, CHIFFCHAFFS and some TREE SPARROWS. Lunch was taken by some working salt pans where 12 AUDOUIN’S GULLS were roosting along with 6 CASPIAN TERNS and plenty of YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS. KENTISH PLOVER and LITTLE STINTS, which roosted along the banks and a SLENDER-BILLED GULL was seen flying by. Over the next hour we watched three OSPREY, BOOTED EAGLE and good numbers of RED KITE flying around before we moved off north. Another CASPIAN TERN was noted before finally ending up near a dry area where 5 STONE CURLEW and a dozen LESSER SHORT-TOED LARKS finished of a great weekend.

WHERE THE PAGER TAKES US - 1st November 2009

For once the weather forecast was spot on, heavy rain and gale force winds. Not exactly the weather for a days’ birding. We started the day at Stanwell Moor where we eventually saw the long-staying BROWN SHRIKE perched in a small tree trying to avoid the worst of the rain and wind. At least three sightings of KINGFISHER were had as well as a brief one of RING-NECKED PARAKEET. Absolutely soaked through we headed off to Pegwell Bay in east Kent where a Fan-tailed Warbler had been early in the day but despite checking the area it was not seen again. Three RING-NECKED PARAKEETS, SPARROWHAWK and a mixture of waders including a large flock of GOLDEN PLOVER livened up the afternoon.

ISLES OF SCILLY - 17th – 23rd October

An excellent week of birding on the beautiful Isles of Scilly. Below is a brief summary of our visit

Saturday
Our first day produced good views of WRYNECK as well as three JACK SNIPE, two PRICKLY STICK INSECTS and juvenile COMMON ROSEFINCH.

Sunday
A pre-breakfast walk yielded six COMMON DOLPHIN and several CHIFFCHAFF. The rest of the day was spent on St. Martins where highlights included 1 MEDITERRANEAN GULL, BLACK REDSTART, 3 RING OUZELS, FIRECREST, SISKIN along with good numbers of BLACKCAP, CHIFFCHAFF, REDWING and several FIELDFARE. The journey back to St. Mary’s gave us good sightings of MERLIN, PEREGRINE and four WHIMBREL. We finished off the day watching a RICHARD’S PIPIT along with CATTLE EGRET, ARCTIC TERN and BLACK REDSTART.

Monday
After a few days it was apparent that there were plenty of BLACK REDSTARTS as they seemed to be everywhere! Four SPOONBILL were noted as well as five COMMON SCOTER, MEDITERRANEAN GULL and 2 COMMON REDSTART. A coffee stop had us watching a BLAIR’S MOCHA moth, a scarce visitor from southern Europe. We rounded off the afternoon watching a LEATHERBACK TURTLE in the choppy waters offshore.

Tuesday
The day was spent on St. Mary’s where highlights included 2 YELLOW-BROWED WARBLERS, summer plumage GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, PEREGRINE, FIRECREST, 3 BLACK REDSTART and excellent views of a RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER.

Wednesday
The day was spent on the small island of St. Agnes where the first bird seen was a flyover JACK SNIPE followed by a very close SNOW BUNTING. We managed to catch up with a juvenile ROSE-COLOURED STARLING as well as 6 WHOOPER SWAN, FIRECREST, 2 MERLINS and a PEREGRINE throughout various heavy showers.

Thursday
We spent our last full day on Tresco where the four SPOONBILLS flew over our heads and we had excellent sightings of 2 BRAMBLING and 2 LESSER REDPOLL amongst 150 CHAFFINCHES. Other notable sightings included 3 BLACK REDSTART, WATER RAIL and 15 GREENSHANK.

Friday
With rain forecast for late morning we visited a few local areas noting 2 FIRECREST including 1 amazing male and 2 more PRICKLY STICK INSECTS, then having lunch watching a MEDITERRANEAN GULL and WHEATEAR before catching our helicopter flight back to Penzance.

A brilliant week spent in the fresh sea air watching some exciting scarce birds.

NORFOLK MIGRATION – Sunday 11th October 2009

The day was started at Titchwell RSPB reserve where we headed off to see a Jack Snipe. As we walked along the boardwalk we heard a YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER calling close by. It was seen well for a short time before disappearing. From the Fen Hide, we had excellent views of the JACK SNIPE, which was later joined by a COMMON SNIPE making good ID comparisons. Walking along the path we saw two BEARDED TITS and plenty of waders including AVOCET, SPOTTED REDSHANK, RUFF, KNOT, DUNLIN and BLACK-TAILED GODWITS. On the beach we spotted two EIDER including a nice adult male, SANDERLING, BAR-TAILED GODWIT, GREY PLOVER and some very distant GANNETs. After lunch we went to Wells Woods where we watched a fine RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER feeding in some Silver Birches and a TREECREEPER, which some observers believe to be a northern race bird. A nice flock of REDWING flew west also. Our last site of the day was West Runton near Cromer. A walk along the coastal path produced close views of a LAPLAND BUNTING as it fed in a stubble field. Earlier in the day, birders had found a Short-toed Lark nearby but it was very elusive as it consorted with SKYLARKS and MEADOW PIPITS. Eventually we had flight views but they were far from ideal. Then the SHORT-TOED LARK returned and on noting where it landed and with careful scoping, re-found it producing good views for all before it scuttled off into the stubble. A COMMON BUZZARD was seen north of Norwich on the way home.

WHERE THE PAGER TAKES US – Saturday 10th October 2009

With south-easterly winds and heavy overnight rain we decided to head to the Suffolk Coast. Minsmere was our first port of call and we immediately walked down towards the sluice. A fine summer plumage RED-THROATED DIVER was offshore and a TREE PIPIT flew overhead calling. At the sluice we could hear a ‘crest’ which turned out to be a stonking FIRECREST. This was joined briefly by a second bird. Further along the path we were alerted by another birder who was watching yet another FIRECREST. We had excellent views as it fed in the canopy of a Sallow. Several BEARDED TITS were also noted as we passed an area of Sallows at the rear of East Hide. Here we located two more FIRECRESTS bringing up a total of 5. After a coffee at the centre, we went to Thorpeness where a Red-breasted Flycatcher had been reported. Directions were a bit confusing but we happily checked out a different area. Good numbers of SONG THRUSH & REDWING were noted along with a CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY. We enjoyed lunch on the clifftop in the sunshine before going the short distance to Sizewell. A walk along the front produced a small gathering of birders looking for a reported YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER. Eventually most of us had brief views of this warbler as it skulked in several bramble bushes. After a phone call from friends, we returned to the Thorpeness area and eventually had fantastic views of the RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER as it frequented a sheltered driveway. A Treecreeper was also seen bathing in a puddle – an excellent end to the day.

MIGRATION IN SUFFOLK - 3rd October 2009

We started the day at Bawdsey where the strong winds made birding hard work, nevertheless we managed to see a couple of CHIFFCHAFF in the Sueda and out to sea a juvenile GANNET sheared past. We had good views of a REDWING as it flew ‘in off’ and started feeding on the seaweed strewn shore. Small numbers of REDSHANK, GOLDEN PLOVER and RINGED PLOVER were spotted on the south shore of the Deben. The woods had plenty of ROBINS and several more REDWING were seen briefly. Moving on north, we checked out East Lane. Two HOUSE MARTINS flew over and on the lagoons were good numbers of WIGEON, TEAL, SHOVELER and GADWALL. With the wind getting stronger, we drove to Minsmere where we could get some shelter in the hides. The reserve was very quiet although highlights included a nice juvenile LITTLE STINT, also MARSH TIT, RED DEER, good numbers of MARSH HARRIER and two leucistic MOORHEN which originally looked good for Corncrake! We finished up at Sizewell where we had good views of two male STONECHATS.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ESSEX - 20th September 2009

With the weather looking good for migration, we headed northeast and started the day at Walton-on-the-Naze. A walk along the undercliff produced our first surprise in the form of two SNOW BUNTINGS that fed unconcerned a few feet away. A passage of HOUSE MARTINS, SWALLOWS and MEADOW PIPITS was taking place and ROBINS ‘ticked’ everywhere. Near the pond a GREY WAGTAIL flew over as well as an early REDWING. In the scrub we managed to find LESSER and COMMON WHITETHROATS and CHIFFCHAFF and near the sewage works we came across a party of four WHINCHATS and two STONECHATS. We headed up to the café for a coffee and cake before driving to Holland Haven. From the hide we watched two juvenile LITTLE STINTS, WOOD SANDPIPER, SNIPE, REED WARBLER and a WHINCHAT whilst along the beach we saw two WHEATEARS. After lunch we spent the afternoon at Abberton Reservoir. From the hides, good numbers of wildfowl were present and included PINTAIL, WIGEON, GADWALL and TEAL whilst the island yielded SPOTTED REDSHANK, BLACK-TAILED GODWIT and several SNIPE. Back at the centre a HOBBY flew over and a look from the causeways produced a juvenile SPOONBILL, which after a while flew south, also seen were LITTLE EGRET, SPOTTED REDSHANKS, GREENSHANK, RUFF, COMMON TERN and good numbers of LITTLE EGRETS.

SOUTHERN SWEDEN MIGRATION WEEKEND 2 - 12th – 13th September 2009

Saturday
We arrived in Denmark and took the journey over to Sweden in bright sunshine and very light winds. Several RED KITE and COMMON BUZZARD were noted from the motorway and we arrived at our first site in good time. Getting out of the vehicles, the sky was full with COMMON BUZZARDS as well as RED KITES and plenty of SPARROWHAWKS. We settled down for some raptor watching and not long after had a single ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD with the COMMON BUZZARDS. OSPREY was noted but the highlights were undoubtedly a SHORT-TOED EAGLE followed by a LESSER-SPOTTED EAGLE and then nine WHITE-TAILED EAGLES! HOBBY, HONEY BUZZARD and a couple more ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS were also seen. We then headed for a coffee and cake before driving inland. Another juvenile WHITE-TAILED EAGLE was seen well in flight before dropping down and several WHEATEARS gave good views in some ploughed fields. At a nearby lake we had brilliant views of a perched adult WHITE-TAILED EAGLE that gave the GREYLAG GEESE one hell of a scare as it flew around. A fine juvenile OSPREY flew by and on the lake a good selection of ducks were present including GOLDENEYE, POCHARD, WIGEON, TEAL and TUFTED DUCKS. We got to the accommodation before heading out for an evening meal in a local restaurant.

Sunday
We awoke early and headed down to the Falsterbo peninsula where several HONEY BUZZARDS were migrating. We birded the area in windy conditions with the occasional heavy shower noting over 100 SPARROWHAWKS and a few COMMON BUZZARDS. The pools by the sea had plenty of waders including GREY PLOVER, SPOTTED REDSHANK, GREENSHANK, KNOT, SANDERLING and BAR-TAILED GODWIT as well as 50 BARNACLE GEESE, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, EIDER and PINTAIL. A WHITE-TAILED EAGLE disturbed large numbers of CORMORANTS as it flapped over the dunes. Passerines were seen in small numbers and included COMMON CROSSBILL, SISKIN, GREY, WHITE and YELLOW WAGTAILS, WHEATEAR and a few TREE PIPITS, one of which had a lucky escape from an attacking female SPARROWHAWK. We went off to get a warming coffee and as we were taking a group photo a young PALLID HARRIER flew over. It was later seen migrating towards Denmark. Suitably refreshed, we walked along the coast taking shelter from the northeasterly wind. Another couple of ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS flew over with the usual COMMON BUZZARDS and RED KITES one of which gave an outstanding display as it flew past. An adult female HEN HARRIER flew over our heads going north and small parties of SWALLOWS were also seen. We tucked in to lunch and then went inland but as we drove north another WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew over. A flock of 35 COMMON CRANES flew over and a stop in an area of woodland produced REDSTART, SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, WHITETHROAT, LESSER WHITETHROAT and TREE SPARROW whilst the main part of the wood gave us views of over 60 COMMON CROSSBILL, northern race NUTHATCH, TREECREEPER and GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER and another two WHITE-TAILED EAGLES. Driving off we found at least four COMMON CROSSBILLS including one bright male above us. We made a brief stop at a lake and another flock of COMMON CRANES flew north. We then had a rendezvous to the west in search of a sought after bird in southern Sweden – Eagle Owl. After a time looking we had not found our quarry but suddenly we heard a male calling and careful searching produced both male and female EAGLE OWLS. We were treated to excellent views followed by them both flying past us to feed for the night. An brilliant end to the weekend.

SOUTHERN SWEDEN MIGRATION WEEKEND - 5th – 6th September 2009

Saturday
After a good flight we arrived in a wet Copenhagen and headed to Sweden via the magnificent Oresund Bridge. Heading south we saw our first Marsh Harrier along with some flyover Golden Plover and along the coast picked up some Greenshank and two female Eider. Arriving at our first site we set up amongst an area of trees and scanned the skies. It wasn’t long before several HONEY BUZZARDS flew over along with SPARROWHAWKS. Over the next couple of hours we enjoyed more excellent views of HONEY BUZZARDS including a flock of 12 as well as OSPREY, COMMON BUZZARD, HOBBY, KESTREL and MARSH HARRIERS. Hundred of TREE PIPITS and YELLOW WAGTAILS kept flying over and in the woodland we found at least 7 SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS along with a couple of REDSTARTS. Some WHINCHATS and WHEATEARS also kept us entertained. We stopped for a coffee and cake at our favourite bakery before heading inland. By now the wind had picked up and showers were more frequent but this did not stop us. Several RED KITE floated over the hillsides and we latched on to a small passage of HONEY BUZZARDS. Whilst sheltering from a shower an immature male GOSHAWK was spotted and on a lake we found GREAT CRESTED GREBE, TEAL, WIGEON, GADWALL, SHOVELER and in fields 11 COMMON CRANE. With the weather closing in we drove back to the accommodation and enjoyed a hot shower, then headed out for a great evening meal, before settling in for a good night’s sleep.

Sunday
The wind had eased slightly and the dark menacing clouds had all but gone on our journey down to Falsterbo. HONEY BUZZARDS were on the move early so it looked promising for the rest of the day. The air was alive with TREE PIPITS, YELLOW WAGTAILS and several flocks of COMMON CROSSBILLS flew over. Plenty of SPARROWHAWKS could be seen and a female MERLIN flashed past heading south along with PEREGRINE. GREENSHANK and a SNIPE frequented the reedy lagoons. At the most southerly point we located more waders consisting of LITTLE STINT, AVOCET, REDSHANK, CURLEW, BAR-TAILED GODWIT, RINGED & GREY PLOVER, LAPWING, COMMON SANDPIPER and a flyover GREEN SANDPIPER. A good flock of EIDER were also present. Other birds of note included two GREY WAGTAIL (not common in the area) COMMON BUZZARD and several OSPREY. Heading to a different location we saw plenty more HONEY BUZZARDS, SPARROWHAWKS along with smaller numbers of MARSH HARRIERS and OSPREYS. The migration then slowed on the coast so again we headed inland to search for Eagles. We hadn’t been looking for long before we spotted a near adult GOLDEN EAGLE soaring over the woods. A mass of HONEY BUZZARDS flew over numbering 91 birds – a magnificent sight! A migrating flock of COMMON CRANE were seen distantly and yet another OSPREY flew over. Another nearby site finally yielded us two distant immature WHITE-TAILED EAGLES with the now extremely numerous HONEY BUZZARDS streaming overhead. A search in woodland for Black Woodpecker produced a distant bird calling but it could not be relocated and the final destination of the weekend was on our way to the airport, where the whole group enjoyed brilliant views of a male EAGLE OWL. As we crossed back in to Denmark a PEREGRINE flew over the road almost hitting us in the progress. A superb finale to the weekend

WADERS IN NORFOLK – 23rd August 2009

The day began at Titchwell RSPB reserve where the management work on the new coastal project was in full swing. A SPARROWHAWK flew over the visitor centre and on the first of the pools we saw a good collection of wildfowl including SHOVELER, TEAL, RUDDY DUCK in eclipse plumage as well as several LITTLE EGRET. A GREEN SANDPIPER flew over and a COMMON SNIPE was seen distantly over the saltmarsh. From the brand new island hide there were plenty of waders although most were fairly distant and included KNOT, BAR-TAILED & BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, RUFF, GREENSHANK, REDSHANK, SPOTTED REDSHANK, CURLEW, GREY & GOLDEN PLOVER, RINGED & LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, AVOCET, DUNLIN and two CURLEW SANDPIPERS. Carrying on along the path we watched a COMMON SANDPIPER and some TURNSTONE before reaching the sea. The southerly winds made seawatching a disappointment but the highlights were up to 30 EIDER, SANDERLING, SANDWICH and a single COMMON TERN and a juvenile MARSH HARRIER in off the sea. We had lunch back at the centre where we noted MARSH TIT and a single GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER before heading east along the coast. Our first stop was at Stiffkey Fen where the wind was still blowing strong, making viewing difficult. A lone BRENT GOOSE was on the saltings and on the scrape we noted several more GREEN SANDPIPERS amongst the RUFF and BLACK-TAILED GODWITS. In a tidal creek we watched three GREENSHANK and two COMMON SANDPIPERS feeding. We ended up at Cley and viewed from the old visitor centre over the reserve. No new waders were added although we saw some distant GANNET over the sea and good views of a MARSH HARRIER.

NEW FOREST WEEKEND - 18th – 19th July 2009

Saturday
We got off to a good start with a splendid RED KITE as well as COMMON BUZZARD along the M3 before reaching the New Forest. Our first stop was overlooking the forest where we had very good views of a GOSHAWK and several flocks of COMMON CROSSBILLS flew over. REDSTARTS, BULLFINCH, STONECHAT and WILLOW WARBLERS were also seen. SPARROWHAWK and COMMON BUZZARDS showed well and a stunning male HONEY BUZZARD flew past at very close range giving us amazing views. Two HAWFINCH perched on top of a distant tree, but soon disappeared deep into the forest. We took a walk along a forest ride and on a bramble patch we watched a beautiful SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY as well as the more common butterflies and a BLACKCAP was also seen. SISKINS buzzed overhead and we located a flock of CROSSBILLS that gave brilliant scope views. Moving on to our next site we enjoyed lunch in the car park before taking a walk across a large area of heathland. The weather was very changeable with strong winds and showers, although we did manage to see SILVER-STUDDED BLUE BUTTERFLY and good numbers of REDSTARTS. We moved on to another site to try and get shelter but the heavens opened so we headed off to our accommodation for the night. An excellent meal was enjoyed by all and we all looked forward to the next day.

Sunday
The weather had improved but the wind was still very strong. We got to Blashford Lakes in bright sunshine and over the next few hours enjoyed excellent views of LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, COMMON TERN, HOBBY, GREY WAGTAIL, SISKIN and GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER amongst others whilst the warm sunshine brought the dragonflies out, the best being a SMALL RED-EYED DAMSELFLY and a BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLE. Pristine PAINTED LADIES fed on a Buddleia bush. Trying our luck for more dragonflies we visited a boggy stream but the area was quite dry, although we did see several GOLDEN-RINGED DRAGONFLIES, BEAUTIFUL and BANDED DEMOISELLE and a possible SCARCE BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY, which was seen briefly. We finished the day in a large area of Pine woodland where we had excellent views of FALLOW DEER and 24 COMMON CROSSBILLS including several bright males. The weekend was complete when three WOODLARK were spotted, including a single juvenile, which posed for all to get good views and photographs.

ROCKINGHAM FOREST & RUTLAND WATER – 12th July 2009

With persistant rain on our journey north, things were not looking too good for our mornings’ butterfly watching but as we reached Rockingham Forest the sun came out! A walk along a woodland ride produced several MEADOW BROWN butterflies and a calling MARSH TIT and NUTHATCH and it wasn’t long before a WHITE ADMIRAL was seen. We managed to scope a PURPLE HAIRSTREAK and then saw our main target – PURPLE EMPEROR. Over the next hour we had excellent views of up to 7 different individuals and took plenty of photos. BROWN & SOUTHERN HAWKERS were also noted. A superb RED KITE drifted over and on moving off for a comfort stop we saw another six, which included 4 together. We then headed to Rutland Water where we had lunch before heading off to see our next target – OSPREY. Good scope views were had and we also saw RUFF, GREENSHANK & CURLEW and another OSPREY high overhead. Moving round to the Egleton reserve we had stunning views of a female OSPREY perched close by and also LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. GREEN SANDPIPER, COMMON SANDPIPER and BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. We finished off the day with a visit to Fen Drayton RSPB reserve where we had good views of an adult WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN.

SALISBURY PLAIN – 4th July 2009

We started the day with a visit to the eastern side of Salisbury Plain military training area and almost the first bird we saw was a superb male MONTAGU’S HARRIER flying over the grassy plains. SKYLARKS were numerous and several family parties of MEADOW PIPITS were noted. MARBLED WHITE and DARK GREEN FRITILLARY BUTTERFLIES were also seen and good numbers of PYRAMIDAL ORCHID including one ssp. ALBA. COMMON BUZZARDS flew overhead. We then met up with the Great Bustard Group and split into two groups, one going to the hide whilst the other enjoyed a talk about the project. Both groups did well to see male and female GREAT BUSTARDS as well as STONECHAT, CORN BUNTING, KESTREL and the second group had views of a pair of STONE CURLEW. With lunch calling, we headed off past Stonehenge to the Langford Lakes reserve where the birding was rather quiet. Good numbers of dragonfly were seen including BANDED DEMOISELLE, BROWN HAWKER, and RED-EYED DAMSELFLY. We also found GREEN-FLOWERED HELLEBORINE and plenty of SCARLET TIGER MOTHS. We headed back to the plain to try a different area and took a walk on some high ground and found a female MONTAGU’S HARRIER. In a small plantation we had excellent views of a pair of TREE PIPITS, whilst more COMMON BUZZARDS flew overhead. A fine end to a great day.

MINSMERE & NIGHTJAR EVENING – 20th June 2009

We arrived at Minsmere and headed round to the East scrape where almost immediately we saw a superb ROSEATE TERN amongst over 300 SANDWICH and COMMON TERNS. This, a new bird for many was really savoured before it flew off. We did however find a different ROSEATE TERN amongst the COMMON TERNS. A lovely summer plumaged SPOTTED REDSHANK allowed good comparisons with a COMMON REDSHANK and a small flock of ISLANDICA BLACK-TAILED GODWITS showed well. A few LITTLE TERNS could be seen on the beach and from the public hide we saw 14 SPOTTED REDSHANKS. A CUCKOO flew over the reedbed and one of the group saw a female GREY WAGTAIL feeding young at the sluice. The pools to the south yielded both TEAL & WIGEON as well as a single GREENSHANK. We got to south hide and saw another ROSEATE TERN and had exceptionally good views of SANDWICH & COMMON TERNS and a single DUNLIN. The West hide produced over 15 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS and a single LITTLE GULL not to mention a ROSEATE TERN again! Arriving back at the centre, we indulged in some tea and cake before walking up to Dunwich Heath to check out a suitable looking patch of heather. Here we soon found a family party of DARTFORD WARBLERS that gave us all good views. Some STONECHATS were also noted. We popped into Bittern hide and had stunning views of a first summer HOBBY as well as some recently fledged MARSH HARRIERS. We then drove to Southwold for fish and chips before going back to Minsmere for the evening. Our arrival at Island Mere coincided with a heavy shower and a large hatch of insects over the reedbeds. Several more HOBBIES were seen along with a very brief WATER RAIL. It was drizzling as we reached the heath but the sound of several RED DEER calling brightened up the dull evening. Up to three STONE CURLEWS called nearby and we eventually heard our first NIGHTJAR as dusk fell. Two were seen briefly but just as things were looking good the rain started again. We did have more brief views before the light beat us. A nice GLOWORM gave some compensation and a TAWNY OWL flew over on the way home.

LA BRENNE - 12th – 15th June 2009

Friday
After a short flight we touched down in Poitiers to find warm sunshine and our first BLACK REDSTARTS of the weekend. Then heading off to a rendezvous point, we met our guide Nick who took us to a sand pit where we had excellent views of BEE-EATERS flying around their nesting holes along with plenty of SAND MARTINS. On nearby fences we found four RED-BACKED SHRIKES along with a TURTLE DOVE. Not far away we saw several LIZARD ORCHIDS and on the birding front a male CIRL BUNTING and a MELODIOUS WARBLER. A visit to a small pond gave us a fine show of SOUTHERN MARSH ORCHIDS along with a female HEN HARRIER and more BEE-EATERS .We then journeyed on to our hotel where we enjoyed a great meal before visiting the local bar for a nightcap.

Saturday
The pre-breakfast walk gave us plenty of singing SERINS, BLACK REDSTARTS and a singing male GOLDEN ORIOLE which we were unable to see. In the town square we watched HOUSE MARTINS and SWIFTS catching insects in the morning sun before breakfast. We then headed into the Brenne National Park for the day and on a lake saw our first WHISKERED TERNS, BLACK KITES, BLACK-WINGED STILTS and good numbers of ducks. Overhead the skies were busy with PURPLE HERONS flying to and fro, along with a few NIGHT HERONS and the bright sunshine encouraged butterflies such as LESSER PURPLE EMPEROR and WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK to show really well. Several COYPU swam on another lake and we had excellent views of more WHISKERED TERNS. Dragonflies here included SOUTHERN DARTER, SMALL EMERALD, and SOUTHERN EMERALD with several WHITE ADMIRALS flitting about. EDIBLE FROGS gave us good photo opportunities and we admired the local EUROPEAN POND TORTOISES, also numbers of HEATH FRITILLARIES, along with MARBLED FRITILLARIES could be seen in the dappled light. Then, from an adjacent wood a MIDDLE-SPOTTED WOODPECKER called and flew over us before disappearing in the forest. With the temperatures steadily rising we found a good place to look for raptors and located several more BLACK KITES, COMMON BUZZARDS, a high flying GREAT WHITE EGRET, a pair of RED-BACKED SHRIKES and a few LINNETS. By now we were peckish so we went to a large lake with nearly picnic tables and tucked in to a superb lunch. Several WESTERN BONELLI’S WARBLERS sang from the canopy along with NUTHATCH, SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, WOODLARK and best of all a superb MIDDLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER that gave us brilliant views as it sat in a tree eating a large grub. Could the day get any better? We decided to cool off and visit some shady woods and some good roadside verges. The orchids gave a good show with loads of FRAGRANT, GREATER BUTTERFLY and BEE ORCHIDS. Dragonflies included WHITE-LEGGED DAMSELFLY, LARGE RED DAMSELFLY and both BANDED & BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLES. A HONEY BUZZARD soared over briefly and both TREE PIPIT and MELODIOUS WARBLER gave us good views. Further into the forest, we visited a small chapel with an adjacent spring that was very refreshing during the hot day. Suddenly there was some excitement when a super GRIFFON VULTURE drifted overhead giving great views and with it, looking tiny by comparison, appeared to be a female MONTAGU’S HARRIER – Wow! A HONEY BUZZARD then drifted over followed by a COMMON BUZZARD. At our last site of the day we saw some BRENNE ORCHIDS and our first MARSH HARRIERS of the weekend along with NORFOLK HAWKER and KEELED SKIMMER DRAGONFLIES. Several GARDEN WARBLERS were elusive in the scrub and another GOLDEN ORIOLE was heard. Arriving back at the hotel, we enjoyed a great meal before going out on a Nightjar excursion. A wrong turning allowed some of the group to see a NIGHT HERON roost before reaching our destination. Several NOCTULE BATS and plenty more NIGHT HERONS flew over. One of the group managed good views of NIGHTJAR flying over the road but most of us had to be content with brief views. The biting insects also did really well!

Sunday
Our early morning walk eventually produced brief views of a pair of GOLDEN ORIOLES, GREY WAGTAILS and a singing male FIRECREST. Mammal interest was provided by a RED SQUIRREL. After breakfast we headed to a large lake where WHISKERED TERNS nested, along with BLACK-NECKED, LITTLE and GREAT CRESTED GREBES. Good numbers of ducks were seen with GADWALL being the most numerous, although a pair of RED-CRESTED POCHARD was good to see. Nesting BLACK-WINGED STILTS had several small chicks and a pair of YELLOW-LEGGED GULLS showed well. A visit to another nearby lake gave us absolutely stunning views of a pair of PURPLE HERONS feeding young on the nest but the highlight surely had to be at least 2 male and a female LITTLE BITTERN that flew several times across the front of the hide with a male stopping on the way, for all to see. 2 male GOLDEN ORIOLES flew past, one close enough to give good views. On our way back to the vehicles a female LITTLE BITTERN was spotted landing in a small tree. We then enjoyed lunch with the sight of SWALLOWS and several HOUSE MARTINS flying around us before moving to an area of woodland where we saw good numbers of RED HELLEBORINES, BROAD-LEAVED HELLEBORINES and several specimens of VIOLET LIMODORE that were past their best. Some MARSH TITS showed well and we did well to see 4 STICK INSECTS in the long grass and an ILEX HAIRSTREAK nearby. We rounded off the afternoon at several lakes where we found up to five GARGANEY, 30 RED-CRESTED POCHARD and plenty of BLACK-NECKED GREBES in summer plumage and at another lake we had very good views of a PURPLE HERON feeding in the shallows plus a male GOLDEN ORIOLE perched in a tree.

Monday
With the weather looking decidedly dodgy we headed around the village and managed fantastic views of a singing male FIRECREST before packing up and heading west. Our journey produced two NIGHT HERONS and two male MONTAGU’S HARRIERS before we met Nick again for the last time He took us to a site he had been watching recently and not long after arriving we found one of our targets – ORTOLAN BUNTING. Several males and a female were seen well and here we also saw male GREY PARTRIDGE and MELODIOUS WARBLER. A walk up the lane saw us watching a superb displaying male LITTLE BUSTARD as well as some fine LIZARD ORCHIDS. As we left the fields a STONE CURLEW was seen in flight. On our way to lunch, the rain had started falling so we popped in to an area of mixed woodland that looked good for Black Woodpecker. After a brief burst of us playing its call, we heard one call back but it never came close enough to see. With time getting on, we drove to our final reserve of the trip and had lunch before taking a walk. DARTFORD & GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS, MONTAGU’S HARRIER & TREE PIPIT were the pick of the birds and COMMON EMERALD DAMSELFLY, SMALL RED DAMSELFLY, PEARLY HEATH BUTTERFLY and several HEATH SPOTTED ORCHIDS rounded off a brilliant weekend.

STRUMPSHAW FEN – 7th June 2009

With weeks of lovely weather, we thought we were guaranteed a beautiful day in Norfolk, but to our dismay severe weather was forecast forcing us to change our plans to suit the weather. A breakfast stop in the Brecks produced good views of NUTHATCH and COAL TIT before we drove towards the north coast and our first stop provided good but distant views of a male MONTAGU’S HARRIER as well as several MARSH HARRIERS. By now rain had started to fall so we headed to our next site and within a few minutes were watching a superb BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE sitting in a field before it suddenly flew off, over a hedge. The heavens then opened and sent us scurrying back to the vehicles whilst a few of the group tried to relocate the bird. Eventually it flew again and passed close over our heads calling before heading back to its original field – excellent! Several AVOCET, LAPWING and RINGED PLOVER were also seen and a YELLOWHAMMER flew over. We popped in to Titchwell as the weather was decidedly dodgy and took a walk out to the Parrinder Hide. Four 1st summer LITTLE GULLS gave excellent views along with good numbers of BLACK-TAILED GODWITS including a Leucistic bird, RUFF, COMMON SANDPIPER and HOBBY. After lunch we decided to try our luck at Strumpshaw, arriving to find sunshine and clouds. A walk through the meadow yielded SOUTHERN MARSH and PUGSLEY’S ORCHID and a few COMMON SPOTTED, whilst near the car park were a few BEE ORCHIDS. Plenty of Marsh Harriers flew over the reedbeds but only PAINTED LADY and SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLIES were seen. Dragonflies were quite scarce with HAIRY DRAGONFLY and COMMON BLUE & BLUE TAILED DAMSELFLIES the only ones seen. An excellent day considering the weather.

FOREST OF DEAN WEEKEND – 23rd – 24th May 2009

Saturday
Our weekend started well with 28 RED KITES and up to 15 COMMON BUZZARDS seen from the M40. We reached the Forest in good time and headed for the RSPB reserve at Nagshead. Taking a walk through the woods we found a male and female PIED FLYCATCHER and further on had stunning close-ups of two singing male WOOD WARBLERS. NUTHATCHES and TREECREEPERS were also seen on our walk round. We drove a little away to a site that is good for Dipper and found a couple of female MANDARIN including one with ducklings before coming across a superb DIPPER sitting on the rocks. Some ponds nearby also gave good sightings of a male MANDARIN. At the raptor viewpoint New Fancy View we managed to see COMMON BUZZARD, SPARROWHAWK, SISKIN and a small flock of COMMON CROSSBILL very distantly and our last site of the day gave us really good views of a pair of REDSTART that performed right in front of us. A fine end to the day.

Sunday
We started the day at Symonds Yat watch point where two adult PEREGRINES. SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS, COMMON BUZZARDS and a single SPARROWHAWK were seen and we had brilliant views of an immature male GOSHAWK right overhead and then at eye level, before it dropped like a stone down through the trees – Wow! The temperature was getting pretty warm so we enjoyed a celebratory cold drink in the shade and then took a walk around a nearby plantation where we found TREE PIPIT collecting food and also heard NIGHTJAR churring in the middle of the day! It was then decided to go back to Nagshead reserve to try and see more Pied Flycatchers and we had two pairs including a male that sat in the sunshine for all to admire. SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS were also seen. Our journey home was finished off with the sight of 16 RED KITES from the motorway. A great weekend was had with absolutely perfect weather.

THE CAMARGUE IN SPRING – 16th – 19th May 2009

Saturday
On meeting at Stansted we took the early evening flight to Montpellier, where we arrived to a warm evening and plenty of SWIFTS, SWALLOWS, HOUSE MARTIN and CHICKEN around the terminal! The transfer to our hotel took approx 45 minutes and as we stepped out of the vehicles a Barn Owl flew overhead. We then sat down to a very welcome late meal followed by the sight of another BARN OWL and the sound of TAWNY OWL calling nearby.

Sunday
An early morning walk before breakfast produced HOBBY, BLACK-WINGED STILT, numerous MEDITERRANEAN GULLS constantly flew overhead as well as four BEE-EATERS on wires and both CATTLE & LITTLE EGRETS. After breakfast, we headed out to the Camargue and had only got a little way, when an adult NIGHT HERON flew overhead. The marshes produced plenty of PURPLE HERONS flying to and fro over the reedbeds, GREAT WHITE EGRET, a fine SQUACCO HERON, six GLOSSY IBIS and a GULL-BILLED TERN. Further along the road we had a small flock of BLACK TERNS move though, although the highlight here was a flock of five COLLARED PRATINCOLE, which flew past before disappearing in the distance. A fine male KINGFISHER perched for all to see and we had excellent views of several ASHY-HEADED WAGTAILS. A quick comfort break provided us with STONECHAT, WHITE STORK on the nest and a brief TURTLE DOVE. Heading off south, a large area of marsh gave us the chance to see some raptors which included a pale phase BOOTED EAGLE, BLACK KITE, COMMON BUZZARD, MARSH HARRIER and a female MONTAGU’S HARRIER. We also found some excellent LIZARD ORCHIDS. With lunch calling, we visited an area of saltpans where we located several fine adult SLENDER-BILLED GULLS. We had lunch overlooking the pans where we enjoyed the sight of GREATER FLAMINGO’S along with both COMMON and LITTLE TERNS. Another nearby pan gave us a chance to find a mixed flock of waders with KENTISH PLOVERS, RINGED PLOVERS, TURNSTONE, DUNLIN, LITTLE STINT and 4 CURLEW SANDPIPERS moulting into summer plumage and over 100 SANDWICH TERNS roosting on the sand bars. The Camargue is famous for its nesting GREATER FLAMINGO’S so we could not resist visiting a lake that is home to over 40,000 pairs of these great birds. It was great to see them flying overhead giving their goose like ‘honk’ calls. Later we discovered a brilliant adult SPOONBILL feeding very close to us, BLACK-WINGED STILTS and more BLACK TERNS but the highlight was a pair of exquisite ROLLERS, which obliged by sitting right out in the open making a fine end to the day.

Monday
The early morning walk produced some highlights which included MELODIOUS WARBLERS singing and giving good views, a brilliant male RED-BACKED SHRIKE, ROLLER, two GULL-BILLED TERNS, BLACK REDSTARTS and PURPLE HERON and all this five minutes walk from the hotel. We spent the morning in the area known as La Crau and this did not disappoint with another male RED-BACKED SHRIKE, WOODCHAT SHRIKE, several TAWNY PIPITS, a female HEN HARRIER, a cracking male MONTAGU’S HARRIER, over 150 BLACK KITES, a 2nd summer male RED-FOOTED FALCON, SHORT-TOED LARK, WHINCHAT, GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO, up to 15 LITTLE BUSTARDS and STONE CURLEW amongst the highlights. Lunch was had in the Limestone mountain range of Les Alpilles where we found a picnic site in the shade. We took a walk to a radar station and didn’t get far before we had brilliant views of three CRESTED TITS. SOUTHERN WHITE ADMIRAL BUTTERFLIES and both SCARCE and COMMON SWALLOWTAIL butterflies. A pair of RAVENS ‘cronked’ overhead but otherwise the woods were a little quiet due to the soaring temperatures. As we neared the top, a cool breeze blew through giving some welcome relief. Up to six ALPINE SWIFT were seen and on the plateau at the top were DARTFORD, SARDINIAN and SUBALPINE WARBLERS. For the rest of the day back at La Crau a SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE was added to our day’s shrike tally and we had good views of STONE CURLEWS. We enjoyed another delicious evening meal before retiring for the night.

Tuesday
Our last early morning walk came up trumps again with a super male LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER, a single GLOSSY IBIS, 3 NIGHT HERONS, FAN-TAILED WARBLER and excellent views of three MELODIOUS WARBLERS being the highlights. We had decided to go back to La Crau as the morning is a good time to see Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and our walk yielded several SHORT-TOED LARKS, BLACK KITE, SHORT-TOED EAGLE, HOOPOE and then suddenly two PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE flew past calling before dropping down in long grass not to be seen again. Good views of STONE CURLEW and LITTLE BUSTARD were had as well as two LESSER KESTRELS. The temperature by now was in the eighties so we headed back to the vehicles, following a nearby stream which held delights such as COPPER DEMOISELLES, WHITE-TAILED SKIMMER and EMPEROR & LESSER EMPEROR DRAGONFLIES. Good numbers of BLACK KITES were present and another ROLLER was seen briefly. On our way to the lunch stop we found another SHORT-TOED EAGLE hunting over the rice fields. The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting some marsh and reedbeds were we enjoyed views of WHISKERED TERNS, more GLOSSY IBIS, NIGHT HERONS and RED-CRESTED POCHARDS as well as all the usual herons and egrets. After packing our bags into the vehicles we headed off toward Montpellier noting a male MONTAGU’S HARRIER, BLACK REDSTART and our last GREATER FLAMINGO’S of the weekend. Fantastic weather, food and drink as well as brilliant birds and company made this a weekend to remember.

100 SPECIES AT MINSMERE – 10th May 2009

We started the day on Westleton Heath where we soon had good views of DARTFORD WARBLER and two singing male WOODLARKS also various other heathland birds before arriving on the main part of the reserve. A very showy NIGHTINGALE gave good views along with SEDGE WARBLER, WHITETHROAT and a brief CETTI’S WARBLER. The scrape held a fine male GARGANEY, both BAR & BLACK-TAILED GODWITS, DUNLIN, SPOTTED REDSHANK, GREENSHANK, TURNSTONE. Several MEDITERRANEAN GULLS were seen with the hordes of nesting BLACK-HEADED GULLS and good numbers of both LITTLE and COMMON TERNS were present on the many islands. The levels held LITTLE EGRETS and a single COMMON SANDPIPER also plenty of MARSH HARRIERS and a single HOBBY was seen over the reedbed. Whilst enjoying lunch we had good views of HAIRY DRAGONFLY and a single GREEN HAIRSTREAK. The other scrape hides were quiet so we headed off into the woodland. We had excellent views of a male REDSTART singing from a tree before it disappeared and also good sightings of both BLACKCAP and GARDEN WARBLER. The rest of the day produced plenty of good birds and we finished up at Sizewell watching the nesting KITTIWAKES and a flyby group of COMMON SCOTER. Our final total for the day was 99 species seen and 2 just heard (BITTERN & WATER RAIL). An enjoyable day was had by all in mostly sunshine, but also in a keen wind as the day went on, making viewing a challenge!

PORTLAND BILL WEEKEND 2nd – 3rd May 2009

Saturday
Leaving bright and early, we headed down to Portland Bill and after parking were soon watching a stunning 1st summer male COLLARED FLYCATCHER. With only 28 previous records in the UK it was a popular bird and we enjoyed good but brief views as it fed in an Apple and a Sycamore tree. Plenty of HOUSE MARTINS & SWALLOWS hawked over the nearby rooftops. A walk along the coast road and cliffs produced singing WHITETHROAT and a single WILLOW WARBLER although the fine sunny weather produced little in the way of migrants. We enjoyed lunch overlooking the sea and noted FULMAR, COMMON BUZZARD hunting over the hillside and several more Swallows coming in off the sea. Moving down to the Bill we took a walk to the cliff edge and were not disappointed as we had good views of RAZORBILL, GUILLEMOT, FULMAR, KITTIWAKE, GANNET, plenty of views of at least four PUFFINS, also nearby some obliging ROCK PIPITS and a couple of fly-through WHIMBRELS. We took a walk around the top fields and came across plenty of WHEATEARS that gave excellent views. There was little else present so we headed back towards the cliff top path where several OYSTERCATCHER and a single TURNSTONE were feeding in the rock pools. Good views of ROCK PIPITS were had once again before enjoying a cup of tea at the café. We then left Portland and drove the short distance to Ferrybridge where up to six LITTLE TERNS, RINGED PLOVER and a small flock of DUNLIN frequented the muddy shore. Our last port of call for the day was Radipole Lake where the HOODED MERGANSER fished in a small channel near the carpark. This bird had been found the previous autumn in a storm drain near Weymouth and been released at Radipole to recuperate. There is a good chance that this is a wild bird but anyway it is a real cracker! We then checked in at out hotel before enjoying our evening meal.

Sunday
An early morning walk at Lodmoor RSPB reserve was superb in the early morning sun and although a little cold we did see SEDGE and CETTI’S WARBLERS, two DUNLIN in summer plumage and eight WHIMBREL which flew overhead. There were good numbers of COMMON TERNS on the shingle islands and a small flock of SWIFT fed in the skies. After a hearty breakfast we drove back down to Portland for a seawatch. The north-westerly was pushing the birds out past the bill but we still managed to see several MANX SHEARWATERS, FULMAR, GANNET, KITTIWAKE and both GUILLEMOT and RAZORBILL whilst plenty of SWALLOW, a single GOLDFINCH and a SWIFT came in off the sea. After checking in at the Bird Observatory to see what was about, we drove up to Verne Common to take a walk around the scrub areas and quarries. Several WHITETHROATS sung along with a pair of YELLOWHAMMER. A PEREGRINE was spotted soaring and on the road back a dead ADDER was a sad sight. After picking up lunch we took a walk around Radipole where we again saw the HOODED MERGANSER, also CETTI’S, REED and SEDGE WARBLERS, MARSH HARRIER and SPARROWHAWK. The cool wind kept many small birds down so we made the decision to head home, stopping in at Wareham to look for a reported Ring-necked Duck. As we walked along the track towards the pits one of the group noted a raptor overhead which turned out to be a stunning OSPREY and further along we found the lake and soon the RING-NECKED DUCK, asleep with several TUFTED DUCK which gave good comparisons for ID. With time running out we stopped in the New Forest for Redstart but they may have gone to roost by this time. A great weekend with excellent weather throughout and some brilliant birds.

SPANISH PYRENEES 24th – 27th April 2009

Friday
We all met at Stansted, the flight leaving on time to touch down at Zaragoza at about 2230. We arrived on time near midnight at Boletas Birdwatching Centre in the small village of Loporzano. It had not been a birdless journey and we already had LONG-EARED OWL before hitting the sack, the first of Saturday’s birds were under the belt with singing NIGHTINGALE, QUAIL and the hoped for ‘pooping’ of a SCOPS OWL.

Saturday
The pre-breakfast walk was an eye opener with NIGHTINGALE and QUAIL still going strong but with the addition of CORN BUNTINGS, 70 BEE-EATERS, SPOTLESS STARLINGS, ROCK and HOUSE SPARROWS and a pair of WHITE STORKS. A HOOPOE sang and WHITETHROAT and our first female SUBALPINE were noted. MARSH HARRIER, BLACK and RED KITES and even a SHORT-TOED EAGLE were seen before the first GRIFFONS VULTURES were on the wing. After breakfast we headed to the nearby cemetery where we found two EGYPTIANS VULTURES and two cracking immature GOLDEN EAGLES, CHOUGH, SERIN, CRESTED LARKS and a BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR. Both SARDINIAN and SPECTACLED WARBLERS were heard. A short walk produced HOOPOE, SUBALPINE WARBLER, a smart WOODCHAT SHRIKE, a pair of SHORT-TOED EAGLES and a pale-morph BOOTED EAGLE that glided just overhead. WOODLARK, TAWNY PIPIT and more ROCK SPARROWS were also seen. LAMMERGEIER was the quarry at our next site and it did not disappoint with stunning fly by views showing every detail. Over the crags we saw KESTREL, PEREGRINE, ROCK DOVE, CRAG MARTIN, ALPINE SWIFT. BLACK REDSTART, SERIN, FIRECREST and a BLUE ROCK THRUSH was heard. A short stop on the way back out of the valley added cracking views of a singing male MELODIOUS WARBLER. A little further on, we pulled over to watch some stunningly close BEE-EATERS and ended up spending over an hour exploring the area. Two BONELLI’S WARBLERS trilled from the canopy and a pair of PIED FLYCATCHERS were seen in the same tree. A nearby ruined castle were home to both BLACK and BLACK-EARED WHEATEARS while two NORTHERN WHEATEARS and a pair of THEKLA LARKS were seen With rain storms rushing through and thunder rolling we opted to try and outrun it and headed west to a large lake. The drive in produced our first CALANDRA LARK. The lake itself was quite disappointing with nothing bar a GREAT CRESTED GREBE, some COOTS and a couple of RED-CRESTED POCHARDS on it and two each LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and REDSHANK around the edges. The area where we parked was full of birds and we saw our first HOOPOE, CUCKOO, TREE PIPITS, a female CIRL BUNTING, WHITE and YELLOW WAGTAILS flew over. Three TAWNY PIPITS showed well but a WRYNECK was only seen very briefly in flight and we had superb views of an OSPREY. After dinner of epic proportions and the bird log over we headed back out into the village in search of the SCOPS OWLS and after some perseverance we were rewarded with excellent views on top of one of the trees in the town square. At least four were heard in the area as well as a TAWNY OWL, two screeching BARN OWLS, a buzzing SAVI’S WARBLER in the valley bottom and various crickets and frogs. Pure magic!

Sunday
The pre-breakfast walk produced much the same with the addition of a TURTLE DOVE. The journey south to the steppes saw us watching a Stork colony and allowed time for a short walk that provided views of THEKLA LARK, MELODIOUS WARBLER and a bouncing FAN-TAILED WARBLER. A stop at a nearby river yielded MARSH HARRIER, BLACK KITE and OSPREY. A GREY HERON, and COMMON SANDPIPER were on the river. On the steppes itself we saw a single STONE CURLEW flew through. GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO, two SOUTHERN GREY and the star of the show a male SPECTACLED WARBLER that displayed just in front. A short drive to our lunch time stop on the other side of the road was enlivened by our first black-throated BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR. Within seconds were surrounded by the cacophony of singing larks with CRESTED keeping to the roadsides and round-winged CALANDRAS literally by the dozen as far as the eye could see. The dark underwings made them look even bigger at a distance and the slow display song flight was quite un-lark like. A walk along the road also added singing TAWNY PIPIT and our first scratchy SHORT-TOED LARKS. Two of us managed to get onto two BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE before they landed out of sight. Within minutes more funny bubbling sounds were heard and over the next hour 52 PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE flew across the road in groups of up to 22 and we were even able to scope them in a distant field. Three pairs of GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOOS were patrolling the area and one pair came very close. To round things up nicely four LITTLE BUSTARDS were seen briefly when spooked by a passing MARSH HARRIER. Onwards, we still did very well with a displaying male LITTLE BUSTARD and there were many COMMON and one male LESSER KESTREL. We then visited a small lagoon where we saw a fine Great Reed Warbler. A host of wildfowl were present including our first LITTLE GREBES, POCHARD, SHOVELER and GADWALL as well as a few smart RED-CRESTED POCHARDS and at least 55 dapper BLACK-NECKED GREBES. Over the lake we saw 27 WHISKERED and a single BLACK TERN while BLACK-HEADED GULLS, an adult MED GULL and a single COMMON TERN all dropped in. At our last site of the day we found PURPLE HERON, 25 CATTLE EGRETS, 15 more WHISKERED and two BLACK TERNS and a cute female REDSTART. We all slept very well after another great meal.

Monday
With overnight rain, we had high hopes of a good morning in the local area and it started well with two GRASSHOPPER and SUBALPINE WARBLERS, a BONELLI’S WARBLER and best of all a huge male ORPHEAN WARBLER that chattered away in the olives. Breakfast then off up to the cemetery where we managed to spend the next three hours. A quick glance back onto the cemetery wall and a female ROCK THRUSH popped into view and showed wonderfully for over ten minutes. A real bonus. Warblers were obviously new in here as well with at least six more singing ORPHEANS (and more excellent views, a MELODIOUS and two more BONELLI’S. Two pairs of WOODCHAT SHRIKE entertained with the males singing quite musically. Two male GOLDEN ORIOLES flew across the valley. The first initially landed in a bush not ten feet from where we were all crouched down looking at a Small Blue Butterfly. With a couple of hours left we descended into the valley bottom (via a female RED-BACKED SHRIKE on a wire) where the migrant-fest continued. No sooner were we out of the vehicles than a WRYNECK started singing in the willow behind and it was eventually seen. The river edge was heaving with birds and we quickly clocked up at least 12 PIED FLYCATCHERS, our first SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS, 10 BLACKCAP, 6 GARDEN WARBLER, 2 MELODIOUS WARBLERS, 12 WILLOW WARBLER, CHIFFCHAFF, 2 BONELLI’S WARBLERS and 7 NIGHTINGALES After lunch we packed and said our farewells before heading back towards Zaragoza but not wanting to waste a moment of birding opportunity we revisited the large lake to add three species to the trip list with a GREENSHANK, CORMORANT and surprisingly 12 high flying GLOSSY IBISES. The drive to the airport was good with many BLACK KITES, another BOOTED EAGLE, WHITE STORKS and a GREAT WHITE EGRET in a flooded field and a swirling flock of what were reliably told would be PALLID SWIFTS over the city! Once again an amazing few days with almost all of the targets acquired, wonderful weather, great company and many memories.

SPANISH PYRENEES 17th – 20th April 2009

Friday
We all met at Stansted during the late afternoon for our early evening flight to Zaragoza. The flight was on time and we were soon on our way around the city and on to our base for the weekend at Boletas Birdwatching Centre.

Saturday
We awoke to a fine morning, the pre-breakfast walk producing SPOTLESS STARLINGS and the incredibly common CORN BUNTING. Good numbers of SERIN’S sang along the quiet lanes and a distant COMMON BUZZARD was seen. Three fine adult EGYPTIAN VULTURES flew over our heads and we were to find over 50 BEE-EATERS, the first of the year in the area. A very brief SARDINIAN WARBLER was spotted along with a male WHITETHROAT and the air was alive with SWALLOWS and a few HOUSE MARTINS. We enjoyed a welcome breakfast before heading off for the day. At our first site we had good views of BLACK WHEATEAR, TAWNY PIPIT, CRESTED LARK, GRIFFON VULTURE, WOODCHAT SHRIKE, BLACK REDSTART plus much more before moving off to a nearby dam. Several SUBALPINE WARBLERS frequented the rocky edges flitting from bush to bush and good numbers of CRAG MARTIN could be seen nesting on the crags. Massive numbers of GRIFFON VULTURES soared around the rocks and we were lucky so see a male MONTAGU’S HARRIER migrating very high over the cliffs. PEREGRINE and a couple of pale phase BOOTED EAGLES were also seen. At the dam itself we struck gold with a superb male WALLCREEPER in full summer plumage creeping around a rock face feeding on insects and all enjoyed excellent views of this brilliant bird before it flew on to the opposite side of the cliff face. Several RAVENS flew over and we headed back to the vehicles for lunch. Suddenly an adult LAMMERGEIER came in low over our heads and the views we had of this magnificent bird were amazing and after drifting off, it again reappeared for an encore. To cap it all off, we had good views of a male FIRECREST singing in the pines next to us. After all this excitement we headed back down the road but didn’t get far before a flock of RED-BILLED CHOUGH flew past, some distant DARTFORD WARBLERS perched atop a bush and a SHORT-TOED EAGLE hunted over the hillside. Moving on to a ruined castle where the scrub produced at least two singing male SPECTACLED WARBLERS including one showy individual as well as BLACK WHEATEAR, a splendid male BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR and several NORTHERN WHEATEARS. The rest of the afternoon was spent at a reservoir, where we found several HOOPOE, RED-CRESTED POCHARD, GREENSHANK, REDSHANK and a pair of LITTLE RINGED PLOVER as well as another SUBALPINE WARBLER and on our way there we saw a close GOLDEN EAGLE being mobbed by the side of the road. We enjoyed our cooked meal in the evening before settling down for a good nights rest.

Sunday
The early morning walk yielded the usual BEE-EATERS and more BLACK KITES than the previous day whilst up to four NIGHTINGALES sang from the river. After breakfast, we headed south to an area know as Los Monegros. On our way there, we stopped for some particularly photogenic WHITE STORKS and whilst there, found CETTI’S and WILLOW WARBLERS and a TURTLE DOVE. We drove on and diverted on to one of many tracks that cover the area and continued to find good numbers of BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR as well as THEKLA LARK. We stopped and almost immediately had two BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE fly past and then a flock of PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE did the same – what a start to the day! Up to four STONE CURLEW frequented the area and one was seen well. Plenty of CALANDRA LARKS and a few SHORT-TOED LARK were seen with some YELLOW WAGTAILS of the race Flavissima and Iberiae. A small flock of ALPINE SWIFT flew through along with three HOBBIES and another close hunting SHORT-TOED EAGLE. We tucked in to lunch near a barn that had nesting CHOUGH and in the Almond trees nearby we watched two GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO. We then spotted another SPECTACLED WARBLER, LITTLE OWL and a female KESTREL that was quite likely a LESSER. From here we headed for a small lagoon where three PURPLE HERONS, 20 BLACK-NECKED GREBES, over 100 RED-CRESTED POCHARD, 3 GREAT REED WARBLERS, FAN-TAILED WARBLER, 10 BEE-EATERS and two BLACK-HEADED GULLS were amongst the highlights. As usual, time was running out so we headed back along the road when two STONE CURLEW flew up close by and then a little further on, we saw two LITTLE BUSTARD in flight. We quickly popped in to look at another lake and saw up to eight PURPLE HERONS! We again enjoyed another fantastic meal washed down with the local wine before heading out to the village to look for Scops Owl. As we searched the streets, we saw two BARN OWLS and heard the SCOP’S OWL but due to dropping temperatures, it didn’t show.

Monday
An early start this morning to head up to some of the ski resorts close to the French border. Both RED and BLACK KITES were seen on the way and as we neared the French border we found MISTLE THRUSH and YELLOWHAMMER before spotting several summer plumaged WATER PIPITS. We parked and immediately located a flock of 29 ALPINE CHOUGH feeding in the snow and then luck was on our side when one of the group found a stunning male ROCK THRUSH. This amazing bird showed really well allowing many photographs to be taken. Up to five ALPINE ACCENTORS showed well on the gravel paths and a DUNNOCK was seen to show good comparison between the species. The weather was fantastic up there and we got good scope views of a magnificent GOLDEN EAGLE soaring with the snow-covered peaks as a backdrop. Coming back down the valleys we stopped at a likely looking bridge and almost immediately found BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER, GREY WAGTAIL and a ROCK SPARROW. Just about to leave and an adult LAMMERGEIER flew close overhead with a RED KITE for size comparison. We needed to be back for lunch but couldn’t resist heading up to a Monastery where the drive was a little hairy to say the least. We eventually got to the top only to find a chap with a chainsaw cutting trees. We could hardly hear any birds although we did see NUTHATCH, COAL TIT and ROBIN. Cutting our losses we began our drive back to Boletas using a different route and had only got a little way when we found a male and female CITRIL FINCH feeding on the road. Absolutely elated, we arrived a little late and really tucked in to our three-course lunch before leaving for the airport and our flight home. A brilliant weekend with some great, great birding.

THE BRECKS – 6th April 2009

We started the day off at a site within the Brecks where we had good views of several singing male WOODLARKS along with up to eight YELLOWHAMMER, STONECHAT, SKYLARK and some flyover SISKINS. As the morning warmed up, we spotted our first SPARROWHAWK, quickly followed by a COMMON BUZZARD – things were looking good! Several minutes later we saw a male GOSHAWK with up to three more Sparrowhawks. The goshawk displayed for several minutes before drifting further away. We also watched A RED-TAILED HAWK, which later drifted over the woodland. A distant male CROSSBILL was heard flying over and then seen landing on a tree top, it’s red colour showing in the sun. We moved off to Santon Downham where things were a little quiet. We did, however manage to see NUTHATCH, MARSH TIT and brief views of a female LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Lynford Arboretum was equally quiet with no sign of Hawfinches so we moved south to an area where we had excellent views of two STONE CURLEW, COMMON CURLEW and a fine male WHEATEAR. On Cavenham Heath we had brilliant views of WOODLARK on the east heath along with a very entertaining STOAT that darted in and out of rabbit holes, totally stunning the rabbits, which just sat and watched. On our way to our last site, Lackford Lakes, we saw a fine pair of fine GREY PARTRIDGE near to the edge of the road and from the hide at Lackford, a pair of PINTAIL, LITTLE RINGED PLOVER and good numbers of TEAL were seen. A good day in the Brecks.

PAGHAM HARBOUR - 28th March 2009

The forecast for the day wasn’t brilliant but we managed to escape with only a shower. On arrival at Pagham Harbour visitor centre we walked along the west shore towards Church Norton. Three COMMON BUZZARDS were seen over the woods and good numbers of WIGEON and several TEAL were on Sidlesham Ferry Pool. The tide was coming in as we walked along the seawall noting KNOT, GREY PLOVER, DUNLIN, CURLEW and REDSHANK roosting on the marsh. Several SWALLOWS were seen flying north and four MEDITERRANEAN GULLS flew by, their all white wings glistening in the sunlight. MEADOW PIPITS and a SKYLARK were seen and heard but the strong northwesterly kept most passerines down. As we neared Church Norton, a male PEREGRINE flew low chasing waders before giving up and a small number of BRENT GEESE still remained in the harbour, the majority of the wintering birds already having left for summer. We enjoyed lunch in the sunshine on the shingle bank and saw up to eight RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, small numbers of GREAT CRESTED GREBES and a single female COMMON SCOTER. We were then given some information about a WHEATEAR and soon located the bird albeit distantly. We then headed back towards the visitor centre and had another look on Ferry Pool where we found two more male WHEATEARS and then drove round to the east side to explore the Breech Pool where a Garganey had been reported. We searched thoroughly but could not find the said duck although we did have great views of COMMON SNIPE, a brief CETTI’S WARBLER and PINTAIL in the harbour, also over 30 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS could be seen. A male SPARROWHAWK gave very good views overhead and several more SWALLOWS finished off a good day.

OWLS & WOODPECKERS – SWEDEN 20th – 22nd March 2009

Friday
We flew in to Stockholm Vasteras airport late evening and met our guide for the weekend before heading north to an area of Aspen & Spruces that is good for Ural Owl. Two Badgers crossed the road, no doubt just out of hibernation and after we parked and listened, we eventually heard both male and female URAL OWLS before heading to our accommodation.

Saturday
Up and out at 5.45am as WHOOPER SWANS flew over calling in the still, cold morning air. We drove a little way before taking a path into the forest. Good numbers of GOLDENEYE and several GOOSANDER were on the river and as we walked through it became obvious that EUROPEAN BEAVER’S were common in the area as plenty of trees had been gnawed away. We found more trees damaged but this time it was the work of BLACK WOODPECKERS. Our guide mimicked Pygmy Owl and as if by magic one appeared, the PYGMY OWL calling just above our heads and giving excellent views as it called. Several GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS called in the distance as well as a GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER whilst on the river we saw three WHITE-TAILED EAGLES on the ice. A LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER was seen briefly before we heard another woodpecker drumming, a woodpecker flew away and was quickly re-located, a superb WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER! We watched this very rare Swedish bird for several minutes before it flew off. Northern race NUTHATCH plus BLUE and GREAT TITS were seen along with a TREECREEPER. We carried on to an area where we heard yet another WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER but the stars of the show were certainly two, possibly three THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS. These woodpeckers gave us fantastic views as they fed close by. WILLOW TIT and COAL TIT came to feeders and as we headed back a MINK was seen on the ice. We finished off with a COMMON CRANE flying over distant woods. What a morning and all before breakfast! We stopped nearby for a picnic breakfast before driving north to a large area of pine woodland noting a BLACK WOODPECKER on the way. We had been out of the vehicles at least thirty seconds when three SIBERIAN JAYS flew in and we had brilliant views of these around us as they gave good photographic opportunities. We then had a barbecue in the snow, which was excellent! A walk around the area yielded two brief views of HAZEL HEN as well as CRESTED TIT and on heading back near the vehicles we found the SIBERIAN JAYS had increased in number to five birds and continued to show really well. We then returned south to look for Hawk Owl but with no success although we did see BLACK GROUSE, GREAT GREY SHRIKE, GOSHAWK and two adult WHITE-TAILED EAGLES. Heading off to our last destination, again noting BLACK WOODPECKER we finished the day in the forest where we had good views of a male EAGLE OWL calling from top of a pine tree. Our evening meal went down a treat and we all slept very well.

Sunday
We were out at 5.30am this morning as we tried to locate Grey-headed Woodpecker. On our way towards the site, a male CAPERCAILLIE was seen perched on top of a pine and we arrived to the sound of ‘bubbling’ BLACK GROUSE. A GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen briefly but we failed to locate it in an area of Aspens. We did however, have excellent views of GREEN, GREAT SPOTTED, BLACK and LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKERS. The snow had frozen and made spotting of footprints in the snow very easy. Moose footprints were common and some prints may have been from a Wolverine. Carrying on, we found two singing WOODLARK and good numbers of RAVEN and COMMON BUZZARDS. We revisited the site where we had heard URAL OWL on Friday but could not locate the adults although several feathers and a pellet near a nestbox showed that they were somewhere close by. Moving south through different habitats produced a cracking ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD as well as COMMON CRANE and several small flocks of TAIGA BEAN GEESE. We eventually found a large flock of TAIGA BEAN GEESE as well as WHITE-FRONTED and a single PINK-FOOTED GOOSE with a family party of WHOOPER SWANS on the opposite side of the road. Lunch was had at another site for HAWK OWL but again we couldn’t locate this scarce winterer although more COMMON CRANES and two WOODLARK were found. A large lake was checked out and we found a single first winter BRENT GOOSE in a mixed flock and several TEAL in the MALLARD flock and six more COMMON CRANES. We carried on back towards Vasteras but by now snow had started to fall heavily and the temperature dropped rapidly. We visited a feeding area which produced MARSH, BLUE, GREAT and a party of beautiful northern race LONG-TAILED TITS with a pair of GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER before conditions took a turn for the worse and we decided to head for the airport for our flight home.

EXTREMADURA 13th – 16th March 2009

Friday
We all met at Stansted Airport for our flight to Madrid’s Barajas Airport. As we came in to land we flew over a WHITE STORK and saw another two soaring over the airport, let’s hope they had clearance from air traffic control! We were soon on our way towards Extremadura and on our journey noted several GRIFFON VULTURES, 2 BLACK-WINGED STILTS plus plenty of SWALLOWS. We stopped for lunch at a services and enjoyed excellent views of a pair of HOOPOE along with two very confiding CRESTED LARKS. Our first main site was a large lake where the birds came thick and fast. Overhead EGYPTIAN VULTURE, BLACK KITE, GRIFFON VULTURE, several MARSH HARRIERS and a male LESSER KESTREL were noted whilst on the lake we enjoyed good views of PURPLE SWAMPHEN, KINGFISHER and a GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO, which flew past us whilst a SAVI’S WARBLER reeled from the reedbed. Several IBERIAN BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLIES were seen in the grass before we moved around to another part of the lake. Several SPANISH SPARROWS were seen at close range and a PURPLE HERON dropped into the reeds. Over the next 30 minutes we noted SQUACCO HERON, 5 GARGANEY, GREAT WHITE EGRET, 8 PURPLE SWAMPHEN and a SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE. With time getting on we headed to our accommodation in the heart of Extremadura, where we received a warm welcome from our hosts and a tour around the grounds, after which we were given a welcome drink and some local ‘nibbles’ before enjoying a first class meal using all local ingredients, washed down with regional wines and liqueurs. Needless to say, we all slept very well.

Saturday
Our early morning walk took us around the local area where we watched SERIN, AZURE-WINGED MAGPIES, HOOPOE, SARDINIAN WARBLER and SPOTLESS STARLINGS amongst others before heading back for a hearty breakfast. The first main stop of the day was nearby and we had absolutely amazing views of LESSER KESTREL allowing us to see every I.D. feature as well as plenty of the common SPOTLESS STARLING. After watching these great birds, we headed to Monfrague National Park and en route saw a stunning BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE perched 20 feet from the road. We repositioned the vehicles so we could watch this rare Spanish bird hunting over the adjacent trees. The rest of the day was spent within the park where we saw 2 BONELLI’S EAGLE. BLACK STORKS, EGYPTIAN, GRIFFON & BLACK VULTURES, BOOTED EAGLE, 30 HAWFINCH, RED-RUMPED SWALLOWS, CRAG MARTIN, ALPINE SWIFT, PEREGRINE, HEN HARRIER and SHORT-TOED EAGLE the highlight being an adult SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE that we watched soaring for over 20 minutes plus many more good birds.

Sunday
The pre-breakfast walk produced HAWFINCH, good numbers of AZURE-WINGED MAGPIES and a number of CHAMPAGNE ORCHIDS along a grassy verge. The rest of the day was spent on the vast rolling steppes. At our first site we immediately found over 20 LITTLE BUSTARD before 4 GREAT BUSTARD flew in. A MONTAGU’S HARRIER flew past whilst several BLACK STORKS could be seen flying in the distance. Around us the air was alive with the calls of PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE and we eventually located a pair on a hill. We then took a walk and discovered over 20 GREAT BUSTARD, 20 PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE and a few more LITTLE BUSTARD as well as BLACK VULTURE and plenty of RED KITES. The nearby lanes had several GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO as well as SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE and a large flock of SPANISH SPARROWS. We also discovered a freshly dead LADDER SNAKE on the path. Heading for our lunch stop, we discovered a small pool with four BLACK-WINGED STILT and several LITTLE OWLS. The afternoon was spent at several sites where the birds were keeping a little quiet due to the hot weather but we finished the day watching four BLACK-SHOULDERED KITES, which included a pair at the nest. The views were astonishing! WOODCHAT SHRIKE, SARDINIAN WARBLER, SHORT-TOED EAGLE were also seen. Before dinner in the evening we searched for SCOP’S OWL but only managed to hear 1-2 calling. Dinner was again exceptional.

Monday
There was no early morning walk today as we headed out early to spend the morning around another area of steppe and rice-fields. GREAT and LITTLE BUSTARD were in good supply and included a few of the former indulging in full ‘foam bath’ display. CALANDRA LARKS and THEKLA LARKS were common and a small flock of RAVEN were good. Reaching the rice fields, MARSH HARRIERS became very common and several LITTLE RINGED PLOVERS displayed over a small pit. We stopped at a marsh area and found a good number of WATER PIPIT including some in summer plumage and more LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. In the roadside scrub we found several RED AVADAVATS as well as WHITETHROAT. Small numbers of SNIPE and GREEN SANDPIPER were noted and as we were leaving we had excellent views of four COMMON WAXBILLS. We had a brief coffee stop before heading back to the accommodation to say our farewells before the drive back to Madrid. Our flight was on time and we arrived back in England early evening. A fantastic weekend, the birding was unbelievable and the accommodation and food really surpassed itself. Can’t wait until next year!

PRIVATE TOUR – ISLE OF SHEPPEY – 28th February 2009

The weather was very kind to us for our trip to Sheppey, as we arrived at Shellness, the sun came out and it was a stunningly bright day with little wind. With the tide coming in we were treated to excellent views of many waders including SANDERLING, a single PURPLE SANDPIPER, TURNSTONE and many more, whilst on the wet pools were over 150 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, seven RUFF and many MARSH HARRIERS some of which were displaying. Several STONECHAT and MEADOW PIPTS gave good views along the fencelines and a large flock of BRENT GEESE were seen, we also had good views of a female HEN HARRIER. On the sea we watched up to 6 RED-THROATED DIVER, four RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and a distant Aythya duck that could have been a male SCAUP but was a little too far out for ID. After lunch we headed round to Harty Ferry and almost immediately found a SHORT-EARED OWL, then over the next few hours we saw BARN OWL, PEREGRINE, MERLIN, HEN HARRIER, MARSH HARRIER and a good flock of CORN BUNTINGS. We finished off the day overlooking the Swale National Nature Reserve where we had brief views of a HOODED CROW, another HEN HARRIER and a LITTLE OWL.

THE CAMARGUE 21st – 24th February 2009

Saturday
After a good flight we arrived at Marseille and headed the short distance to look for the wintering Green Heron. After a thorough search of the area, it was decided that it had left for the summer. A HOOPOE was seen briefly as well as SERIN, SARDINIAN WARBLER and our first GREATER FLAMINGO’S of the trip. With the weather being beautiful and warm we went to an area that hosts some of the specialities. We were not disappointed as we found 16 LITTLE BUSTARD, SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE and good numbers of SKYLARK and CRESTED LARK. An excellent selection of raptors were seen including BOOTED EAGLE, COMMON BUZZARD plus an unexpected BONELLI’S EAGLE. A flock of geese flying past turned out not to be the usual GREYLAGS but 35 TAIGA BEAN GEESE. We arrived at our hotel before enjoying a fine 3-course meal and getting a good night’s sleep.

Sunday
A pre-breakfast walk around the village produced BLACK REDSTART, CETTI’S WARBLER and TREE SPARROWS and then we were off into the vast area of wetland that makes up the Camargue. Along the road, the shout went up ‘geese’, and when we stopped they turned out to be 17 GLOSSY IBIS! GREAT WHITE EGRETS, SPOTTED REDSHANK, WHITE STORK and a WHEATEAR were also noted. Our next site yielded six RED-CRESTED POCHARD amongst the more common duck species and both MARSH HARRIER and COMMON BUZZARD fed on the remains of squashed COYPU’S. Several WATER PIPITS and WHITE WAGTAILS were seen and a COMMON CRANE disappeared as quickly as it was found. After coffee and cake we attempted to get to the coast but were thwarted by large numbers of horses, cars and camper vans in the village. Plan 2 took us to an area overlooking a massive Etang where LITTLE EGRETS and FLAMINGO’S kept us company. Good numbers of waders were present including KENTISH PLOVER, GREENSHANK, REDSHANK, CURLEW and GREY PLOVER as well as an oiled MEDITERRANEAN GULL. 14 SPOONBILLS were seen flying against the by now strong wind but star bird went to the SPOTTED EAGLE that was in the same area as last year! The afternoon’s birding yielded two BEWICK’S SWANS (A good bird for the Camargue), three HEN HARRIERS including a stunning male although the highlight was not a bird. Walking around a reserve, a male WILD BOAR came trotting out in front of us. A female SCAUP, 24 BLACK-NECKED GREBES, KINGFISHER, GREEN SANDPIPER and 11 WHIMBREL rounded off a good day.

Monday
Our morning walk yielded a ‘mini fall’ of BLACKCAPS to the village and the usual BLACK REDSTARTS and TREE SPARROWS were seen along with a bright green TREE FROG. Our main target for the day was WALLCREEPER and it took a little searching but this superb bird was found and we had good views for over 20 minutes. The strong wind kept most of the small birds down although we persevered and found both male and female BLUE ROCK THRUSH, SERINS and a CIRL BUNTING which sang. The wind got progressively worse to a point where we headed off to find some shelter. The nearby rubbish tip had a few BLACK and RED KITES along with a field with hundreds of CATTLE EGRETS and 33 WHITE STORKS whilst on the open plains, two LITTLE BUSTARD and 3 STONE CURLEW were seen in flight. We then took another attempt to see ALPINE ACCENTOR. A walk around the village produced nothing until one was seen well by two of the group at the toilets! The wind hampered our search for Eagle Owl but REDWING and a male HEN HARRIER were seen.

Tuesday
A short day produced two SANDWICH TERNS on the coast and inland we found HEN HARRIER, three WHITE STORKS, CIRL BUNTING, SERIN, WOODLARK, a pair of SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKES and STONE CURLEW before heading back to Marseille and our trip home.

BIRDING ON THE SUFFOLK COAST – 15th February 2009

We started off in Ipswich, where after parking we were soon enjoying excellent views of a TAWNY OWL. Many birds including SISKIN, BLACKBIRD and several TIT species were mobbing it. Plenty of photographs were taken as we got closer, the owl simply not bothered by our presence. We took a short drive to the docks but failed to find any SHAG so a comfort break was taken nearby and many partook in a ‘Full English’! The next site on our itinerary was Rendlesham and it didn’t take long before we located a small flock of WAXWING although it didn’t help when they all flew off. We drove around the estates trying to find them and on one last attempt they were where we first saw them. Up to 26 were seen and we had some fabulous views. A FIELDFARE kept close company with the flock and defended his feeding patch from the Waxwings. Eventually the Fieldfare flew off and the Waxwings came down to feed. The drive up the A12 was uneventful except for a BARN OWL perched by the road. We reached Southwold, parked and walked down towards the harbour scanning over the flooded marsh. Several SNIPE, 2 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT and a small flock of MEADOW PIPIT were seen. As we crossed the Bailey bridge we could see the LESSER YELLOWLEGS on a small pool and as we approached it flew off calling and landed on the other side of the river. It gave good scope views next to a REDSHANK allowing good comparison between the species. A look at the harbour yielded many gulls but they were just HERRING and GREAT BLACK-BACKED although another comfort stop produced an adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL, which sat on the roof of the toilets! By now rain had started to fall so we headed to Dunwich noting the wintering herd of BEWICK’S SWANS on our way past. Whilst we had lunch the rain continued to fall so we headed the short distance to Minsmere. Around the feeders we had good views of MARSH & COAL TITS, TREECREEPER and a brief NUTHATCH. From the hides that were open we saw WATER PIPIT, 3 SMEW including a lovely drake, several DUNLIN and plenty of SNIPE. On the sea we found up to 8 RED-THROATED DIVER, 2 GOLDENEYE and a couple of GREAT CRESTED GREBE. Our last site of the day was Thorpeness/North Warren and it didn’t disappoint with over 100 BARNACLE GEESE, 100 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and a single RED-BREASTED GOOSE of uncertain origin, 2 MARSH HARRIERS, LITTLE EGRET and several thousand STARLINGS – A fine end to the day.

BIRDING IN NORTHWEST NORFOLK – 7th February 2009

With atrocious snow and ice all week it seemed unlikely that we would get to Norfolk, although the weather improved and we headed north for a day’s birding. We stopped for a hot drink and a ‘bacon butty’ and whilst enjoying this were treated to a flyover male GOSHAWK. It was seen again briefly before drifting off into the distance. A NUTHATCH and several LONG-TAILED TITS were also noted. Due to peer pressure I was persuaded to drive to Lakenheath but found the reserve closed! We parked on the bridge, straddling the Norfolk/Suffolk border and on looking back towards the reserve found the over-wintering GREAT GREY SHRIKE. Although it was somewhat distant we enjoyed good scope views. We then drove to Hunstanton and almost immediately located a small number of VELVET SCOTER amongst a raft of COMMON SCOTER and six EIDER. Up to eight FULMAR patrolled the cliffs in search of nesting sites and all were disturbed by a paraglider. We traveled the short distance to Holme where we walked out through the dunes and watched over 200 FIELDFARE busily feeding on Sea Buckthorn berries whilst several REDWING and a single STONECHAT were also seen. On the beach were BAR-TAILED GODWIT, SANDERLING, KNOT and plenty of TURNSTONE and on turning our attention to the sea, we soon spotted 2 male and a female LONG-TAILED DUCK. We had great views as they dived in amongst the gulls. By now the 5-degree wind chill was taking its toll so we went to Titchwell and after some lunch walked around the reserve. From the hides we saw an adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL along with over 100 PINTAIL, SNIPE, a BLACK BRANT in with 250 BRENT GEESE, MARSH HARRIER and a female PEREGRINE. On the brackish marsh there was an AVOCET amongst the more common waders. The marsh by the sea gave excellent views of SPOTTED REDSHANK and BLACK-TAILED GODWIT as well as several GOLDENEYE and LITTLE GREBE. On the beach we had brief views of 17 SNOW BUNTING although the biting wind kept the birds down. On our way back to the centre we had great views of three BEARDED TITS and a BARN OWL and near the centre a WATER RAIL gave stunning views in a ditch. After a coffee we drove to Holkham noting another five BARN OWLS and thousands of PINK-FOOTED GEESE. On arrival we walked to the north end of Lady Anne’s Drive and almost immediately located a SHORT-EARED OWL over the fields. A second bird was seen along with yet another BARN OWL and a STONECHAT. The icing on the cake was a male HEN HARRIER that flew west over the pines. A superb end to the day!

BIRDING IN NORTH NORFOLK – 25th January 2009

The weather for our trip was absolutely miserable but this did not stop us from a having a brilliant day out. Our first port of call was Lakenheath RSPB where we failed to relocate the Great Grey Shrike although it obviously had the sense to have been tucked in a bush somewhere. From here we arrived at Sculthorpe Moor reserve and spent a great two hours wandering the reserve. Highlights included over 45 BRAMBLING, 3 MARSH TIT, 2 WATER RAIL, 1 WOODCOCK and 2 stunning male GOLDEN PHEASANTS. We then progressed towards to coast and a slight detour enabled us to have brilliant views of a BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER. We watched this scarce visitor to the UK for a while before it flew off. A guy at the site had tried 19 times before he saw it – phew, we were lucky! With lunchtime getting near we headed for Salthouse and watched 35 SNOW BUNTING at close range on the shingle. Two BARN OWL quartered fields nearby but the strong wind kept most of the birds down. We decided to stop briefly at Cley Beach and were tipped off by another birder to the presence of the long-staying GLAUCOUS GULL which we enjoyed watching. On our way to Wells we found a large flock of PINK-FOOTED GEESE in fields with GREYLAGS before locating a BLACK BRANT in with the DARK-BELLIED BRENT GEESE. The late afternoon was spent at Stiffkey until the rain and light made conditions difficult so we headed to Wells for a celebratory cup of Tea. – An excellent day!

BIRDING IN SOUTH KENT – 17th January 2009

An excellent day’s birding in Kent in bright sunshine although quite windy. We started the day at West Hythe where we were treated to excellent views of the long-staying NIGHT HERON. The bird fed in an area of reeds and showed really well. LITTLE EGRET and GREY HERON were also seen. Arriving at Dungeness Power Station to strong winds and a bright glare on the English Channel didn’t help seawatching, although MEDITERRANEAN GULL was seen briefly with good numbers of COMMON GULL and at least 50 KITTIWAKES. GUILLEMOTS were present on the sea and a GANNET was seen momentarily. A walk around the ringing area produced very little so we headed to the RSPB centre for lunch. As we sat in the shelter of some Willows in the sun it was hard to believe it was January. The many pits held some good species including RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, GOOSANDER, SMEW and a single SLAVONIAN GREBE. We were then alerted to the presence of a drake King Eider a little way along the coast. This being a very rare species away from Northern Britain we decided to go for it and a little later arrived at the Pett Levels. After a slog along the seawall we were soon watching this superb KING EIDER asleep on the sea. It was drifting east on the tide although did eventually wake up. We also watched over 100 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 200 COMMON SCOTER, 20 RED THROATED DIVER, several GUILLEMOTS and a single RAZORBILL on the sea. A fine ending to a day’s birding in Kent.

BIRDING IN NORTH NORFOLK – 10th January 2009

It was one of the coldest birding days that we had ever experienced, though the birds made up for it. We started the day at Felbrigg Hall where within minutes we were watching a superb HAWFINCH above our heads. REDWING and NUTHATCH were also noted. Along the coast we visited Salthouse where a KINGFISHER was seen twice, also a single SNOW BUNTING, along with DUNLIN and TURNSTONE. On the sea were several RED-THROATED DIVER and flying past a small flock of PINK-FOOTED GEESE. At Cley the whole reserve was frozen although we did see a distant WATER PIPIT on the marsh. On Arnolds marsh there was a large concentration of wildfowl and waders including RUFF, AVOCET, BLACK-TAILED GODWIT and PINTAIL. After lunch we headed to Holkham for a bracing walk around the gap. Plenty of SKYLARKS and several MEADOW PIPITS were seen. The weather was so cold that the sand had frozen. A small number of PINK-FEET were on the marsh but the pools were frozen, although throughout the whole area were plenty of SNIPE probably displaced by the cold weather. At Wells we watched a BLACK BRANT amongst the flock of DARK-BELLIED BRENT GEESE. We finished the day at Stiffkey were there were plenty of LITTLE EGRETS but little else and by then we were frozen through. A WOODCOCK livened up proceedings when seen briefly on the drive home.