A series of shots as the juv Surf Scoter flew East past me, the bottom picture showing abit of facial markings. (c) Ashley Howe
Saturday 29 December 2007
Cornwall 28th - 29th December
St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly - 27th December
The Wilson's Snipe obscurred by reeds at the back of the pool opposite the ISBG hide, occasionally waking up to preem. but didn't show particuarly well. And a group of 3 Snipe in tall grasses (bottom). (c) Ashley Howe
After that we toured the island, as we were scheduled for the last flight back of the day. A Firecrest and a Black Redstart were probably the best things we could find, amongst the other bits and bobs which were probably common to the islands. The Chopper was delayed so ended up flying back in the dark.
Nothing much else on the island except a showy Black Redstart, 2 drake Pintail on a pool somewhere and a Song Thrush singing outside a residents house.
St. Just, Drift & Hayle - 26th December
The Hume's Yellow-browed/Leaf Warbler at the top of one of several Pine Trees, flittering between branches (c) Ashley Howe
Now heading East some more, we stopped at the Hayle Estuary adding Green-winged Teal, the drake was quite some way and way - like all the birds seen today. So just another mediocre average shot.
Green-winged Teal - that one there smack bang in the middle! Amongst Wigeon and Teal in the main channel (c) Ashley Howe
Cornwall 22nd - 25th December
Visiting a couple of local beaches with the family; Carrion Crow eating a dead fish, Jackdaw coming to fish and chips and a Pied Wagtail in a nearby stream (c) Ashley Howe
Sunday 16 December 2007
Southwick, West Wittering & Gosport
Glaucous Gull at long range from opposite the Power Station and in poor early morning light, before flying East (c) Ashley Howe
Assuming the Auk had gone now, we headed back West, stopping in West Wittering for the Red-breasted Goose which was picked out at over a miles range on the beach, amongst thousands of Brent.
Red-necked Grebe on Little Anglesey Lake, near Alvestoke, showing well and size comparison with Black-headed Gull and Little Egret in flight in the same area (c) Ashley Howe
Saturday 1 December 2007
Shepton Bellinger, nr Andover
Silhouettes of the immature White-tailed Eagle at range from Shepton Bellinger (c) Ashley Howe
While waiting for another appearance, about a dozen Buzzards in the immediate area were on show, several Kestrels and Sparrowhawk, and at least one peregrine. A 'ringtail' Hen Harrier flew high over head. There was no further sign of the Eagle before I left at midday.
'Ringtail' Hen Harrier passing over head at about 11am (c) Ashley Howe