Ashley's Birding Blog

Fawley & Keyhaven Marshes

2009-02-08T21:39:00.005Z

I can't believe I dipped it again. The Red-crested Pochard was reported 30 minutes before I got there, yet no sign on arrival at Badminston Gravel Pit, neither on any of the nearby lakes.

I was about to leave the area to move onto Keyhaven, when I had a hunch to go back to Badminston and view the pig field from a different angle. And what a relief!! There sat in a big puddle amongst Gulls was the Red-crested Pochard, yaaayyyy, about bloody time! I enjoyed watching the bird for about 2 minutes before it realised I was there, as did the Gulls, all of which made a quick get away after.

Well, there wasn't much point in sticking around any longer, ideas of visiting Beaulieu Road Station for the Great Grey Shrike were scrapped - maybe next week. So I headed in the direction of Keyhaven with Emma - god her list is improving quickly! Parking at Fishtail Lagoon we walked up towards the Avon Floods, with nothing really worth noting. However on coming back a Barn Owl flew out from the Avon Floods, and a flock of Linnets near Iley Point revealed the Twite, the second county tick of the day. The last 30 minutes of light were spent with the Barn Owl hunting in fairly windy conditions.

Warsash & Fawley

2009-02-06T21:15:00.003Z

Another fairly early start to get down Warsash before Emma had to be in college for her drama rehearsals, the Long-tailed Duck showed well, even though it was in dull light, this is the first time I have had the oppertunity to photograph this species, so I was happy with any result. The Duck soon moved onto The Solent.

Shame the Pochard couldn't be as co-operative as this © Ashley Howe

I then went into College with Emma, and waited in the car for at least hours before she was done....thats what type of good boyfriend I am haha. But was rewarded with a second attempt at the Red-crested Pochard...that I dipped yet again.....but hey, there was Mallards!!

Fawley, Pennington & Hurst

2009-02-05T20:36:00.003Z

What a fine start to the day today was, no sign of the Red-crested Pochard at Badminston Gravel Pits, though I think we had sussed out the right pit. Whipping out the local map we visited a few potential site that the bird could have gone to without any success, with nothing else worth mentioning.

Next to Normandy Marshes, where the Red-breasted Goose was grazing with...umm...Wigeon, before rejoining the Dark-bellied Brent Geese and showing pretty well. On Normandy Lagoon there was also a redhead Goosander, and on searching for the Twite there was an Avocet and Slav Grebe offshore.

Looks like we got it just in time in Hants before it headed East with the Brents to West Wittering © Ashley Howe

From Hurst before we left for home, a Red-throated Diver was the only thing worth noting, disappointing compared to totals that have been seen from there recently.

Little Egret by the car (c) Ashley Howe

Tundry Pond

2009-02-04T20:11:00.002Z

I had an interview at the Blackpool and Fylde College, but that wasn't till the afternoon, which meant we could take time in getting up there, so my Dad and I briefly stopped at Tundry Pond with a few handbrake turns and skids on the icey roads to help the trip more enjoyable. On site there was no sign of any of the 4White-fronted Geese in amongst the Greylags and Canadas. But the Barnacle Goose was still there.

Also in the area was 2 Egyptian Geese, that were noisey, brief and mobile and it wasn't long before they departed to the North, a drake Goosander was on the lake. Heading North Red Kite were just the wrong side of the border.

Again, in dull light, early in the morning, 2 Egyptian Geese by the lake before they quickly departed northwards © Ashley Howe

And for those who give a flying toss, the interview went well, and I recieved a conditional offer into a Wildlife Photography course.

Southsea

2009-02-01T20:00:00.004Z

As part of the search for the Iceland Gull which was at Weston in the morning, I broadened the search heading back down to Southsea, where there has recently been decent numbers down there, including an adult and 2nd winter Glaucous Gulls.

On arrival the 2nd winter was just offshore feeding in the surf, as was 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls. Further up the coast between the pier and castle was a Red-necked Grebe with a Great-crested Grebe about 100 yards offshore.

The 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull, again the adult managed to elude me, and one of the Mediterranean Gulls © Ashley Howe

Unfortunately there was no sign of the Iceland Gull, and no one else was able to pick it up either.

Southsea

2009-01-31T19:36:00.005Z

An early start with Lee to get down to Southsea Castle at first light, because I had to be at work at 9:00am in town. Fortunately the 2nd winter Glaucous Gull was sat on the beach behind the pyramids, showing well, but photographs were shocking.

The 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull photographed in early morning, dull light © Ashley Howe

A walk along the coast revealed that there were 3 Purple Sandpipers, and just offshore was a Great Northern Diver.

Whiteley

2009-01-26T19:23:00.000Z

A brief visit to Whiteley to try and get Emma Waxwings, but their was no sign of any today, though we spent a good hour visiting each individual road. However year ticks included Blackcap and Treecreeper.

Beaulieu Road Station, Pennington, & Barton-on-sea

2009-01-25T21:02:00.000Z

I took a well earnt Sunday off from work which allowed Emma and myself to do more glorious birding in Hampshire, well it could have been if it had stopped pissing it down.

A Great Grey Shrike has been reported daily for the last week at Beaulieu Road, though the weather had be considerably weather...typical first sign of bad weather and it had disappeared. Though a wet walk didn't go without a reward, a male Hen Harrier graced us with a fly-by, a Raven croaked overhead, Dartford Warblers were occasional, a Kingfisher was at Bishop's Dyke and a flock of 20 or Lesser Redpolls were in the Birches, and still there was no sign of the Shrike by the time we had got back to the car.

Next stop was Hurst...nothing....Avon Valley, Rock Pipit and Marsh Harrier were added to the year list. A walk along the coast from Keyhaven to Pennington to Normandy added Spotted Redshank, Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Slav Grebes being the only birds worth noting...again the Red-breasted Goose managed to elude me, argh!

The sun beginning to set over Oxey Marsh, this time with the tide out © Ashley Howe

The dieing hour of the day was spent at Barton-on-sea where Emma finally got her Owlies (Short-eared Owls to people who aren't mentally challenged) which sat about the Golf Course for 30 minutes before we left.

Farlington Marshes

2009-01-18T21:01:00.000Z

Not a particularly eventful afternoon, I finished work at 2 as usual, and straight down to Farlington again, hopeful of the Short-eared Owls a second time round. It wasn't to be, yet again, and so no added time was wasted here.

Only birds of note included a Merlin and the Avocets.

Zennor

2009-01-16T21:55:00.004Z

Ok, its taken me a while to realise this, but why the fuck haven't I pulled my finger out already and gone to see the Snowy Owl? Even my teachers at college were asking whether I had been down to see it, so I took this as an indication that they wouldn't mind me missing a days worth of lesson to actually go and see it.

2nd thing to think about; how to get down there, everybody in Britain has seen it already, hmm?

My reply to this is perhaps the craziest idea I have ever head: "Ok, sod it, i'll ride!!"

After work yesterday I prepared the bike for a big effort twitch, I don't know what made me do this, but this is commitment to the birding society. Hitching a series of Trains at 11pm from Eastliegh - Basingstoke - Reading - Penzance, I arrived the following morning at around 8am. The 10 miles or so North to Zennor were much more tiring than expected, no helped by the fact I was constantly climbing hills. A short break in between where I utilised my time by proding a freshly killed corpse in the form of a Woodcock. Approaching Zennor and I really which I had fixed my break before embarking on this trip. Tough tits I didn't.

On arrival it took me no longer than 10 minutes to locate the bird sat shoulder height in thick heather. What a relief when I realised I hadn't strained both testicles for nothing. Wow, I was expecting it to be this big! I sat tight for at least 2 hours just admiring the bird from a safe distance, in that time a few birders came and went, and the bird was becoming more active, reaching and stretching etc.

A heavily cropped image of the Snowy Owl, when sat like this, it doesn't make you realise just how big this bird is © Ashley Howe

It was just a matter of time before it flew - hopefully in my direction.

Does it now? Ok, it didn't fly past me, but it was close enough © Ashley Howe

The return leg was comparitably easier, managing to complete the ride in half the time it had taken to get their, however my next reward was a fanny-tastic full english breakfast before embarking on the 6 hour train up to Reading again.

Titchfield Haven & Farlington Marshes

2009-01-11T20:56:00.004Z

I finished work at 2, so very limited on light left. Sticking to one side of Hampshire, Titchfield Haven was the first place we stopped at. As usual I couldn't be arsed paying to go in the reserve, and too stubborn to give Emma the pleasure of entering her first proper reserve.

To be honest there was no need, the drake Scaup was viewable from the bridge, and i couldn't care less about some plastic Barnacles which could be potentially counted on the hampshire year list. Best bird of the day was offshore: a juvenile Little Gull fed briefly on the surf before heading West.

North Binness Island had held Short-eared Owls all week, until today, where we and Dan Houghton missed the buggers....end of day.

Bursledon, Petersfield & Gosport

2009-01-09T20:47:00.004Z

Fridays, I don't usually have many lessons, so I took the oppertunity to meet up with Mr. Fuller and do abit of touring around Hampshire. I had more lessons later that afternoon so we still had to be quick - Lee just bunked the whole day, oh how I wish my attendance wasn't so poor that I could bunk more lessons!

First port of call was Bursledon where Waxwings had recently taken up residency, eventually finding then, we used the car as a car as a hide to get closer. I only had my bins, but used Lee's 30D to get record shots.

Part of the 23 Waxwings which thought they could elude us by feeding somewhere else © Ashley Howe

Secondly, up to Petersfield, where the drake Ring-necked Duck was back at Passfield Pond, missing it the first time of passing because it was behind the island, lead us to find 3 Mandarin (2 drakes) and a Kingfisher. The Ring-necked Duck eventually showed well for us, but photos were shit as the light deteriorated as we headed North.

Heading South and the light improved greatly, Lee told me of this stunning Black Redstart in Gosport that he had recently seen, and so this was where we went next. He wasn't lieing. Possibly the most obliging Redstart I have ever seen, if only I had my own camera today.

How stunning is that? © Ashley Howe

Hampshire Hatches

2009-01-04T20:41:00.002Z

Another lifer up for grabs, this one just a UK400 tick however. My third of the year, and possibly the hardest so far to get. Not knowing that area of Hampshire well, Emma and myself took a gamble, meeting Lee and Andy (non-birding loser ;-).

Heading in the general direction, we could hear the Geese, trying to navigate around the wooded area and river was subsequently harder. Attempting so flushed several Snipe, Woodcock and an individual Jack Snipe, before finding a 'fairly' safe crossing. Covered in ice, I balanced myway across the bog, only to get three quarters across, and the amusement of the others, falling through, and drenching myself. I wasn't going to be stopped though, and so was rewarded with distant and lucky view of the Tundra Bean Goose. Unfortunately this was only thing we had time for...

Saltholme, Cleveland

2009-01-03T20:57:00.000Z

A slow journey North because Mick didn't want to sleep in the car when it was as cold as it was. Taking about 10 hours from Kent at about 50mph...what did I care, I slept throughout....but the intervals I was awake for I saw no more than 3 Barn Owls and a Little Owl at a piss stop.

Arriving just after first light, there were some dodgy claims, which turnt into nothing, a few false alarms, and it looked to be turning into a nightmare. I love it when I get the wrong idea about twitches.

A Gull flying over, had the Evans crew fussing as to whether it was or not, neither could decide what they had seen. While this was happening a man drove up the road, shouting out his window "It's round the back, turn left at roundabout at the bottom".

The Rush was on, having dipped the first Glaucous-winged Gull, there was no messing, I have never seen Lee and Mick move so fast back to the car, reckless driving was the name of the game, over taking by driving down the right-hand side of the road got us there a tad quicker.

On arrival, the GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL was sat behind the tip, with just a couple of Herrings Gulls, in the ten minutes before the rest of the crew arrived, it was amongst around 100 Gulls and it was mostly obscurred, before eventually giving itself up again to the masses...

Thank God!! Never thought this one would come so quickly...!!

Rainham Marshes, Folkestone, Hythe, & Isle of Sheppey

2009-01-02T20:46:00.004Z

An early start at Rainham Marshes with the 2 Penduline Tits along the reeds at Aveley Pools. A brief look for the Serin drew blanks, before heading South East down to Folkestone Industrial Estate. A dodgy dealer approaching Lee and myself attempting to sell knock-off goods prevented us for photographing the Waxwings straight away.

The second Penduline Tit canj ust be made out on the bullrush behind, unfortunately this image was taken under terrible light © Ashley Howe

But at least 20 birds were together, which soon disappeared. We soon relocated the birds. Showing well and come down onto the berries to feed offering some great photo oppertunities.

Once they came down onto the berries, then some decent photo oppertunities came along © Ashley Howe

Onto Hythe where the Night Heron was still showing very well. Unbelievably at the same site as the Green Heron in October. We were there for a good hour and did the bird move once? Nope!!

The Heron didn't change from this pose for a whole hour! © Ashley Howe

In this time the Glaucous-winged Gull in Cleveland was confirmed, and we new we weren't going home later...

We continued the day with Dungeness, where we were basically too lazy to go anywhere so went into the visitor centre and left again. There were 3 Bewick's Swans along the road on the way out, as was a Marsh Harrier.

Up to Isle of Sheppey and the Rough-legged Buzzard, performed the best that i had seen it in the fast 4 years of visiting the island. A load of Marsh Harriers, and a Barn Owl were the only notable birds seen. Although it was unbelievably cold and it was threating to rain, neither of us could bear the element much more than necessary.

The journey up North began...

Blashford Lakes

2009-01-01T20:23:00.001Z

WHAT AN AFTERNOON!! After a late night at new years; a tad pissed leaving Emma slightly over the limit the next morning. We didn't leave till midday; probably shouldn't have gone out at all with all the alcohol consumed.

However it was well worth the effort, first port of call was the bewick's Swan. We connected with ease at Ibsley water meadows. 2 Adults and a single juvenile together. Further up the road, i had a tip off that there was a Caspian Gull on Mockbeggar North Lake. And infact the gen was correct with the adult still on there today.And a cracker it was too.

Trying all the lakes with access there was no sign of the Great-white Egret, but we were successful in picking up a few easier birds around the lakes including Green Sandpiper. Back on the actual reserve it took several minutes for the Bittern to show well enough for me to clap eyes on it, even Emmas beat me to it...

Leaving the hide, heading in the direction of the feeding stations there was a Firecrest showing well. From the feeding stations there was a mealy Redpoll with half a dozen or so Lesser Redpolls. Brambling, Siskin and Marsh Tit all visited the feeder in our presents.

Walking round to Ibsley Water the Great-white Egret happened to catch my eye on Rockford Lake on the near side, lucky to get this one out the way so early in the year!

On Ibsley Water, there was mostly the usual stuff with decent numbers of Goosander, especially as the afternoon progressed. Another Green Sandpiper flew past, which i got the Ingram crew on to with their new years day total - smashing the existing record further. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was also from the hide, the 2 Black-necked Grebes, although abit distant. A flock of Black-tailed Godwits flew in last thing, that was the last thing we got before heading back to the car and grabbing a fish 'n' chips on the way back.

Lough Arrow

2008-12-30T20:18:00.001Z

The next day, no sign of the Buff-bellied Pipit around Lough Beg (on the off chance it was still there!).Driving down the M2, a large flock of Waxwing were in trees by the side of the Motorway. We came off at the next junction about drove back to find the birds, about 300, feeding by a car park in Newtownabbey.

A small fraction of the Waxwings besides the road © Ashley Howe

We had a brief stop in Belfast city centre before heading south to Dublin to catch the ferry back.

A big thanks to Steve for all the driving over the last few days (even though he gave me his bastard cold!! argh!!)

Nimmo's Pier

2008-12-29T20:17:00.002Z

After a cooked breakfast we scraped the half an inch of frost off the car and headed back to Galway for one last stab at Nimmo's.The 1cy Iceland Gull from day 1 was on the slipway, as were two ad Ring-billed Gulls.

Again from Nimmo's Pier © Ashley Howe

We decided to call it a day in Galway. Despite a couple of tries, we'd not managed to connect with the Surf Scoter and there was no of the Smithsonian Gull while we were there, at least not that we saw! Up in Sligo, there was no sign of any Lesser Scaup at Lough Arrow (although we were beaten by the light and didn't have time to check every bay).

Nimmo's Pier

2008-12-28T20:14:00.005Z

Totals from Nimmo's on the morning of 28th were one 2cy Iceland Gull, two ad Ring-billed Gulls and two ringed Black-headed Gulls (both ringed as nestlings in June 07 in Co. Mayo, thanks to Chris Benson for the information).

One of the two Ring-billed Gulls this morning © Ashley Howe

We took a walk along the shore were we found a small flock of Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a host of passerines feeing in the seaweed along the strandline, including Chaffinches, Wrens and a horde of Rock Pipits (no Buff-bellied, despite checking every one!). A colour-ringed Bar-tailed Godwit was by the causeway to Mutton Island, all the way from Holland (thanks to Bernard Spaans for the data), and, on the way back, the Forster's Tern was on the beach with two Sandwich Terns.

One of the Iceland Gulls at Low tide, and the returning Forster's Tern on the beach © Ashley Howe

The afternoon was spent along the coast to the west of Galway again, this time a little further along. A 1cy Glaucous Gull was on a small lough between Ballynahown and Rossaveel with a Little Egret on a stream just across the road, and in Rossaveel harbour there was a second 1cy Glaucous Gull and another Little Egret.The stretch of water off An Bothar Bui held about seven Great Northern Divers, a Black Guillemot and a handful of Long-tailed Ducks.

1st winter Glaucous Gull, looking for scraps in the harbour © Ashley Howe

That night we managed to find a B&B and, after a hot shower, headed off to bed... only to wake up the next morning to find water dripping on us from the ceiling!

Nimmo's Pier

2008-12-27T19:57:00.006Z

What better way to escape the post-Christmas depression and turkey sandwiches than a trip to Ireland? Steve Menzie any myself left Holyhead in the early hours of the 27th, arriving in Dublin that morning. Unfortunately, Steve was just starting a heavy cold with a constant dripping nose which, combined with about an hour of sleep, resulted in a drive across to the west coast that dragged a little. A couple of hours and a full box of tissues later, we arrived in Galway. A wander along Nimmo's pier was quite good with 3 adult Ring-billed Gulls, a 1cy Iceland Gull and a couple of Sandwich Terns off shore and an adult Iceland Gull. It was FREEZING though, Steve retired to the car soon, while i walked the beaches, with the addition of an adult Iceland Gull and a few other bits and bobs.

From top: Wren, Rook, Rock Pipit and Hooded Crow © Ashley Howe

A drive along the coast to the west of Galway provided little of note. The afternoon, back at Nimmo's, was much the same as the morning with the addition of a 1cy Glaucous Gull. After failing to find a B&B that was open over Christmas, we spend a long cold night in the car.

1st winter Glaucous Gull at low tide at Nimmo's Pier © Ashley Howe

Moore NR, Warrington

2008-12-26T19:54:00.003Z

Meeting up with Steve Menzie in the morning after my Dad quickly drove me up there. Where we both kipped a couple of hours, before heading out to Moore NR, to see what white-winged Gulls we could get. As expected there weren't any masses of Gulls because the dumps were closed...being just after christmas and everything.

However the only really decent bird of note was a Willow Tit, a quality bird for, now they are becoming such a declining species back home. Amongst the other common bird feeder birds, which was nice. Tomorrow we're off to Ireland!

Male Great Spotted Woodpecker from the feeding station © Ashley Howe

Pennington

2008-12-21T19:49:00.002Z

A few trips down to Pennington of late, to try and get the Red-breasted Goose have been fruitless. Mainly because I have waited till after work, and time is pushing on before i get down there and the main Dark-bellied Brent Goose flock has either dispersed or flown off to keyhaven etc.

However when ever I have gone down there, besides the few local goodies like Common Scoter and Slavonian Grebe. There have been some impressive sunsets:

Sunsets over Oxey Marsh © Ashley Howe

Bordon, and Fareham

2008-12-14T19:31:00.000Z

Convincing, both, work that I needed to finish work at midday, and then Emma (the gf) that we should go to Bordon followed by Fareham was the plan for this afternoon. Leaving an hour later than expected, because women can never get anywhere on time, meant that I was now in more of a rush against the light.

Immediately finding the 1st winter drake Ring-necked Duck at Passfield Pond, showing well under bad light, which meant I did not even attempt to photograph the bird. Leaving within 10 minutes, heading back South. I met up with Dan Houghton where the weather continued to worsen, the Firecrest which always seems to have its tongue out was soon picked out in a very limited tit flock of no more than 20 birds.

Time was pushing on further, and it was looking doubtful that the Yellow-browed Warbler was going to make an appearance. But on heading back to the car the bird appeared beside one of the lakes, showing well before continuing on its circuit of the two lakes there.

Botley

2008-12-11T21:53:00.002Z

Woooo, finally some Waxwings in Hampshire, and they couldn't get any closer if they tried. So friday i whipped out the bike, and road down to Botley from Hedge End with bins and my camera on my back. On arrival they were fairly distant, favouring the tops of the Oaks, but were also mobile.

Eventually, they made it down to the small Rowan Tree between the School and the first house....these birds do turn up in great places - 'honest miss, i was photographing the bird behind your son'. (c) Ashley Howe

Millenium Bridge, Gosport

2008-11-16T21:40:00.002Z

An after work, local twitch with Lee Fuller. There wasn't much time left, and was already beginning to get dark. The Black-throated Diver on arrival was showing very well, for a single photographer, and once we had positioned ourselves, it continued to show well.

It's nice birds, like this which are keeping me ticking through what is turning out to be a quiet November for me (c) Ashley Howe

Horse Shoe Point, Saltfleet, and Reighton Sands

2008-11-09T13:57:00.003Z

Travelling up with Dan and Ant, the first time since the Thrush Nightingale during the spring. And another very successful twitch. Arriving at Horse Shoe Point, just before first light, we walked the lengthy distance down to the bale fields where the Steppe Grey Shrike was yesterday. No sign by scanning, but walking around to the broken line of bushes revealed the bird coming out of roost right infront of us. Already showing well on top of Hawthorn the bird then flew down on to the track to feed. Where it picked on Worms avoiding drowning in the soaked soil. I approached the bird, but gave it some distance as not to flush the bird. However once i had settled and sat in the mud. The bird gradually approached me coming within a metre from me. An unbelievable moment!!

The Shrike showing down to a ridiculous distance, simply amazing (c) Ashley Howe

Taking the 30 minute walk back to the car park. A group of Redpolls, could have possibly held an Arctic Redpoll. But to me there only seemed to be Mealy's. Then to Saltfleet, where yesterdays Desert Wheatear was also still there. On the beach it showed very well. Another bird which seemed to approach the crowds, rather than the crowds hounding the bird. Like what seemed to be happening at the Pied Wheatear.

Yet another bird today, that showed very well. 1st winter female Desert Wheatear (c) Ashley Howe

At Reighton Sands the Pied Wheatear showed well settled in the long grass around the base of a bush. However the large crowds soon flushed it, as it was chased over the edge of the cliff. We left the bird as it made its way right down to the bottom. Not knowing whether it ever come back up again. And was surprised to found out it was still there the day after, after looking very knackered.

Nosterfield, and Pickering

2008-10-31T13:47:00.005Z

At first light there was no sign of the drake Canvasback at Nosterfield on any of the Quarry Pits there, though it must be around that general area somewhere. However looking over the other Pits, there looked to be a distant Pectoral Sandpiper, later with Dunlin it soon flew off high, without being properly IDed.

Giving up on this bird after a couple of hours searching, we then moved on to Pickering, driving through the Moors with Red Grouse showing generally well close to the car. Once at Pickering (the set of Heartbeat). We made our way into the valley, to photograph Dipper. A certain individual showed well, but because of the light, and mobility of the bird made photographing it considerably harder than expected.

A few Red Grouse were viewable from the car in the freezing cold through the Moors (c) Ashley Howe

An hour or so spent with this bird, and still no sign of the Canvasback, we decided to go home, just in time for a Halloween party.

Rainham, Hythe and Dungeness

2008-10-27T13:32:00.002Z

First port of call of the day was Rainham Marshes, a bright sunny morning with reasonable sized flocks of Finches near the tip perimeter fence. However scanning could not pick out 1 of the 3, possibly 5 Serins supposedly in the area. Typically as I was looking in a different area, Lee and Mick found a juvenile, which managed to disappear by the time i had made my way back up the hill. Some concellation was a Dartford Warbler, apparantly a rare local species.

Down the M20, and the Green Heron showed inevitably well at Hythe along the canal. Where is fished surprisingly well, catching some impressively sized fish. We stayed with the bird, in constantly changing lights, and always staying on the other side of the canal.

A selection of Shots of the Heron. Nearly constantly on show. However my most favourite shot being the stunner at the bottom as it walked across the fallen branch © Ashley Howe

Once the Heron settled down after fishing, we went South to Dungeness where yeserdays Red-breasted Flycatcher was still in situ. Showing well in gorse by the lighthouse the bird allowed decent photo opportunities, but nothing compared to the male, I photographed last month at the Crown and Anchor Pub at Spurn.

This Red-breasted Fly still showed amazingly well © Ashley Howe

County Galway

2008-10-14T21:11:00.004Z

Once i had finished work, i made some calls, got myself a lift to Eastleigh train station, where i began to travel North. Tackling the underground with ease, and my timings were smack bang on the knosser!! Arriving at Stanstead airport at around midnight, i then kipped in the airport till 7am where i was allowed to check-in. I accidentally fell a sleep and almost missed my flight, thankfully minutes before i woke, and i dashed to the gates.

Once on the plane it was a doddle, i got to Shannon before schedule, but had to wait another 3 hours before Garry could pick me up enroute to the Little Blue Heron, he was coming from the Tanager in the South, which i really wanted to see, but i wasnt willing to pay £220 for a single flight. Meanwhile i kipped on yet another bench...i think im going to start getting a reputation for sleeping in random places, maybe i should be named the 'tramp birder' or something. So then, a kip, 3 hours and a full stomach after a lovely full irish breakfast later, i was on my way with Garry, John, Vince and Tony to the Heron. It took about 2 hours. Where on arrival the bird was showing amazingly well. We were stood on the pier, and the bird was basically metres away beneath me.

However this wasnt good enough....i went further up the beach to where the light, was better. The bird fished closer and closer towards me. And not stopping. Before long i was within about a metre of the bird fishing. it walked straight passed me, and once it had caught a couple more fish, flew right over the other side of the stretch of water. There was no point in sticking around longer, i wasn't going to get better views. So we headed back to Shannon Airport.

Showing distantly...(c) Ashley Howe

Back to Stanstead before we know it, where we said by to Tony, the rest of us headed South, dropping off Vince around the M25 and myself at Gatwick airport. Where i was stuck for 2 hours before Lee Fuller can and saved me, awww my night in shining armour, at 2 in the morning. At this point i had just turned 18, and what a start to Adulthood ha ha....we got back at myhouse at about 4 in the morning.

Nanjizall Valley & Cornwall

2008-10-09T21:09:00.003Z

Paul Welling as the driver, James Hanlon and Dave ? as passengers picked me up from my house in Hedge End, at 1:45am. Driving down to Cornwall to make sure we arrived just before first light, stopping in various services, none of which open. Yesterdays Empidermix Flycatcher was thought to be Alder or Willow. But how do you tell? apparantly un-seperable even in the hand, although there are some minor differences there is dfinately an overlap between the two.

On arrival, we waited for it to get abit lighter before the field load of people made there way down to Nanjizal Valley. Where we was all alined, it wasn't long before it was picked up with all them eyes.

Showing well, but at range still allowed the crowd to see what was needed (c) Ashley Howe

The bird showed well flicking around ferns and a particular seperated bush at the top. We watched the bird for a few good hours. Where we saw all we could see on the bird. And yes, i agreed with they guys from yesterday, Alder or Willow...probably leaning more towards Alder.

In the time, we departed off to Nanquidno, where reports of a Yellow-throated Vireo seemed bollocks. Then off down to the Lizard where we searched for the Nighthawk. Of course we didn't ecxpect to see it, but hey, youve gotta look for these thing, one day i will get lucky. However a showy Merlin made me happy. In this time, the Flycatcher was trapped and confirmed to be an Alder. Not that i didn't care what it was IDed as, because it was going on my list as Trails regardless.

There something about photographing birds of prey (c) Ashley Howe

Mainland Shetland; Day 7

2008-10-03T21:07:00.001Z

The weather wasn't that great....Pied Fly, a few Phylluscs and 2 Redpoll Sp. were about the best we could find around Hoswick in strong winds.

That evening we were up at the Sumburgh Hotel, doing what we had done every other evening that week, getting pissed...well Dan and I had anyway. This time a little more eventful with the Shetland local birders, a few games of pool, Garry on the darts...what more could you ask for?

Mainland Shetland; Day 6

2008-10-02T21:07:00.003Z

The morning spent around Hoswick again, Siskin, and Garden Warbler was the best we could muster up.

At Kergord, 2 Yellow-brows were picked up, and a Sparrowhawk.

At Sumburgh there was a Snow Bunting, a showy Lesser Whitethroat, but we dipped the Red-breasted Flycatcher.

Sitting out of the fence for a few seconds allowed some pleasing record shots (c) Ashley Howe

At Sumburgh Hotel Dan and I watched a Wheatear escape the claws of a Merlin several times, before becoming its victim.

Grutness held a Knot and a Blackcap. Virkie had 4 Barwits, 4 Linnets. Old Scatness hadn 2 Arctic Terns off shore. Quendale had a fly over Peregrine, 4 Siskin, and a Reed Warbler - wa sthis the bird people were saying was a Marsh?

Mainland Shetland; Day 5

2008-10-01T21:06:00.002Z

A brief look around Hoswick didn't hold much. Garry, John, Liz and myself went out looking for a Pec Sand somewhere, while Dan searched the Hoswick - Sandwick area. Neither of us had anything, until the pager started to release the news on Fair Isle that morning, Lanceolated and 2 White's Thrush, i needed both, Garry and John needed a Lancy, and Dan needed none of them. We booked ourselves straight onto a flight mid-afternoon - returning the following day. Unfortunately winds were high, so didn't fly. We arranged for flights to go the next morning if still present.

Meanwhile time was pushing on, and reports of a Hornemann's rctic Redpoll were coming through from Unst, at Norwick, once we realised we couldnt fly, we bombed it up to Unst. Actually taking a fair while, considering the ferry links, and a fully full car. It took a few minutes, but when it almost landed on Liz, it made itself easy to pick up on.

The Hornemann's showed down to just a couple of metres at time feeding in the cattle feeders with Greenlands (bottom). Couldnt have asked for anything better (c) Ashley Howe

It showed unbelievably well with 5+ Greenland Redpolls, a Brambling was on the wires, a Spotted Fly was along the fence and a Lesser Whitethroat showed well.

Mainland Shetland; Day 4

2008-09-30T21:05:00.004Z

There was nothing around the Hoswick and seemed to be a clearout. I followed a Finch fock for some time to photograph the Twite. After that we headed straight to Kergord plantations. Around Kergord House we had 2+ Yellow-browed Warblers, 5+ Pied Flys, 5+ Blackcaps. A Redpoll Sp, 2 Crossbill (1 male) and a Lesser Whitethroat. A Buzzard flew out of the 2nd plantation behind, and a possible Brred Warbler briefly.

Eventually got close enough for some decent shots (c) Ashley Howe

Over towards the farm there was a Grey Wagtail, more Pied Fly, Blackcapetc. And a Barred Warbler which showed very well feeding in the sycamores.

Although always looking up at this Barred Warbler, it remained out in the open for ages feeding, some other shots show it, flicking off the Aphids (c) Ashley Howe

Mainland Shetland; Day 3

2008-09-29T22:31:00.002Z

At first light, we were walking up to the quarry to look through the Finches. On the way up i flushed a Crake sp, from a roadside drainage ditch. Resembling either Little or Baillons, i quickly got Dan and Garry as it ran up the left hand-side of this ditch. Totally dark in appearance, and very small. We followed the ditch up to the end, where it seperated into three ditches. The bird has disappeared, presumably up one of the pipes. As some of the group stayed put watching the entries to the pipes, i went back down to the house with Dan to get torches etc. I got down in the ditches looking up the pipes, but i couldnt see anything. Very mysterious. We checked the ditche at various times of the day, to see whether the bird had come back out.

Also in the area was 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, Garde Warbler, Slavonian Grebe, and Siskin.

Scatness provided 2 Purple Sands, 6 Wigeon, 4 Sanderling and Red-throated Diver. At Quendale there was a Barred Warbler in the dunes. 2 Ruff were at Hillwell. A Common Rosefinch at Spiggie, 11+ Whoopers and c120+ Wigeon.

Mainland Shetland; Day 2

2008-09-28T16:15:00.002Z

Up early at the crack of dawn, and a Yellow-browed Warbler was the first bird was saw in Hoswick. Another was found just abit further up the road. But there was possibly more or just the same two birds touring the Village. Twite were around but that was about the only other birds worth mentioning.

A pretty quiet day...A flushed Water Rail at Clumbley from one of the many burns. An unidentified washed out Acro at Quendale. Chiff-chaff, Redwing, and Song Thrush.

At Dowsetter, there was no sign of the Yankee Golden Plover, but apparantly there wasnt as many Golden Plover as in recent days. But there were 20 Black Guillemots in the bay.

Mainland, Shetland; Day 1

2008-09-27T16:15:00.002Z

Beginning the holiday, seemed abit chaos. My alarm didn't go off till Dan phoned me to say he was outside. Roadworks meant we had to take on the mother of all diversions and we were abit late getting to Garry's house. But still managed to get to Heathrow on time. Our flight to Aberdeen was easy. But cock-ups with check-in the other end meant me and Dan had to stay and wait for the next plane. Garry, Liz and John got the all clear. Typical, the only ones who dont need a Western Bonelli's Warbler.

Eventually we got on a plane to Shetland, surprised to see the sun still fairly high in the sky, we ordered Garry to get back in the car up North. Where on arrival the bird was at the back of a sycamore. But then coming very close to abit of scrub infront.

A cracking Fish and Chips in Lerwick, possibly the best i have ever had ever! And we went back to the Beach House where we were staying, and then to the Dolphin Inn for a few pints. Gotta get the holiday going the right direction, right from the start.

Flamborough Head & Spurn Point

2008-09-25T15:09:00.005Z

There wasn't alot of point going to bed, so i stayed up till 1am for Kelvin Pierce, followed by Lee and Mick Fuller to come pick us up. A quick trip up to Flamborough Head, only some 6 hours! And we were there before first light, not really knowing where to go, we wandered the area with a hundred others, before we eventually found where the bird had apparently gone to roost.

Immediately i felt doubtful, but thankfully i was wrong, and the bird was on the other side of the hedge. Dashing up to the road to view the Brown Shrike sat low in the hedge at mid-range, nearly constantly on view we left the bird, to let others see it, not before a few record shots:

Walking down to the Old Fall Plantation, there were as many as four Yellow-browed Warblers and an elusive Red-breasted Flycatcher to be seen. Another look at the Brown Shrike was nicer now the crowds had spread and calmed down, but alot further away now. Sat next to a Red-backed Shrike it was nice to compare. Rarities of more rarities down South we then began to head that way.

Already a glorious day, we passed off reports of the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler in Lincs (good decision in the end) and went to Spurn, where the Crown And Anchor Pub car park was the first stop. Together was a male and female Red-breasted Flycatcher, the male showing very well at times.

A stunning male Red-breasted Flycatcher, showing a bit better than the female (c) Ashley Howe

Entering the point we were informed about a Great Grey Shrike that had just been trapped, we stuck around a few moments to see the bird, and its release. A newly arrived Brambling was also there.

Male Great Grey Shrike in the hand, (c) Ashley Howe

Further down the point the summering Shorelark was picked up, and a peculiar Warbler, which seemed to be a funny coloured Willow Warbler. Getting better all the time, we headed back up to the Pub where there was another Yellow-browed Warbler showing well, another Great Grey Shrike and Red-backed Shrike in the same scope view. Not bad aye!

One of the showy Yellow-Browed Warblers (c) Ashley Howe

Reports of a Greenish Warbler in Green Lane, Easington related to a Yellow-browed Warbler calling weirdly. Before heading home and getting back at around midnight.

Hook-with-Warsash and Weston Shore

2008-09-07T21:45:00.005Z

Carrying on the run of Grey Phaloropes, another one nearby wasnt a hard decision to make, i simply wanted to see another of these blinding birds. On arrival, we managed to walk straight past it, walking further up to a recognisable face; Dave took us to where it was. Not showing as well as what we had hoped, but it was there all the same. This bird was still North of the Main Scrape.

A second bird had just been found on a similar pool but South of the Main Scrape, this bird showed better and closer, but it still wasn't good enough for high quality shots. A few Med Gulls fed out in Southampton Waters, and Yellow Wagtails and Wheatears followed the Cows.

A brief visit to Titchfield Haven resulted in an hour long seawatch with nothing of note but a Black Tern and a Mediterranean Gull, though there evidently was some movement this afternoon as the pager says.

This Mediterranean Gull showed very well from the beach, picking insects off the still water © Ashley Howe

A final bit of twitching to the day, came when a juv Sabine's Gull was found at Weston Shore. Not having a clue where that was, we phoned Steve Menzie, who comfirmed our thought and sent us towards Hythe. Little did we know that both of us were wrong! Once in Hythe we couldnt find a single soul and no Sab's Gull.

A call from Simon Ingram, revealed the bird was exactly the other side of The Solent. Racing back through Southampton, picking up Simon and then to Weston Shore we finally clinched this quality Hampshire bird.

Juvenile Sabine's Gull in poor light off the jetty © Ashley Howe

Portland and Weymouth: Day 8

2008-09-04T22:12:00.003Z

First light at the Observatory, with Manx Shearwater seen from the patio and a dark morph Arctic Skua. Gale force conditions heading in a Westerly direction, haulted pretty much any movement.

Searching the top fields got us a Whinchat, thats all. Ortalans weren't to put in an appearance in these conditions and i dont blame them. 2 Grey Phaloropes were then in Chesil Cove feeding on the rafts of seaweed quite close in. And the Tawny Pipit was still at Barleycrates Lane.

OMG! a half-decent record short using digiscoping, the Tawny Pipit was the most ideal of targets, moving well and in terrible gale force winds, and the latter pic of yet another Grey Phalorope in Chesil Cove, this one from Steve © Ashley Howe & Stephen Menzie

Steve wanted to go and slate the Hooded Merganser, but once there he soon saw sense, and realised that this bird has potential. We got back to mine early afternoon to catch up on some sleep.

Starting to come into a better plumage, this time 2nd winter still in the same place, © Ashley Howe

West Cornwall, Dawlish, and Portland: Day 7

2008-09-03T21:51:00.000Z

First light, revealed no Melodious Warbler in 1.5 hours. But a Wryneck was seen briefly at Land's End while Steve had a Gropper knocking around the car park in brambles. A Chough was at an undisclosed site within Cornwall.

Up at Dawlish Warren, the Semipalmated Sandpiper was picked up on the Bight easily amongst masses of Sanderling and Dunlin. A Wryneck was in the area, but having seen 4 in as many days, we couldnt be assed to stop and wait for it to put in an appearance. A brief search around Bowling Green Marsh didn't get the Marsh Sand, which hadn't been seen since the day it was found.

A decent shot of the Semi-palmated Sandpiper feeding out on The Bight considering the distance © Stephen Menzie

Continuing to head East, we got to Portland in time see the Tawny Pipit briefly. A late night watching some half-witts play scrabble at the Obs was far from amusing before we could fianlly get some sleep on the couches.

St. Agnes: Day 6

2008-09-02T21:36:00.000Z

Packing up a went tent, wasn't the most ideal of starts to the day, but what needs to be done, has to be done. God, we are an organised bunch, and even made it in time down to the quay to catch another boat over to Agnes. The juv Buff-breasted Sandpiper was on Pereglis Beach and showing well amongst decent numbers of Turnstone, Sanderling, a single Dunlin, and Oystercatchers, more waders than we had seen in recent days.

My first digiscoped attempt of a bird since i got my SLR in 2006, i still havent improved much © Ashley Howe

On the Scillonian, back to Penzance, seawatching was well worth the effort, with c350 Manx passing. A juvenile Sabine's Gull picked out. Steve picked up on 2 Grey Phals. I had 2 Balearics. When Steve then noticed a large shear. It remained unidentified. But a second passed the boat at surprisingly close range revealing itself as a stunning Great Shearwater.

We spent the night at Porthgwarra, showing our hardcore birding capabilities again, kipping in the car.

Tresco and St. Mary's: Day 5

2008-09-01T21:24:00.002Z

We woke to terrible weather, and a mess that suggested we had been invaded by Rats. My beloved digestives had nearly all gone and the rest were half nibbled :'(

Ideally we wanted to get to Bryer but no boats were going this morning, randomly i made the decision that we were both going to Tresco, dont ask me why. But as expected we saw diddly squat. a dozen or so Greenshank on the Great Pool, a Pied Fly in the Abbey Gardens and cracking Golden Pheasant...obviously dont count for jack....

Still, clearly one of the best looking birds there is © Ashley Howe

The boat across was a very wet and windy one, but Petrels had gathered between the islands to feed as presumably it was a tad more sheltered than battling the real elements of the open Atlantic.

On St. Mary's a dash up to airfield got us a juvenile Dotterel on the 8th fairway. A wet looking bird, but it did show well, and views and pictures would have been better, if our optics weren't totally soaked. Fish and chips ended a miserable day on a fair note.

Juvenile Dotterel on the 8th fairway, ashame the weather was so bad © Ashley Howe

St. Mary's and Aggie: Day 4

2008-08-31T21:05:00.000Z

Treating ourselves to a half lay-in, Howe and Menzie slept in till 9 am!! Before catching a boat over to St. Agnes. I was walking with a chap called John while Steve spoke to this guy with his family. Heading accidentally in seperate ways. John and myself got the juv Red-backed Shrike no problem. Then going to find the others round by Big Pool where i noted a Wryneck flying up from the beach near Big Pool towards the 'fruit cage' area.

Trekking back round to Castella Down to show the others the Shrike, it had disappeared but soon put in another appearance. Steve found another Wryneck in the area before it flew off strongly, then another flew out the bushes 10 minutes later, and again disppeared. However no sign of any Melodious Warblers.

I'm not even going to try and edit some of my pics of this bird, Steve's were clearly better © Stephen Menzie

Back on St. Mary's we were convinced there must be something around the Garrison like a Wryneck, not that we had any luck finding one, but Pied Flys were still about.

St. Mary's: Day 3

2008-08-30T20:42:00.000Z

Up early again, more Pied and Spotted Flys around the Garrison, this time with the addition of a few Blackcaps, a Reed Warbler, but nothing ground breaking, abit of a lazy day to be honest, sticking around the Garrison.

Till the evening where our second pelagic took place. Even flatter than yesterday, no winds, and apparantly a good night for cetaceans (as in Dolphins).

Reaching just 1.3 miles out, Ashley Fisher and Ross Newham spotted a big whale sp. Surfacing, then quickly diving. Immediately thought to be a Humpback Whale, we followed this already stunning beast, till the I.D. was confirmed for about 45 minutes. Totally guessing its next appearance was hard. Sometimes we were close, sometimes abit out. But once the 50-ish foot Whale surfaced literally meters away from the 40-ish foot boat and disappearing under straight away. I remember clearly the skipper shouting out the window "ooooo, i think we've pissed it off now!", and in the time, the Whale fully breached literally meters infront us.

Humpback Whale surfacing, then diving. fully showing its its fluke © Ashley Howe

Possibly the most amazing thing i have ever seen, definately as good as seeing any 'Mega' which being the first for the Scillies, a 'Mega' in its own right. The rest of the Pelagic didn't matter, but more Common Dolphins, Bonxie, Black Terns, Manx and Sooty Shearwaters and fewer Stormies again. A couple of Blue Sharks were firsts for myself as well.

A stunning out of focus shot of a Sooty Shearwater © Ashley Howe

St. Mary's: Day 2

2008-08-29T20:31:00.001Z

Having been mocked for being caught asleep on benches in Porthcressa Bay, we decided to get up early, beat the typical teenager stereotype of being lazy buggers and actually get out and find something. Spotted and Pied Flys were the best we could muster up around the Garrison.

Steve's favourite, this Sparrow had the biggest tick ever, we tried catching it, so we could it off its head, our little traps didn't really very far and were knocked over in the wind © Ashley Howe

After breakfast we walked the whole way around St. Mary's, with a stunning list featuring Wood Pigeon, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Linnets, with a wide range of visible migration with about 6 Wheatears. I had to take a breath once i had counted such a record breaking number.

I wonder if there is any healthy looking birds anywhere on Scilly? © Stephen Menzie

Our efforts of proving ourselves as hardcore birders were smashed when we were caught again asleep on the beach at Porth Hellick, this time by Ashley Fisher. Dammit!

Marazion Marshes and the Isles of Scilly

2008-08-28T20:19:00.003Z

Driving down through the night...and catching a glimpse of this massive stocky cat, walking besides the road in the Dartmoor area, was quickly identified as a potential Puma...well by me, Stephen thought it was a bear ha ha...we'll let him off though, bless him, he was driving after all.

A few hours kip in the car, then we went looking for an Aquatic Warbler at Marazion, as expected no sign, but at first light, an Otter coming out of the reeds and staring us in the face, before making a quick exit, was yet another good mammel tick for myself.

This beast kept coming down scaring Steve's beloved Sparrows, bless him, he was so fascinated with them, especially those with ticks on their heads © Ashley Howe

The Scillonian started to sort things out and turnt things back into a birding trip, Sooty, Balearic and Manx all noted. A Basking Shark was yet another tick for us both. On arrival we set up the tent, and went down for our first pelagic.

This Sparrow managed to avoid the ticks..unlike someone else i know earlier in the year ha ha © Ashley Howe

Not a very productive pelagic, with very little seabirds about presumable because there was nearly no wind. A count of about 30-40 Stormies, but yet a surprise when a Wilson's was called out by Higgo. A bird at mid-range giving enough to tell it was larger, the above wing-bar, the white in the rump reaching further round, and also in moult. A Common Dolphin swam parallel with the Boat, and a fascinating thing with the glowing Plankton.

Pennington Marshes

2008-08-22T20:13:00.002Z

An early evening trip down to Fishtail Lagoon, got Dan and myself this gorgeous beast:

Oh how i wish i didn't mess up my camera, i think iwould have better pics than this, but what a stunning bird through the scope © Ashley Howe

Also in the area was the usual 2 Spoonbills, LRP and a Spotted Redshank. Again i was in a dodgy mood...my boss wouldnt let me have the day off to go for that Gull again...oh well there will be others im sure...eventually.

Chapel St. Leonard

2008-08-18T20:03:00.002Z

Driving lessons first thing this morning...worried constantly about that bloody Audouin's coming up while im try to parallel park or sumit, then telling my instructor ive gotta get home...thankfully it waited til i had finished before it decided to show itself.

Straight on the 'dog and bone' to Fuller, and we were whizzing up the motorways. The roads were terrible...constant traffic up the M3...congestion on the M1 (as always)...A1(M) diversions...M11 it was..meaning we would have to cut back across the long way...

it took 5 1/2 hours to get there o_0 not good!! And this is where things began to get very bad indeed. The bird was reported to fly off minutes before we got there...a brief seawatch got us a Black Tern...before deciding we would check out other stretches of the beach..heading back to the car... i hear an almighty crunch...oh FUCK!! its my camera and lens on the deck in pieces.

Somehow..i cant explain it, my back had opening and it had fallen out onto the concrete, typical we had just come of the grass too. Well i was in a mood from there. No sign of the Gull...4 Arctic Skuas north - well worth the effort!!

Pennington, Thamesmead, & Richmond Park

2008-08-11T07:34:00.002Z

We went again at Low tide to see whether the Kentish Plover was still about at mid-morning, hoping that it would be showing as well as it apparantly was yesterday around the same time. It always helps when the bird is actually present, and these little waders reknowned for not sticking around long, wasn't any anomoly. However on arrival 2 Spoonbills flew in over head, looking to land. They eventually landed on the Jetty Lagoon, where i managed some record shots of the birds.

Both the Spoonbills on the Jetty Lagoon, the ringed bird is the regular bird here, that was apparantly ringed in Holland last year © Ashley Howe

Also in the area, there was a Whinchat, another passerine which i should have seen already this year, but hadn't. A Whimbrel flew over, but other than this, there wasn't anything else in the small area we covered, before heading North. We decided to 'twitch' the White-winged Black Tern at Thamesmead, London. The Adult bird had disappeared once, and returned soon after, and was frequenting the outfall.

One of two Dunlin on the Jetty Lagoon, and coming fairly close, if it wasn't for the channel they probably would have been even better © Ashley Howe

It wasn't long before we arrived, and the bird was simply circling the wooden structure. If not abit distant, the bird was certainly showing well. Before it simply disappeared into thin air once again.

Time was pushing, and there was a late afternoon dash, (in poor light) to get to Richmond Park, thanks to Franko and a friend for information. It didn't take long to find our first Ring-necked Parakeets as they are so plentiful in this area. But poor light conditions and constantly looking up into the sky at them wasn't the best to photograph them.

A poor selection of shots of the Ring-necked Parakeets, you can see the light is pretty naff in all of them © Ashley Howe

Keyhaven Marshes

2008-08-10T21:42:00.000Z

I got the new mid-afternoon of a juvenile Kentish Plover at Keyhaven Marshes. A while later it eventaully made it onto the pager, as Lee and myself were whizzing down in 'The Saxo' with one wheel trim missing!! Time was getting on, and it was looking very bleak, strong wind. And the tide had come right in.

With just a few spits on show at range. Ringed Plover could be picked out...just. An hour passed with no sign. Until i managed to pick up a distant paler, and smaller Plover with its back to us roosting. Eventually it stirred, turning around breifing revealing itself to be the right bird. Phew, that was almost a dip there!

Avon Valley

2008-08-07T21:40:00.000Z

The White Stork was reported there again during the morning while i was at work, once i had finished Lee and myself thought sod it. I decided we would go and find it...no luck, yet again. Hopefully this bird will settle in a regular place sooner or later.

Farlington Marshes

2008-08-05T21:32:00.000Z

A mid-morning visit to Farlington Marshes where Dan Houghton had contacted me before hand, making me aware of a call he had recieved earlier this morning. A reliable friend of which claims 2 probable pratincoles (thought to be Black-winged), firstly one over the main lagoon, before seeing both hawking over The Deeps together.

The weather was terrible, but Dan and I gave it a shot. Surprisingly we found nothing, a good number of waders on the main lagoon, held absolutely nothing of any interest, but i did actually manage a first for the year...wait for it....and im quite embarrassed to say it...but Wheatear!!

Chew Valley Lake

2008-08-04T20:51:00.003Z

I finally gave into the Yank Herring Gull in Somerset, with a Fudge Duck there as well, it could potentially be a fairly good trip. The Gull hadn't been reported for a few days now, but thats presumably because everybody else in the country had seen it, in the time we took to decide. I went with Lee Fuller and arrived roughly mid-morning. No sign of the Gull.

Mute Swans are easy targets for crap photographers like myself, but Pochards rarely come that close, this one was no exception © Ashley Howe

So went round to Heron's Green Bay where it didn't take long to pick up on the Ferruginous Duck. At range however. We drove closer, but some how the bird had disappeared into thin air. We gave up shortly after that looking for it. So went back round to Herriot's Bridge to look for the Gull again. Via the cafe, which i highly recommend visiting guys!!! There is one stunning girl serving there!!!

A Pied Wagtail on the foreshore of Heron's Green Bay, it did have to legs! © Ashley Howe

But anywhooo, we waited for hours around Herriot's Bridge with nothing more than a Yellow-legged Gull. We left late afternoon after paying the cafe another visit (Lee insisted on a cuppa - sad twat ha ha). Before going back and relocating the Ferruginous Duck for others.

A rather distant Fudger © Ashley Howe

Middlebere Farm

2008-08-02T17:05:00.003Z

After work, a quick dash into Poole before the girlfriend came round, got me the female Lesser Grey Shrike currently residing in the same field as a yellow digger. Unfortunately it wasn't showing as well as i had hoped....and although Shrikes are as sexy as they are...this one didn't really do it for me. The most exciting thing it did was probably stick its head in the air when a Fox popped out of a bush before re-entering.

A very heavily edited shot, which you can probably tell, from the rather bulbous shaped head :-/ © Ashley Howe

Titchfield Haven & Langstone Haven

2008-08-01T15:08:00.004Z

Lee and I got down to Titchfield Haven just prior to opening, hoping to connect with a Roseate Tern and perhaps some Black. There was very little in terms of Terns about the area today, though in recent days a few hundred had been gathering off shore and infront of the Meon Shore Hide. A few Arctic Terns flew through early on, but nothing else until we heard of the Northern Bottlenosed Whale that had beached itself in Langstone Harbour.

A small selection of the Northern Bottlenosed Whale, but i dont understand why they're trying to save it when its going to die? © Ashley Howe

Popping back into Titchfield Haven before heading home, to see whether there was a change in the number of Terns gathering. Which there was....now there was less!! Bollocks!

I hate Titchfield Haven for photographs....makes the birds go weird....theres a Coot that thinks it can walk up-straight and a Common Sandpiper trying to eat its own reflection © Ashley Howe

New Forest

2008-07-31T22:57:00.002Z

A quick visit into the New Forest, again another site that will remain undisclosed for now, but had great views of a female Nightjar, circuling overhead, while a male churred down in the valley.

Itchen Valley Country Park

2008-07-30T12:46:00.003Z

Yesterday a Gropper was reported from Itchen Valley CP, not really expecting it to still be there, Lee and I got up early to go to this local location. Surprised, we picked up on the bird reeling at a fair range, narrowing it down to a small area. Reeling constantly til at least half 10, it showed itself very briefly, allowing just a few photos before typically singing form the undergrowth again.

Sadly i was too slow picking up on the bird singing unlike Lee © Ashley Howe

After we payed Lakeside Country Park a visit, though there wasn't anything else there either, and was very quiet, though it did allow a few very good photo opportunities with Great-crested Grebe.

Adult Great-crested Grebe in mid-preen © Ashley Howe

Cley NWT

2008-07-28T12:45:00.007Z

From previous posts (well the last one at at least) i moaned at how bored i was, so i decided to go on little adventure to try and liven things up again. Getting up at 4am, to get a train from Eastleigh to Lndon Waterloo, navigating the underground to get to Stratford, then from there to Norwich. Where i met up with Steve Rutt as planned, and we trained-it again to Sheringham. And using the very handy Coasthopper to Cley NWT.

A close up of a cygnet passing one of the hides, and part of a family of Little Grebes from the approach boardwalk to the hides. © Ashley Howe

There wasn't any birds i was particularly bothered about seeing though, a White-rumped Sandpiper would have been handy if we could pick that up too. Visiting the hides there wasn't really much on Simmond's Scrape, but a bit more stuff on Pat's, with a Curlew Sandpiper amongst Dunlin. A near-ad Yellow-legged Gull, Little Gull, rather dashing Spotted Redshank, and an Arctic Tern. Bearded Tits were knocking around the Hide, but never showing well enough to photograph.

Again, some more snaps from the hides, this Reed Warbler was reluctant to come directly out into the sun, but the Lapwing had no problems coming right up close to the hide. © Ashley Howe

Over to the North Scrape, where things improved alot. A distand group of Dunlin held the White-rumped Sandpiper, which very quickly decided to either back over to Simmond's or carried on West. A few Common Sandpiper were picked out on the fringes, where at least c10 Green Sands were also. A calling Sandpiper revealed itself to be a Wood. A mobile Little Stint eventually landed infront of us. And the three Spoonbills were at the far back looking pretty dead, as they layed on the floor in the early afternoon heat :-/

Ok, this shot could have been taken better, but the Redshank kept flying off. © Ashley Howe

It was near enough time for us to go. So a little more photography, and then we had to catch the coasthopper back to Sheringham. Luckily today went like clock-work and there weren't any cock-ups (especially on the underground - where i was actually bricking it encase i messed up and got on the run one - missing connecting trains) I left Steve at the Stowmarket stop between Norwich and London Liverpool Street. I arrived home at midnight, where the train managed to miraculously by-pass the Hedge End station, so i ended up in Fareham, where i had to be picked from there by my bare mandems!

Home

2008-07-24T19:41:00.003Z

Right, ive been abit bored lately...with jack all rarities popping up, or that i can twitch anyway....

so i have reduced myself to taking pics of bugs in my garden!! This is a serious low for me..and a first for the blog.

I'm not messed up, I no a Blackbird doesn't count as a bug © Ashley Howe

Portland

2008-06-26T23:10:00.006Z

Thankfully, work was over staffed today, so i was able to leave early, on leaving, Lee Fuller text offering me a lift to Portland. Picking me up 5 minutes later, the bird wasn't reported again until we were basically on the door step with better directions.

Catching a decent first view of the Eastern Subalpine Warbler, and quickly followed by a couple of shots of the bird before it came abit more elusive where it occasionally called from deep inside vegetation within the quarry in Southwell.

The Eastern Subalp decided to pop out in the open for a aplit second while Lee was having a piss haha © Ashley Howe

Leaving the bird promptly after 20:00, where the bird was left in peace with no other viewers. We headed to Radipole where just down river was the Hooded Merganser knocking around with Mallards, but all the same quite wary.

hmmm it might have been knocking around with the Mallards this evening (c20:30) but i'm willing to give this bird the benefit of the doubt :-P © Ashley Howe

Hurst, nr Twyford

2008-06-19T14:55:00.002Z

After work this evening i went up to Berkshire, with Ant. We got there in good time, and the bird hadn't been calling for the last couple of hours. On arrival the bird started calling immediately. Ant clapped eyes on it near enough straight away as it flicked up into the air, and straight back down again...in that time i was too busy picking the scab on my arm....great!

Calling every so often, it appeared to becoming closer, with 15 yards or so, we i was buggered if i could see it, some people claim it stuck its head up briefly, while tape lurring seemed to be working fairly well. Still the bird didn't show itself.

We left pretty much at 10pm where the bird was still calling. Walking back to the car we had great views of a Barn Owl hunting near the approach road in fading darkness.

Undisclosed Site

2008-06-17T23:51:00.002Z

At an undisclosed site some where in Britain, where i'm not even going to tell whose company i was in mwahaha apart from telling you, that they are two top quality guys....

At this site in the evening we had my first singing Quails, where there was probably at least 3 birds present. Also in the area were a few Stone Curlews that frequently called.

Lakenheath & Hengistbury Head

2008-06-11T20:48:00.006Z

Up with the Sparrow's fart this morning, arriving at an undisclosed site for Stone Curlews in East Anglia, which we got easy....

Then off to Lakenheath RSPB, where we picked up 2 Golden Orioles singing in the plantations on our way around the reserve. A drake Garganey flew thru, Bearded Tits, Marsh Harrier. 2 Common Cranes flew by. Being the little tramps Stephen and I are, we kipped on benches which felt like 10 minute, but actually was 2 hours...god knows what passing visitors thought...

2 Common Cranes flying low over the reeds. © Ashley Howe

Then we got bored again and decided to travel South, and by mid-afternoon we were at Hengistbury Head, looking for Serins, but there were no-sign of them. However consellation was recieved o nthe way home when a Honey Buzzard flew low over the Motorway heading North.

This Stonechat showed well East of the rangers' barn where the Serins apparantly were earlier. © Ashley Howe

Pennington Marshes & New Forest

2008-06-10T07:50:00.007Z

After i enrolled at college we went down to Pennington Marshes just to see what we could see, but there was nothing of any interest.

It took abit of work to approach this Common Tern, but i got there in the end. © Ashley Howe

Home for tea, then Mr. Menzie and myself went back into the New Forest for Nightjars. Nightjars performed well but briefly at times, a Tawny Owl was in the area.

This Chaffinch posed well infront of a great sun setting in the Shatterford car park at Beaulieu Road Station. © Ashley Howe

New Forest, & Southern Kent

2008-06-10T07:49:00.005Z

The morning started off well in the New Forest, for which sites i will keep as undisclosed for now. But Wood Warbler sung well, with Tree Pipit, Crossbill, Siskin, Woodlark, Tawny Owl.

Not an easy bird to photograph in the canopy, but this bird was constantly in song, and went crazy when, its song was played back to it. © Ashley Howe

Then moving to another site in the Forest, we went and got Crossbill, but there was no-sign of any Red-footed Falcons, hmmm i wonder which site this is? :-s These Crossbills with a variety of other common birds showed really well.

Male Crossbill coming down for a drink, and shoveling through a slection of cones on the deck, with Treecreeper, and House Martin also Showing well. © Ashley Howe

Back to another site, we ticked Honey Buzzard, Hobby, and several Buzzards over the woods. And after stopping at Eyeworth Pond where there was only one female Mandarin, the rest obviously off breeding. But some nice photography.

They might be as common as, but god Mallards are quality birds. © Ashley Howe

We thought we were using abit of initiative, and decided to go for the Terek Sandpiper in Kent. Once at Jury's Gap we realised there was good reason why know one had reported anything on it, simply the MoD were blowing the shit out of the place. Moving onto, Dungeness there was still nothing of any note, but there were some smart Yellow Wags knocking about.

Reducing myself to a two headed Sheep to photograph, thats poor. © Ashley Howe

At another site later in the evening we had a hunting adult Long-eared Owl, with a juvenile calling. At this site we also had Green Sandpiper, Garganey, Turtle Dove, Barn Owl & LRP. It was a late night by the time we got home!

Farlington Marshes & Burton Mill Pond

2008-06-09T07:48:00.003Z

Stephen Menzie had eventually made his way from Liverpool to Southampton at around 2pm. The trip got off with a reasonable start, where we located what we think was a distant 1st summer Iceland Gull at Farlington Marshes, which would be an amazing Hampshire record even in winter! Let alone in Summer. Other than this Falrington was pretty quiet, adult Med Gulls were cracking birds at the same.

Bored, already we went to Burton Mill Pond in West Sussex, where the male Red-backed Shrike showed well. Although close at first, before i got my camera out, and Stephen managed to take a few before it flew up into bare trees and sing.

Heres one before it put abit of range between us and it. As you can see, and corker of a bird. © Stephen Menzie

Minsmere, Northrepps, & Ely

2008-06-07T07:45:00.005Z

Another early start, being picked up by Ant, at some ridiculous hour of the morning alongside Dan, meeting Paul on the way in Surrey. Arriving at Minsmere at a slightly more reasonable time. We located the bird on song on approach easily with no further sign after that.

Pissing it down with rain, myself and Dan got bored, and headed off to the hides. LRP, and Little Gulls the only thing to show for it. While we were gone, the bird decided to show itself well but briefly.

Waiting several more hours the bird continued to sing, and just one brief view was had, before we got frustrated and left.

A Bee-eater came on the pager at around midday, and Paul needed, surprised it stuck around we went regardless. On arrival the bird showed very well at range.

My fifth in Britain now, and showed very well as range, catching bees, and regurgitating pellets. © Ashley Howe

Then heading South, stopping at Ely, Cambridgeshire, we successfully twitched the Icterine Warbler which was fairly mobile, but did show well at times. The bird was heard to mimic quail, blackbird, kestrel, sparrow, and goldfinch etc.

The day finished with a hunting Long-eared Owl.

Heading south again, we didn't get home till the early hours, and I was knackered!!

Hurst Spit

2008-06-01T18:23:00.004Z

I managed to get down to Hurst mid afternoon, to find that the bird was particuarly elusive in the Maize field, and hadn't been seen for a while now. There was a few birders remaining, with the majority having ticked it earlier in the day. It wasn't long before it was located the other side and within minutes was watching the bird at fairly close range.

The could easily go missing, lowering it head and legging it into and up the next forrow without a trace. After a while i thought it was rude not to get a record shot as it continued to move further into the field.

Look at this for a shot, clearly a record, my first county tick and lifer combined in a while. (c) Ashley Howe

Beachy Head

2008-05-31T22:18:00.002Z

I was umming and arrring about this one!! The pager mega'd just before i had to go to work...hmmm what to do aye....

i made some calls while i was at work, arranging lifts for the second i had finished, having passing off some in the mean time. 19:00 and i was with Dan and Ant again, bouncing our way along to East Sussex.

We arrived shortly after 20:30 and i got my first flight glimpse of the RIVER WARBLER immediately, followed by te bird singing. Very brief views were obtained of the bird both in flight and in vegetation, which was stalked relentlessly and never given the chance to get up and sing the way it clearly wanted to.

We last heard it sing at 21:45 in near darkness, where the bird was still fairly mobile, (dont worry we stood well back from it to avoid any further disturbance).

Sula Sgeir

2008-05-31T10:04:00.005Z

Haha!! i had it really, just decided not to tell anyone ;-) (c) Ashley Howe*

*Please note that this picture was a photo of another photograph from below deck, there i've told you now, so i dont want anybodt being a twat about it!

We arrived at the outcrop 15 minutes late of schedule in thick fog, and i was feeling like death-warmed up. Combined with minor sea sickness (for the first time ever) and minimal sleep over recent days.

A rock covered in shit!! haha but what a place, the outcrop before and after the fog came again (c) Ashley Howe

To cut the long story, short. And as everybody probably knows. We didn't see the Black-browed Albatross. Nor anything else for that matter! Bonxies were plentiful, but much less Arctic behind traulers. Stormie and Manx Shearwaters occasionally...

However birds following the boat at times allowed decent photo oppertunities:

A selection of photographs from the boat, starting from the top: Fulmar (top 2), Kittiwake, Grey Seal, Bonxie, Gannet, Kittiwake (c) Ashley Howe

Back in Ullapool Harbour probably the best bird of the trip was found. An Iceland Gull, probably a second summer, as there seemed to be afew grey adult feathers appearing on the back of this individual.

This Iceland Gull surprisingly brightened up the day (c) Ashley Howe

Continuing to drive South after that, we stopped briefly at a Layby, and immediately had a male Ring Ouzel, a nice addition to the trip list.

No work required at all, just sat there for a split second and could hear it from the car. (c) Ashley Howe

Edinburgh - Ullapool

2008-05-31T09:31:00.007Z

(28/05/08) An early start again, dipping Temminck's Stint in the rain at Musselburgh wasn't preferably the best start to the day. Then we went and picked up Pierre from the airport again....once we had discovered there were at least 4 different Costa Coffees in the airport....

We began our journey North, with nothing really worth of note, there were no Slav Grebes breeding at a site this year, but on a breif visit to Lochindorb on our way through. Still raining heavily throughout, a reaonable excuse not to get out the car. But we did manage to tick off a distant summer plumaged Black-throated Diver, a fishing Osprey and Red Grouse...hey at least it was something for the trip list.

Continuing further North we got to Ullapool in good time...BORING!! A brief search around the area got us Fulmar, Grey Seal, Black Guillemot, Shag. But nothing to really get any of us excited.

Eventually boarding the trip began, and after continuous briefings and safety chacks, followed by tea, we bwere well on our way. Bonxies were the only half-decent thing i saw before i went below deck for the night.

The mainland from the boat heading out into the 'Minche?' from the boat. (c) Ashley Howe

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

2008-05-31T09:04:00.006Z

(27/05/08) Since I had to get to Edinburgh to meet Keiran for the Albatross Twitch the only (cheapest and convenient) flights available were around midday. Keiran picked me up from the airport and we went straight for the Red-footed Falcon at the country park just East of Livingston. This is apparantly the 1st twitchable bird for the county.

On arrival, it took abit of walking around before we found the right viaduct....(we went to the wrong entrance duhh) but bloody hell, this is by far my best Red-foot. Showing well from the viaduct, looking down, although in a vegetated tree, rather than the obvious bare deadens that it had been showing even better till Corvids mobbed it.

it's a shame this beast wasn't in one of the dead trees, but still showed very well, appeared comfortable in this area. (c) Ashley Howe

A few drinks at the pub, Fish and Chips...and then dosing in a hostel with ten other random blokes for the night (but for only £12!!) wasn't too bad.

Shatterford, New Forest

2008-05-25T22:47:00.004Z

Yesterday, I finished work at 7, and Dan was waiting at my drive, to quickly pop along to the New Forest. On arrival the 1st Summer Red-footed Falcon was sat on a low branch along side a Hobby. Decent silhouette comparisons were made, before it decided to fly over the road.

Following it across, it was re-located on another sparse pine, at closer range, where it hawked a little, then settling down again to munch on its prize. It then went and landed above some birders head, where he didn't even realised it was there, until he turnt around and the bird flew out. Flying on a big circle over our heads, and then attempting to land in the same place. Got the impression the bird wanted to roost there.

I was quite proud of myself if i do say so myself, i rather like the silhouetted shot against the sunset :D, and the picture below of the Red-footed Falcon shows abit of the orange on the breast. (c) Ashley Howe

So we left it, well alone. Besides we were being eaten alive!

Lodmoor RSPB

2008-05-25T22:34:00.004Z

(18/05/08) Frustration hit me hard this morning. Another Sunday shift at the Post Office, and the pager going spaz the second i walked through the automatic doors. Little Bittern, Thrush Nightingale, Eastern Oliveacous Warbler, and Red-rumped Swallow all close together. I finished work at 14:00, argued with the family a little, and wa son the road by 15:00.

Arriving mid-afternoon, starting at Lodmoor, catching up with a few mates, for the low down. The Little Bittern hadn't been seen for a while now. While sifting through the plentiful Hirundines (well they were all House Martins), we couldn't pick out a Red-rumper. But a shout put us in the direction of the Little Bittern which shortly after appeared on top of the reeds before flying down river. This was my second within the space of a year. Unfortunately this female wasn't a shad eon the male last year at Titchwell.

You now me, nothing but photos of the highest quality of course!! But yeah, you get the picture - its a female Little Bittern (not a male as reported). (c) Ashley Howe

My Dad left me, and i had arranged to get a lift home with David, who wanted to leave early. Unfortunately we managed to miss the Nightingale and EO Warbler. Bit of a bitch to say the least!

Westleton Heath

2008-05-25T22:27:00.004Z

Well this was quite an amusing trip! (10/05/08) The pager started to spaz just i was coming into Hedge End after completely a frustrating day at work. Spectacled Warbler in Suffolk. Quickly getting on the phone to Ant and Dan and within 30 minutes, was well on our way up the M3 heading in a North-Easterly direction. Time was against us considerably, but had a feeling if we didn't see the bird tonight, then we probably wouldnt see it the next morning. Nothing of late seemed to be sticking aorund long enough to twitch successfully.

Well...unfortunately we arrived just abit too late, around 21:00 where it was a little too dark to say the least. Oh well time to hit the pubs, rayyy!! As we decided to kip the night in the car, just in case, our theory was it would rude not to.

After a few, pints/smirnoffs we were pretty much....ummm....pissed. At least it made sleeping in the car abit more comfortable. Early morning soon came around, and we moved back up to the heath. A Nightingale was singing, like it was last night, a few Dartfords were knocking about. But nothing really to get us excited. Someone claimed hearing it, but nothing came of it.

The only thing that tempted my camera out the rucksack, sorry guys, i know i should ahve taken pics of the pissheads!!(c) Ashley Howe

By 07:30 we were on the road home, i got a bollocking as i had work that morning...oops...and hadn't arranged no-one to cover me..haha

Lytham

2008-05-24T11:33:00.004Z

Uh oh...today was abit of a downer, having woken up well before the crack of dawn to catch a train up to Liverpool, to meet Mr. Menzie himself at c09:30. We headed off to Neumann's Flash where the 2 Black-winged Stilts were on show, the male feeding, and the female sat on the nest.

The male of the pair feeding.(c) Ashley Howe

The RSPB were on site, setting up a perimeter fence around the flash...wow they really are discrete about these things, and just about disturbed everything else. Leaving the Stilts in peace, we headed North to Lytham.

Sadly after hours of searching along a wide stretch of beach, we couldnt find the Ross's Gull....aaaargh, i was pretty cheesed off about this one, as it had been there for yonks, and the one day i decide to come up, its pissed off!!

A few days later it, popped again. SHIT!! and i was incredibly tempted to give it another go....till it was found dead, sod it!

Radipole & Lodmoor RSPB, and Portland Bill

2008-05-24T10:40:00.002Z

Finally...a tad of luck. Wasn't really expacting much this morning, just happening to be doing a day trip down in the Weymouth area, but when entering the area, a Whiskered Tern came up onto the pager at Radipole, i was rather pleased. This was my second now, and always a pleasure to see, just like the first.

You know what they say about big feet ;-). (c) Ashley Howe

It fed around the Buddleia Loop for a while, coming close at times, but frustratingly hard to photograph and to keep up withit bobbing about all over the place. It then departed down to the visitor centre, where it sat on a perch, at the back. This allowed me to have a few record shots of it. A Cuckoo passed through, and was one of my first spring migrants of the year, since i had come home from America.

Unfortunately these were the best i could muster up, no doubt others got better. (c) Ashley Howe

Round to Lodmoor RSPB, there was no sign of the Spoonbill, but thee was a drake Garganey being rather elusive at times. Over looking Weymouth Bay, 2 Roseate Terns were picked out at range either side of me: one by the stone Weymouth Pier and another along the white cliffs. A Great Northern Diver was also on the sea.

What is it about Radipole and Lodmoor, that make Cetti's Warblers show so well? (c) Ashley Howe

Another scan of Lodmoor revealed the Spoonbill...well just its head above some bushes.

Once having asked a few locals, and then found the place, I was watching a Hoopoe on the Rugby pitch. Not the most obliging of birds, compared to some of the others i have seen in the past, but its one of those birds i like to see annually in Britain.

Has to be up with some of the best of my previous Hoopoe shots, but a record all the same Take a peak here and here. (c) Ashley Howe

Up on Portland things, quietened down a little, with no sign of the Blue-headed Wagtail in the top fields, or the Mealy Redpoll which was typically elusive as expected. Hirundines were plentiful, but my efforts to turn one into a Red-rumper were fruitless.

Testwood Lakes

2008-03-29T18:30:00.004Z

I left early from work to meet Dan at my house, light was exactly in our favour, and the Whooper Swans had been reported for some time now. Whooper Swans are a mega hampshire bird, and was the first time i had heard of one in the county since I had been birding. The 5 Whoopers showed well if not at range, one of which seemed secluded from the rest of the group for what ever reasons. And the local Mutes weren't too happy about their presence.

See how the right hand Whooper appears to become secluded from the rest of the group. Quality hampshire bird(s). (c) Ashley Howe

Further inspection of the area, and Dan spotted a Little Ringed Plover, my first of the year, showing quite nicely infront of us. Not a bad last minute trip out this evening.

New Forest and Blashford HWT

2008-03-24T18:54:00.004Z

A day in the New Forest was appropriate for today, starting off with rather nicely with 2 Goshawk at one of those "hush, hush" locations, though i expect every man and his dog know where they are these days! But still im saying nuttin!!

Next off to Eyeworth Pond, where there were plenty of Mandarins about, 50:50 ratio to male and female. And if memory serves me correctly there were 12 birds present. (See this is the problem not keeping a blog up-to-date, you tend to forget some info).

As far as introduced birds come, these have to be one of the best, there was a decent number of them on the Pond today. (c) Ashley Howe

A few brief stops to look for Great Grey Shrike at a few various sites, drew blanks, so we went off to the Ibsley/Blashford area. Well there wasn't really anything significant to report...apart from a good looking 'bird' with a tidy round rump working in the visitor centre. The Woodland Hide however, was the most productive, with a nice selection of Finches.

Just some of the Finches infront of the Woodland Hide this afternoon, coming to the feeders. Obivously Lesser Redpoll, top and Brambling, below. (c) Ashley Howe

Having left the hide, we almost immediately bumped into a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, which showed surprisingly well, at a close range. However it was one of those birds which i couldnt focus my camera on through all the branches infront of it.

This Pheasant cleaned up the mess, the Finches left behind on the deck. (c) Ashley Howe

Pembrokeshire, Lisvane Reservoir & Burrow Gurney

2008-03-24T18:16:00.005Z

It was a fairly early start this morning to arrive at Marloes Mere by around mid-morning to strong winds. No hurry or anything! Black Duck - and a female at that with it head under its wing, not exactly the most amusing of birds to watch. There wasn't alot of time spent watching it and we soon decided to depart to the East.

This Black Duck appears to have paired up with a Drake Mallard, don't let the sun confuse you! It was actually terrible weather. (c) Ashley Howe

Haverfordwest was our next stop, where again we were successful, the wintering Rose-coloured Starling was elusive at first but soon came out to play. The male continued to sing at close range, not in the most convenient of places behind a caravan in private gardens, with dogs barking throughout. Needed to good old boot if you ask me!!

Whatta Corker!! Singing in the hedge in someones back garden, i wouldnt mind that on garden list. (c) Ashley Howe

Again moving further East, we stopped at Lisvane Reservoir, where we didn't expect to locate the Spotted Sandpiper. Where it hadn't been reported there for a good few days now. We gave it ago all the same. Things were looking doubtful where the bird could literally be anywhere on the fenced off reservoir Llanishen. After completing a whole circuit of both reserviors, i managed to find it, near enough beneath my feet, feeding on the bank. The bird, by this time was beginning to come into summer plumage with a few spots appearing around its arse.

Not the easiest of birds to photograph, never keeping still for any length of time. But you can see the spotting around the bum, before it decided to run across infront of me (bottom). (c) Ashley Howe

Further East, again and i was hoping the Franklin's Gull would make another appearance around Keynsham. Sadly it didn't, but a drake Lesser Scaup had been found at Burrow Gurney, it would have been rude not to have a look as it was on the route home. And before long was watching the bird, if not at abit of range in the centre of the reservoir.

This drake Lesser Scaup was amongst a group of Tufted Duck, presumably an individual that has also been visiting Chew and Blagdon Lakes. (c) Ashley Howe

Undisclosed Site - Hampshire

2008-03-02T21:46:00.001Z

3 Jack Snipes were flushed from an undisclosed site with an organised flush alongside Dan Houghton and Simon Ingram. A Peregrine was another good sight record which passed overhead.

Broadsands & Northam Burrows

2008-03-02T19:47:00.003Z

Yesterday was spent entirely in Devon, though the pager wasn't as active as we had hoped with news concerning birds like the King Eider and Surf Scoter.

However got to Broadsands, fairly early on with a summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe in the Bay. Soon followed with a count of 10 plus Cirl Buntings feeding on seed in the second car park. We watched the birds for a good while, till they dwindled down to none and had moved off to somewhere else. Reed Bunting and Chaffinch fed amongst but Dunnocks were everywhere!

After we ended up in Dartmoor half-heartedly looking around for a Yellow-browed Warbler and Firecrest. News was still very slow and it wasn't till about 11:30 when the 1st winter drake King Eider was reported. As nothing much else was happening we went for it.

On arrival things weren't looking particuarly healthy, no sign from anybody since the time it was first reported, searches along both rivers had drawn blank. Although the Cirl Buntings in the morning were lovely, we were hardly enjoying the day. Till the bird finding beast, most of you might know him best as Dan, picked it up way out on the sea from Appledore.

Going round to The Skern, it was confirmed, showing so much closer at the river mouth, in considerably dull weather. This was the last thing we saw before heading home again.

Boulogne Cliffs, Nord - pas de Calais, France

2008-02-25T08:37:00.005Z

Ant, picked Dan and myself from my house Friday evening at 11, working our way to Dover via Woking to pick up Paul, filled the car nicely. Arriving at the dock well ahead of schedule allowed us to catch an earlier ferry over to Calais.

We had found the area in darkness, which meant we had time for a nap. At first light we began our search at the fort at low tide. At least an hour and a half had passed with no sign. And then a report from a couple who claimed flushing it from the fort when coming down the steps at 08:10 (GMT), bearing in mind it was now 09:45 that was some time again. I and a few others searched further on towards to the pillbox, until one of them recieved a text saying everyone was moving down towards the other end got me excited, unfortunately it was nothing.

So Dan hinted about searching the cliffs where i had just been, at this point it was just him and myself and the conversation went "I get the impression we are going to be running out of time, very soon", "I know, we're going to be getting desperate soon". "Wouldn't it be good if it would just appear on them rocks there!", just as Dan had finished his sentence, something caught my eye at the top of the cliff, sadly it was nothing and lowered my bins in disappointment. In doing so something else caught my eye, much lower down in the cliff. I didn't even need my bins to know exactly what it was. WE HAD IT!! the wintering Wallcreeper!! One of the finest birds this planet has to offer.

We watched it feeding low down on boulders at the bottom of the cliff, before the others made it over, when it started feeding further up, for half 'n hour we starred at the bird unaware of the tide. We soon had to dash as the tide was quickly coming up and about to cut us off.

I took over 550 shots of this stunner and it was only this one hear that was worth cropping, the distance was great, constantly moving and in dull light. Still - what a stunner! (c) Ashley Howe

After that, we eventually found a site where Black Woodpecker had been heard from, we spent the whole afternoon here, we split into pairs, keeping each other informed, Dan and myself found ourselves Reeve's Pheasant - mind you abit dodgy we feel, Crested Tit, and i had a presumed Short-toed Treecreeper. While Paul and Ant had more luck with Crested Tits, Short-toed Treecreepers and heard a Black Woodpecker.

A great twitch and my first abroad - with abit of luck one of many in the future, and what a way to start. A 25 hours twitch.

Cheshire....my last day :'(

2008-02-22T12:21:00.009Z

An early start, down to Moore NR, where we planned to stay the day.

Starting off well with gear like Bullfinch, followed by Tawny Owl, Willow Tits (the first i've had in almost two year), Snipe etc.

Willow Tits at the feeding station and a Reed Bunting sat on a frosty bramble (c) Ashley Howe

A brief look over the frozen pools, there were a few Gulls beginning to gather, mean while we went and took a look for a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, our efforts were for now - fruitless, but then went to take a look for Redpolls. Which we got easily with both Lessers and Mealy found, with Siskin in Alders.

2 Lesser Redpolls in Alder, and Stephen attempting to digiscope the Mealy Redpoll (c) Ashley Howe

Back watching the Gulls again...but nothing too good was seen, so took a brief trip over to Frodsham and found a Little Stint on the No. 6 Tank Pool at high tide.

Returning to Moore, the best Gull of the day was found...Yellow-legged Gull - WOW!! well worth our efforts, on the Birchwood Pool.

Yellow-legged Gull, one of two, the only half decent Gull that anybody could find (c) Stephen Menzie

Over on the Pumphouse Pool there was a Water Rail and behind us a Lesser Pecker called all too briefly, but unfortunately wasn't relocated. We went back to the feeding station to watch the Willow Tits again, before going back to Menzie's to collect my stuff and starting the journey south to meet my Dad.

Thanks again Stephen for a great long weekend away, much appreciated, and im sure the favour will be returned someday.

Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire...all over again

2008-02-21T23:11:00.008Z

An even later start...and it was really killing me today, being so restless!!

But we got to Marton Mere....again, for the Long-eared Owls, the Whooper Swans were there again with Water Rail. Turns out the Owls were roosting in a different place, but we found it and a few others looking. 2 were roosting together. While Mr. Menzie was reporting the news, I spotted a Bittern flying over the reeds, we went into the hide, finding it easily. Then another....and another. Eventually 3 all together within a few metres of each other!

The cheeky buggered nicked my camera for this one, walking Whooper (c) Stephen Menzie, two roosting LEOs (c) Ashley Howe, single LEO (c) Stephen Menzie, 2 Bitterns together and a third walking along the reed fringes (c) Ashley Howe

Crossing the border again (Stephen wanted me to make this clear, that we were in MERSEYSIDE at this point) the drake Green-winged Teal showed very well infront of the hide, shoving its arse in the air for us as well.

Drake Green-winged Teal (top)(c) Ashley Howe, more Green-winged Teal sat and with arse in the air, can be compared with Eurasian Teal (drake) upturned showing differences (c) Stephen Menzie, bottom drake Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler (c) Ashley Howe

Back into lancashire, with Merlin and Corn Buntings on Plex Moss showing nicely, rayyyy we were doing well today.

Top two Merlin (c) Ashley Howe, bottom two Corn Buntings (c) Stephen Menzie

Further South into Cheshire, at Moore NR there weren't many Gulls or anything else for that matter, but the Tawny Owls were a dead sert, so we went and got them.

Two Tawny Owls in roost this afternoon in their usual place (c) Stephen Menzie

Lancashire

2008-02-20T14:45:00.008Z

A late start by my standards on Sunday, but got to Marton Mere at about 09:00, 4 Whooper Swans were about the only thing of note we had, the Long-eared Owls weren't in their usual roosting place, so we moved on.

One of four Whoopers, originally we thought this bird was stuck in the ice, but seemed ok in the end (c) Ashley Howe

The Glossy Ibis at Waltham was distant, exactly the same as last year when i saw it, and in the exact area. 2 Bewick's Swan were amongst 75 Whoopers, Merlin and Water Pipit were picked out.

The ibis rather distantly amongst Shelduck looking into strong light (c) Stephen Menzie

Crossing the border into Merseyside, Dipping again at Marshside for the Green-winged Teal, but Peregrine over, and a dodgy Pipit: Please look at the Pictures on Menzies site, and will be appreciated to know your thoughts, Thanks!

Common Snipe showing very well to the hide, top (c) Ashley Howe, bottom (c) Stephen Menzie... you should have seem him, like a kid with a new toy ;-)

Not far away, we went and flushed a Jack Snipe with several Snipes before, scaring the shit out of me as it flew out from underneath my feet.

Scanning the Plex Moss revealed no, Corn Buntings, but two Grey Partridge where only the top of their heads were visible. Clearly we weren't having a brilliant day, dipping the majority of things.

Finishing the day (successfully) with 2 Little Owls at an undisclosed site shhhhhh which showed well.

A Little Owl roosting in an old Barn at an undisclosed site, (c) Ashley Howe, while another flew across the road and landed in a tree (c) Stephen Menzie

The Journey North....

2008-02-20T10:54:00.006Z

Picking up Red Kite in the way....a few of which within my home county, the first ones i've seen in a good while now, though there were plenty around Oxford.

Red Kite from the car, but it was in Hampshire (c) Ashley Howe

I met Stephen Menzie at about 16:15 in a junction layby....swapping my gear from car to car, realising i had forgotten a sleeping bag, seriously, how thick can you get?!

This was the first time i have seen Stephen since last summer, though we are constantly speaking to each other on MSN, together we headed to Frodsham Score where two Short-eared Owls were distant hunting over the far bank at dusk. Heading towards the exit, round the corner another was sat of a fence post infront of the car!

This Short-eared Owl appeared infront of the car, unfortunately evening light prevente dme from getting brilliant shots (c) Ashley Howe

Walpole Park

2008-02-09T10:55:00.000Z

Arrived around midday, after begging family for a lift, the bird was showing well as this mad man spent his lifes savings on bread and corn to feed the swans and gulls. "Apparantly" he owns all the birds :-s but anywhoo the Ring-billed Gull was showing nicely, occasionally taking flight and sometimes coming very close.

Black-headed Gull (obviously top) and the rest the adult Ring-billed Gull (c) Ashley Howe

Langton Herring, Portland, Countess Wear, Dawlish & Beer

2008-02-02T21:38:00.001Z

The day started mighty fine!! Long-billed Dowitcher straight away though at range with 6 Snipe, Redshank and Lapwing, before a Spoonbill flew in and landed about a metre from the feeding Dowitcher. Making an unusual combo!

Sorry for the poor standard but in all fairness were a fair way away. The Long-billed Dowitcher sat amongst SNipe under the lip of mud in the centre. I don't think the Spoonbill needs pointing out!! (c) Ashley Howe

Portland Harbour held 3 Long-tailed Ducks and Razorbill, but at the Bill there were thousands with Gannets, Kittiwake and Fulmars added.

Continuing the journey West, the Falcated Duck hadn't been reported since first thing. And no further sign. But we went anyway, finding that is was ridiculous to be considered as a genuine bird. In a small, heavily vegetated pool amongst trees and associating with a few Teal and Mallards. If it is gen, then it isn't helping itself!

Then we popped into Dawlish, there was no sign of the Surf Scoter, Devon wasn't doing us much favours. A Velvet Scoter was the best we could muster up, and as darkness fell we scored with 2 Black Redstarts at Beer Beach.

Thanks again Dan, for another great day out!!

Esher, Rye, Dungeness, & Sheppey

2008-01-28T20:09:00.000Z

At first light at Esher Rugby Club, although we knew the main Parakeet roost had apparantly relocated, we had heard that others were still there. Well thats wrong! There was nothing except thousands of Gulls constantly passing over head, and 2 Goosanders coming form the reservoir. The only amusement came when a car pulled in racing down the bottom end of the car park, passing Dan and I at increasing speed, towards there car wash business at the end. Next thing we know the car is swirving and then crashing into signs and plant pots, throwing them into the air. 10 minutes later, their embarrassed faces appeared out of the car to pick up the wreck. However i did briefly see 2 Ring-necked Parakeet inflight on our hasty departure down to Kent.

At Rye Harbour (oh this is in East Sussex not Kent) we parked up, follwed by another woman parking up next to us, reversing slightly to far and hitting a concrete post. The loonies were out inforce this weekend. No sign of the Shorelark, but 2 Scaup on the Long Pit.

After being held at deathpoint by a volunteer worker demanding a £3 entry fee, and gripping my Dad's bollocks off for the £1 cup of coffee, she finally allowed us to see some birds. At Dungeness several Smew on Burrowes pit, a Shag, Slavonian Grebe, a female Red-crested Pochard. Several more Smew from the Christmas Dell Hide but no sign of the Red-crested Pochards. Later inspection from Scott's Hide revealed a couple amongst the bushes, allowing both Dan and I to get fairly poor but tickable views. Tree Sparrow by the reserve entrance was both our firsts for the year. And yet after walking the length of the Long Pit there, there was no sign of the Red-necked Grebe with a retarded Dog with a mental disorder....infact his owner wasn't much better.

At this point we were suppose to be travelling up to Sheppey, but the Shorelark popped up again, and decided this would be better to go for. Got there, no sign! About an hour waiting and it appeared from know where. Got it, we haired up the motorway, darkness approaching but unfortunately we arrived abit too late at Sheppey to see anything worth it. Though a Barn Owl at range, a Buzzard species, and plenty of Marsh Harriers.

Basically the only thing worth photographing and at that a record, though the Smew showed nicely, just a bugger i left my camera in the car! Everything else had a fair bit of distance between the bird and I (c) Ashley Howe

Portchester Area

2008-01-22T22:14:00.000Z

Recently, in a the Portchester area, Dan has become aware of a Brent in a varying sized group of mostly Dark-bellied Brents, but there has been a 1st winter Pale-bellied as well as an adult. After taken pictures and comments from birders who think it is and isn't. He has reasons to believe that this is maybe a possible Grey-bellied Brent!?!? It would be much appreciated if you could comment on this bird as to what you think it might be. Cheers! PLease e-mail me at richard_howe@tiscali.co.uk directly.

Hopefully there will be more shots soon of this Goose! (c) Dan Houghton

Cley, Salthouse, Cromer, Sheringham, Langham, Cantley & Stubb Mill

2008-01-21T17:16:00.000Z

My 3rd visit to Norfolk in less than 2 weeks, with the same set of birds and more. Setting off around 2 in the morning again, im really missing my lay-ins!!! With Dan, Mr. Bagnell and John Lees, Barn Owl in Cley village, followed quickly by the appearance of the Sparrow again up the drive way, exactly the same time as last Saturday. This time staying out in the open for a good 3 or 4 minutes before popping back up onto the edge of the bush. Great scope views of the little gem.

Then to Salthouse where the flock of Snow Bunts showed well again. A Lapland Bunting flew over calling but could not be relocated. Another Barn Owl was there, 3 Red-throated Diver passed East, and two Common Scoter in the other direction.

To Cromer where the Waxwing had just disappeared, but after 15 minutes or so came backand showed well. While watching the bird. Reports of a probable adult Slender-billed Gull at Sheringham came through. Dont worry we didn't stick around long and within 15 minutes were on sight. No sign, so gave others the chance to find it and went for the Snow Goose.

A couple of shots after 15-20 minutes of waiting, I couldn't be arsed to get my camera out of the car,so let Dan have the privilege (c) Dan Houghton

On route we found a flock of Brents looking towards Sheringham Hall, Dan quickly picked out a Black Brant. Followed by a 1st winter Pale-bellied Brent.

Eventually finding the fields near Langham for the Lesser Snow Goose, from the car we could see a white blob.....amongst a billion pink-feet and 3 Barnacles flew over North.

Back to Salthouse where the Lapland Bunt showed better for Gary and John, while Dan and I just tried to find something else of interest. Never giving up on finding that BB! Driving south-east to Cantley where form the railway we could see c20 Taiga Beans and c40 White-fronted. I can't remember how many now...serves me right for not taking notes! 10 minutes and we were off again.....to Stubb Mill, on approach were 22 Bewick's Swans in a field, Yellowhammers by a seeded driveway to a Farm.

At Stubb Mill a couple of Barn Owls hunted sucessfully, good numbers of Marsh Harrier and a ringtail Hen Harrier flew through. Eventually 2 Cranes flew through as well giving a spectacular view! Leaving after Dan and I got back in the mighty Hampshire just before 10.

West Wittering & Church Norton

2008-01-14T22:01:00.000Z

Set out again with Dan this afternoon - priority being the Red-breasted Goose, where it didn't take long for Dan to pick it out at range in the left hand field on approach to the car park. Apart from this, there wasn't realy much else of interest in there, the sea was dead but a decent number of Sanderling on the shore.

At Church Norton a Gannet was far out, a couple of Mediterranean Gulls and a gathering of c10 Slavonian Grebes on the rough sea.

Cley, Salthouse, Cromer, Kelling, Wells, Flitcham, Roydon & King's Lynn

2008-01-12T21:32:00.000Z

Leaving Southampton at 2am, Ant and I reached Cley just before 6. Where i had already seen the bird i new the best vantage points and got out the car nice and early to claim our positions. We waited till about 8:45 when the White-crowned Sparrow put in its first appearance, smack bang in the middle of the driveway, the impatient buggers again ran to the gate and it didn't stick around long. I managed to get some better shots than i had done previously.

The main attraction...again. Setting out extra early , paid off. (c) Ashley Howe

Allowing other people to see the Sparrow, we moved off to Salthouse where Snow and Lapland Buntings were showing very well....again.

We coudn't go for the Sparrow again and not pay these little beauties a visit. (c) Ashley Howe

East, to Cromer where we nailed the 1st winter Waxwing with ease, showing well down to 10 yards on berries in the car park of Rainbow Food Store.

As soon as we got there the Waxwing came down form the tree and begun to feed on the berries beneath. (c) Ashley Howe

The Lesser Snow Goose was quite mobile, so we waited on news at Kelling where a couple of Egyptian Geese showed well, with Golden Plover and Brambling as a supporting cast.

The Egyptian Goose showing well, and a lone Golden Plover by the first pool (c) Ashley Howe

The Lesser Snow Goose (adult white morph) was again pinned down at Wells along Creake Road, and through the masses of thousands of Pink-feet, the bird could easily be picked out at rane to the right side of the field.

Only billion miles away.....but yeh, you can see the white blob, which was the Lesser Snow Goose (c) Ashley Howe

There was nothing at Choseley, nor much else at Flitcham besides Snipe and a Marsh Tit and a peculiar looking Goose in a flock of 1000+ Pink-feet which resembled a hybrid Pink-foot x Snow Goose.

Roydon Common held a Great Grey Shrike, very, very, distantly. But the bird all the same. Next stop was King's Lynn, with the day going so perfect, surely the Ricahrd's Pipit would mess things up. Fortunately not, after moving abit further up the track, we enjoyed cracking close views of it up to dusk, with Marsh Harrier, putting up the Knots and Lapwings. A Green Sandpiper circling us and Grey Partridge late on.

Richard's Pipit showing well for the small group gathered, running up the track along the seawall. (c) Ashley Howe

Cley, Salthouse and Holkham

2008-01-10T16:51:00.003Z

News broke on Sunday at about midday, and before i had even heard it was there, Dan had offered me a lift. We left early Monday morning, and surprisingly managed to make it at first light. This was Dan and mine's first solo twitching effort, we wondered whether we would carry on our 100% success rate. Although people said it didn't show until half 10, we waited a while but eventually decided the pub was the best option.

A cracking full english breakfast and when we had finished, the carnage begun! It put in its first appearance, a bundle gathered, swearing, shouting, even when the bird had gone again. We missed it. The 2nd opportunity i had made my way to the front of the crowd and got some fairly good views after a further 20 minutes wait. Much to the dislike of some birders, and shot away with my camera, shooting aimlessly in the direction of the bird. Out of 80 photos over its 20 seconds showing, only two were any good.

The only two half decent shots i got of the Sparrow in one of its very brief appearances, however the message the previous night was surprisingly accurate concerning timings. (c) Ashley Howe

We stuck around another hour, allowing Dan to get a couple of views, with the card game, and we were both so pissed off with the crowds we couldnt wait to get away!

Fair play to 'Franko' for making the effort to allow everyone the chance to see the bird, although the card game was abit bazaar, through all the mayhem and once it had calmed down slightly, his plan seemed to work quite well...i just hope he got round to seeing the bird himself.

The traffic warden doing his job, the big camera for ITV Anglia to the right of the photo soon left after mad men told him to piss off, and poor 'Franko' (further right, who i sort of felt sorry for) was trying his best to organise things, and i dont think had actually seen it yet.

We left to Salthouse where we didn't have to leave the car to see two Lapland Buntings feeding together and a group of 30+ Snow Bunting feeding on the shingle. Once we got crippling views it was time to move on.

2 Lapland Buntings at the car park, where we didn't even have to leave the car to see. (c) Ashley Howe

Cley reserve, where we pinned down three Water Pipits behind the old visitor centre which was another nice welcome to the year. Egyptian Geese were feeding on the reserve, near the East Bank, and viewing from the Cetnre revealed Avocets on the pools.

By this time it was mid afternoon and was beginning to get darker. We did a small seawatch with nothing to show from it at Holkham. Though 50+ Snow Buntings were in the Gap. Waiting for the Geese roost in the Washington Hide, allowed us to score quicker than expected with a Ross's Goose coming into roost. A great bonus, to what ended up as another fine day.

On the way home, along the A1065, there was a bad crash, road closure, flashing lights everywhere, which resorted in us being re-directed having no idea where we was, it was fortunate that we soon realised that Lee Evan & Co. were infront who we followed back to the main stretch. So thanks for that even though you didn't intentionally know. And thanks again to Dan!!

Blashford Lakes HWT

2008-01-10T16:51:00.001Z

Another visit, this time nailing the two Black-necked Grebe on Ibsley Water and at least 8 Goosander, and several Ruddy Ducks present like the other day. The Great-white Egret managed to elude most, but the Bittern was still on show occasionally.

Typically elusive Bittern in the reeds, to the left of the Ivy North Hide (c) Ashley Howe

A brief search for the Great Grey Shrike at Holm Hill with Simon Ingram and mates (who had given the area more of a going over than i did) drew blanks before moving to the Blackwater Arboretum where we had 'half a dozen' Hawfinch come into the pre-roost.

Silhouettes of 3 Hawfinch in Fir Tree in the pre-roost (c) Ashley Howe

Blashford Lakes HWT

2008-01-10T16:50:00.000Z

A midday visit before i started work, to the lakes with plenty of gear knocking about. First stop was Harbridge where on approach I could already see the Cattle Egret showing very well in the immediate field opposite the farm entrance.

Cattle Egret in field oppisite farm entrace and then flew into fields behind the farm buildings out of view (c) Ashley Howe

After a visit to Ivy Lake where the Bittern was showing on and off, but soon disappeared into the reeds. The Great-white Egret flew in and landed behind it and a Kingfisher flew into the bush a few metres to the right. Making a cracking view!

Kingfisher from the Ivy North Hide, the Bittern was slightly to the left of this beauty (c) Ashley Howe

Looking for the Black-necked Grebes drew blanks but a drake Goosander came close to the hide. And Siskins feeding on the feeder beside the car was nice.

A male Siskin on the feeders by the car park and a male Peasant coming to visit as well (c) Ashley Howe

Cornwall 28th - 29th December

2007-12-29T20:44:00.001Z

The weather wasn't very good on the Friday so stayed in with the family and suffered a pool tournament with the cousins. Which I am glad to show off that I won ;¬) woop woop!!

Anyway, the weather was still bad with strong winds on Saturday and gradually got better the further East we travelled. Stopping at Dawlish on the way home - allowed me to jam in ona juvenile Surf Scoter reasonably close inshore before it decided to fly East. 3 Slavonian Grebes were nearby, but no sign of any Velvet Scoter.

A series of shots as the juv Surf Scoter flew East past me, the bottom picture showing abit of facial markings. (c) Ashley Howe

St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly - 27th December

2007-12-29T19:03:00.000Z

I met up with Ant, who travelled in the early hours from Southampton to meet me in Penzance. We caught the earliest Chopper over, and straight to the ISBG hide where it wasn't long before we located the Wilson's Snipe amongst about 15 Common Snipe scattered about the pool. A Siberian Chiff-chaff was showing well at times.

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.