Four Go Mad In Devon [3 of 4]

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Day 3 of 4 – Bowling Green Marsh / Beer / Woodbury Common

Before I begin waxing lyrical about Sunday’s birding, I should mention our close encounter with another potential lifer on Saturday night. Ivor had told us that Tawny Owls had been calling from the trees near his house, and as we were heading into Budleigh Salterton for a few pints and some food that evening, we were sure to listen out for them.

Sure enough, one called from the branches of a tree just as we passed underneath it. It couldn’t have been more than 10 to 20 feet above us. I have certainly never heard them call as clearly as that before. Unsurprisingly, we couldn’t locate it in the dark and a shameful attempt to flush it with the flash from my camera proved ineffective.

Sunday morning didn’t start too well. The first thing I did was crack my head on the sloped ceiling above my sleeping bag, leaving me with a red mark on my forehead and a passing resemblance to Harry Potter. Undeterred by this blunder and a spot of resultant dizziness, I headed for the shower. Unfortunately, Leapy’s decision to take a steaming hot bath the previous night meant there was no hot water, so I was forced to wash beneath an icy torrent. Needless to say, I was in and out within a minute. My nipples are still recovering.

After a quick breakfast, me and my Dad headed off to Bowling Green Marsh. In our opinion, the early tide meant getting there before 8:00am, which we managed, but Leapy and Ivor had elected to join us later on. There were many birds present including Dunlin, Wigeon, Snipe, Avocet, Knot and Bar-Tailed Godwit. I also picked up Black-Tailed Godwit [year tick 111!] in good numbers.

Waders at Bowling Green Marsh

We were, of course, looking out for the Long-Billed Dowitcher that has been frequenting the estuary for some weeks now. There was no sign of it over high tide, and as the waders began to move back down the estuary, we felt that we might be better off at the viewing platform further down the road. Leapy and Ivor had arrived by this point and we were within minutes of heading off, when a chap to our left suddenly spotted the Long-Billed Dowitcher at the rear of the marsh [lifer 200!] [year tick 112!].

Long-Billed Dowitcher - lifer number 200!

Where's that whisky?

We’d done it! 200 birds on the life list! There were a few slaps on the back and, needless to say, a few more swigs from the hip flask. It was a lifer for Ivor too, but Leapy had twitched the bird at Bittell Reservoir in Autumn 2006. Nevertheless he was suitably pleased for us, being the top bloke that he is.

Next up, we headed to Beer. One of the birders at Broadsands on Saturday had told us that there were three Black Redstarts there. It sounded too good to be true and unfortunately it was. We were there for over an hour and saw no sign of them. On a more positive note, several Fulmar [year tick 113!] and a Peregrine [year tick 114!] found their way onto my year list, the latter powering over the waves, before perching on the cliff face. A fine sight.

Last, but by no means least, we paid a visit to Woodbury Common in the hope of finding a Dartford Warbler. It took us about two minutes to track one down [year tick 115!], mirroring the success I had with these great little birds on Aylesbeare Common last April.

Although we managed a walk down the Otter Estuary afterwards, there were no more year ticks or lifers to be had. The rain closed in and we pronounced the birding over for another day, one that I will remember for a long time to come.

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Four Go Mad In Devon [2 of 4]

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Day 2 of 4 – Dawlish Warren / Broadsands / Exminster

I woke up with a thumping headache on Saturday morning. We had tucked a fair bit of wine and whisky away the night before and I was paying the price. Still, there was birding to be done, so I popped a couple of Ibuprofen and washed them down with a cup of tea.

We headed to Dawlish Warren first. We quickly ticked a Rock Pipit [year tick 93!], before noticing a small group of fellow birders by the sea wall. They kindly pointed out what was around, mentioning that the long-staying Surf Scoter had been seen off Langstone Rock that morning. We set up the scopes and picked up Slavonian Grebe, Common Scoter, Eider and Red-Throated Diver [year ticks 94, 95, 96 & 97!] without too much difficulty.

After much scoping, Leapy finally thought he had a contender for the Surf Scoter in his sights. It was quite distant, so we upped scopes and headed further down towards Langstone Rock, where we could get better views. The bird eventually showed well enough to confirm that it was indeed the Surf Scoter [lifer 197!] [year tick 98!]. Sadly, my attempts to digiscope this bird failed. I was still feeling pretty rough at this point, but the combination of another lifer and a slug of whisky from my Dad’s hip flask perked me up no end!

A walk through the reserve revealed it to be fairly quiet. Once we were on the dunes, however, we were greeted by the welcome sight of many waders in the bay adjacent to the golf course. Grey Plover, Dunlin and Bar-Tailed Godwit [year ticks 99, 100 & 101!] were duly recorded, along with Knot [year tick 102!], a bird that I dipped on in 2007. Nice to get that one under the belt. Finally, a pair of Stonechats [year tick 103!] revealed themselves on the walk back to the car.

Next up, we travelled down the coast to Broadsands. The target birds here were Black-Necked Grebe and Cirl Bunting. More seawatching ensued. First up was one of my all time favourites; a fine Gannet [year tick 104!] cruising over the water. Then I picked up something far out to sea. It certainly looked grebe-like, but it was diving frequently and travelling some distance under the waves, which made it hard to keep tabs on. I was almost certain that it was a Black-Necked Grebe, but I was wary of letting my heart rule my head.

I took a break from the scope and had an unexpected surprise when I noticed a Shag [year tick 105!] in the bay below us. I had previously dismissed this bird as a Cormorant without looking at it properly. A lesson to be learned there, I’m sure.

Back on the scope, I was still struggling to identify the speck on the horizon, but I did pick up a Razorbill [year tick 106!] for my troubles. Then we realised there was something else just in front of us. No need for scopes with this one. Binoculars revealed it to be a Black-Necked Grebe [lifer 198!] [year tick 107!]. The hip flask was produced once more.

Black-Necked Grebe at distance

We had no idea where to start looking for Cirl Bunting, so we asked a fellow birder if he had any gen. He told us to head for the car park, where a canny birder had put down some seed, which the birds were reportedly happily tucking into. Sure enough, once we got down there, there were the birders, there was the seed and there were the Cirl Buntings [lifer 199!] [year tick 108!].

Cirl Buntings at Broadsands

These little beauties were both me and my Dad’s 199th lifer. We had hoped to hit 200 together, but had thought that we would have to wait until a trip to Scotland in May to achieve this. With our next port of call being Exminster Marshes, plus the fact that he needed Cattle Egret and I didn’t, it looked like he might just pip me to it.

Exminster Marshes was reasonably quiet, save for a few trip birds. Certainly no Cattle Egrets about, though a Cetti’s Warbler was worthy of mention. Scanning the Exe estuary got us our first Avocet of the trip [year tick 109!] and plenty more waders, but it was the bird that appeared as we made our way along the canal and back to the car that took first prize. Ivor thought it was a House Martin. Leapy said it was more likely to be a Sand Martin, but when it flew back in front of us, it revealed itself to be an extremely early Swallow [year tick 110!]. A fitting finale to a memorable day …

Four Go Mad In Devon [1 of 4]

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Day 1 of 4 – Dartmoor / Exmouth

On the morning of Friday 22 February, I headed off to Devon with my Dad, Dave ‘Leapy’ Lyons and Dave ‘Ivor’ Thomas. It was to be an intensive birding weekend, with trips to Dartmoor, Dawlish Warren, Broadsands and Bowling Green Marsh planned. We also intended to hit a few sites on the way back to Birmingham, although Ivor would not be joining us for these as he was staying on in Devon for another day or so.

We had a great run down the M5 and arrived in Budleigh Salterton before 8:30am. The car was quickly unloaded and without further ado we headed for Dartmoor. At about 10:00am we arrived at the Warren House Inn area, where a Great Grey Shrike has recently taken up residence. The weather was a little inclement, which made viewing tricky, but on Leapy’s advice, we headed off the road towards the valley opposite the pub. Once we had a reasonable vantage point along the valley, I quickly located the Great Grey Shrike [lifer 196!] [year tick 83!] perched on top of a small bush. We didn’t have great views and the bird took off shortly afterwards, but fortunately we all managed to get onto it.

After a bite to eat and a swig of whisky to celebrate the lifer we headed off to Fernworthy Reservoir. I didn’t know too much about this site, but it was quite nearby and from what I could gather, it had a reputation for attracting some good species. True to form, within a few minutes of arriving we heard the distinctive calls of Common Crossbill. They revealed themselves moments later on the top of a stand of larches to our left [year tick 84!]. Definitely one of my favourite birds and a nice year tick. A short walk down the road revealed little else, so we decided to head off.

Common Crossbill at Fernworthy Reservoir

The next site on the agenda was Steps Bridge. I had seen reports of Marsh Tit and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker here recently and I also understood that it was a reliable sight for Dipper. A scan from the bridge revealed nothing, but we did get a Grey Wagtail [year tick 85!] along the river. On the way back, however, Ivor had a second scan from the bridge and got us our Dipper [year tick 86!]. Another great bird in my opinion.

Next up was Dunchideock, a small village where Little Owl is regularly reported. In fact, I had been told that this bird was ‘virtually guaranteed’ – dangerous words in the birding fraternity. Finding the village was hard enough, let alone the owl. We never saw it, but one of the locals kindly ‘gripped us off’ by showing us a photograph of it perched on the roof of the village hall, not ten feet from where we were standing. He said it tended to show at dusk, but we weren’t prepared to stand out in the cold any longer and made our way back to Exmouth.

A quick walk along the seafront and marina got me some regulation year ticks in the shape of Oystercatcher, Great Black-Backed Gull, Red-Breasted Merganser, Brent Goose, Turnstone and Redshank [year ticks 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 & 92!]. A Black Redstart had reportedly been in this area in the last few days, but we failed to locate it.

The birding finished for the day, we headed back to the house for pizzas and red wine. A brilliant day. We only hoped that our success would continue …

Meal Or No Meal?

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It’s been a relatively slow start to the birding year. I said at the end of 2007 that I wanted to focus on quality, not quantity, but with January behind me and February passing by at a rate of knots, I have to confess to being more than a little keen to get some more ticks!

Sadly, studying for financial qualifications has hampered my ability to get out and about, but when my Dad suggested an early morning visit to Upton Warren on Tuesday to have a go for the Mealy Redpoll that has been about, I didn’t need asking twice.

I arrived there at 7:30am. I had agreed to meet Dad at 7:45am, but I firmly believe the early bird gets the worm. Within ten minutes, I had tracked down a Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll, then noted another bird to their right, which looked paler. Although it looked a good candidate for Mealy Redpoll, I just couldn’t be sure. It took off before I could sort it out properly.

Presently, my Dad arrived. By this time small flocks of redpoll were appearing in the bushes, their numbers reaching double figures. After about twenty minutes or so we identified a bird with paler markings and a white rump. This time I was happy to declare it a Mealy Redpoll [lifer 195!] [year tick 81!].

With the lure of a day at the office not appealing too much, I decided to spend a further hour at the reserve and spotted Water Rail, Pintail and Cetti’s Warbler [year tick 82!]. I didn’t see any sign of the Black-Tailed Godwit that was reported there that morning.

One other sighting worthy of mention was the first ever Sparrowhawk in my garden on the morning of 11 February. I was washing up and noticed something flash across the back of the garden. Although I immediately thought Sparrowhawk, I dismissed it as a Woodpigeon as they are ten-a-penny where I live, but a few minutes later it reappeared, perched on the hedge at the rear of the garden. Another one for the list.

I’m off now for a long weekend in Devon. That should boost the year list a bit and with a bit of hard graft and a hefty dollop of good fortune I might even get a few lifers.

A full report will follow on my return. Until then, happy birding!

Crack Open The Caol Ila 18!

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A super day’s birding on Sunday brought me my first lifer of 2008, a couple of nice year ticks and a close encounter with a bird that proves elusive to even the best birders.

My Dad and I headed to Alvecote Pools first thing. We arrived at about 8:30am, parked at the end of Laundry Lane and had a measured amble up the path. Those in the know will have already guessed what we were after. At least two Firecrest have been seen in this area for a number of weeks now. Having dipped on this species in December 2007, we were keen to make amends.

Birding chum Dave ‘Leapy’ Lyons was due to meet us at 9:00am, but rather than sit and wait for him, we thought it best if we tried to track down the birds so that we could get him onto them as soon as he arrived. A chap who arrived at the same time as us informed us that they tended to frequent the bushes and scrub at the end of the lane, so we promptly made our way up there.

I heard it first, and picking up movement in the bush to my left I quickly had my binoculars focused on the Firecrest [lifer 194!] [year tick 78!]. As this was the first lifer of 2008, I had come prepared. The hip flask was carrying a small amount of Caol Ila 18 year old whisky, my favourite tipple. A couple of swigs followed. The taste of success!

We waited for Dave to turn up. We waited and we waited. No sign. By this time, we had lost the Firecrest, but I latched onto it again further down the lane. This time there were two of them. Then they were gone again. Still no sign of Dave.

Finally, my mobile starts ringing. Unsurprisingly, it’s Dave. He’s been in the area for half an hour, but he can’t find us. After giving him some directions, he finally joins us at about 9:45am, but the Firecrest has vanished again having just given us brilliant views amongst the ivy on the left of the road.

Somehow, I manage to track it down again. It’s distant, but with that distinctive eye stripe and its constant flitting about, it is surprisingly easy to spot for a small bird. Dave gets onto it and we head off. Next stop Whitacre Heath.

On the way to Whitacre Heath we stop off to scan the Lea Marston and Coton reservoir. We’re looking for Scaup, which we don’t get, but there is an incredible amount of waterfowl here. Goldeneye is the pick of the bunch for me, but there are Pochard and Wigeon here too in good numbers, amongst the many Tufted Ducks.

Once at Whitacre Heath, we have a bit of a game trying to find the hide by the woodland feeding station. On our way through the woods, however, we are sure we hear Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming and calling. It isn’t too far away. In fact, it seems to be coming from a dead tree a matter of yards away. I make a beeline for it and see a small bird fly from the top of it, before disappearing into the woodland. With hindsight, I should have scanned the tree before charging towards it. We think we hear the bird later, but we never get as close to it as this again. A missed opportunity.

Once we have found the hide, we enjoy close views of Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting and Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Then the bird we really wanted, a Willow Tit [year tick 79!] shows up. It is quickly joined by another.

We head back to the car, picking up a Treecreeper [year tick 80!] on the way and make our way back home. A fine day by any standards and I shall definitely be visiting Whitacre Heath again with a view to catching a glimpse of that woodpecker!

Welcome Visitors

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It was a good weekend for birds in and around the garden. Best of all, the Siskins were down in reasonable numbers. The cold snap also brought Redwing into the field opposite the house, plus there was a Lapwing over on Saturday afternoon and a Goldcrest in the fir tree in the back garden on Sunday.

The Chaffinches are still around in good numbers, but to date no Lesser Redpolls or Brambling have visited with the other finch flocks.

A Siskin in the garden with obscured Goldfinch behind

Mr & Mrs Siskin

On Monday, I headed to the Wyre Forest with my wife. We had a very pleasant two-hour stroll, but I have to say it was reasonably bird-light. On a positive note, I did locate a Chaffinch flock, which was duly searched for Brambling and I’m pleased to say there was at least one amongst them [year tick 77!].

The walk didn’t take us as far as Dowles Brook, so I wasn’t able to tick Dipper and I had expected to run into a Treecreeper or two, but it wasn’t to be. The only other birds of note were Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

I have an expedition to Whitacre Heath pencilled in for Sunday and if the Firecrests are still at Alvecote Pools, I will definitely have a look for them too. I note, however, that they weren’t reported yesterday so it is possible that they have now moved on.

Tomorrow night I’m getting together with Dave Thomas, Dave Lyons and my father to draft our plans for our short visit to Devon in a couple of weeks. I’ve pulled together some pretty good info and I’d be disappointed if we don’t get a few lifers and many year ticks down there. I can’t wait!

Until next time, happy birding!

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Birding In The Mist

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I had high hopes for my birding on Monday. I planned to visit Shenstone, Norchard, Grimley and maybe take in the Lickey Hills too. I thought if I had an excellent day and a bit of good luck I could bag ten year ticks and maybe a lifer or two. Alas, it was not to be.

I arrived in Shenstone to find that the county of Worcestershire was shrouded in a thick curtain of mist. It was going to be hard enough to see my hand in front of my face, let alone spot a Woodlark, one of my main targets, from distance.

Never to be discouraged, I took a deep breath and immersed myself in the gloom. I thought I had a good chance of seeing Corn Bunting, Red-Legged Partridge and Grey Partridge here, but I failed to locate any of them. There were several hundred Fieldfare in the field adjacent to the public footpath, a small flock of Siskins further down, and I managed to locate a pair of Reed Buntings as I made my way back to the car, but that was about it.

A stroll up Heath Lane revealed a couple of Song Thrush and a Wren, but nothing out of the ordinary. Finally, a hunt for the recently reported Brambling half a mile down the road in Summerfield was unsuccessful. As I consoled myself with a chicken sandwich and a swig of hot tea, I had some consolation in the form of a Greenfinch [year tick 75!] in a nearby tree.

Next I headed off to Norchard. Woodlarks have been seen here consistently for a couple of weeks. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I was quite prepared to invest an hour or more here. Woodlarks would not be lifers for me, but as I have only ever had a fleeting view of one as it flew away from me I was obviously keen to get a proper look.

I found the place with relative ease and knew I was in the right field when I spied a couple of fellow birders with scopes ahead of me. Although I’m not shy of putting in a bit of hard graft to find a bird, I was hopeful that these two chaps had already had a positive sighting, not least because the mist had come down again and it was not possible to see across to the other side of the field. Armed with only my binoculars, it was also difficult to comfortably scan much more than half of the field.

Sadly, the two chaps had not seen anything and within fifteen minutes they headed off. I persevered and became more optimistic when the mist cleared a little, but despite seeing a few small birds at distance, there was no way I could be certain that they were the Woodlarks. I tried my luck further down the lane, my heart skipping a beat as a Meadow Pipit [year tick 76!] appeared in front of me, but there was no access to the other side of the field. I gave it another five or ten minutes back in my original position, but eventually had to concede defeat and headed for Grimley.

A Meadow Pipit - definitely NOT a Woodlark!

I had a thirty minute walk around Grimley. There were some nice species here including Snipe, of which I saw three flying, Pochard, Teal, Goldeneye in reasonable numbers, Shoveler and Gadwall. I think some Wigeon flew over, but ducks in flight are not one of my strong points so I couldn’t be certain. There was no sign of the Water Pipit, but I didn’t really expect to see that if I was being honest.

As I was without Brambling, I decided to stop off at the top of the Lickey Hills on the way back. I walked through the area near the church and Twatling Road for about ten minutes or so and I can honestly say I did not see one bird!

Well, if the birds won't show ...

I headed home a bit dejected. I always enjoy my birding, whatever the result, but having invested a good five hours in the field I was a bit disappointed to get just two year ticks, especially as they were birds that I am bound to see in good numbers over the course of the year.

Let’s hope the next outing is a liitle better. Until then, happy birding!

I Suppose The Exercise Did Me Good!

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This Sunday I headed off to Draycote Water. There’s one thing you need to know about this place – it’s vast. I have the utmost respect for those people who treat this as their local patch as I don’t think I could it. It does, however, attract some very special species and occasionally I can’t resist the temptation to make the not inconsiderable journey in order to see some nice birds. I always come away feeling that I have been on a ticking exercise, rather than a true birding experience though. I’m sorry if that upsets anyone, but it’s just how I feel.

I also came away this week with a pulled thigh muscle and sore shins for my troubles. Now, I accept that I’ve not been shy of the Quality Streets and the Terry’s chocolate orange this Christmas, but I’m not that unfit. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip around this huge expanse of water, just beware of what’s in store!

Anyway, enough about my physical insufficiencies, let’s talk birds.

There were three main targets in mind, those being the Lesser Scaup, Great Northern Diver and the Smew. I recall a visit in February last year for these latter two, which although successful, was damned hard work. As I cast my mind back I also remember bumping into Max and Kay that day. They were much easier to spot, though I don’t think I have ticked them at any other birding haunts since. Hope to see you again soon, guys!

We decided to head off to Toft Bay and picked up a few year ticks on the way, namely Goosander and Goldeneye. My dad also picked up his first Rook of the year. Then we got to the bit where the Lesser Scaup tends to frequent. There were a large number of Tufted Ducks and we guessed that the vagrant duck might be among them, but they were quite distant and we thought we might be able to get the scope on them further round the path. This didn’t prove to be true, so we carried on to the valve tower, year-ticking Wigeon and Gadwall on the way.

Cormorants hanging out in Toft Bay

Once at the valve tower [after a two mile walk by my reckoning!] we began our search for the Smew and Great Northern Diver. No immediate joy, until I realised that the Smew was right under our noses. I captured a couple of quick record shots and my Dad scuttled off to do the same, but the Smew immediately took off and disappeared towards Rainbow Corner.

Smew, Smew, Barney McGrew ..

The search for the Great Northern Diver continued for a few minutes. We were having no joy, however, so we continued walking towards Rainbow Corner, carefully checking out every Cormorant along the way. All of a sudden I spotted something unusual and got the binnies up to confirm that it was the Great Northern Diver. We had pretty good views as the sailing fraternity caused the bird to head nearer the shore. Within minutes, though, it had quickly made its way out of range, but again I had managed a couple of reasonable snaps.

Great!

With time running out we hotfooted it back to Toft Bay to see if we could unearth the Lesser Scaup. As we neared the area we spotted a few birders. More eyes equals more chance of success, but most of the people we spoke to said they had not seen it. With literally seconds left, a chap to my right suddenly announced he had it. I too had spotted a likely suspect and as it happened we were looking in the same area. We took our time and made certain that we were on the right bird before agreeing that it was another tick before heading back to the car.

A successful trip, albeit a tiring one. Despite my failing health, I couldn’t resist popping down to Marsh Lane once we were back in Solihull. My Dad couldn’t make it, so I headed off on my own. I don’t have a permit for the reserve so I contented myself with a short walk down the public footpath running adjacent to it. I thought I might stand an outside chance of picking up a Lesser Redpoll or maybe the Common Redpoll that has been here for a few weeks, plus the possibility of a Brambling or Yellowhammer. As it happened, I did pick up a few Yellowhammers and some Greylag Geese, but after half an hour my various aches and pains were making the whole experience a little less pleasurable so I got back in the car and made my way home.

Other sightings of note this week were a lone male Siskin in the garden on Saturday, followed by a small flock a few gardens down later on. This week also saw the first Bullfinch of the year in the garden and I got a further year tick in Solihull today when a pair of House Sparrows settled in a tree outside Starbucks in Solihull. After Sunday’s exertions, it was a nice contrast to get a tick whilst sat down with a hot latte and a cinnamon swirl!

Until next time, happy birding!

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Upton Warren

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Saturday 5 January 2008

Finally shaken off a particularly nasty cold, picked up over the festive period. Heading to Upton Warren with my Dad. Main goal – locate the Bittern, which my Dad still needs for his life list.

It is to be a full day – we arrive before 9:00am and intend to depart after dusk.

Having ticked Kestrel on the M42 on the way down we’re in the car park. As soon as we get out we can hear Curlews calling. Within a few minutes a small group pass overhead.

We head to the West hide. The plan is to have a search for the Bittern first. Whilst doing so we tick the more common species in front of us. Bullfinch on the feeders, a drake Pintail on the water and Shelduck, Lapwing, Shoveler, Pochard, Canada Goose, Reed Bunting and Teal. We give up on the Bittern and decide to have a go for Water Rail instead.

As we enter the concrete hide, my thoughts turn to the enormous spider that resides here. My spider radar leads me to look upwards, revealing the outsized critter sitting in its web on the corrugated iron roof. At least, I hope this is the correct arachnid – if there’s a bigger one then I don’t want to see it!

On a brighter note, as soon as I peer out of the window, a Water Rail dashes across the water in front of me. My Dad doesn’t see it, however, so we invest a further 10 minutes and are rewarded with a couple more sightings before we head off.

Dad’s keen to look for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the area behind the West hide. We head off and quickly spot a Kingfisher zipping along the brook. Then I spot a raptor overhead. I think it’s a Sparrowhawk, but I’m not confident. Just then, Arthur Jacobs and another chap appear and confirm my suspicions. They also confirm that Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have been seen and heard in this area, but we fail to latch onto any.

On a walk through the woods, however, we tick Pheasant, Green Woodpecker and Long-Tailed Tit, before picking up some Siskins on the return leg. No Lesser Redpolls amongst them unfortunately, but a couple of chaps back at the car park say that Lesser Redpolls have been seen on the path leading to the East hide. Great, that’s where we’re off to next to get Snipe. Sure enough, with a bit of patience, we manage to see a few Lesser Redpolls on the way.

Once in the East hide we pick up Snipe very easily – there must be 30 of them in front of us! Whilst eating our lunch we also get the first Little Grebe of the year, plus another sighting of Sparrowhawk high over the water.

Off to the Flashes next. On the way down we get excited when we think we have spotted a Peregrine, but it turns out to be a Kestrel instead. Once in the hide we tick Buzzard and Stock Dove, which I pick out with the binnies from some distance, before confirming with the scope – must be getting better at this birding lark!

We decide to stick it out here for a bit to see if the Barn Owl shows. It doesn’t, but somebody spots a suspected Jack Snipe out on the edge of the reeds. There’s an anxious few minutes as we struggle to confirm its identity, but in the end it shows brilliantly and the distinct markings, shorter bill and amusing bobbing action result in the best tick of the day so far.

It’s getting late now. Back off to the Moors Pool to try once more for that elusive Bittern. Whilst waiting for it to show itself, I manage to get a few reasonable pictures of another Water Rail from the West hide.

An unusually obliging Water Rail

The Little Egret is also present and soon enough somebody spots the Bittern out on the edge of the pool. We get good views for 15 minutes or more, then it flies across the water and disappears. Magical!

Little Egret on the Moors Pool

Another excellent day and the year list now sits at 60 birds.

Ruddy Mandarin Ducks!

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This year I am doing my birding armed with a pen and notebook, in which I jot down my thoughts at the time. By coincidence, I’ve found this gives any summary something of a real-time feel, hopefully making you feel more like you are there as you read it. Anyway, I’ll try it for a bit and see what happens.

1 January 2008

A Mandarin turned up at Earlswood Lakes yesterday. Potential first lifer of 2008!

7:41am

Despite feeling as rough as a badger’s bum I’m up and dressed. Just filled new flask with tea. Waiting 10 minutes to allow it to reach drinking temperature. Still yet to tick first bird of the year, but it’s still dark. I’ll turn the light off and watch the sun come up.

7:43am

I can hear a Robin!

7:50am

Gotcha! There he is on the damson tree. Number one bird of 2008! Only fair really – heard the blighter since I got up. I can allow myself a glance into the alder now for an expected Woodpigeon or Jackdaw [didn't want them to be my first tick!]. Oh – nothing!

Have to say, that Robin wasn’t showing particularly well. Still, no mistaking its identity.

7:57am

Right! I can’t wait any longer. Let’s get off to Earlswood Lakes.

8:08am

Well, I’m here. Great! We’re fogbound. That could make things tricky. Still, I’m up for the challenge. Ticked a Carrion Crow on the way and now I’m officially up and running.

Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Mallard, Coot. That’s ticks 3, 4, 5 and 6.

A Grey Heron in the gloom

What’s that? A juvenile gull. Oh dear! Probably a Herring Gull, but I’m not sure, so no tick.

Black-Headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull [an adult this time - nice and easy!], Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush [nice to see one so early], Fieldfare [not showing well, but no mistaking that chuckle!], Jackdaw. Up to 16 now.

The fieldcraft has gone out of the window as I lollop through the mudbath formally known as Earlswood Lakes! At last, I round the corner at the end of the Windmill Pool.

Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck make it 18.

Let’s have a sit down and drink some tea. Maybe tie my shoelaces [don't ask!].

Goldfinch [overhead, unmistakeable chattering]. 19 up.

Nice cup of tea. That 10 minutes waiting time was just an experiment, but it seems that the beverage is at optimum drinking temperature. I love it when a plan comes together. A Wren is singing. Almost certain I saw one a few minutes ago, but decided to wait until one presented itself properly before ticking it. Just dropped my notebook in the mud!

Woodpigeon [at last!]. That’s 20.

On the move again now.

Goldcrest [little beauty], Cormorant, Wren [first proper view, glad I waited!]. Okay. Up to 23 now.

A Blue Tit poses obligingly.

A Blue Tit strikes a pose

Okay. Back in the car now. No Mandarin. Can’t say I’m surprised.

Magpie [overhead on Gorsey Lane] brings the total so far to 24.

The remainder of the day’s birding is to be conducted from the house.

Collared Dove, Moorhen [in field opposite house near small pond], Lesser Black-Backed Gull and Jay [with an acorn in its beak] take the total to 28.

10:04am

5 Chaffinches in the garden. Nice.

Coal Tit, Nuthatch and Mistle Thrush bring the final tally to 31.

First day’s birding of 2008 complete. May there be many more!