Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
WAXWINGS - one of the most charming bird species on the planet
Due to a crop failure in Scandinavia, some 6,000 or more BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS arrived in Scotland in October and have subsequently made their way south into England and Wales (with a few in Ireland). They have always been one of my favourite birds but these images that follow on the Fair Isle blogsite below show just how confiding they can become, if one perseveres with patience, love and food
http://fair-isle.blogspot.com/2010/11/waxwings-oct-25th-2010-day-well-always.html
http://fair-isle.blogspot.com/2010/11/waxwings-oct-25th-2010-day-well-always.html
Sunday, 28 November 2010
REDPOLL IDENTIFICATION REVISITED
As promised, the article on Redpoll identification has now been uploaded for your perusal
http://www.uk400clubonline.co.uk/arctic-redpoll-identification-revisited/
Image links to http://hughharropwildlifephotography.blogspot.com/
Download article from
http://www.uk400clubonline.co.uk/File-Store/Arctic-Redpoll-ID-revisited.pdf
Lee G R Evans
http://www.uk400clubonline.co.uk/arctic-redpoll-identification-revisited/
Image links to http://hughharropwildlifephotography.blogspot.com/
Download article from
http://www.uk400clubonline.co.uk/File-Store/Arctic-Redpoll-ID-revisited.pdf
Lee G R Evans
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Severe Weather Warning
The earliest heavy snowfall since 1993 befell Aberdeenshire, the Border, Northumberland and the North Yorkshire Moors overnight, bringing severe disruption to road and rail after depositing five inches of lying snow in some areas. Such harsh conditions have seen part of the 6,000 or so BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS move south from their initial arrival in Scotland to most parts of England, including as far south and west to Hampshire. There has also been a westerly movement of BEWICK'S SWANS in recent days, with 3 TUNDRA BEAN GEESE new in at North Warren RSPB, Aldburgh (Suffolk), with GOOSANDERS moving south in large numbers, and a SNOW BUNTING appearing at Carsington Water (Derbyshire)
In North Norfolk, Robin Chittenden photographed the dark-backed, orange-breasted circus species recently at Holme NOA and his images, along with those taken by John Miller and SJMG at Thornham Harbour, certainly suggest that this bird too is a NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER - the third record perhaps of the Nearctic vagrant this winter. Today the bird - a pale-eyed male presumably - appeared in the Titchwell RSPB and Thornham area several times
The juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER continues to show well at Lodmoor (Dorset), generally favouring the extreme SE corner of the main marsh adjacent to Beachdown Way, whilst a LESSER YELLOWLEGS - perhaps the Port Meadow bird relocating - remains on the main lagoon visible from the visitor centre at Rutland Water Egleton Reserve (Leics).
A GREAT WHITE EGRET is present for a fifth day at Hatchet Pond, east of Beaulieu, in the New Forest (Hants), with the wintering bird at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants), whilst the CATTLE EGRET remains at Dart's Farm at Topsham (South Devon) and the wintering AMERICAN GREEN HERON can still be found at the Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall).
A GREY PHALAROPE remains off the East Beach at Dunbar (Lothian) (at NT 681 788) today, whilst the long-staying first-year DOTTEREL remains with the European Golden Plover flock at The Wig Scar at Loch Ryan (Galloway). A much longer-staying GREY PHALAROPE remains that on the roadside pools at Pett Level (East Sussex)
There has been a major arrival of MEALY REDPOLLS, perhaps representing 10% of all redpoll flocks currently, with reasonable numbers of NORTHERN BULLFINCHES at coastal localities. ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS continue to survive after arriving in Britain in October, with one hunting over the marsh at Tetney (North Lincs) today and another lingering over Holland Haven (Essex), whilst an old favourite has returned to the Isle of Sheppey (North Kent) to Shellness. A mammoth 43 SHORE LARKS have now amassed in Holkham Bay (North Norfolk).
A TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE is with Greylag Geese at Wat Tyler Country Park (Essex) whilst two different Red-breasted Geese, one bearing an orange-red ring initially seen in Hampshire, consort with the wintering Dark-bellied Brent Geese on the Exe Estuary (South Devon).
Reliable adult RING-BILLED GULLS back for the winter period include singles at Westcliff-on-Sea esplanade, Southend (Essex) and at Walpole Boating Lake, Gosport, and adjacent park fields (Hants)
The COMMON CRANE continues at Castlemartin Corse (Pembs), feeding in the stubble field viewable from the Corseside Nursery entrance, with another at the opposite end of the UK at Nigg Bay (Inverness).
GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS inland include juveniles at Astbury Mere CP (Cheshire) and Park Lake, Angler's Country Park (West Yorkshire), with the BLACK-THROATED DIVER still on St Aidan's Lake, New Swillington Ings (West Yorks), with SLAVONIAN GREBES on Brooklands Lake, New Hythe GP (Kent) and LONG-TAILED DUCKS at Balgray Reservoir (Clyde), Blackborough End Tip southern gravel pit (Norfolk) and Fen Drayton Lakes RSPB (Cambs) and the young drake VELVET SCOTER at Filby Broad (Norfolk).
A YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER remains in West Cornwall in the Cot Valley, whilst the first HUME'S LEAF WARBLER of the year was trapped and ringed at Holme NOA (North Norfolk) on Monday. The latter species and last week's DESERT WHEATEAR secure 2010 as the second best year in history in terms of numbers of species recorded.
In IRELAND, Tacumshane Lake (County Wexford) still harbours the juvenile NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER, along with the now resident GLOSSY IBIS, whilst a female RING-NECKED DUCK is on the River Lee, at Lee Fields, near the football pitch in Cork City (County Cork). Cobh town's resident INDIAN HOUSE CROW was seen again today, as was the drake BLUE-WINGED TEAL at Cabragh Wetlands (County Tipperary), whilst the regularly returning female BLUE-WINGED TEAL is present once again in Dublin at North Bull Island. A drake NORTH AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL is at Belfast Lough RSPB (County Antrim)
In North Norfolk, Robin Chittenden photographed the dark-backed, orange-breasted circus species recently at Holme NOA and his images, along with those taken by John Miller and SJMG at Thornham Harbour, certainly suggest that this bird too is a NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER - the third record perhaps of the Nearctic vagrant this winter. Today the bird - a pale-eyed male presumably - appeared in the Titchwell RSPB and Thornham area several times
The juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER continues to show well at Lodmoor (Dorset), generally favouring the extreme SE corner of the main marsh adjacent to Beachdown Way, whilst a LESSER YELLOWLEGS - perhaps the Port Meadow bird relocating - remains on the main lagoon visible from the visitor centre at Rutland Water Egleton Reserve (Leics).
A GREAT WHITE EGRET is present for a fifth day at Hatchet Pond, east of Beaulieu, in the New Forest (Hants), with the wintering bird at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants), whilst the CATTLE EGRET remains at Dart's Farm at Topsham (South Devon) and the wintering AMERICAN GREEN HERON can still be found at the Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall).
A GREY PHALAROPE remains off the East Beach at Dunbar (Lothian) (at NT 681 788) today, whilst the long-staying first-year DOTTEREL remains with the European Golden Plover flock at The Wig Scar at Loch Ryan (Galloway). A much longer-staying GREY PHALAROPE remains that on the roadside pools at Pett Level (East Sussex)
There has been a major arrival of MEALY REDPOLLS, perhaps representing 10% of all redpoll flocks currently, with reasonable numbers of NORTHERN BULLFINCHES at coastal localities. ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS continue to survive after arriving in Britain in October, with one hunting over the marsh at Tetney (North Lincs) today and another lingering over Holland Haven (Essex), whilst an old favourite has returned to the Isle of Sheppey (North Kent) to Shellness. A mammoth 43 SHORE LARKS have now amassed in Holkham Bay (North Norfolk).
A TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE is with Greylag Geese at Wat Tyler Country Park (Essex) whilst two different Red-breasted Geese, one bearing an orange-red ring initially seen in Hampshire, consort with the wintering Dark-bellied Brent Geese on the Exe Estuary (South Devon).
Reliable adult RING-BILLED GULLS back for the winter period include singles at Westcliff-on-Sea esplanade, Southend (Essex) and at Walpole Boating Lake, Gosport, and adjacent park fields (Hants)
The COMMON CRANE continues at Castlemartin Corse (Pembs), feeding in the stubble field viewable from the Corseside Nursery entrance, with another at the opposite end of the UK at Nigg Bay (Inverness).
GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS inland include juveniles at Astbury Mere CP (Cheshire) and Park Lake, Angler's Country Park (West Yorkshire), with the BLACK-THROATED DIVER still on St Aidan's Lake, New Swillington Ings (West Yorks), with SLAVONIAN GREBES on Brooklands Lake, New Hythe GP (Kent) and LONG-TAILED DUCKS at Balgray Reservoir (Clyde), Blackborough End Tip southern gravel pit (Norfolk) and Fen Drayton Lakes RSPB (Cambs) and the young drake VELVET SCOTER at Filby Broad (Norfolk).
A YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER remains in West Cornwall in the Cot Valley, whilst the first HUME'S LEAF WARBLER of the year was trapped and ringed at Holme NOA (North Norfolk) on Monday. The latter species and last week's DESERT WHEATEAR secure 2010 as the second best year in history in terms of numbers of species recorded.
In IRELAND, Tacumshane Lake (County Wexford) still harbours the juvenile NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER, along with the now resident GLOSSY IBIS, whilst a female RING-NECKED DUCK is on the River Lee, at Lee Fields, near the football pitch in Cork City (County Cork). Cobh town's resident INDIAN HOUSE CROW was seen again today, as was the drake BLUE-WINGED TEAL at Cabragh Wetlands (County Tipperary), whilst the regularly returning female BLUE-WINGED TEAL is present once again in Dublin at North Bull Island. A drake NORTH AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL is at Belfast Lough RSPB (County Antrim)
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
The last surviving captive (free-flying) BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS at Edinburgh Zoo
An update on Edinburgh Zoo-derived Black-crowned Night Herons.
Thanks to Jo Elliot, Animal Records Keeper at the zoo and formerly Senior Keeper of the Bird Section, we now have better information on what may be only two remaining birds. In summary:
Bird 1 - single vertically-split band half blue half yellow, seen April 09 to date (at least); this is a "new style" band, probably numbered, used on birds hatched 1989 to 1993 [a small possibility this bird is one ringed from 1997 to 2004, when sequences used were not recorded so carefully]; if caught numbers may be readable, and thereby pin down hatch year.
Bird 2 - red over blue left (blue appears green in photos), red right to 2006 but missing subsequently, bird seen to date; this individual seems to have old style bands used from 1983 to 1987 (possibly 1988?); again if caught it may be possible to confirm lack of numbers and also check for transponder fitted to (some?) birds in that period, thus confirm year.Alan's 2006 photos were key to this identification, since careful comparison with more recent images (thanks also to Bruce) suggests it is the same bird, it just dropped a colour band between 2006 and 2008 (and they are not closed bands, just a wrap round plastic ring like off a ring-binder, so they could easily be lost).
In addition, the zoo inform us that a bird with metal ring and red right, red-lime-blue left, ringed (and transpondered) in 1983 was definitely still at the zoo in 2000.
In summary, it is likely that the current ages of remaining two are 16 and 23 yrs respectively, and the metal-ringed bird was 17 yrs old in 2000, but without catching the former two are strictly unconfirmed. The current published longevity records I can trace are 16 yrs in Europe and 21 yrs for N American race (hoactli), the zoo birds are of course the latter.
Zoo not sure if they will try to catch birds, though it does not look to difficult a job to me given their regular occurrence (apparently routine at sealion feeding 11:15hrs) and if there are any volunteers (ringers?) for such I would happily pass on!
Finally, it is remarkable that these birds are probably out of the zoo in the local area for most of the time yet are hardly ever reported (Mike's sighting last New Year's Eve excepted, the only other adult in Lothian since 2001 was the bird at Bavelaw in Feb 2007, with a juv in Haddington in 2002 per BirdGuides only). Anecdotal info per zoo staff is that their birds "winter on the Water of Leith", also a report of one "seen regularly in Haddington", but these are unconfirmed and undated. Thus all further records of Night Herons in or out of the zoo, preferably with colour band details, would be most welcome!
Many thanks to all who have assisted - Stephen Welch
Thanks to Jo Elliot, Animal Records Keeper at the zoo and formerly Senior Keeper of the Bird Section, we now have better information on what may be only two remaining birds. In summary:
Bird 1 - single vertically-split band half blue half yellow, seen April 09 to date (at least); this is a "new style" band, probably numbered, used on birds hatched 1989 to 1993 [a small possibility this bird is one ringed from 1997 to 2004, when sequences used were not recorded so carefully]; if caught numbers may be readable, and thereby pin down hatch year.
Bird 2 - red over blue left (blue appears green in photos), red right to 2006 but missing subsequently, bird seen to date; this individual seems to have old style bands used from 1983 to 1987 (possibly 1988?); again if caught it may be possible to confirm lack of numbers and also check for transponder fitted to (some?) birds in that period, thus confirm year.Alan's 2006 photos were key to this identification, since careful comparison with more recent images (thanks also to Bruce) suggests it is the same bird, it just dropped a colour band between 2006 and 2008 (and they are not closed bands, just a wrap round plastic ring like off a ring-binder, so they could easily be lost).
In addition, the zoo inform us that a bird with metal ring and red right, red-lime-blue left, ringed (and transpondered) in 1983 was definitely still at the zoo in 2000.
In summary, it is likely that the current ages of remaining two are 16 and 23 yrs respectively, and the metal-ringed bird was 17 yrs old in 2000, but without catching the former two are strictly unconfirmed. The current published longevity records I can trace are 16 yrs in Europe and 21 yrs for N American race (hoactli), the zoo birds are of course the latter.
Zoo not sure if they will try to catch birds, though it does not look to difficult a job to me given their regular occurrence (apparently routine at sealion feeding 11:15hrs) and if there are any volunteers (ringers?) for such I would happily pass on!
Finally, it is remarkable that these birds are probably out of the zoo in the local area for most of the time yet are hardly ever reported (Mike's sighting last New Year's Eve excepted, the only other adult in Lothian since 2001 was the bird at Bavelaw in Feb 2007, with a juv in Haddington in 2002 per BirdGuides only). Anecdotal info per zoo staff is that their birds "winter on the Water of Leith", also a report of one "seen regularly in Haddington", but these are unconfirmed and undated. Thus all further records of Night Herons in or out of the zoo, preferably with colour band details, would be most welcome!
Many thanks to all who have assisted - Stephen Welch
Escaped EUROPEAN SERIN on Shetland
A male EUROPEAN SERIN had been present on the Out Skerries on Shetland for some weeks but on a recent visit, David Gifford obtained some excellent images of it and it became apparent that the bird was bearing a violet metal ring. Some further detective work by Richard Broughton, utilising the information that could be gleaned from the ring, found that it was a bird from Belgium (BOF = Belgische Ornithologische Federatie), 09B being 2009 and B the ring size. 233 is probably the breeder's number. 038 will be the ring sequence).
Once again, this episode shows just how vigilant we all need to be, An unknown percentage of our 'vagrants' may well actually be escaped birds.
Once again, this episode shows just how vigilant we all need to be, An unknown percentage of our 'vagrants' may well actually be escaped birds.
Monday, 22 November 2010
WALLCREEPER in the Netherlands - 2nd record
One now in the southern part of the Netherlands. This bird is in the outskirts of Maastricht and sometimes in view with an Eurasian Eagle Owl. For the exact location see for example: http://waarneming.nl/waarneming/view/51031658.
Only the second record for The Netherlands - Justin Jansen, The Netherlands
Only the second record for The Netherlands - Justin Jansen, The Netherlands
STONE CURLEW reaches Orkney
http://northronbirdobs.blogspot.com/
Just to follow up on Eric Meek's email, Paul Brown photographed the amazing beast (see link above).
It was only present the one day but once again favoured this vagrant magnet that is the triangle of fields close to the Observatory. A first for the Island
Interestingly, British Stone Curlews are changing their migrational habits somewhat. For the first time, flocks are now spending the winter in East Anglian breckland. For example, only very recently I recorded respective flocks of 83 and 102 birds
Just to follow up on Eric Meek's email, Paul Brown photographed the amazing beast (see link above).
It was only present the one day but once again favoured this vagrant magnet that is the triangle of fields close to the Observatory. A first for the Island
Interestingly, British Stone Curlews are changing their migrational habits somewhat. For the first time, flocks are now spending the winter in East Anglian breckland. For example, only very recently I recorded respective flocks of 83 and 102 birds
Sunday, 21 November 2010
RUSTIC BUNTING in North Kent
A RUSTIC BUNTING has been present all day in North Kent just SW of Whitstable at Lower Island on Seasalter Golf Course. It has been feeding in the vicinity of the 8th tee and has been showing well
DIRECTIONS
North of the A290 Canterbury Road, take the B2205 Oxford Street and then turn left on to Nelson Road. Finally, turn left into Island Wall and park sensibly and courteously at the end.
This bird represents only the SEVENTH in Kent following adult males at Shellness, Sheppey, on 9 April 1962 and at Northward Hill RSPB on 2 June 1983, an immature at Shellness on 5-6 October 1984, a first-winter male trapped at Dungeness on 19-20 October 1983, an immature at Port Regis, near Kingsgate, on 25-29 October 1990 and one well inland at Wierton Hill, Maidstone, from 19-28 March 1993.
DIRECTIONS
North of the A290 Canterbury Road, take the B2205 Oxford Street and then turn left on to Nelson Road. Finally, turn left into Island Wall and park sensibly and courteously at the end.
This bird represents only the SEVENTH in Kent following adult males at Shellness, Sheppey, on 9 April 1962 and at Northward Hill RSPB on 2 June 1983, an immature at Shellness on 5-6 October 1984, a first-winter male trapped at Dungeness on 19-20 October 1983, an immature at Port Regis, near Kingsgate, on 25-29 October 1990 and one well inland at Wierton Hill, Maidstone, from 19-28 March 1993.
Friday, 19 November 2010
DESERT WHEATEAR relocated
Tom Tams obtained these outstanding shots above - firstly the male DESERT WHEATEAR that spent three days earlier this week at Seahouses (Northumberland) and the GREAT WHITE EGRET that was not far away near Alnmouth.
Peter Beesley's spectacular close-up shots of the PIED-BILLED GREBE
What may well be Northumberland's first-winter male DESERT WHEATEAR was discovered in North Yorkshire today, showing well three fields to the north of the seawatching hut at the Long Nab, Burniston, until dusk (at TA 025 947. Please view ONLY from the Cleveland Way and DO NOT access fields in this vicinity.
Meanwhile, in Greater Manchester, the confiding first-winter PIED-BILLED GREBE is still performing well often directly in front of the hide at Hollingworth Lake Country Park - walk 18 minutes SE of the main car park and Visitor Centre to the far SE corner of the lake. See photos above.
At the opposite end of the country in West Cornwall, the Lost Gardens of Heligan still retain their greatest attraction in the form of the confiding first-winter AMERICAN GREEN HERON.
A PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER was trapped and ringed at Kew Villa, Kilnsea (East Yorks), early morning, with another on Bardsey Island (North Wales) and a further in Horseshoe Plantation, Beachy Head (East Sussex) (and following one recently at Gibraltar Point NNR, Lincs), with a YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER at Caerlaverock WWT (D & G) and a very late WRYNECK in South Devon at Sheldon, east of the A379 in scrub below the car park at Labrador Bay.
The juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was still present at Lodmoor (Dorset) today, commuting between the pools in front of the viewing shelter and those at the east end of the main marsh adjacent to Beachdown Way; a female SMEW was also at the reserve. In East Anglia, the juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER remains in Blakeney Harbour (Norfolk).
The first-ever STONE CURLEW for North Ronaldsay (Orkney) was a surprise find today and typical of the avian gems that any South-easterly blows in. Likewise a WOODLARK on Inner Farne (Northumberland) was exceptional.
The typically confiding GREY PHALAROPE remains for a fourth day on the tiny flash south of the River Aire, at Bradley Ings, close to the footpath at SD 998 469 at Cononley (North Yorks) with another in Lancashire at Walney Island. A SURF SCOTER was in Fishguard Harbour (Pembs) today, lingering between the inner breakwater and the Fishguard Fort
Both the adult and juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD continue to forage the Burnham Overy Dunes (North Norfolk) with another near Willingham (North Lincs) and at least one on the moorland near Guisborough (Cleveland).
The COMMON CRANE continues at Castlemartin Corse (Pembs), with another at Nigg Bay (Inverness), with GLOSSY IBISES at the River Otter, Budleigh Salterton and at Exminster Marshes RSPB (South Devon) and the GREAT WHITE EGRETS at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) and Humphrey Head saltmarsh (Cumbria). That at Brancaster Saltmarsh and Titchwell RSPB (North Norfolk) failed to show today whilst yesterday's Starcross CATTLE EGRET relocated to Bowling Green Marsh RSPB (South Devon) today.
Inland LONG-TAILED DUCKS remaining include single immatures at Pugney's Country Park, Wakefield (West Yorks), Rockford Lake, Blashford Lakes HWT (Hants) and at Swavesey Lake, Fen Drayton Lakes RSPB (Cambs), whilst a RED-NECKED GREBE is present for a second day at Cutt Mill House Pond (Surrey) and SLAVONIAN GREBES at Audenshaw Reservoirs (Greater Manchester) and at a number of sites in NW England. At Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) this afternoon, a GREAT NORTHERN DIVER was new in, whilst the Broadwater Sailing Club Lake (Middlesex) juvenile drake VELVET SCOTER remains, as well as immatures at Filby Broad (Norfolk) and King George VI Reservoir (Surrey). A drake SMEW was on the Motel Pit at Far Ings NR (North Lincs) today, with a redhead on Crookfoot Reservoir (Cleveland) and another off of the dam at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs). Much farther north, a redhead is on Loch of Kinnordy RSPB (Angus/Dundee).
The wintering flock of at least 55 LAPLAND BUNTINGS is still to be found in the winter stubble fields just inland of the coastal footpath at Happisburgh (Norfolk), whilst on the north coast, at least 20 SHORE LARKS are roaming the saltmarsh at Holkham Gap.
The Yare Valley TAIGA BEAN GEESE are very early back this winter, perhaps a precursor of another severe winter to come, with 37 today at Cantley Marshes RSPB (Norfolk). Up to 221 are back in the Slammannan area of Forth District in Central Scotland.
In IRELAND, a first-winter SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER is showing well at Ballycotton (County Cork) but the recent AMERICAN COOT in County Mayo did not get reported today.
A party of 6 BEARDED TITS remains at the Lingstown Reedbed, Tacumshin (County Wexford) where the juvenile NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER can still be found as well as the elusive CETTI'S WARBLER. In neighbouring County Waterford, the three EURASIAN SPOONBILLS were again in Dungarvan.
Also, the INDIAN HOUSE CROW continues at Cobh (County Cork)
Meanwhile, in Greater Manchester, the confiding first-winter PIED-BILLED GREBE is still performing well often directly in front of the hide at Hollingworth Lake Country Park - walk 18 minutes SE of the main car park and Visitor Centre to the far SE corner of the lake. See photos above.
At the opposite end of the country in West Cornwall, the Lost Gardens of Heligan still retain their greatest attraction in the form of the confiding first-winter AMERICAN GREEN HERON.
A PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER was trapped and ringed at Kew Villa, Kilnsea (East Yorks), early morning, with another on Bardsey Island (North Wales) and a further in Horseshoe Plantation, Beachy Head (East Sussex) (and following one recently at Gibraltar Point NNR, Lincs), with a YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER at Caerlaverock WWT (D & G) and a very late WRYNECK in South Devon at Sheldon, east of the A379 in scrub below the car park at Labrador Bay.
The juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was still present at Lodmoor (Dorset) today, commuting between the pools in front of the viewing shelter and those at the east end of the main marsh adjacent to Beachdown Way; a female SMEW was also at the reserve. In East Anglia, the juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER remains in Blakeney Harbour (Norfolk).
The first-ever STONE CURLEW for North Ronaldsay (Orkney) was a surprise find today and typical of the avian gems that any South-easterly blows in. Likewise a WOODLARK on Inner Farne (Northumberland) was exceptional.
The typically confiding GREY PHALAROPE remains for a fourth day on the tiny flash south of the River Aire, at Bradley Ings, close to the footpath at SD 998 469 at Cononley (North Yorks) with another in Lancashire at Walney Island. A SURF SCOTER was in Fishguard Harbour (Pembs) today, lingering between the inner breakwater and the Fishguard Fort
Both the adult and juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD continue to forage the Burnham Overy Dunes (North Norfolk) with another near Willingham (North Lincs) and at least one on the moorland near Guisborough (Cleveland).
The COMMON CRANE continues at Castlemartin Corse (Pembs), with another at Nigg Bay (Inverness), with GLOSSY IBISES at the River Otter, Budleigh Salterton and at Exminster Marshes RSPB (South Devon) and the GREAT WHITE EGRETS at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) and Humphrey Head saltmarsh (Cumbria). That at Brancaster Saltmarsh and Titchwell RSPB (North Norfolk) failed to show today whilst yesterday's Starcross CATTLE EGRET relocated to Bowling Green Marsh RSPB (South Devon) today.
Inland LONG-TAILED DUCKS remaining include single immatures at Pugney's Country Park, Wakefield (West Yorks), Rockford Lake, Blashford Lakes HWT (Hants) and at Swavesey Lake, Fen Drayton Lakes RSPB (Cambs), whilst a RED-NECKED GREBE is present for a second day at Cutt Mill House Pond (Surrey) and SLAVONIAN GREBES at Audenshaw Reservoirs (Greater Manchester) and at a number of sites in NW England. At Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) this afternoon, a GREAT NORTHERN DIVER was new in, whilst the Broadwater Sailing Club Lake (Middlesex) juvenile drake VELVET SCOTER remains, as well as immatures at Filby Broad (Norfolk) and King George VI Reservoir (Surrey). A drake SMEW was on the Motel Pit at Far Ings NR (North Lincs) today, with a redhead on Crookfoot Reservoir (Cleveland) and another off of the dam at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs). Much farther north, a redhead is on Loch of Kinnordy RSPB (Angus/Dundee).
The wintering flock of at least 55 LAPLAND BUNTINGS is still to be found in the winter stubble fields just inland of the coastal footpath at Happisburgh (Norfolk), whilst on the north coast, at least 20 SHORE LARKS are roaming the saltmarsh at Holkham Gap.
The Yare Valley TAIGA BEAN GEESE are very early back this winter, perhaps a precursor of another severe winter to come, with 37 today at Cantley Marshes RSPB (Norfolk). Up to 221 are back in the Slammannan area of Forth District in Central Scotland.
In IRELAND, a first-winter SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER is showing well at Ballycotton (County Cork) but the recent AMERICAN COOT in County Mayo did not get reported today.
A party of 6 BEARDED TITS remains at the Lingstown Reedbed, Tacumshin (County Wexford) where the juvenile NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER can still be found as well as the elusive CETTI'S WARBLER. In neighbouring County Waterford, the three EURASIAN SPOONBILLS were again in Dungarvan.
Also, the INDIAN HOUSE CROW continues at Cobh (County Cork)
Breaking News - British EURASIAN EAGLE OWLS get reprieve - commonsense prevails at last
I am delighted to see that at last officials are listening and welcome today's announcement by the government that there will be no action taken against the population of EURASIAN EAGLE OWLS currently at large in the British countryside. Canvassing opinion and campaigning on their behalf certainly made people listen and the RSPB's Dr Mark Avery has concluded that there is no firm evidence to suggest that these birds are having a detrimental affect on any of our native birds of prey, including the endangered Hen Harrier.
Whilst on the subject and after becoming embroiled in a bitter feud with the RSPB over the destruction of an entire family of Eagle Owls in Cumbria, are the RSPB now in a position to be able to tell me just who was responsible for the deed, after I inadvertently accused them of it after receiving a so-called witness email? Six months down the line I have seen no announcement made.
Also, on the subject of breeding Hen Harriers in the UK, I was chastised for massively under-estimating the population - me claiming a paltry few hundred or so and officials stating that 700 or so pairs were nesting. As a result, I changed my statistics accordingly and re-published but lo and behold I am being chastised again and being given totally contradictory results. Those charged with monitoring this very endangered species are telling me that Hen Harriers have been virtually wiped out from the moors of Northern England, the Borders, Eastern Scotland and from north of Inverness - and that my figures are wholly over-estimated. They claim it is truly dire straits with this species. I am dumbfounded !
Whilst on the subject and after becoming embroiled in a bitter feud with the RSPB over the destruction of an entire family of Eagle Owls in Cumbria, are the RSPB now in a position to be able to tell me just who was responsible for the deed, after I inadvertently accused them of it after receiving a so-called witness email? Six months down the line I have seen no announcement made.
Also, on the subject of breeding Hen Harriers in the UK, I was chastised for massively under-estimating the population - me claiming a paltry few hundred or so and officials stating that 700 or so pairs were nesting. As a result, I changed my statistics accordingly and re-published but lo and behold I am being chastised again and being given totally contradictory results. Those charged with monitoring this very endangered species are telling me that Hen Harriers have been virtually wiped out from the moors of Northern England, the Borders, Eastern Scotland and from north of Inverness - and that my figures are wholly over-estimated. They claim it is truly dire straits with this species. I am dumbfounded !
Monday, 15 November 2010
AMERICAN COOT in MAYO
The AMERICAN COOT was still present in the outflow stream up to 1700hrs. Either view from Termoncarragh graveyard or from the field near Annagh Marsh where access has very kindly been granted. Access via taking road to Annagh just before Annagh Marsh and after two new white houses on right and newly built one on left, turn right along a track and park off the track at the end. Go through right hand gate up onto the "hill" overlooking the outflow stream. ENSURE TO CLOSE GATES AS SHEEP ARE IN FIELD.
Dave Suddaby also had an AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT at Belderra Strand today just below the car park. This is just over a mile west of An Geata Mór. Take the first right beside the school and Church. This was his 250th Mullet bird, an incredible hallmark (kindly contributed by Dermot Breen)
Dave Suddaby also had an AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT at Belderra Strand today just below the car park. This is just over a mile west of An Geata Mór. Take the first right beside the school and Church. This was his 250th Mullet bird, an incredible hallmark (kindly contributed by Dermot Breen)
AMERICAN COOT on The Mullet - COUNTY MAYO
Once again IRELAND is really reaping rewards from the recent deep Atlantic depressions. Firstly, an AMERICAN COOT was discovered on The Mullet in the vicinity of the outflow on Termoncarragh Lake (County Mayo) and secondly, two AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPITS are on offer - a new bird just below the car park at the Belderra Strand at Belmullet, on the Mullet Peninsular (County Mayo) and a continuing bird at Clonea Strand at Ballinclamper in County Waterford. This same latter site also hosts a confiding juvenile WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. Yesterday, the regular returning FORSTER'S TERN appeared at Doorus Pier in Galway.
The AMERICAN COOT represents the 434th species of the year in Britain and Ireland in 2010, equalling that total achieved in 2009.
In Britain today, some interesting late scarce migrants were discovered with an ORTOLAN BUNTING on Skokholm Island (Pembrokeshire) and a first-winter BARRED WARBLER for a second day in the wood by the B5268 Fleetwood Road opposite the Cala Gran Haven Holiday Park in Fleetwood (Lancs). On the Isles of Scilly, a DUSKY WARBLER still remains by the road at Higher Moors, St Mary's.
Meanwhile, there are still two main stars of the show - the first-winter PIED-BILLED GREBE in Greater Manchester and the first-winter AMERICAN ROBIN in South Devon........
The grebe is at Hollingworth Lake Country Park just south of Littleton and not that far north of the M62. It is favouring the extreme SE corner of the lake where it commutes between the bank and the islands and shows very well at times from the small hide. This is a good 15 minute walk from the designated car park by the Visitor Centre, following the footpath round to the right.
The AMERICAN ROBIN is still ranging widely in the hedgerows west of the main access road to the Turf Hotel at Exminster Marshes RSPB, being seen from anything up to 300 yards north of the hotel. It has now become generally elusive, favouring to feed on Hawthorns well back from the lane, and for best results, keep to the raised bank of the canal when searching. It is best to park in the RSPB car park just beyond the railway bridge as strict restrictions are being implemented at the canalside parking bays. Many birders have suffered a very expensive surprise on site!
Not to be outshone however is the Lost Gardens of Heligan AMERICAN GREEN HERON (looking set to winter on site) and the first-year SQUACCO HERON in Angle Bay (Pembs)
In the north of England, the SQUACCO HERON continues to perform well on the River Wansbeck in Morpeth town (Northumberland), ranging up to 100 yards west of the blue footbridge, with a GREAT WHITE EGRET still frequenting ditches and dykes on the saltmarsh between the railway station and Humphrey Head at Kents Bank (Cumbria). Northamptonshire's long-stayer of the latter continues at Pitsford Reservoir
We are now seeing an arrival of Mealy Redpolls from Scandinavia and with them the odd SCANDINAVIAN ARCTIC REDPOLL, Dan Brown locating one such mixed flock of birds in Strath Brora, well NW of Golspie in Sutherland. He estimated the flock to be in the region of 1,400 birds, moving between Birch scrub. In the same vein, 6,000 or so BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continue to invade southwards from their initial arrival in Scotland.
The long-staying juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER is still with up to 2,000 European Golden Plover in Blakeney Harbour (North Norfolk), best viewed from the 5-bar gate on the seawall, whilst not that far away at Burnham Overy Dunes, two juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS are still roaming the farmland and a male TRUMPETER BULLFINCH continues in Holkham Pines.
A further juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD was still in the South Ferriby (North Lincs) area, with 2-3 still at Sleddale (Cleveland), whilst a 'new' juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER involves a bird for its second day at Trevorian Pool near Sennen (West Cornwall), in fields just west of the pool viewed from the footpath between Trevorian Farm and Trevear Farm 200 yards NE of the school at SW 373 264. In South Devon, after an absence of four days, the first-winter LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER reappeared on the flooded field opposite Axmouth Football Club on Sunday afternoon.
Recent gales have seen an arrival of windblown seabirds, with juvenile Great Northern Divers at Chew Valley Lake (Avon), Angler's Country Park, Wintersett (West Yorks), Astbury Mere CP (Cheshire), Big Mere, Marbury CP (Cheshire), Fleetwood Marine lakes (Lancs) and Carsington Water (Derbyshire), a Slavonian Grebe in Savages Creek at Grafham Water (Cambs) and another on Pine Lake (Lancs) and a first-winter drake Velvet Scoter at Broadwater Sailing Lake (Middlesex).
A first-winter GREY PHALAROPE continues to show very well on the roadside pools at Pett Level (East Sussex), whilst another is present for its third day at Lytham Moss (Lancs), in the flooded field just west of the southern end of North Houses Lane at SD 344 298. A long-stayer is still to be found at Rutland Water (Leics) off of the Green Bank on the Hambleton Peninsula.
The CATTLE EGRET remains at Saltholme RSPB (Cleveland), showing intermittently from the Haverton Viewpoint, with the recent Guyhirn (Cambs) bird relocating to Welney WWT (Norfolk), where the GLOSSY IBIS can still be seen feeding in front of the Lyle Hide. Two further GLOSSY IBIS from the early autumn influx still survive in South Devon - on the west side of the River Otter at Budleigh Salterton and just west of the canalbank car park at Exminster Marshes RSPB.
Kevin Shepherd located a RICHARD'S PIPIT whilst surveying this morning at Lendalfoot (Ayrshire) whilst a couple of late YELLOW-BROWED WARBLERS include singles at Caerlaverock WWT (Dumfries & Galloway) and at the Clennon Valley Lakes near Paignton (South Devon).
Suffolk's drake KING EIDER has now moulted into more adult-type plumage and is looking typically dapper and continues to range between Minsmere RSPB beach and Dunwich beach car park, whilst bucking the recent downward trend, wintering SHORE LARK flocks include 15 between Dunwich and Walberswick (Suffolk) and at least 24 in Holkham Bay (Norfolk). Six more were also at Landguard NR (Suffolk) today, with 10 on the saltings at John Muir Country Park at Dunbar (Lothian)..
A juvenile COMMON CRANE is present for a second day at Nigg Bay, Cromarty, favouring a stubble field just beyond the turn off to Nigg village - the field with bales of straw in black plastic. When disturbed it flies down to the bay just in front of the hide (per Bob Swann), with a further vagrant COMMON CRANE at Castlemartin Corse (Pembs), visible from the Corseside Nursery entrance.
The AMERICAN COOT represents the 434th species of the year in Britain and Ireland in 2010, equalling that total achieved in 2009.
In Britain today, some interesting late scarce migrants were discovered with an ORTOLAN BUNTING on Skokholm Island (Pembrokeshire) and a first-winter BARRED WARBLER for a second day in the wood by the B5268 Fleetwood Road opposite the Cala Gran Haven Holiday Park in Fleetwood (Lancs). On the Isles of Scilly, a DUSKY WARBLER still remains by the road at Higher Moors, St Mary's.
Meanwhile, there are still two main stars of the show - the first-winter PIED-BILLED GREBE in Greater Manchester and the first-winter AMERICAN ROBIN in South Devon........
The grebe is at Hollingworth Lake Country Park just south of Littleton and not that far north of the M62. It is favouring the extreme SE corner of the lake where it commutes between the bank and the islands and shows very well at times from the small hide. This is a good 15 minute walk from the designated car park by the Visitor Centre, following the footpath round to the right.
The AMERICAN ROBIN is still ranging widely in the hedgerows west of the main access road to the Turf Hotel at Exminster Marshes RSPB, being seen from anything up to 300 yards north of the hotel. It has now become generally elusive, favouring to feed on Hawthorns well back from the lane, and for best results, keep to the raised bank of the canal when searching. It is best to park in the RSPB car park just beyond the railway bridge as strict restrictions are being implemented at the canalside parking bays. Many birders have suffered a very expensive surprise on site!
Not to be outshone however is the Lost Gardens of Heligan AMERICAN GREEN HERON (looking set to winter on site) and the first-year SQUACCO HERON in Angle Bay (Pembs)
In the north of England, the SQUACCO HERON continues to perform well on the River Wansbeck in Morpeth town (Northumberland), ranging up to 100 yards west of the blue footbridge, with a GREAT WHITE EGRET still frequenting ditches and dykes on the saltmarsh between the railway station and Humphrey Head at Kents Bank (Cumbria). Northamptonshire's long-stayer of the latter continues at Pitsford Reservoir
We are now seeing an arrival of Mealy Redpolls from Scandinavia and with them the odd SCANDINAVIAN ARCTIC REDPOLL, Dan Brown locating one such mixed flock of birds in Strath Brora, well NW of Golspie in Sutherland. He estimated the flock to be in the region of 1,400 birds, moving between Birch scrub. In the same vein, 6,000 or so BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continue to invade southwards from their initial arrival in Scotland.
The long-staying juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER is still with up to 2,000 European Golden Plover in Blakeney Harbour (North Norfolk), best viewed from the 5-bar gate on the seawall, whilst not that far away at Burnham Overy Dunes, two juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS are still roaming the farmland and a male TRUMPETER BULLFINCH continues in Holkham Pines.
A further juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD was still in the South Ferriby (North Lincs) area, with 2-3 still at Sleddale (Cleveland), whilst a 'new' juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER involves a bird for its second day at Trevorian Pool near Sennen (West Cornwall), in fields just west of the pool viewed from the footpath between Trevorian Farm and Trevear Farm 200 yards NE of the school at SW 373 264. In South Devon, after an absence of four days, the first-winter LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER reappeared on the flooded field opposite Axmouth Football Club on Sunday afternoon.
Recent gales have seen an arrival of windblown seabirds, with juvenile Great Northern Divers at Chew Valley Lake (Avon), Angler's Country Park, Wintersett (West Yorks), Astbury Mere CP (Cheshire), Big Mere, Marbury CP (Cheshire), Fleetwood Marine lakes (Lancs) and Carsington Water (Derbyshire), a Slavonian Grebe in Savages Creek at Grafham Water (Cambs) and another on Pine Lake (Lancs) and a first-winter drake Velvet Scoter at Broadwater Sailing Lake (Middlesex).
A first-winter GREY PHALAROPE continues to show very well on the roadside pools at Pett Level (East Sussex), whilst another is present for its third day at Lytham Moss (Lancs), in the flooded field just west of the southern end of North Houses Lane at SD 344 298. A long-stayer is still to be found at Rutland Water (Leics) off of the Green Bank on the Hambleton Peninsula.
The CATTLE EGRET remains at Saltholme RSPB (Cleveland), showing intermittently from the Haverton Viewpoint, with the recent Guyhirn (Cambs) bird relocating to Welney WWT (Norfolk), where the GLOSSY IBIS can still be seen feeding in front of the Lyle Hide. Two further GLOSSY IBIS from the early autumn influx still survive in South Devon - on the west side of the River Otter at Budleigh Salterton and just west of the canalbank car park at Exminster Marshes RSPB.
Kevin Shepherd located a RICHARD'S PIPIT whilst surveying this morning at Lendalfoot (Ayrshire) whilst a couple of late YELLOW-BROWED WARBLERS include singles at Caerlaverock WWT (Dumfries & Galloway) and at the Clennon Valley Lakes near Paignton (South Devon).
Suffolk's drake KING EIDER has now moulted into more adult-type plumage and is looking typically dapper and continues to range between Minsmere RSPB beach and Dunwich beach car park, whilst bucking the recent downward trend, wintering SHORE LARK flocks include 15 between Dunwich and Walberswick (Suffolk) and at least 24 in Holkham Bay (Norfolk). Six more were also at Landguard NR (Suffolk) today, with 10 on the saltings at John Muir Country Park at Dunbar (Lothian)..
A juvenile COMMON CRANE is present for a second day at Nigg Bay, Cromarty, favouring a stubble field just beyond the turn off to Nigg village - the field with bales of straw in black plastic. When disturbed it flies down to the bay just in front of the hide (per Bob Swann), with a further vagrant COMMON CRANE at Castlemartin Corse (Pembs), visible from the Corseside Nursery entrance.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
AMERICAN ROBIN precedes deep Atlantic low
Wirral birder Ian Fleming discovered a first-winter AMERICAN ROBIN late yesterday afternoon at Exminster Marshes RSPB (South Devon), the bird still present this morning and showing well on and off all day (see Gavin Haig's superb image). The bird is frequenting the roadside bushes just north of the Turf Hotel, ranging 50-75 yards to the north as you walk back towards the canalside car park about 800 yards away. It represents the 433rd species recorded in Britain and Ireland this year, just one species short of last year's final tally.
This past week or so has also seen the addition of AMERICAN BITTERN (1-2 in Cornwall), NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER (Tacumshane Lake, County Wexford), YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (found dead on Orkney) and DESERT LESSER WHITETHROAT (trapped and ringed at Sumburgh Quarry, Shetland - see Roger Riddington's superb images above)
This past week or so has also seen the addition of AMERICAN BITTERN (1-2 in Cornwall), NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER (Tacumshane Lake, County Wexford), YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (found dead on Orkney) and DESERT LESSER WHITETHROAT (trapped and ringed at Sumburgh Quarry, Shetland - see Roger Riddington's superb images above)
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
PINE GROSBEAKS once more in the frame
This autumn's irruptive behaviour is not exclusively confined to redpolls, Siskins, Blue Tits, Northern Long-tailed Tits and Bohemain Waxwings as we now have PINE GROSBEAKS to contend with....
Large numbers of these bountiful beasts are now moving westwards with at least one flock of 60 heading SW out to sea over Utsira - this could be the year for us - but I have lost count how many times I have written an email like this, they all seem to drown in the North Sea before they reach Norfolk and Lincolnshire (Lee G R Evans)
Large numbers of these bountiful beasts are now moving westwards with at least one flock of 60 heading SW out to sea over Utsira - this could be the year for us - but I have lost count how many times I have written an email like this, they all seem to drown in the North Sea before they reach Norfolk and Lincolnshire (Lee G R Evans)
PIED-BILLED GREBE in Greater Manchester
A Little Grebe out of character at Hollingworth Lake Country Park since last Wednesday was reidentified today as a PIED-BILLED GREBE - and continued to show until dusk, being visible from the main footpath just before the hide.
The Country Park is just south of Littleborough, just north of the M62. It is signposted from the B6225 and the bird is favouring the inaccessible SE corner. Park at the Visitor Centre and walk SE along Rakewood Road before taking the path to the hide (SD 940 150)
It is almost a decade since the last Pied-billed Grebe in Britain but Ireland was treated to two separate occurrences earlier this year, with singles in County Clare and Galway.
What may have been yesterday's Lodmoor/Radipole LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER appeared today at Axmouth (South Devon) north of Boshill Cross in the marshy field opposite Axmouth Football Ground.
There have also been several PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLERS located today in the NE wind, as well as a large displacement of LITTLE AUKS (including 1,731 south past the Farne Islands and a similar number off Dunbar)
In IRELAND, a juvenile WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER remains at Clonea Strand, Ballinclimper (County Waterford), with a CETTI'S WARBLER at Lingstown Reedbed, Tacumshin (County Wexford)
The Country Park is just south of Littleborough, just north of the M62. It is signposted from the B6225 and the bird is favouring the inaccessible SE corner. Park at the Visitor Centre and walk SE along Rakewood Road before taking the path to the hide (SD 940 150)
It is almost a decade since the last Pied-billed Grebe in Britain but Ireland was treated to two separate occurrences earlier this year, with singles in County Clare and Galway.
What may have been yesterday's Lodmoor/Radipole LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER appeared today at Axmouth (South Devon) north of Boshill Cross in the marshy field opposite Axmouth Football Ground.
There have also been several PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLERS located today in the NE wind, as well as a large displacement of LITTLE AUKS (including 1,731 south past the Farne Islands and a similar number off Dunbar)
In IRELAND, a juvenile WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER remains at Clonea Strand, Ballinclimper (County Waterford), with a CETTI'S WARBLER at Lingstown Reedbed, Tacumshin (County Wexford)
Pitsea THAYER'S GULL - more positive responses from across the water
Lee, I can see nothing in these photos that suggest otherwise. It looks to me in all respects like a classic adult Thayer's Gull. We see many like this in the southern interior of British Columbia. The amount of black on the primaries is somewhat reduced but well within the range for a typical Thayer's Gull. Nice photos! - Happy birding, Michael Force, currently aboard NOAA ship McArthur II, about 180 nmi south of Midway,
As no one from the west side of the pond has responded, I'll chime in to say that "no dissenter here". Here in North Carolina, Thayer's is a rarish bird, but I see an adult every few years at Cape Hatteras, and review others' photos for the state records committee. If this were in NC, it's an obvious Thayer's: dark eye -- the first character that "flags" a possible adult Thayer's (or California), legs usually rich pink ("bubble-gum" color as often stated) as opposed to flesh or pale pink of Herring and Iceland; medium-sized bill (usually a tad shorter and thinner than Herring and slightly larger than Iceland forms, but sometimes not really a field mark), pale gray mantle close to Herring, and much reduced black in the primaries when seen in the air, above and below (from below, wing tips are often nearly white). I'm not a classic lariphile that knows and remember the black/white/gray ratio on each flight feathers. But, as this is a first apparent record for Great Britain, I suppose it will need to go thru some scrutiny (hybrid possibility, etc.); but, looks like a good Thayer's to me. Harry LeGrand. Raleigh, NC, USA
And more from Steve Hampton....
Okay, I'll chime in from the West Coast. Looks very good to me. The bill is on the bright side, but the brighter tip, trace of green at the base, and rather small red spot are fine. The dark eye is fine. The extensive head and breast smudging is fine. The hint of cross-barring on the breast is suggestive of Gl-W but is also found on Thayer's, especially in this exact patter with streaks on the head and thicker blotching at the bottom of the breast. See http://johnrakestraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/thayers-gull.jpg for a similar example.
The mantle shade seems right-- slightly darker than Herring, although some comparison shots would be nice to a control for camera lighting. The primary pattern is, of course, excellent, with black extending to P5. The pale underside of P10, except for the little black subterm band, looks good for Thayer's as well. Dark pink legs are excellent. Size and shape seem fine. The bird is probably a male based on the bill size. The obvious things to rule out are Gl-W x Herring, which is rather common in southern Alaska and, at least around here in northern Calif in winter, and "Kumlien's". The black in the primary pattern, black to P5 and even a tiny black band on P10, seem good to rule out Kumlien's. Also the shade of mantle gray. Ruling out a petite female Gl-W x Herring might be trickier, as they could potentially mimic the plumage and bare parts. I could see folks commenting on the gonydeal angle and dark mark in the bill as indicative of Gl-W traits... I'd be interested in others' thoughts on how to rule out this possibility. The structure of the bird, with the long primaries, small rounded head, large eye, etc. are all consistent with Thayer's and probably beyond the range of Gl-W x Herring. Steve Hampton
As no one from the west side of the pond has responded, I'll chime in to say that "no dissenter here". Here in North Carolina, Thayer's is a rarish bird, but I see an adult every few years at Cape Hatteras, and review others' photos for the state records committee. If this were in NC, it's an obvious Thayer's: dark eye -- the first character that "flags" a possible adult Thayer's (or California), legs usually rich pink ("bubble-gum" color as often stated) as opposed to flesh or pale pink of Herring and Iceland; medium-sized bill (usually a tad shorter and thinner than Herring and slightly larger than Iceland forms, but sometimes not really a field mark), pale gray mantle close to Herring, and much reduced black in the primaries when seen in the air, above and below (from below, wing tips are often nearly white). I'm not a classic lariphile that knows and remember the black/white/gray ratio on each flight feathers. But, as this is a first apparent record for Great Britain, I suppose it will need to go thru some scrutiny (hybrid possibility, etc.); but, looks like a good Thayer's to me. Harry LeGrand. Raleigh, NC, USA
And more from Steve Hampton....
Okay, I'll chime in from the West Coast. Looks very good to me. The bill is on the bright side, but the brighter tip, trace of green at the base, and rather small red spot are fine. The dark eye is fine. The extensive head and breast smudging is fine. The hint of cross-barring on the breast is suggestive of Gl-W but is also found on Thayer's, especially in this exact patter with streaks on the head and thicker blotching at the bottom of the breast. See http://johnrakestraw.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/thayers-gull.jpg for a similar example.
The mantle shade seems right-- slightly darker than Herring, although some comparison shots would be nice to a control for camera lighting. The primary pattern is, of course, excellent, with black extending to P5. The pale underside of P10, except for the little black subterm band, looks good for Thayer's as well. Dark pink legs are excellent. Size and shape seem fine. The bird is probably a male based on the bill size. The obvious things to rule out are Gl-W x Herring, which is rather common in southern Alaska and, at least around here in northern Calif in winter, and "Kumlien's". The black in the primary pattern, black to P5 and even a tiny black band on P10, seem good to rule out Kumlien's. Also the shade of mantle gray. Ruling out a petite female Gl-W x Herring might be trickier, as they could potentially mimic the plumage and bare parts. I could see folks commenting on the gonydeal angle and dark mark in the bill as indicative of Gl-W traits... I'd be interested in others' thoughts on how to rule out this possibility. The structure of the bird, with the long primaries, small rounded head, large eye, etc. are all consistent with Thayer's and probably beyond the range of Gl-W x Herring. Steve Hampton
THAYER'S GULL - a response from Newfoundland gull guru
No hint of a Kumlien’s Gull in this bird. This looks like a pure bred Thayer’s Gull. Wonder if it came from the west or east to reach Britain? You cannot question the identity of this bird. Everything is perfect. The combination of black iris, heavy bill, strong head streaking, relatively heavy build of the bird and classic wing tip pattern make this a text book, ‘type specimen’ example of Thayer’s Gull. Finally!!! Lots of birds by default labelled as Thayer’s on the Great Lakes and other areas on the periphery of the published range don’t look this good (it doesn’t mean those birds are not Thayer’s). This bird is a very solid and strong Thayer’s (Bruce Mactavish, Newfoundland)
Monday, 8 November 2010
The AMERICAN MARSH HAWK in County Wexford - a selection of images taken over the weekend by Michael O'Keefe
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Ignoring the minutia of the primary pattern and the number of visible bars on the outer primaries, this bird can be safely identified on a number of characters. It is uniformly dark on the upperparts with just a contrasting buff patch on the carpals, there is little hint of a pale collar and the head is very sooty and hooded-like, particularly when head-on in profile. There is restricted pale around the eye and in flight, the wings are overall more rounded and far more accipiter (Goshawk-like) in shape. The underparts are heavily saturated with orange or rusty-buff, extending on to the flanks and belly. It shows a full suite of characters. A percentage of juvenile Hen Harriers may share some of these features but for one individual to possess all of these features surely justifies its unequivocal identification (Lee G R Evans)
The Latest Round Up from Britain and Ireland
The MARSH HAWK (or NORTH AMERICAN HEN HARRIER) continues its residency in the Tacumshane and Tomhaggart Lake area in County Wexford, roosting overnight in the extensive reedbed at the Lingstown end of the reserve. It seems to have a well rehearsed pattern of roosting overnight with the 7-9 Hen Harriers in the area and then spending the day roaming the locale, visiting both the East End and the Forgotten Corner area.
DIRECTIONS: If twitching from Rosslare Harbour, continue on the N25 for about 3 miles and then take the SECOND turning left in Tagoat - the R736. Continue west along this road towards Tomhaggart and after 4 miles turn left on to the L7113. This brings you down to a crossroads where you turn right for the roost-site or left to the main Tacumshane Lake proper. Turn right (west) and after 0.6 miles, there is a left turning opposite a 5-bar metal gate. This is the narrow lane that takes you down to the extensive reedbed and park after 0.8 miles at the end of the lane (there is an old trailer with a few wooden stakes on it on the other side of the electric fence here). There is a slight rising to the ground here where the reedbed can be overviewed. The Marsh Hawk tends to hang around this area from 0800-1000 hours and return again just after 1600 hours and is the most reliable location in which to see it.
At other times, it may be seen from the East End car park or Forgotten Corner. For access to both of these sites, drive back to the road from the Lingstown reedbed and turn right. You are aiming for Tacumshane Castle which is just three miles to the east. Continue along this road until it eventually merges with another road from the left and after driving through the small hamlet, look out for a turning on the right marked 'cul-de-sac'. From here, you will see the ruined castle on your right. Forgotten Corner is at the end of the road that goes straight down whilst the track off to your left (east) leads down after about a mile to the East End car park. The Marsh Hawk is frequently seen from both locations. A long-staying GLOSSY IBIS favours a dyke close to the East End car park.
Marsh Hawk is an exceptionally rare bird on this side of the Atlantic with the only previously photographed juvenile being recorded on St Mary's (Scilly) from 22 October 1982 until 7 June 1983. There are a number of other records purporting to be of this form, the most convincing of these being the juvenile that spent a day touring St Mary's (Scilly) on 16 October 1979.
Elsewhere in the Republic of Ireland, the second-year INDIAN HOUSE CROW remains in residence in Cobh Town Centre (County Cork), showing well in the vicinity of the monument and the Papa John's restaurant. The regularly returning adult SABINE'S GULL is also a major attraction, often to be located on Cobh Harbour quayside.
Well the weekend saw a spice of activity in the UK, with the Walmsley Sanctuary (Cornwall) first-winter AMERICAN BITTERN doing an unpredicted bunk overnight on Saturday (after showing exceedingly well from the Tower Hide since the middle of last week) and yet another late autumn SQUACCO HERON making an appearance - this time in Northumberland at Morpeth town centre (residing on the river upstream of the old mill accessed from the Whorral Bank and ranging between the library and the blue footbridge at Low Stanners - NZ 204 862). The other bird remains present in Angle Harbour in Pembrokeshire, often showing down to a few yards.
Another big surprise on Sunday following the switch to NW winds was the discovery of yet another first-winter ASIATIC BROWN SHRIKE in Britain - and the second for Yorkshire. It spent the afternoon frequenting scrub skirting the golf course, about 800 yards north of the clifftop car park. It disappeared overnight following very cold, clear conditions in the first half of the night.
Another star bird was yet another RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL - this time in East Kent and at Denge Marsh Road for most of Saturday - the 30th to be recorded this autumn. A PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER was trapped and ringed at Kew Villa, Kilnsea (East Yorks), today, with another seen briefly at Titchwell Marsh RSPB (Norfolk)
Also fresh in was a juvenile/first-winter LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at Lodmoor NR (Dorset) - which moved today to the North Pools at Radipole Lake RSPB, whilst other Nearctic waders include the first-winter LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Port Meadow, Oxford (Oxon) and juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS at Blakeney Harbour/Cley NWT (North Norfolk) and on the Exe Estuary, just south of the Turf Hotel near Exminster (South Devon).
Another milestone discovery was an adult THAYER'S GULL at Pitsea Landfill in Essex, where gull enthusiast Steve Arlow chanced upon and photographed this bird whilst sifting through many thousands of feeding birds on Saturday morning. The Landfill is strictly private with no access outside of the North Thames Gull Ringing Group.
In Cornwall, the first-winter AMERICAN GREEN HERON continues to attract admirers with its continued residency at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, often favouring the pool overlooked by the hide (for full directions, ask at the entrance kiosk and obtain a detailed map).
In Southwest Norfolk, the long-staying and very confiding GLOSSY IBIS remains at Welney, frequenting the tiny decoy pool just north of the power lines. From Welney village, drive north for a mile to the first sharp right hand bend and then follow the track alongside the Hundred Foot Drain for a further mile to view. Not that far away, in Cambridgeshire, the CATTLE EGRET continues at the fields adjacent to Red Gate Farm at Guyhirn. Other CATTLE EGRETS include a long-staying bird by Withybush Airfield at Poyston (Pembs) and that in the cattle field opposite the parking place next to the yellow half-mile car park sign at Donna Nook (North Lincs).
The BOHEMIAN WAXWING invasion continues unabated, with the Inverness area of Northern Scotland harbouring 2,500 or more birds. The total number involved far exceeds 6,000 and as the weeks progress and berries run out, many flocks will drop further south and west.
RED-NECKED GREBES are hard to come by these days and at present the only bird inland is that at Cheddar Reservoir (Somerset). Meanwhile, Suffolk's major attraction throughout the autumn - the drake KING EIDER now moulting into its second-winter plumage - continues to get seen daily offshore, generally between Minsmere Sluice and Dunwich Beach car park.
A few rare wildfowl are on offer including single drake North American Green-winged Teals at Caerlaverock WWT (Dumfries & Galloway) and Cley NWT Reserve (Norfolk), the pair of SURF SCOTER off Ynyslas car park (Ceredigion) and both FERRUGINOUS and RING-NECKED DUCK at Chew Valley Lake Stratford Bay (Avon). A female NORTH AMERICAN WOOD DUCK of unknown provenance was with a large number of Mallard and Common Teal on the sewage works pool and adjacent Pwll Penarth NR pool (Powys) this morning, whilst the adult RUDDY SHELDUCK which arrived with Dark-bellied Brent Geese in Langstone Harbour (Hants) is now consorting with Eurasian Wigeon at Farlington Marshes HWT.
A GREY PHALAROPE still remains on the West Scrape at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) today, with the two first-winters still at Cley NWT (Norfolk).
A RICHARD'S PIPIT continues for a second day at Sleddale (Cleveland), frequenting fields by Sleddale Farm, whilst gathering for winter perhaps are the 24 SHORE LARKS in Holkham Bay (North Norfolk).
A few ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS are still surviving in Norfolk, including one near Abbey Farm, Flitcham, and another in the Burnham Overy Dunes area, whilst northerly winds produced some heavy movements of LITTLE AUKS in the North Sea, with 147 in just over an hour south past Girdle Ness (Aberdeenshire) and 800 past Fife Ness (Fife)..
In NORTHERN IRELAND, a drake FERRUGINOUS DUCK was at Corbet Lough (County Down) today.
DIRECTIONS: If twitching from Rosslare Harbour, continue on the N25 for about 3 miles and then take the SECOND turning left in Tagoat - the R736. Continue west along this road towards Tomhaggart and after 4 miles turn left on to the L7113. This brings you down to a crossroads where you turn right for the roost-site or left to the main Tacumshane Lake proper. Turn right (west) and after 0.6 miles, there is a left turning opposite a 5-bar metal gate. This is the narrow lane that takes you down to the extensive reedbed and park after 0.8 miles at the end of the lane (there is an old trailer with a few wooden stakes on it on the other side of the electric fence here). There is a slight rising to the ground here where the reedbed can be overviewed. The Marsh Hawk tends to hang around this area from 0800-1000 hours and return again just after 1600 hours and is the most reliable location in which to see it.
At other times, it may be seen from the East End car park or Forgotten Corner. For access to both of these sites, drive back to the road from the Lingstown reedbed and turn right. You are aiming for Tacumshane Castle which is just three miles to the east. Continue along this road until it eventually merges with another road from the left and after driving through the small hamlet, look out for a turning on the right marked 'cul-de-sac'. From here, you will see the ruined castle on your right. Forgotten Corner is at the end of the road that goes straight down whilst the track off to your left (east) leads down after about a mile to the East End car park. The Marsh Hawk is frequently seen from both locations. A long-staying GLOSSY IBIS favours a dyke close to the East End car park.
Marsh Hawk is an exceptionally rare bird on this side of the Atlantic with the only previously photographed juvenile being recorded on St Mary's (Scilly) from 22 October 1982 until 7 June 1983. There are a number of other records purporting to be of this form, the most convincing of these being the juvenile that spent a day touring St Mary's (Scilly) on 16 October 1979.
Elsewhere in the Republic of Ireland, the second-year INDIAN HOUSE CROW remains in residence in Cobh Town Centre (County Cork), showing well in the vicinity of the monument and the Papa John's restaurant. The regularly returning adult SABINE'S GULL is also a major attraction, often to be located on Cobh Harbour quayside.
Well the weekend saw a spice of activity in the UK, with the Walmsley Sanctuary (Cornwall) first-winter AMERICAN BITTERN doing an unpredicted bunk overnight on Saturday (after showing exceedingly well from the Tower Hide since the middle of last week) and yet another late autumn SQUACCO HERON making an appearance - this time in Northumberland at Morpeth town centre (residing on the river upstream of the old mill accessed from the Whorral Bank and ranging between the library and the blue footbridge at Low Stanners - NZ 204 862). The other bird remains present in Angle Harbour in Pembrokeshire, often showing down to a few yards.
Another big surprise on Sunday following the switch to NW winds was the discovery of yet another first-winter ASIATIC BROWN SHRIKE in Britain - and the second for Yorkshire. It spent the afternoon frequenting scrub skirting the golf course, about 800 yards north of the clifftop car park. It disappeared overnight following very cold, clear conditions in the first half of the night.
Another star bird was yet another RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL - this time in East Kent and at Denge Marsh Road for most of Saturday - the 30th to be recorded this autumn. A PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER was trapped and ringed at Kew Villa, Kilnsea (East Yorks), today, with another seen briefly at Titchwell Marsh RSPB (Norfolk)
Also fresh in was a juvenile/first-winter LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at Lodmoor NR (Dorset) - which moved today to the North Pools at Radipole Lake RSPB, whilst other Nearctic waders include the first-winter LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Port Meadow, Oxford (Oxon) and juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS at Blakeney Harbour/Cley NWT (North Norfolk) and on the Exe Estuary, just south of the Turf Hotel near Exminster (South Devon).
Another milestone discovery was an adult THAYER'S GULL at Pitsea Landfill in Essex, where gull enthusiast Steve Arlow chanced upon and photographed this bird whilst sifting through many thousands of feeding birds on Saturday morning. The Landfill is strictly private with no access outside of the North Thames Gull Ringing Group.
In Cornwall, the first-winter AMERICAN GREEN HERON continues to attract admirers with its continued residency at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, often favouring the pool overlooked by the hide (for full directions, ask at the entrance kiosk and obtain a detailed map).
In Southwest Norfolk, the long-staying and very confiding GLOSSY IBIS remains at Welney, frequenting the tiny decoy pool just north of the power lines. From Welney village, drive north for a mile to the first sharp right hand bend and then follow the track alongside the Hundred Foot Drain for a further mile to view. Not that far away, in Cambridgeshire, the CATTLE EGRET continues at the fields adjacent to Red Gate Farm at Guyhirn. Other CATTLE EGRETS include a long-staying bird by Withybush Airfield at Poyston (Pembs) and that in the cattle field opposite the parking place next to the yellow half-mile car park sign at Donna Nook (North Lincs).
The BOHEMIAN WAXWING invasion continues unabated, with the Inverness area of Northern Scotland harbouring 2,500 or more birds. The total number involved far exceeds 6,000 and as the weeks progress and berries run out, many flocks will drop further south and west.
RED-NECKED GREBES are hard to come by these days and at present the only bird inland is that at Cheddar Reservoir (Somerset). Meanwhile, Suffolk's major attraction throughout the autumn - the drake KING EIDER now moulting into its second-winter plumage - continues to get seen daily offshore, generally between Minsmere Sluice and Dunwich Beach car park.
A few rare wildfowl are on offer including single drake North American Green-winged Teals at Caerlaverock WWT (Dumfries & Galloway) and Cley NWT Reserve (Norfolk), the pair of SURF SCOTER off Ynyslas car park (Ceredigion) and both FERRUGINOUS and RING-NECKED DUCK at Chew Valley Lake Stratford Bay (Avon). A female NORTH AMERICAN WOOD DUCK of unknown provenance was with a large number of Mallard and Common Teal on the sewage works pool and adjacent Pwll Penarth NR pool (Powys) this morning, whilst the adult RUDDY SHELDUCK which arrived with Dark-bellied Brent Geese in Langstone Harbour (Hants) is now consorting with Eurasian Wigeon at Farlington Marshes HWT.
A GREY PHALAROPE still remains on the West Scrape at Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) today, with the two first-winters still at Cley NWT (Norfolk).
A RICHARD'S PIPIT continues for a second day at Sleddale (Cleveland), frequenting fields by Sleddale Farm, whilst gathering for winter perhaps are the 24 SHORE LARKS in Holkham Bay (North Norfolk).
A few ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS are still surviving in Norfolk, including one near Abbey Farm, Flitcham, and another in the Burnham Overy Dunes area, whilst northerly winds produced some heavy movements of LITTLE AUKS in the North Sea, with 147 in just over an hour south past Girdle Ness (Aberdeenshire) and 800 past Fife Ness (Fife)..
In NORTHERN IRELAND, a drake FERRUGINOUS DUCK was at Corbet Lough (County Down) today.
RON JOHNS back in there
It was great to see Ron Johns getting back into the twitching spirit this weekend, finally adding the Indian House Crow that has taken up residence in Cobh town centre in County Cork. This was his 577th species recorded in Britain and Ireland and places him just one bird behind the joint Norfolk-based leaders - Steve Gantlett and Mel Billington. Ron certainly deserves the crown having been mad keen on rare birds and birding in general since at least the late 1950's.
Whilst on the subject of the Listings, a FULLY REVISED list is now available to download from the UK and Ireland 400 Club website, to enable those that wish to - to submit their current Life List. Please remember that old copies of the list are not compatible with this version so for me to accurately reflect your latest totals on the Master Spreadsheet, this most latest update (November 2010) must be used
Whilst on the subject of the Listings, a FULLY REVISED list is now available to download from the UK and Ireland 400 Club website, to enable those that wish to - to submit their current Life List. Please remember that old copies of the list are not compatible with this version so for me to accurately reflect your latest totals on the Master Spreadsheet, this most latest update (November 2010) must be used
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Apparent adult THAYER'S GULL in Essex
Saturday visited Pitsea Landfill tip in Essex with the gull ringing group where I was able to check out the gulls nearby in between netting sessions. As I approached the commercial tipping site I stopped to check the first group of gulls nearest to the track. It was here that I immediately picked out the bird in question. It just stood out from the crowd, given the size, shape, rather long looking primary projection, hooded appearance to the breast which came to a sharp demarcation, dark eye and bright bubble gum coloured legs.
IThe bird was slightly against the light so I decided to get some record shots of it before moving the vehicle to get a better lighted position. I took about 10 or so shots before moving but unfortunately in doing so disturbed the bird and it flew towards the tip face and out of view behind the mud mounds. As it flew I could see the the lack of large amounts of black in the wing tip and a lot more white. As I was moving the Landrover I didn't have my camera to hand at that time.
I parked up over looking the tipping area, well most of of, and within 2 minutes I picked out the bird at the back of the flock, again it was instantly obviously different. I again started taking pictures but most of these were over exposed and once I had changed my settings the bird had turned to face away thus I was only now able to get shots from behind. It then took flight and I rattled a number of shots off as the camera struggled to focus on the bird, I was left with only about 4 usable shots, though only really two of these showed the upper wing pattern, which on review of the bird got me very excited. I lost the bird as it flew down into the large gathered flock of gulls beneath the tip face and that was that. Despite searching for it for many hours after this I didn't see it again.
I also returned to the ringing group where they were set for a second netting but unfortunately the bird was not amongst the birds present.
Pitsea Tip is 'strictly' No Access however gulls visit the following locations to bathe and Roost:
Wat Tyler Country Park scrape - TQ737867. Large numbers can visit the scrape viewable from the main hide. Key access to the hide can be obtained from the Boat Museum.
Vange Wick - TQ77854. Very large numbers can be seen roosting here, viewable distantly from Wat Tyler Country Park or from the seawall at Vange Wick but bird cans be flighty in the exposed area.
Bowers Marsh - TQ755865. Large numbers gathering on the fields here, there is not many paths here and work is currently underway on the RSPB reserve here thus a lot of disturbance
West Canvey Marshes RSPB reserve TQ765845. Large numbers of large gulls visit the main flood and scrape here where viewing is possible from hides/blinds.
Hole Haven Creek: TQ747842. two mile walk from Lobster Smack pub to the north end of the creek to view towards Fobbing Horse. Site is tide dependant and numbers here unknown as not visited for a while but generally there are several hundred birds present when tide is low.
There is no Sunday tipping on the Landfil and there is usually only a fracton of the usually 7000+ large gull numbers present at the above locations. The above sites are best checked Mondays-Saturdays.
Steve Arlow
IThe bird was slightly against the light so I decided to get some record shots of it before moving the vehicle to get a better lighted position. I took about 10 or so shots before moving but unfortunately in doing so disturbed the bird and it flew towards the tip face and out of view behind the mud mounds. As it flew I could see the the lack of large amounts of black in the wing tip and a lot more white. As I was moving the Landrover I didn't have my camera to hand at that time.
I parked up over looking the tipping area, well most of of, and within 2 minutes I picked out the bird at the back of the flock, again it was instantly obviously different. I again started taking pictures but most of these were over exposed and once I had changed my settings the bird had turned to face away thus I was only now able to get shots from behind. It then took flight and I rattled a number of shots off as the camera struggled to focus on the bird, I was left with only about 4 usable shots, though only really two of these showed the upper wing pattern, which on review of the bird got me very excited. I lost the bird as it flew down into the large gathered flock of gulls beneath the tip face and that was that. Despite searching for it for many hours after this I didn't see it again.
I also returned to the ringing group where they were set for a second netting but unfortunately the bird was not amongst the birds present.
Pitsea Tip is 'strictly' No Access however gulls visit the following locations to bathe and Roost:
Wat Tyler Country Park scrape - TQ737867. Large numbers can visit the scrape viewable from the main hide. Key access to the hide can be obtained from the Boat Museum.
Vange Wick - TQ77854. Very large numbers can be seen roosting here, viewable distantly from Wat Tyler Country Park or from the seawall at Vange Wick but bird cans be flighty in the exposed area.
Bowers Marsh - TQ755865. Large numbers gathering on the fields here, there is not many paths here and work is currently underway on the RSPB reserve here thus a lot of disturbance
West Canvey Marshes RSPB reserve TQ765845. Large numbers of large gulls visit the main flood and scrape here where viewing is possible from hides/blinds.
Hole Haven Creek: TQ747842. two mile walk from Lobster Smack pub to the north end of the creek to view towards Fobbing Horse. Site is tide dependant and numbers here unknown as not visited for a while but generally there are several hundred birds present when tide is low.
There is no Sunday tipping on the Landfil and there is usually only a fracton of the usually 7000+ large gull numbers present at the above locations. The above sites are best checked Mondays-Saturdays.
Steve Arlow
A putative THAYER'S GULL in Essex
Putative adult Thayers Gull at Pitsea Tip
Yesterday I visited Pitsea Landfill site with a gull ringing group where I was able to look through the gulls present. I have built up over the past few years a relationship with the site staff and have access to the landfill on Saturdays only and I MUST stress that there is 'strictly' no general access to the Landfill. Anyone trying their luck at the security gate will get turned awa.
I have access as I have undertaken health and safety inductions due to the hazardous nature of the tip, safety and high visitibility clothing and I have my own high clearance and appropriately kitted out vehicle.
Because the bird is at a 'No Go' site and that Sunday is a none tipping day with most gulls well away from the area I was going to take the opportunity to do a little more research on the bird from which I would decide whether to either release the bird as a 'good' candidate for a Thayers or not and leave it as unidentified or as whatever it may turn out to be, such as a hybrid. However the news of this putative bird has somehow made its way onto RBA without me putting it out there.
The bird was seen only twice for a total of aroud 5 minutes, on both occaisions photos were obtained which show features that would be described as Thayers Gull, though some are not sharp shots. These images have been passed onto a number of gullers with greater experience of the species than I have for comment, which I am still waiting feedback.
After speaking with Will at RBA this news has apparantly come from the Gulls Yahoo Group where I had asked for comments on the bird, thus Rare Gull and my name = Pitsea Tip.
I have detailed the locations where the bird may be looked for but be mindful of the large numbers of gulls present in the area, also the large numbers at Mucking, Rainham and Barling Tips of which there is some interactions, thus this bird could easily be at Rainham next week or at Barling. It is rare that any decent gull I have had on Pitsea is seen again there, I have had very few duplications on the Caspian Gulls I have seen there.
Pitsea Tip is 'strictly' no access however gulls visit the following locations to bathe and Roost:
Wat Tyler Country Park scrape - TQ737867. Large numbers can visit the scrape viewable from the main hide. Key access to the hide can be obtained from the Boat Museum.
Vange Wick - TQ77854. Very large numbers can be seen roosting here, viewable distantly from Wat Tyler Country Park or from the seawall at Vange Wick but bird cans be flighty in the exposed area.
Bowers Marsh - TQ755865. Large numbers gathering on the fields here, there is not many paths here and work is currently underway on the RSPB reserve here thus a lot of disturbance
West Canvey Marshes RSPB reserve TQ765845. Large numbers of large gulls visit the main flood and scrape here where viewing is possible from hides/blinds.
Hole Haven Creek: TQ747842. two mile walk from Lobster Smack pub to the north end of the creek to view towards Fobbing Horse. Site is tide dependant and numbers here unknown as not visited for a while but generally there are several hundred birds present when tide is low.
There is no Sunday tipping on the Landfil and there is usually only a fracton of the usually 7000+ large gull numbers present at the above locations. The above sites are best checked Mondays-Saturdays.
Steve Arlow
Bird and Wildlife photographyvisit my Website at - www.birdersplayground.co.uk
Yesterday I visited Pitsea Landfill site with a gull ringing group where I was able to look through the gulls present. I have built up over the past few years a relationship with the site staff and have access to the landfill on Saturdays only and I MUST stress that there is 'strictly' no general access to the Landfill. Anyone trying their luck at the security gate will get turned awa.
I have access as I have undertaken health and safety inductions due to the hazardous nature of the tip, safety and high visitibility clothing and I have my own high clearance and appropriately kitted out vehicle.
Because the bird is at a 'No Go' site and that Sunday is a none tipping day with most gulls well away from the area I was going to take the opportunity to do a little more research on the bird from which I would decide whether to either release the bird as a 'good' candidate for a Thayers or not and leave it as unidentified or as whatever it may turn out to be, such as a hybrid. However the news of this putative bird has somehow made its way onto RBA without me putting it out there.
The bird was seen only twice for a total of aroud 5 minutes, on both occaisions photos were obtained which show features that would be described as Thayers Gull, though some are not sharp shots. These images have been passed onto a number of gullers with greater experience of the species than I have for comment, which I am still waiting feedback.
After speaking with Will at RBA this news has apparantly come from the Gulls Yahoo Group where I had asked for comments on the bird, thus Rare Gull and my name = Pitsea Tip.
I have detailed the locations where the bird may be looked for but be mindful of the large numbers of gulls present in the area, also the large numbers at Mucking, Rainham and Barling Tips of which there is some interactions, thus this bird could easily be at Rainham next week or at Barling. It is rare that any decent gull I have had on Pitsea is seen again there, I have had very few duplications on the Caspian Gulls I have seen there.
Pitsea Tip is 'strictly' no access however gulls visit the following locations to bathe and Roost:
Wat Tyler Country Park scrape - TQ737867. Large numbers can visit the scrape viewable from the main hide. Key access to the hide can be obtained from the Boat Museum.
Vange Wick - TQ77854. Very large numbers can be seen roosting here, viewable distantly from Wat Tyler Country Park or from the seawall at Vange Wick but bird cans be flighty in the exposed area.
Bowers Marsh - TQ755865. Large numbers gathering on the fields here, there is not many paths here and work is currently underway on the RSPB reserve here thus a lot of disturbance
West Canvey Marshes RSPB reserve TQ765845. Large numbers of large gulls visit the main flood and scrape here where viewing is possible from hides/blinds.
Hole Haven Creek: TQ747842. two mile walk from Lobster Smack pub to the north end of the creek to view towards Fobbing Horse. Site is tide dependant and numbers here unknown as not visited for a while but generally there are several hundred birds present when tide is low.
There is no Sunday tipping on the Landfil and there is usually only a fracton of the usually 7000+ large gull numbers present at the above locations. The above sites are best checked Mondays-Saturdays.
Steve Arlow
Bird and Wildlife photographyvisit my Website at - www.birdersplayground.co.uk
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
AMERICAN BITTERN at Walmsley Sanctuary - revisited
I am on the committee for the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society. We manage the Walmsley reserve at Wadebridge, where the American Bittern is currently residing. I would just like to make some small points regarding the reserve, the hides and the parking.
Firstly we have to be very grateful that there is any parking. The local farmer has allowed access with no extra cost to the society. I think it is very lucky that the field will be ploughed very soon. It is also worth bearing in mind that under normal circumstances 3 or 4 cars is all that can safely be parked at the reserve.
The hides are very well maintained and kept tidy. The main tower hide is a fantastic high level vantage point. It holds around 20 people comfortably, of course this is going to be the best place to view the Bittern. However I had fantastic views of the bird from the other hide late this afternoon were I was alone for over an hour. So use your intellect instead of getting gently irritated by the crowds.
Could all visitors please stick to the outside of the fields and not walk straight through the middle. This will help our relationship with the farmer who owns these fields. There are major works happening at the far edge of the reserve at the moment in which they are re-routing a river. We have just had a new scrape put in to the right of the Tower hide so the reserve is not at its most attractive at present. But my point is the heavy machinery is there for a reason, and does not seem to affect the Bittern. Lastly please respect that the reserve is a members only site, and I’m sure all of the regular patch watchers will be more than accommodating and helpful. Please be polite and return the favour, let’s keep Walmsley the attractive reserve that it is.
Kind Regards and Good Luck
Peter Roseveare and All from CBWPS
Firstly we have to be very grateful that there is any parking. The local farmer has allowed access with no extra cost to the society. I think it is very lucky that the field will be ploughed very soon. It is also worth bearing in mind that under normal circumstances 3 or 4 cars is all that can safely be parked at the reserve.
The hides are very well maintained and kept tidy. The main tower hide is a fantastic high level vantage point. It holds around 20 people comfortably, of course this is going to be the best place to view the Bittern. However I had fantastic views of the bird from the other hide late this afternoon were I was alone for over an hour. So use your intellect instead of getting gently irritated by the crowds.
Could all visitors please stick to the outside of the fields and not walk straight through the middle. This will help our relationship with the farmer who owns these fields. There are major works happening at the far edge of the reserve at the moment in which they are re-routing a river. We have just had a new scrape put in to the right of the Tower hide so the reserve is not at its most attractive at present. But my point is the heavy machinery is there for a reason, and does not seem to affect the Bittern. Lastly please respect that the reserve is a members only site, and I’m sure all of the regular patch watchers will be more than accommodating and helpful. Please be polite and return the favour, let’s keep Walmsley the attractive reserve that it is.
Kind Regards and Good Luck
Peter Roseveare and All from CBWPS
The AMERICAN BITTERN at Walmsley
I took this morning off work to go and see the American Bittern and thought I would post a few notes for those hoping to go and see it. Please note this information is based on one visit and chatting to others present on site – don’t blame me if it’s not 100% accurate.
The bird can show well but depending on where it is feeding the viewing can be very restricted. I arrived at 0830 and had to wait nearly an hour (in the hide) before I could even view the area the bird was favouring. This was despite, during that hour, the bird showing half a dozen times briefly, then in flight and stood out in the open.
The Tower Hide can hold around 20 people (maybe a few more) but if the bird continues to favour the area it did this morning (and yesterday apparently) then perhaps only half this number stand a chance of satisfactory views. There were a few fractious moments resulting from people moving around when the bird showed, blocked views, those who hadn’t seen it getting nervous etc. Nothing serious, just the usual stuff from those who seem unable to remain chilled, think logically and be polite. If there are numbers at the weekend then it might require people keeping a cool head and/or some sort of queuing/rotation system. The bird seems to be favouring an area northwest of the Tower Hide. This means only those in the left hand end of the hide and seated at the front row can view it satisfactorily. I definitely advise taking a scope as the bird can be at a reasonable distance (c100-150m) and many were struggling to pick it up in bins despite it showing well in the scope. Perhaps if going with friends then just one of you take a scope as there isn’t a lot of spare room. The big advantage of the Tower Hide is the height, allowing the bird to be seen more easily when feeding in ditches. It did this a lot. From dawn to around 1000 it was rarely out in the open for more than a few seconds to a few tens of seconds at any one time. After the numbers in the hide decreased (just after 1000) and there were 10-15 of us left, we watched the bird feeding, sometimes out in the open, for over half an hour (and it was still doing so when I left).
If you can view the area it’s favouring, you use a scope and actually spend time searching for it (rather than playing with your phone, drinking tea or chatting) then you should see it. Patience is the key (both in terms of waiting your turn and in searching for the bird). The wait is well worth the reward – cracking bird! If you get the chance to see it then check out the snake like head movements when it’s feeding …
A few other comments:- There is viewing potential from the screen beneath the hide, but of the gradients involved and vegetation, the bird would have to be clear of the ditches for this to give a reasonable chance of any views.- I was told the other hide holds 5 people but having not visited I won't comment on suitability for viewing. - The entrance to the field used for parking is on quite a steep slope and with the recent rains is now rather churned up. A number of people struggled, with some failing, to get their cars into the field. There’s a lot more rain forecast this week. Good luck! (Paul Bowerman)
The bird can show well but depending on where it is feeding the viewing can be very restricted. I arrived at 0830 and had to wait nearly an hour (in the hide) before I could even view the area the bird was favouring. This was despite, during that hour, the bird showing half a dozen times briefly, then in flight and stood out in the open.
The Tower Hide can hold around 20 people (maybe a few more) but if the bird continues to favour the area it did this morning (and yesterday apparently) then perhaps only half this number stand a chance of satisfactory views. There were a few fractious moments resulting from people moving around when the bird showed, blocked views, those who hadn’t seen it getting nervous etc. Nothing serious, just the usual stuff from those who seem unable to remain chilled, think logically and be polite. If there are numbers at the weekend then it might require people keeping a cool head and/or some sort of queuing/rotation system. The bird seems to be favouring an area northwest of the Tower Hide. This means only those in the left hand end of the hide and seated at the front row can view it satisfactorily. I definitely advise taking a scope as the bird can be at a reasonable distance (c100-150m) and many were struggling to pick it up in bins despite it showing well in the scope. Perhaps if going with friends then just one of you take a scope as there isn’t a lot of spare room. The big advantage of the Tower Hide is the height, allowing the bird to be seen more easily when feeding in ditches. It did this a lot. From dawn to around 1000 it was rarely out in the open for more than a few seconds to a few tens of seconds at any one time. After the numbers in the hide decreased (just after 1000) and there were 10-15 of us left, we watched the bird feeding, sometimes out in the open, for over half an hour (and it was still doing so when I left).
If you can view the area it’s favouring, you use a scope and actually spend time searching for it (rather than playing with your phone, drinking tea or chatting) then you should see it. Patience is the key (both in terms of waiting your turn and in searching for the bird). The wait is well worth the reward – cracking bird! If you get the chance to see it then check out the snake like head movements when it’s feeding …
A few other comments:- There is viewing potential from the screen beneath the hide, but of the gradients involved and vegetation, the bird would have to be clear of the ditches for this to give a reasonable chance of any views.- I was told the other hide holds 5 people but having not visited I won't comment on suitability for viewing. - The entrance to the field used for parking is on quite a steep slope and with the recent rains is now rather churned up. A number of people struggled, with some failing, to get their cars into the field. There’s a lot more rain forecast this week. Good luck! (Paul Bowerman)
HERMIT THRUSH on Barra
Graham Ekins obtained these absolutely stunning HERMIT THRUSH images when he and 15 others twitched this bird - one of two in the Outer Hebrides at the same time, the other on South Uist - at Castlebay on Barra.
And another selection of this October's Pick of the Best on Scilly - GARY THOBURN GALLERIES
Well worth the £7.80 boat trip to Bryher was this first-year SUBALPINE WARBLER - one of perhaps two birds that visited the archipelago this October.
A great showing by these small Sibes - LITTLE BUNTING - with perhaps 5 or 6 birds in total. Two such individuals spent the best part of a week affording excellent views as they consorted with a flock of Meadow Pipits in a grass field just inland of Porthellick Bay
The odd RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER made it to the islands
, including this first-winter on the Garrison.
, including this first-winter on the Garrison.A great showing by these small Sibes - LITTLE BUNTING - with perhaps 5 or 6 birds in total. Two such individuals spent the best part of a week affording excellent views as they consorted with a flock of Meadow Pipits in a grass field just inland of Porthellick Bay
No visit to Scilly in October is complete without seeing the annual JACK SNIPE migration at Lower Moors and Porthellick. A good crop of cut-reeds ensured a bumper crop of occurrencies - peaking at 8 birds early in the month.
Highlights of a Scilly Autumn
For many visitors to Scilly this October, their only 'new bird' was this EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL from Siberia, typified by its very grey-and-white plumage tones, buzzing quality to its call notes and long hind-claw. Jim Lawrence obtained the large images and Keith Vinicombe the image on the roof. It was one of three flava wagtails that were present at the time, this bird eventually giving itself up for two days at Pelistry.
The undoubted star arrival of this autumn's Scilly season was this first-winter female BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR on the Garrison rocks on St Mary's. Supremo bird photographer Gary Thoburn captured these beautiful images of the bird as it flycatched from the rocky boulders, the bird remaining for just under a week. It had initially been found by Lee Woods and other Suffolk birders on the Thursday but its identification was not clinched until the Saturday. St Mary's also hosted a first-winter PIED WHEATEAR for a brief period and was photographed by Graham Etherington.
Late RED-FOOTED FALCON in Fife
Graeme Leckie photographed this juvenile RED-FOOTED FALCON at Fife Ness yesterday afternoon. He and Kris parked at Kilminning NO631088 and walked along the Fife coast path to the Fife bird club hide at NO638097 and the falcon was seen en-route at approximately NO636092 at 11:40. It was photographed and observed by Kris and Graeme as they were was returning to the car to get her walking poles!!!, but on return Graeme got a quick view of it at around 11:50, and that was the last time it was seen.
Dick Forsman kindly commented - ''Lee, this bird is a juvenile, and I think the intense tawny and buff coloration of the underparts rule out Amur, which should be more pied. The upperparts colour, as seen here, is highly susceptible to the angle of light, sometimes appearing grey, and the next moment Merlin-brown''
This is the second Red-footed Falcon I have been sent in a month - another individual being photographed very late in the New Forest in Hampshire.
AMERICAN KESTRELS in captivity
The bird has apparently escaped from Stonham Barns in Suffolk. I have now discovered that applications have been made for 481 American Kestrel rings in the UK (many more than I had thought from earlier enquiries) and that four birds escaped in the past twelve months, including birds from Durham, North Yorkshire and Cornwall.
AMERICAN KESTREL at Landguard
An apparent juvenile AMERICAN KESTREL has just been located at Landguard Nature Reserve in Suffolk. The bird is bearing a metal ring and follows an occurrence at Old Hunstanton in Norfolk some years ago, which was also ringed - but with a green metal one. It is therefore considered to be of suspect origin. It is present on the Common area and it is currently perching on brambles and gorse..
American Kestrels are not that common in captivity but there is some captive breeding programmes underway. Contacts to the Registry are currently being made to check to see if any American Kestrels have recently been lost.
American Kestrels are not that common in captivity but there is some captive breeding programmes underway. Contacts to the Registry are currently being made to check to see if any American Kestrels have recently been lost.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
The Identification of Northern Harrier/North American Hen Harrier
Alan Murphy has some absolutely stunning images of an array of NORTHERN HARRIER plumages at http://www.alanmurphyphotography.com/tax%20list/raptors/northernharrier%20tax.htm
Monday, 1 November 2010
AMERICAN BITTERN now at Walmsley Sanctuary CBWPS Reserve in Cornwall
Well this is how one really wants to see an AMERICAN BITTERN - stunning photographs taken this afternoon at Walmsley Sanctuary - perhaps the Trewey Common bird relocating.........
Just gone through my inbox and discovered why the AMERICAN BITTERN was not seen at Trewey Common today. These fantastic photographs taken today at Walmsley Sanctuary could explain why.
The reserve is generally strictly CBWPS members only with very limited parking. However, the local farmer has agreed to open up a field for parking at SW 988 742 which is on the SW side of the B3314 just before the traffic lights at Trewornan Bridge if travelling from Wadebridge.
The hide will not be unlocked until daybreak so please do not attempt to enter the reserve before someone from CBWPS arrives which should be at 06:30. Access to the reserve is across farmland, which will contain livestock so it is imperative that people follow on site instructions.
As one can see from the published images above, the bird was showing very well today and was reported as present from 11:00 to 14:00 at least (Dave Parker, CBWPS Website and Bird Recording Editor)
Cornish AMERICAN BITTERN and AMERICAN GREEN HERON on film
Two mega rare Nearctic Herons - Matt Deans took the exquisite Green Heron shots at Heligan and Phil Bishop the superb in-flight shots of the American Bittern
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