New Image

Thanks to Steve Seal for kindly let me use his stunning image of a Redstart at Cannock Chase as the new page header (see above). The rest of Steve's Redstart collection and his other work can be found at http://stevesealbirdingimages.fotopic.net/

As well as his photgraphy sites, Steve also keeps a blog of his local patch, Shustoke Reservoir, in Warwickshire. Steve is interested to hear from receive records from anyone who visits Shustoke for inclusion in his blog http://shustoke.blogspot.com/

Summertime Blues

Its time Brightside Birding had a moan. I don't know whether it was the excitement of three year ticks at Rutland last week or if its the crappy weather we're having, but I woke up Monday morning with tonsils the size of golfballs and feeling rotton. I struggled to work Mon and Tues but then realised I felt like total poo and couldn't face listening to other folks problems anymore. I retreated to bed after being diagnosed with a viral infection.

After being stuck indoors for three days I what I needed was fresh air, birds and rehabilitation, so got Max to take me birding yesterday. Not a lot to see, this time of year, but I'm trying to keep an eye on a couple of local patches - Upton Warren Flashes being one of these. Lots of Black Headed Gulls, 5 LBBG, Lapwings. One pair of LR Plover have now disappeared (having only one chick left last week), Redshanks all gone (after having better luck than the Plovers, raising four young successfully). Gadwall, lots of eclipse Mallard (I hate eclipse ducks!). Avocets all fledged now and starting to disappear I think. Reed Bunting, Linnet, flock of 20 Goldfinch. Stock Doves seem to be increasing lately. A fox was seen in the fields to the right of the hide. Common Terns over the Sailing Pool and Green Woody near there.

Today we popped out to Blithfield Reservoir in Staffs for a change, I like the Causeway here and Blithe Bay, but for some reason I'm not really feeling it for Tad Bay. There's a good potential for waders at the moment with the low waters, I think its just that I can get a lot closer to waders at some of the other places I visit and my eyes aren't the best so I'm more suited to compact patches. There were 9 Black Tailed Godwits in Tad, tons of Lapwings, quite a few Common Terns and Blackcaps in the woods, not much else though. We were back at the Causeway just in time to miss the Osprey, which sadly didn't reappear. Five Oystercatchers and some juv Pied Wagtails were noted.

On the way back we had a Kestrel over Aston Expressway, probably the nearest I've seen one to the City Centre.

Rutland Water - Sunday 6th July

Who says July birding is rubbish? Admittedly a few of our midlands patches can be just a tad on the dull side this time of year, but there's bits and pieces to do, and you can always have a day out at a place like Rutland Water. A fair portion of yesterday's outing was spent dodging showers, but we still had a cracking day with 62 species seen, including three year ticks.

Here's a brief summary of yesterday's highlights. I should warn you I'm in the process of saving up for a decent camera, but in the meantime, I've decided to subject you to my current photography efforts.

Waders included 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, a juv Oystercatcher and juv LR Plover, Curlews, 1 Snipe, a pair of Ruff (the male a nice black and white one). A Greenshank that was about was elusive, but we eventually saw it briefly from the Harrier Hide for a much needed year tick.

I was chuffed to see this second summer Med Gull on Lagoon III.

And even more chuffed to see this 3rd summer Yellow Legged Gull as it was a year tick...come to think of it I got my YLG year tick at Rutland last year too.

Other notable birds were Tree Sparrow, Sedge and Reed Warblers, Whitethroat, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Kestrels (including 4 juvs), 2 Red Leg Partridge close up in Lyndon car park.

The pair of Osprey (year tick) could be seen from Waderscrape Hide at Lyndon Reserve, although they have sadly abandoned their nest this year, following the eggs failing to hatch. My absolute outstanding highlight of yesterday however, was spotting four juv Water Rails skulking about in the reeds.

Finally, I don't know much about butterflys and dragonflys, but I'm taking more of an interest lately. After the dodgy start to the day, there was a warm spell and plenty of Butterflies came out and a few dragonflies, including this Ringlet Butterfly and a Banded Damoiselle.

Recent News

FRIDAY 27th JUNE

Spent the afternoon at Upton Warren with my Mum. Highlights 3 Black Tailed Godwits briefly on The Flashes, 2 Green Sandpipers and a distant Little Owl.

SATURDAY 28th JUNE

On a journey to London we counted 13 Red Kites around the Chilterns area, providing an effortless year tick. Other roadside bird entertainment included a couple of Kestrels, several Buzzards and a Peregrine.

FRIDAY 4th JULY

Upton Warren Flashes - Mainly to check on waders again. Four Green Sandpipers this time also 4 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank and 10 Curlews.

Later we had a walk round nearby Pipers Hill Common (AKA Dodderhill Common, AKA Hanbury Woods) which is an ancient woodland managed by Worcs Wildlife Trust. I've only just heard of this place in a book, but I suspect some of the information could now be a bit outdated. In the past the wood has held birds such as Wood Warbler, Redstart, Nightingale, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, but its not clear if any of these are still around (Nightingale is almost extinct in Worcs I think). A springtime visit could be interesting and perhaps forages for Owls in the nearer future. We didn't see or hear much, just really common stuff like Wren, Robin and a load of Jackdaws.

Nighty Night

Friday saw us enjoying an evening on Cannock Chase with blogger and Birdforum buddies looking out for Nightjars and other strange creatures of the night. Pete kindly stepped in to drive as Max was a bit feverish and upon arrival we met up with Reg and his other half Mrs Telescope. It was too early to expect to see the nocturnal denizens of the heath, so we wandered round and saw the likes of Hobby, Buzzard, Kestrel, at least 2 Cuckoos, Linnet and Yellowhammer.

Later we met Richard and his fellow Staffs birders Andy and Jim. As dusk grew closer and the tension mounted, I wondered if we'd catch a tickable glimpse of a Nightjar in the descending gloom. We needn't have worried though; before long some members of the party picked up on not too distant churring and tracing this to source, we found an active pair of Nightjars which we were able to watch closely for a good half hour before it got dark (lifer 233). One of my birding highlights of the year - absolute magic! At one stage it looked like there were three, but it was hard to be sure in the fading light. Whilst this was happening there was added excitement when a roding Woodcock came over (lifer 234).

So thanks to everyone involved for being such great company and a good laugh. I'm sure our success with the Nightjars must be mainly down to Richard's 'hanky dance'....irresistable to female Nightjars!

Shame yesterday wasn't nearly as pleasent....heading off to Throkmorton in Worcs armed with excellent gen (cheers Mr T!) regarding Turtle Doves. Annoyingly when we got there some sort of shooting was going on nearby (perhaps clay pigeon or targets). I could hardly hear myself think, let alone try to hone in on the sublte purring of those genteel doves. Needless to say they kept well hidden, probably thought they were back in Malta, the poor beggers.

It was also boiling hot and with patience wearing thin we soon decided to abort and head off for to the pub for lunch instead. We'd had a look round the lagoon and we briefly heard a Turtle Dove amid a break in the firing and we saw a few Whitethroats, 1 Kestrel, 2 Buzzards and Stock Doves.

WORCESTERSHIRE SOURCE - NEW WEBSITE

Important news for all birders in the WMBC region!

A new blog called Worcestershire Source has been set up to share bird sightings and news in Worcestershire, see

http://worcestershiresource.blogspot.com/

This has been set up by Reg the Birder and I am helping him admin the site. This follows the decision for the sightings page of Worcester Birding to become subscription only.

I want to make it clear that this is in no way meant to be disrespectful or competative towards the Worcester Birding website (which I still think is excellent) or to Brian who is doing a great job as Worcs county recorder. It is purely an initiative about sharing sightings. It can only work if we receive input from a number of birders so please send us your sightings, articles, photos etc from Worcestershire to worcestershiresource@hotmail.co.uk

Worcestershire Source needs as much publicity as it can get right now, so please consider linking it on your blog or website. Anyone who wants to add us, let me know and I'll ensure the favour is returned. Many thanks.

Stilts and Cranes

A day out yesterday to admire Cheshire's celebrities - the breeding Black Winged Stilts at Neumann's Flash near Northwich. The pair have bred, hatching three chicks (although only one has survived) and the RSPB have set up a viewing scheme and 24 hour Stilt surveliance, see

http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-190789

Despite getting soaked we enjoyed good views through the scope of the Black Winged Stilts (lifer 232), first the male, then his partner sitting on the chick, legs akimbo. Finally we saw the chick having a little walk. Also lots of Swifts, House Martins, a Curlew, Shoveler, Jay, Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 1 Great Blacked Gull and Reed Bunting.

We came home via Shropshire, to see the Cranes at Sleap Moor, Crudgington. They are on private land and the farmer is kindly letting birders view them (charity donations are being collected). We watched these two splendid birds for some time (year tick). Around the farm we also saw Corn Bunting, Whitethroat, Stock Dove, Curlew, Lapwing and Red legged Partridge.

Border Disorder - Northumbrian Trip Report

We were in Northumberland this week to visit the Farne Isles, this being our first ever birding trip to this region. As usual things didn't go to plan but it was an amazing trip and I’ve found myself totally fallen in love with the place. Here is my account of the trip and a few photos.

MONDAY 26th MAY

We arrived at Seahouses early evening. This is where boat crossings depart to the Farne Islands; our reason for choosing the town as our base, but the place didn't seem to have a lot else going for it (well, unless you're particularly fond of fish and chips).

It was a bit late in the day for birding of any real substance but it was in the harbour here that I was furnished with the 200th bird on my 2008 year list – Eiders - you can’t miss them round these parts! Oystercatchers around the bay, Gannets out at sea and distant Auks of some sort.

A brief visit to the dunes and marshland between Seahouses and Bamburgh before dinner was disappointing, the only interest being provided by a Common Sandpiper and a few Linnets. It was so cold and windy that we had to get back into our winter gear and with sailing looking out of the question for the 'morrow we began to wonder what we'd let ourselves in for.....

TUESDAY 27th MAY

Unsurprisingly no sailing today to the Farnes due to adverse weather, so putting that plan on hold we headed accross the Causeway to Holy Island (Lindesfarne). The tide was retreating starting to reveal vast mudflats. Waders within scoping distance were mainly Ringed Plover and Dunlin, also Black Tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher and Curlew. Red Breasted Merganser and Eider could be seen in the channel behind.

We walked out past the village and around the coastline on the east side. It’s a barren, unforgiving sort of a landscape but also one fascinating and rich in history, the castle and priory look very eerie and surely hold a few good ghost stories. Lindesfarne is also renowned for birding of course (migration times and winter sound very promising). Skylarks, Linnets and Meadow Pipits were all numerous on the dunes and grasses. Also a Stonechat and a female Wheatear.

Lindesfarne Castle

Lindesfarne Priory

We had a couple of Whimbrel along the rocky shoreline (year tick) and endless fleets of Gannets close in, heading south (must have been hundreds - what a spectacle!), Razorbills, Guillemots at sea and Fulmars (one of my favourites) passed over our heads. A Diver went by, looking good for Black Throated Diver, but it was too far out to be ticked.

Next I got onto something interesting, a black and white bird with long stiff wings, gliding tightly to the swell (full description here) observation and careful consideration has led me to the conclusion that this could have only been a Manx Shearwater (lifer 228) probably driven in by easterlies. Also a few Seals.

Seawatching Spot

We also saw this pretty day flying moth which I’m told is called a Cinnabar

One thing starting to rankle with me was that Puffin was still an embarrasing omisssion from my life list. It should be guaranteed up here, surely? With the boat trip to Inner Farne now in jeopardy we would have to investigate some alternatives.

We decided to drive up over the border into Scotland to check out the famous seabird colony at St Abbs Head. Apparently the cliffs here contain a small number of Puffins although they can be harder to see as they're outnumbered by thousands of Guillemots and Razorbills and they nest deep in the crevices. Amazingly stunning coastline here.

St Abbs Head

We had cracking views of Guillemots packed tightly to the ledges, Razorbills, Kittiwakes (year tick), Fulmars, Shag, Cormorant and Herring Gull. Everything then, that you'd expect to see (apart from Puffins). A bonus was a Peregrine patrolling the cliff face, very nice.

WEDNESDAY 28th MAY

Again, no sailing to Farnes. Word was there might not be any sailing till Friday - terrible news for us as we had to leave on Thursday. We headed southwards to a spot just outside Amble, the appropriately named Island View, which looks out towards Coquet Island where amongst other seabirds there is a small colony of Puffins and a number of Roseate Terns.

The view out towards Coquet Island....not looking good is it?

It was a bit misty, but with persistence we found small rafts of Puffin through the scope, distant but tickable (lifer 229). Four Common Scoter were quite close in (3 ducks and one drake), Eider, Fulmar, Razorbill, Guillemot, Arctic Terns. We soon had an interesting looking tern close in – paler and slightly smaller than a Common, with a black looking bill and black outer primaries. It was only a Roseate Tern! (lifer 230).

Next, nearby Hauxley NR. It was a bit quiet today, but can be excellent at times and nearby there are other birding places, like Cresswell, Druidge etc (that we'll have to explore next time). Seawatching was now out of the question thanks to descending mist over the sea, although we could just make out a Gannet. There is an inland lake here. Best sightings here included 2 Grey Partridge in front of the hide, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Linnet, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Tree Sparrow and Sand Martin.

Some excitement was much needed and a quick check of Birdguides on the moby revealed that a Red Backed Shrike had been seen in the vicarage garden back on Holy Island. I was a bit concerned that we could end up named and shamed in The Sun or something as filthy twitchers looking over into a vicar’s garden, hounding a poor migrant to its death. We rushed over anyway and were astounded to see the Red Backed Shrike (lifer 231) hunting from various perches in the holy mans garden. There was also a male Redstart there. I did try to get a digi-scoped pic of the Shrike but every time I tried, it was either obscured by trigs or would fly off.

Thankfully Steve Seal has kindley let me use his picture to demonstrate this point - beautiful birds - cheers Steve!

Red Backed Shrike on Spurn by Steve Seal - http://stevesealbirdingimages.fotopic.net/

Praise the lord for easterlies!

I wish we’d stayed longer with the Shrike but other birders mentioned Common Rosefinch at a couple of spots nearby, so being greedy we went off to have a look. No Rosefinches (I don't even know what they are really) but we did see a smashing Spotted Flycatcher by The Snook, which showed very well.

Also this wonderfully hairy Caterpiller which apparently is of a Garden Tiger Moth

THURSDAY 29th MAY

So, our last chance to sail out to the Farne Islands. The weather had picked up considerably and the sun was shining. The good news was that boats were sailing today, the bad news was there would be no landings so we had to put up with the one and a half hour seal trip, rather than the all day tour of Staple and Farnes that we’d hoped.

Whilst waiting to board the boat, this pair of Eiders provided me with photo opportunities and I tempted them with bread. The Eiders in the harbour are tame and will take bread off you, but be warned - this female was quite aggressive and bit me trying to snatch the bread! It didn’t hurt though. Very dudey I admit but I enjoyed taking their photos and I resolved to save up for a decent camera and zoom lens. The rest of the Eider pics are being uploaded to my BF gallery (KayD).

So…the boat trip. There was a bit of a swell on the way out, nothing major and once out at the Islands the sea was calm as a mill pond. I know landing is difficult on Staple at the best of times, but I’m sure a landing could have been made on Inner Farne and the Arctic Terns were rearing up for an aerial assault. I think the boat companies had a lot of lost revenue to recoup as they hadn’t been able to sail since Saturday, so sadly bums on seats gave way to quality birding.

Better than nothing really, bearing in mind that it hadn't looked likely that we'd sail at all earlier this week. We enjoyed brief but close encounters with Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills.

Guillemots and Kittiwakes on the ledges

The expected Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Shag, Cormorant and Eiders were all sighted of course and as always nice to see, but although we had to look at seals for ages they only stopped at the Tern colony for a few seconds, so we couldn’t get a decent scan through them all. Mostly Arctic’s by the looks of things, plus a few Common and Sandwich. There was bound to be a few more Roseate Terns there too, but there wasn't time to ID them.

Inner Farne

After the boat trip we headed back to Holy Island to see if any of the rarer migrants were still around that had been brought in by the easterly winds. The warmer weather and the masses of tourists now about meant many birds had most likely moved on (something we should have considered perhaps) however at The Snook we found a female Redstart and the Spotted Flycatcher was still there showing well again. Also a few Wheatear about.

Finally a visit to Stag Rock (AKA Harkass Rock) near Bamburgh. Great seawatching spot (especially in winter I hear). All the commoner seabirds once again here; good views of Sandwich Terns in particular.

After this we hit the road for the long drive back to Brum, reflecting on a brilliant few days in the North East, the whole boat trip situation had been disapointing of course, but by no means had it spoilt our trip. All the more reason to come back soon, as if it were needed....

In other recent news (Blurred Birder – close your eyes if you’re reading this!) last Saturday I saw and heard a few Ringed Necked Parakeets, during a picnic in Hampstead Heath in that London. Of course I looked away and put my fingers in my ears (whilst mentally converting the raw hard data to my list…).

A Flying Visit to Norfolk

FRIDAY 16th MAY

Our first visit to Lakenheath Fen RSPB, Suffolk. Summer residence, of course to those magnificant birds, Golden Orioles. The original plan had been to arrive early and look for Orioles. Best laid plans and all that....arriving around 12 midday the news was that the Red Footed Falcons were still on the reserve and showing well.

Fickle creatures us birders, Falcons soon took priority over Orioles and we were heading off on the long walk to the spot where the Falcons were being seen. We didn't linger too much so we probably missed lots of birds en route but we had 5-6 Hobbies hunting together, Marsh Harrier, Cuckoo, Reed Warbler and loads of Sedge Warblers. Booming Bitterns heard.

Arriving at the dead trees the female Red Footed Falcon was perching in the dead tree and not too far off either (lifer 221). She took to the air briefly and the male also put in an appearance. Soon we had both female and the male perched together in the dead tree and the views through the scope were unbelievable. Probably the best birding moment of the year so far. The female with her lovely orangey breast and the slaty grey male with his bright red beak and feet will stay with me for a long time...

Nothing could dampen the spirits after this, even failing to see the Orioles (we heard them at least). Blackcap and Whitethroat noted on the walk back along the river plus a drake Gargeney on one of the pools. Unexpectedly we had 2 Bitterns flying overhead giving it some altitude at 40 feet or so! (year tick).

Next stop Weeting Heath for Stone Curlews. It was touch and go for a while as they had disapeared over the ridge, which they can sometimes do and not be seen for hours. I breathed a sigh of relief when 2 Stone Curlews reappeared from their wanderings (lifer 222). Fascinating birds to watch with their weird yellow eyes and eccentric mannerisms. Also Linnet, Lapwing and Little Owl here.

SATURDAY 17th MAY

Again plans went awry. But in a good way. The plan was to hit Titchwell early (before the coachloads), however a visit to In Focus resulted in hearing about a nearby Hoopoe....how could we resist? I'd always wanted to see a Hoopoe, long before I could have ever called myself a birder.

So the twitch was on and we were taking the footpath down to the dunes at Burnham Overy Staithe. On the walk we year ticked Egyption Geese (ugly looking beggers that they are!), also saw Little Gull, Linnet, Wheatear and Little Egret. When we first got to the dunes there was a lot of birders looking and they said it had 'just flew off' but better news came when news came through that someone else could see it from the boardwalk - you've never seen a crowd of birders run so fast! Round the corner there were now about 20 birders, thankfully with so many pairs of eyes we were able to find and keep track of this rather flighty Hoopoe for the next 5 minutes or so before it disappeared again (lifer 223). It fed by the pool in a cattle field and when it flew it looked like a huge butterfly.

Walking back we had Little Tern (year tick), Shelduck, Wigeon and many common waders as you'd expect including Grey Plovers in summer plumage, also Brent Geese (hadn't thought they'd still be around).

Decided to stop at Cley Marshes NWT next, particurlarly for the Temmincks Stint's, 3 had been reported here. Pleased to say this was another sucessful mission and we had not three but four Temmincks Stints (lifer 224). Bittern heard booming. Black Tailed Godwit, Avocet, Common Sandpiper. From the beach we had a Gannet and Sandwich Terns (year tick).

Finally Titchwell RSPB. It was a bit cold and windy here and we didn't hang about long for some of the smaller birds we'd have liked to see. I did get a plasticky lifer - a pair of Red Crested Pochards (lifer 225), probably part of the feral population, a bit anti-climatical after the likes of Hoopoe and RF Falcon.

There was a funny Ruff, one of the ones with a white head and a nice sum plum Knot in with his duller plumaged brothers and sisters, loads of Little Gull (40 had been counted) mostly juvs, Little Tern, Common Sandpiper, Avocet, Black Tailed Godwit, Little Egret, Dunlin, Pintail, Shoveler and Pochard. Sanderling (year tick), Turnstone and Ringed Plover on the beach.

Wood Sandpiper

Having missed all the Wood Sandpipers last year I'd been waiting eagerly for one to pass within my striking distance. There had apparently been 4 at one stage this afternoon at Upton Warren Flashes, so I badgered Max into taking me over there after work. Only one was left when we arrived, but I'm not complaining though, I'm glad it stuck around - a very nice bird and lifer no 220 for me.