NEW BLOG SITE ANNOUNCEMENT
Hi all,
Just to let you know that I am moving to a new Blog site and this is now sadly closed.
You can of course follow my new Blog at the following:
http://www.westcountrybirder.blogspot.com/
Please pop across from time to time. Thank you.
John
The Wandering Birder.
BUTTERFLIES AND BUGS
SUNDAY 12th JULY 2009.
WEATHER: BREEZY, SUNNY SPELLS, AND THE ODD LIGHT SHOWER.
Posted: Tuesday 14th July 2009. 19:50hrs
After all the rain on Saturday, it was good to get out to the Somerset Levels and in the fresh air again, though the strong breeze brought a few passing showers it never ruined the day. It was pretty quiet birding wise, but it is July and this is to be expected, but there is so much Wildlife to be seen around here, it is difficult to take it all in.
From Ham Wall the trees seemed pretty quiet, but the Marsh Frogs (or Laughing Frogs as sometimes called), were giving it some. Every now and then a Blackcap or Chiffchaff would burst into song. I came across a Dunnock that was in a terrible way, looking like it had been attacked very brutally, and close to death, looking at the Photograph it looks like a large part of it’s head was missing, very sad to see.
The Male Marsh Harrier was visible gliding on the strong breeze across the main footpath along Shapwick Heath being mobbed by a few Carrion Crows, after a lunch stop at the Decoy hide I spotted a Spotted Flycatcher just a few yards down from the hide flying back forth from the same tree. While Butterfly watching I noticed a Beetle, and closer inspection and a few photographs later was identified as a Longhorn Beetle of the Leptura quadrifaciata species
(Longhorn Beetle – Shapwick Heath 12 July 2009)
(Ringlet. Ham Wall Reserve. 12 July 2009)
A second Spotted Flycatcher was along the path to the Meare Heath hide. Two very good finds. Another good find was a stunning Golden-ringed Dragonfly, that took to the wing before I could get my camera out, it flew around me checking me over and headed off down the path. The Common Tern was still present on the Meare Heath Lagoon, along with the Lapwings and Black-tailed Godwits.
(White-legged Damselfly, Nr Glastonbury 12 July 09)
(Harlequin Ladybird Species – 12th July 2009)
(Green-veined White. 12 July 09)
(Common Mallow – Somerset Levels 12 July 09)
(Gatekeeper-Ham Wall 12 July 09)
Plenty of good Butterflies on offer today including:
Comma
Red Admiral
Green-veined White
Small Tortoishell
Meadow Brown
Large Skipper
Clouded Yellow
Large White
Speckled Wood
Ringlet
Gatekeeper
As for Dragonflies and Damselflies good numbers again to see including lots of Common Blue Damselflies, a single female White-legged Damselfly, a Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Southern Hawker and a few Emperor Dragonfly
After a tea stop at the Sharpham Tea Garden I headed off back down the old Rail Line towards Glastonbury, on the way I came across a Ladybird, but later I was told that it was no ordinary Ladybird but a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis spectabillis) it is a species that originates in Asia and is slowly invading Europe and now some species are invading the Southern Half of England, I have reported my sighting together with a photo to the Harlequin Ladybird Survey website: www.harlequin-survey.org
(Classic Somerset Levels view- 12 July 09)
Another great day’s Wildlife watching on the levels.
AVALON MARSHES
SATURDAY 4th JULY 2009
Weather: Very Warm and mostly Sunny.
Posted: Mon 6th July 2009: 13.30hrs
Despite my right knee still being rather sore and swollen, I headed off back to Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath reserves very early this morning, with my knee heavily strapped, off I strode from Glastonbury heading towards Ham Wall via the footpath’disussed Railway line, and it was not long before I was rewarded, no sooner had I got my bins out and scanned the area there sitting on a gate post was a stunning Barn Owl, it had clearly seen me before I had seen it, but it was at a distant and did not seem threatened. After about 7 or 8 minutes it took off and floated away, beat that I quietly told myself.
From the main track at Ham Wall I noted the usual Goldfinches and Greenfinches and an early morning Dunnock giving it everything he had, with not a soul to be seen the birds sang happily with Marsh Frogs in the background. (Who needs the X-Factor and Britains Got Talent, when we have much better on offer here).
On the various pools a few Tufted Duck and Mallards, Coots and Moorhens busily feeding young, and I noted 5 Grey Herons and a Little Egret. Further along I disturbed a Buzzard in a nearby tree, as soon as it saw me it headed off to another tree further away. A pair of Jays flew across the Ham Wall loop trails. I had a quick break at one of the Screens and watched the Cormaorants ‘drying off and a pair of Great-crested Grebes feeding a single youngster, and the young birds are delightful with their stripped heads, and two eclipse Garganey on the far right (First of the year for me) and a single Pochard and Reed Warbler flying across in front of the screen.
Continuing with the Walk some of the other birds were a single Chiffchaff and Blackap and a few Blue Tits. I headed off into Shapwick Heath and checked out the birds on the edge of the Meare Heath pool, large number of Lapwings as well as 5 Black-tailed Godwits, I moved off to the 70 acre hide, sadly no Otters here but a single Common Tern was good to see, after a short stay I headed off to the hide at Meare Heath, and a Kingfisher was seen from here, but it was very quiet bird wise, on the return walk through the trees, a Great-spotted Woodpecker was a good find probing away on a tree trunk.
By now it was warming up, and the first of the Butterflies were on the wing, in the distance a Cuckoo called out, a short later I would catch a glimpse of it as I rested on a bench towards the Decoy. I was looking out for various other wildlife apart from birds and I came across this insect despite searching I have not yet found out what it is…..(Anyone who can let me know, do please drop a line).
(Insect – Shapwick Heath, 4th July 2009)
Walking along the path headng towards the decoy hide, I spotted a Common Shrew, that just totally took no notice of me and just quetly went about it’s business looking for tasty tit-bits,on closer inspection it looked like it had a tick on it’s head.
(Common Shrew – Shapwick Heath. Saturday 4th July 2009)
(Common Blue Damselfly. Shapwick Heath. 4th July 2009)
I caught site of of a White Admiral Butterfly shortly after, would it settle…not on your life, it fluttered around me clearly giving me the once over and headed off over the reeds. From the Hide it was pretty quiet, a solitary Grey Heron kept watch and a few Dragonflies patrolled the the area. I watched a Male Marsh Harrier carrying some prey, very quickly followed by the female, calling to him , the dropped in the reeds some distance away, but the male was off again soon after.
Heading back aong the track the White Admiral was fluttering at the very same spot, I stood motionless in the hope again that it would settle, no surprises it did not, just fluttered away again on the breeze. A Southern Hawker Dragonfly was a good find and the were lots of Damselflies on the wing some would settle for a quick photo. Quite a few Red Admirals and Large White Butterflies also a very flighty Comma. I managed to get a photo of a Hoverfly (Helophilus Pendulus).
(Southern Hawker. Shapwick Heath. Saturday 4th July 2009)
(Hoverfly, (Helophilus Pendulus) Shapwick Heath 4th July 2009)
Off on the return leg of my trip I came across an Emperor Dragonfly but I could not get close enough to photograph it sadly. Back at Ham Wall I stopped off again at the first screens and just rested and watched the birds on offer the pair of Geat-crested Grebes were still feeding it’s single young, and I also noted a single Little Grebe, then to my delight I watched an Otter swim across the pool, it lifted it’s head looking towards me and carried on to the other side, the day started with a Barn Owl and ended with an Otter….perfick. The last part of the walk I saw a various Butterflies including a few Small Whites, 6 Small Tortoiseshells and this rather obliging Large Skipper.
(Large Skipper – Ham Wall. Saturday 4th July 2009)
I ended my stay at the Tea Garden and I can really recommend it the food is great, and the walls are lined with great photographs taken by one the of the reserves volunteers.
I have really been taken with the Avalon Marshes and there is still a large area to be explored, I cannot wait for my next vsit.
SUNDAY 5th JULY 2009
On the Sunday morning I found a Hummingbird Hawkmoth on one of my upstairs windows.
(Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Sunday 5th July 2009)
BIRDING ON THE SOMERSET LEVELS
SATURDAY 27th JUNE 2009.
WEATHER: SUNNY HOT AND VERY HUMID.
Posted: 1st July 2009: 12.51hrs
At long last I finally got out to do some birding and I suppose you could well call it backyard birding as the Somerset Levels are just a Bus ride away, though quite a walk at the end of the bus journey. My key areas to bird today were going to be the RSPB Reserve at Ham Wall and then onto Shapwick Heath.
Upon arrival at Glastonbury I went off in search of the old Railway track that used to run from here to Highbridge in days of old. By now it was really quite warm and sticky. But how peaceful it was
First birds of the day were three Male Reed Buntings always a delightful sight. A female Kestrel flew low overhead and hovered looking for an easy meal, maybe there was young in a nearby nest. From here it was onwards to the Ham Wall reserve in the surrounding trees Chiffchaff’s sang and two Blackcaps were seen as well a two Buzzards on thermals overhead.
On the Lagoons three Little Egrets and two Grey Herons, as well as the usual Mallards and greylag Geese both with young families. It was good to get some brief views of two Cettis Warblers, as well as hearing at least four others. At the moment the Little Bittern that has been present for a few weeks is getting harder and harder to see, but you can hear it, but distant though. Plenty of Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers seen today, and just sitting and listening to their songs and calls makes a Summers day. While watching a pair of Little Grebes and listening to the loud calls of the Marsh Frogs I caught sight of a Bittern flying and dropping into the reeds clearly upsetting a Grey Heron, first Bittern of the year for me. (What’s that joke about once Bittern twice shy !!). A faint call of the Cuckoo in the distant added to the sounds of the day. Two Willow Warblers seen and quickly followed by three Whitethroat. Other birds seen around Ham Wall were Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit and a Garden Warbler was heard, but not seen.
(Blue-tailed Damselfly – Ham Wall Reserve).
On to Shapwick Heath and a good look around the reserve, sadly I did not see any Otters today, but they are seen just about every day from some of the Hides. From the hide overlooking Noahs Lake the dead trees held many Cormorants nests and the young can clearly be seen. About 120 Lapwing were noted on Meare Heath, I will have a better look at this area on my next visit. Onto the Decoy hide, and within a few moments a Kingfisher flew across the hide and a Marsh Harrier glided across soon followed by a second, quality birding. Watched one of several Hobbies from here, with one devouring a Dragonfly on the wing. In the distance Glastonbury Tor shimmered in the heat, and the Lake was also shimmering, but with what looked like thousands of Damselflies it was a sight, the odd Dragonfly flew by. On the way out I met a fellow birder who said an Otter just ran across the path in front of him just seconds before…just my luck I thought. Enjoying the walk back along the track I stopped and enjoyed a late lunch before heading slowly back to Ham Wall, at the entrance of Shapwick Heath I passed a dead Mole, never seen one before.
(Cormorants nest Sites, Noahs, Shapwick Heath NR)
(Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly – Shapwick Heath)
(Glastonbury Tor from the Decoy Hide at Shapwick Heath)
(Scarce Chaser at Shapwick Heath)
Before heading back along Ham Wall I stopped off at the rather quaint old Pub near the entrance, and polished off an ice cream which went down a treat. Enjoying the slow walk back I had a great view of a Cuckoo, before it flew off to ‘Cuckoo’ elsewhere, the Marsh Frogs were giving it there all while the Reed and Sedge Warblers also gave it their all and a single Clouded Yellow Butterfly floated by to end an enjoyble walk.
A really good day’s birding and also a place to get out and enjoy the Wildlife, I am already looking forward to coming back for my next visit.
P.S. Thanks to Spottiswood for correcting me on the Photo of the Chaser…not as I had noted it as.
RIVER TONE
TAUNTON, SOMERSET
TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2009
Weather: Overcast and very humid.
Posted: Tuesday 23 June 2009. 17.00hrs
Enjoyed a walk along the River Tone mid morning today on my way into town, nothing special bird wise the usual Moorhens and a Family of Mute Swans including 5 Cygnets. And the odd Chiffchaff and an odd Sedge Warbler. But as I got to the Weir at Firepool, there on the fringes of the island was a Little Egret, after all the years of walking the River around here I have never seen one here. I remember seeing one fly over Taunton Rail Station some years before. And if that was not enough I was in for another surprise, on my way around to get a closer look, I noticed a small wader…..I had to rub my eyes in disbelief a Green Sandpiper…I was not expecting this.
On my way back both were gone, but walking back along the River in the direction of Creech Castle, I noticed the Little Egret flying back towards me. Later in the day I learned that the Little Egret was seen the previous day at about the same time.
THE LAKE DISTRICT – BIRDS AND FELLS
SATURDAY 23rd – 30th MAY 2009.
A visit to one of my favourite locations in the Country this week and a chance to forget work the credit crunch and football ! and just enjoy the stunning scenery and some great wildlife and some good fine ale.
Saturday 23 May, set off from Taunton Station at 07.51 and after a mix up I was given an upgraded ticket all the way to Windermere Station travelling First Class. Pretty pleased with that as the trains were packed solid from Birmingham with Rugger supporters travelling to Scotland for the Euro Final.
Arrived in Windermere around 12.45pm picked up the keys for the cottage and after stocking with provisions for the week spent the rest of the day just relaxing and enjoying a few local ales and a gentle stroll by the Lake.
SUNDAY 24th MAY:
The day dawned Sunny and Warm, and I kept my fingers crossed that it would be very much like this for the whole week, saying that all the years I have been coming to the lakes you can count the number of rained off days by the fingers on my left hand…After a healthy breakfast of Eggs, Bacon and Beans, I set off early with plenty of time to catch the bus. ( for those interested, I picked up a seven day bus pass for £23.50 giving you freedom off the Lake District)I checked out Lake Windermere, and found a Whooper Swan among the large number of Mutes and single Red – breasted Merganser close inshore, plenty of House Martins and Swifts around the Lake.
(Whooper Swan – Lake Windermere)
(Helm Crag or The Lion and the Lamb, with view from Summit, known as the Howitzer)
Time to catch the bus to Grasmere, a truly lovely ride to one of my favourite little villages to start a few walks of the holiday. First up a steep climb to Helm Crag, for those of you who know the Lakes it is also called the Lion and the Lamb, also when you get to the summit, it is also called the ‘Howitzer’. With plenty of Crows and the odd Raven the climb is really enjoyable and highly recommended. When you get to the summit the views across Grasmere are something else. A well earned stop for something to eat and drink at the top before heading back down and back into Grasmere.
At this point I was in a quandary, do I head for Easedale Tarn or climb Grey Crag, only one way to sort this, a simple toss of a coin Grey Crag won the day and I headed off back through Grasmere. This was my first time climbing Grey Crag, and it really was an enjoyable walk. With Chaffinch’s and Chiffchaff’s for company a few Jackdaws, while at a viewpoint and taking in the view I heard the laughing call of a Green Woodpecker, and it was not long before it showed itself in flight and ended up with good views. Onwards and upwards, passing what I can only call a pond, I had no idea this was here, but a good place to have a drink. The further up you go the more stunning the views get.
(Grey Crag Summit
Eventually the summit is reached a breather here and plenty of photos to take before heading to Alcock Tarn, a beautiful location for a rest and a picnic. I could have happily stayed here all the rest of the afternoon. One surprise was hearing a Curlew overhead and then watch it land close by..was not expecting that.
(Alcock Tarn nr the Summit of Grey Crag)
After the picnic stop I headed off back down cursing a few people not sticking to the paths and taking short cuts, people like this have no respect for the fells. On reaching the bottom there was only one place to head and a few pints of some Jennings Sneck Lifter to end the afternoon before heading back and fish and chips by the lake.
MONDAY 25th May:
Another day dawned sunny and warm, and my plans today were to visit Bassenthwaite Lake area for the Forest and Dodd Wood.
The Bus took me to Keswick were I picked up the aptly named ‘Osprey Bus’ which dropped me off at Whinlatter Forest, first stop the shop and information centre and the giant screen to get close up vies of the Osprey nest, and just in time as the first Osprey chick had hatched on the Sunday evening at 6.15pm, with the male out fishing (I was expecting him to be perched near the nest puffing on a large cigar) the proud female was sitting on the nest and would call for the male to bring in a nice fish.
(Robin at the Whinlatter Tea Shop)
One of the downsides to Whinlatter forest now is the Mountain Bikers they allow to tear around the forest not giving a hoot to the walkers or the wildlife, while walking one of trails a Deer came ruuning out of some trees after being spooked by some half crazed Mountain Bikers trying to break the land speed record, not impressed. Birds I did manage to see here were Great Tits and Blue Tits, 3 Tree Creepers, I managed to locate a Nuthatch nest and watched the parents back and forth to the nest with food. I was pleased to find two Spotted Flycatchers and a single Pied Flycatcher along with two Buzzard and an Osprey (not sure if this was part of the breeding pair or another adult as there are reports that another pair could be close by) Back at the centre it was time for a tea stop after a rant about the bikers, while enjoying my cup of Earl Grey I had cracking views of some Siskin and Coal Tits on the feeders, the Chaffinch’s here are very tame and sit on your table helping you to devour you cake.
(One of the stunning view from Whinlatter – Skidaw in the Distance)
Back on the bus, for a trip around Bassentwaite Lake all the way to Dodd Wood, and the climb to the Osprey viewpoint, were the RSPB have some scopes set up for you to enjoy good views of the nest, but as it was really warm and sunny the view was spoilt by the haze, but I was happy both to see the pair and also the cracking scenery of the Lake and also Catbells in the distance. On the way back I stopped off to see the Tawny Owl nest site…an ahhh moment. At the base I enjoyed a well earned Ice cream before heading back to Keswick and then off to Windermere.
Day dawned overcast with the threat of showers during the later part of the day. Got the foot/car ferry across Lake Windermere to Ferry House, there are plenty of ghost stories around here and on Claife Heights, but no ghosts today, well not that I heard or saw. But Claife Heights is a part that I have not really explored very much, so today I would correct that. I followed the shoreline for a while and explored the wooded heights and the birds during the morning were Greenfinch two cracking Marsh Tits a Sparrowhawk that flew directly at me, thinking I was the prey. The usual Blue Tit and Great Tit and plenty of Robins and Chaffinch, during a light shower I tucked into my Tuna and Sweetcorn sandwiches all the walking got me peckish, further on in the walk I managed three Tree Creepers a small number of Siskin I counted 4 Coal Tit a Great –spotted Woodpecker. After a while I reached a part of Claife Heights called High Moss, and from here walked onto Wise Een Tarn and enjoyed some corking views across to the Langdale Pikes in the distance. Birds from here included a male Kestrel, Jay, three Tree Pipit, a single Cuckoo, a pair of Oystercatcher. Onwards from here to Moss Eccles Tarn and enjoyed a quite drink before ending the walk at Near Sawrey and lunch and a pint or two (thirsty work all this walking). After a leisurely lunch stop I walked back to the ferry via the ruins of the old Viewing station that is owned by the National Trust now sadly so dangerous that it is fenced off. (Will they ever re-build this…I hope they do as the views across the Lake a stunning). From here I got the ferry back across the Lake and just in time as the heavens opened.
WEDNESDAY 27th MAY
Sadly today the threat of a complete washout looked on the cards, so a very early start for me to get a climb in before the downpours arrived. I got a Taxi booked all the way to Grasmere and from here I walked up to Easedale Tarn, my plan was to explore the area around it, but the weather closed in very quickly as the Photo’s show, it was going to be a very quick hike to Easedale Tarn and some photographs quickly tucked into my sandwiches then headed back down as the mist then the heavy low cloud quickly followed by the heavy rain.
(Mist and Low cloud, early morning at Lake Windermere)
(Easedale Tarn in the mist and low cloud)
.
(Another view of Easedale Tarn before the rains came)
(Getting very wet as the rain arrives- Easedale Tarn)
Back in Grasmere I dried off over some Earl Grey Tea, before getting soaked again, from here I headed off to Coniston and Hawkshead, no further hill walks today sadly. Spent the evening in the pub pouring over maps ready for tomorrow.
THURSDAY 28th MAY
All the previous days rain had cleared during the previous evening, so today it was off to Langdale, what I call the real Lake District. But before heading off there I made a sudden decision to set off early and climb Wansfell Pike overlooking Ambleside, and an enjoyable climb with view of Windermere in the distance. After this it was time to head off to Langdale with its stunning scenery just surrounded by high peaks and in-between a lush green valley. A bus took me from Ambleside to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. From here I set about climbing part of the Langdale Pikes climbing to about 2,500ft. The weather was now glorious with just low cloud and mist covering part of the top pikes. By the time I climbed all the way to Stickle Tarn the sweat was pouring from me, and while skipping over rocks at the top of the Stock Ghyll waterfall I slipped and twisted my ankle and ended up standing in water up to my ankles, my boots now full of water, I spent the next half hour wringing my socks out and allowing my ankle to settle before carrying on further. This walk gave me a chance to plot further walks from the top when I return to the Lakes in the coming years. Plenty of Peregrine Falcons up here, with quite a few Rock and Meadow Pipit, a single Wheatear flew into view while I rested. But the best birds where the three Whinchat’s seen from Stickle Tarn area. Numerous Ravens were clearly seen flying around the Pikes. A really enjoyable climb and scramble and I look forward to exploring more here in the years to come. After getting back down to ‘base camp’ or the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, I enjoyed a good lunch of a baked Potato and Chilli along with two pints of Wainwright’s (Well you have to don’t you.)
(Summit of Wansfell Pike)
(The Langdale Pikes)
(Part of the Stock Ghyll Waterfall)
(Now don’t be Sheepish-Windermere in the distance from above Stock Ghyll)
(Low clouds over Stickle Tarn)
(Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn up in the Langdale Pikes)
(Heading down with views of Windermere in the distance)
During the afternoon I walked from here to Elterwater via the base of Lingmoore Fell to Baysbrown Farm and Wood. Some cracking birds seen here including three Cuckoo, a Buzzard being mobbed by two Ravens and a single Yellowhammer singing ‘ a little bit of bread and no cheese’ . From Elterwater I walked back finding a charming pub called The ‘Wainwrights Inn’ well I had to stop here din’t I. After taking on board some liquids I headed back via Chapel Stile then back along the Great Langdale Beck back to The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, I had about forty minutes before the next bus so I had time to take on some more liquids.
(Low clouds over part of the Langdales)
(A classic view in Black and White)
FRIDAY 29th May
Last day sadly, and it was a stunning day with wonderful sunshine all day and very warm. Today it was off to Skelwith Bridge back to Elterwater then back through Chapel Stile via the quarries and back to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, a charming and relaxing way to end a stunning week in one of the most delightful parts of the country. I cannot wait to return. Key birds of today were a Pair of Tree Creepers feeding young a single Dipper at Skelwith. A pair of Goosander on Elterwater, a Cuckoo, one Spotted Flycatcher, Mistle Thrush and good numbers of House Martin and Swallows.
(View from the Quarries)
(Another view from the Quarries)
Back in Windermere I climbed Orrest Head to get views of a very hazy Windermere, in the evening it was a short walk to Biskey Howe to watch the awesome sunset, and bring to an end a glorious week.
(Sunset over Lake Windermere)
A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
SATURDAY 16th MAY 2009
WEATHER: WINDY AND HEAVY SHOWERS, NOT LIKE MAY AT ALL
Posted: Saturday 16th May 2009. 17.30 hrs
My plan today was to walk to Kingswear via Brixham, but with the British weather looking more like a wild day in February, I had to cancel that and spent the morning walking from Exeter via the Canal to Exminster Marshes, spotting some birds along the way….turned out most went for cover.
The wind was blowing a gale today, and when the showers arrived the gusts were very strong. At one point I took shelter under a tree and watched the rain fall, while enjoying a coffee, another walker arrived and took shelter under the same tree, he had a dog with him, and he looked pretty unhappy and a tad damp. ‘Mornin ‘ I called out, ‘yeah it is’ he replied. I thought this conversation was going well. I looked at the dog and thought, he looked pretty ugly, ‘Is that your dog’ I asked, the chap looked around, and said ‘ I guess so’…. the rain still fell. ‘What breed of dog is it’ ..the chap responded with ‘ one with four legs….it’s a bitch’ oh I said, looking at the dog, ‘are you sure’ the man looked at me and said ‘no not the dog, life in general’ with that his dog let out one hell of a fart, I never knew dogs could fart so loudly. With that I departed quickly.
Overhead despite the rain, what seemed like hundreds of Swallows and House Martins gathered and fed on small flying insects over the Canal, some were calling despite the rain, and I wondered just what they were saying to each other…… ‘ so what part of Africa did you over winter in’ and ‘how was the journey back to blightey’ one nearly decapitated me just veering off at the last minute….were they practicing this over the Winter I thought. A lone Buzzard was overhead and calling, I could only imagine what it was saying….
At the Double Locks some boats were gathering so clearly they were going to open the locks and let them through, I called ‘Morning’ to a couple on one boat and got a scowl back…..must be my after shave, must stop wearing this one called ‘ Sheep Dip’ wondered why the Sheep were taking a real interest in me of late.
Not much birds around, just two Sedge Warblers, eventually arrived at Exminster Marsh, not a sole around here, not surprising as it started to rain again, ‘I could murder a pasty and a pint’ I thought and it was only mid morning. I took shelter under another tree on the towpath, then suddenly this very loud explosion of song that very nearly blew my eardrums. I spun around and staring straight at me was a Cettis Warbler, not sure who was more shocked. We sort of stared at each other for a moment, ‘ said oh er morning’ and it took off. Clearly my art of conversation needs working on.
The sudden shower eased and I pressed on the thought of a hot Pasty in Exeter was now appealing.
Along the muddy lane on the Marsh, lots more Sedge Warblers and two Reed Warblers, I could happily spend hours listening to these awesome Warblers. Another thought hit me, tonight is the rather sad event we call the Eurovision Song Contest, maybe if we entered the song of the Sedge Warbler we would have more of a chance to win.
A single Grey Heron flew overhead clearly looking for a much better spot out of the gale. Soon after to be joined by two Little Egrets. Then a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into the trees and announced it’s presence .
Swifts were here in force, overhead screaming as they went, was this a scare tactic. A single Redshank sat on the muddy fringes of a pool, with some Canada Geese. A proud pair of Mute Swans were guarding two Cygnets, ‘morning’ I called one of the parents just hissed at me. I was now getting a complex.
The sun came out….well briefly anyway. I scanned the Marsh, and hey presto sitting on a fence post was a Hobby, clearly enjoying breakfast, it could have been a House Martin or a Swift….soon after I saw another Hobby, nice addition to the year list even though I am not doing one.
It started to rain, lightly so I headed off and made my way to the bus stop but not before a chap pushing a push chair with a young girl in it, ‘Morning’ I called, the man said morning but the young girl started to cry….it was time for a pint.
The bus took ages to arrive, but got to Exeter and the pasty was perfect, and I headed to the Imperial and downed two pints of decent Ale, one was called ‘Devon Glory’ well Devon was not so glorious to day.
Got back to Taunton and bought some new aftershave.
PORTLAND BILL
SATURDAY 2nd MAY 2009
WEATHER: SUNNY AND WARM
I had been keeping my fingers crossed for the best part of the week when a Collared Flycatcher appeared at Sweethill, Southwell, Portland Bill, got home from work on Friday evening to find that it still showing…..huge relief.
Andy and I set off to Weymouth via the god awful rail service from Castle Carey, standing room only all the way to Weymouth, First Great Western please take note, a sunny Bank Holiday weekend, and you only put a two carriage train to Weymouth, we are not Cattle, you are a disgrace and how you get a franchise to run a rail service is beyond us all.
Rant over, back to the birding, from Weymouth we headed via the No.1 Bus service all the way to Southwell, on the Bill, but before we got there we managed to note 5 Common Terns on the Fleet, and one or two ‘Comic’ Terns, on arrival at Southwell it was just a few yards walking, there was a collection on the entrance to the roped off field, raising money for the Dorset Air Ambulance, a worthy cause, and they raised a fair amount, well done to one and all.
We had quite a wait, with the bird showing well just a few minutes before we arrived, noting a few of the birds from the field, House Martins and Swallows overhead, and Greenfinch’s and Goldfinch’s, time was going by and it never showed, but then after what seemed an age, the COLLARED FLYCATCHER appeared but at a distance, to far for decent photographs, but what a stunning little bird, giving good views in the glorious sunshine of it’s collar, I know we could have stayed all day watching this beauty. At the same time, a Wheatear appeared siting in a tree then flew into the field.
One of Andy’s birding friends Ian was present, nothing special you might ask, but Ian had Cycled all the way from Tiverton in Devon and then was to cycle all the way back, now that is dedication….well done Ian. We were both very pleased to have seen the Collared Flycatcher, time was to be short for us today, so off we set back to Weymouth, and a quick tour of the RSPB’s Radipole Lake reserve, the stunning Hooded Merganser was still present delighting all the birders, the reeds were alive to the songs of plenty of Reed Warblers, we even managed to see at least two, also two Grey Heron’s and Andy spotted a female Bearded Tit. A far too quick pint followed, some fish and chips and it was back on the train heading home.
All to short a day, but a cracking day, viewing the Collared Flycatcher, thanks go to the farner for allowing access.
Here is a link to the Portland Birds Obs website giving good photos of the Flycatcher also a recording of it singing a few days previous. http://www.portlandbirdobs.org.uk/aa_latestnews.htm
BERRY HEAD COUNTRY PARK, BRIXHAM, DEVON
SATURDAY 11th APRIL 2009
WEATHER: WARM AND SUNNY ALL DAY.
Posted: Sunday 12th April 2009: 17.45pm
With the weather holding and turning out very warm and sunny, we had a change of heart and headed off to Berry Head Country Park, Brixham.
A very relaxed and gentle day exploring the delights of an area I have loved fr so many years, not just the splendid birds, wildflowers and the scenic coastal views but just the peace of the place. Ideal for today.
Headed to the old fort and two Swallows flying low over the old coffee shop a good start to the day. with plenty of singing Robins and Dunnocks, I was purely interested in any migrants after a chat with one of the wardens it was clear there was not any around, but a single Wheatear on the cliff face soon after was a good find. Plenty of Jackdaws and Carrion Crows around with scattering of Magpies. A single Raven further along the coast and a low flying Peregrine Falcon, also we found a few pairs of Breeding Shag along one of the coastal inlets, with a few pairs of breeding Kittiwakes.
During the day I had counted 12 singing Chiffchaff’s, 15 Greenfinch’s and Berry Head’s special bird the Cirl Bunting I we managed to locate 11 birds my best to date.
(Above: Cirl Bunting, Berry head, Brixham. 11 April 2009)
Out on the sea during a very long rest enjoying the sun and sea air we watched the Guillemots, and I had a go at counting the birds on the cliff face and the sea, I got to arounf 680 before a small fishing boat disturbed them…end of my counting…but I got a few Razorbills among them. Rock Doves are a good bet here and I was not disapointed with a breeding pair plus an extra 3 scattered around the cliffs.
Among the usual Herring Gulls, there was a small number of Great Black-backed Gulls, plus 11 Fulmars, a good nummber of Cormorants around the coastal area mainly roosting on the rocks.
Along the woodland trails it was good for Butterflies with my first of the year including a single Comma, and single Red Admirial and at least 17 Speckled Woods.
(Above: Speckled Wood. Berry Head CP. Devon)
A glorious day in the Spring Sunshine with some good birds and a few Butterflies and stunning views.
Can’t wait for my next visit.
BOWLING GREEN MARSH, TOPSHAM, DEVON
GOOD FRIDAY 10th APRIL 2009
Generally overcast, strong breeze off the river.
Posted: 10th April 2009: 15.00pm
Being a Bank Holiday, so my first real chance to get out and for some birding, so very early I was at Taunton Station waiting for my train, though I was taken by the special West Coast Deisel loco that was on a special excursion today, all the carriages were named after the Lakes in the Lake District.
My target today was the Osprey that has frequented the Clyst Estuary in Topsham, and I was not to be disapointed there he was (presuming it to be a male !!) perched on the old ships mast, tucking into breakfast of what looked like a Mullet,and enjoying every bit of it, being mobbed by a few Carrion Crows and enjoying every bit of it. only disapointment was the wind was blowing quite strong so no photos.
On the Marsh this morning were about 35 Curlew, 45 Black-tailed Godwit, and 6 Bar-tailed Godwit. The last 4 Avocet were lingering on the marsh feeding non stop. 2 Knot. 33 Shelduck, 6 Tufted Duck. The usual few Moorhens and Coots. A single Little Egret flew in and nervously covered the entire marsh every now and then moving off to anoter part. A single Grey Heron flew low across the water over towards the Clyst.
Small numbers of Teal and Shoveler with just 3 Widgeon left now. Then the Little Gull arrived on cue, been present here for the best part of the week now, sadly it has just one and half legs, but still managing to feed itself ok, always a delight to see a Little Gull.
I heard a few House Martins over to the left hand part of the Marsh and there was 8 House Martins, closer inspection found 3 Sand Martins, and a single Barn Swallow….ahhh Summer 2009 has finally arrived (I hope, though as they say a single Swallow does not make a Summer…..).
In the lane 3 Chiffchaff’s plenty of Blue Tits and Greenfinch’s.
Good birding with some quality year birds for the list, even though I am not officially counting ; -)
Heres to the next Birding day.