This is the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert for Monday 14 September 2009, issued at 2100 hours, and published in association with Rare Bird Alert Pagers whilst utilising additional information gleaned from the Regional Birdlines, BirdGuides, individual websites, blogsites and email groups and individual observers.
In East Yorkshire, an elusive BOOTED WARBLER remains for a third day on the Spurn Point peninsular, favouring the scrub and dunes south of the Warren in the vicinity of ''Post 17'', with a single BARRED WARBLER nearby and another in neighbouring North Lincolnshire in bushes 100 yards from the car park at Horseshoe Point. A juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE was also fresh in at Spurn (on the Far Point) whilst a LESSER GREY SHRIKE was present at Trimley Marshes SWT (Suffolk) from mid-morning (frequenting posts between the Viewing Platform and the Black Barn). Further RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS arrived today, with singles at Wolla Bank car park, Chapel St Leonards (North Lincs), Thorpeness Caravan Park (Suffolk) and at Landguard NR (Suffolk). A MELODIOUS WARBLER was present for a second day albeit elusively in bushes by the Porthgwarra Gift Shop and Ice Cream Parlour (Cornwall) this morning, with an equally elusive ICTERINE WARBLER consorting with the tit flock by the Dell in Wells Woods (Norfolk), with further BARRED WARBLERS on North Ronaldsay (Orkney) (2 birds) and at Staple Island, Farnes (Northumberland).
A juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was showing well in the SW corner of Ballo Reservoir (Fife) first thing before relocating to the NE corner later, where it could be viewed from the track to Little Ballo Farm at NO 225 045. The first twitchable LBD this year. Also of Nearctic origin were the three BLUE-WINGED TEALS discovered today, frequenting the Howmore River on South Uist (Outer Hebrides) this afternoon.
The Spanish invasion of juvenile GLOSSY IBIS continues with 7 still present (including ringed individuals 'PJP' and 'HR7') in Cambridgeshire today, commuting between the private food-enriched Sutton Quarry and the Washes Pool NW of Sutton Gault, and singles at Stodmarsh NNR (Kent) and on the shallow pool north of the track just east of Banters Bank Farm at Boyton Marshes (Suffolk) (at TM 389 475.
A juvenile ROSE-COLOURED STARLING continues to range widely in Tittensor village, NW of Stone (Staffs), favouring the churchyard today, whilst WRYNECKS remain remarkably scarce with just one present for its third day at Land's End (Cornwall).
An extremely confiding juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER remains at Draycote Water (Warks) in Toft Bay (access from main car park, parking £1.50 per day), with additional individuals at Wombwell Ings (South Yorks) and Inner Marsh Farm RSPB (Cheshire) (two birds). The North Norfolk juvenile RED-NECKED PHALAROPE moved today to Kelling Water Meadows, after visiting Cley NWT on 13th and Stiffkey Fen on 12th, with a fresh arrival on Hornsea Mere (East Yorks), whilst the Cornish juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS remained on Marazion Beach at the Red River Mouth and on Davidstow Airfield.
In a good autumn for 'showing' SPOTTED CRAKES, today saw appearances from those at Edderthorpe Flash in the Dearne Valley (South Yorks), Greylake RSPB (Somerset), 1-2 from the Creek Hide at the Welsh Wildlife Centre and Teifi Marshes NR (Pembrokeshire) and a 'new' arrival at Barnes WWT (London) (from Dulverton Hide; access £6.80 to non-WWT members),
An eclipse drake AMERICAN WIGEON is present for a second day with a drake Eurasian Wigeon, 4 Gadwall and 44 Coot at the extreme NE end of Sonning Eye GP (Oxfordshire) visible from the track adjacent to the Sailing Lake. Meanwhile, the female Hooded Merganser of unknown origin continues on the Main Pool visible from the visitor centre at Saltholme Pools RSPB (Cleveland).
On the Isles of Scilly, the juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER remains on Porthellick Pool, St Mary's, with the first-winter CITRINE WAGTAIL visiting there very infrequently, with two juvenile BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS showing well on the Golf Course. At the opposite end of the country on Shetland, two juvenile BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS show very well at Skaw Golf Course on Whalsay, with LITTLE BUNTING, BLUETHROAT, RED-BACKED SHRIKE, COMMON ROSEFINCH, 3 BARRED WARBLER and DOTTEREL on Fair Isle.
The adult-type FRANKLIN'S GULL was again at Loch of Tankerness (Orkney) last night, whilst St Kilda (Outer Hebrides) in recent days has attracted a NORTH AMERICAN MARSH HAWK/NORTHERN HARRIER and a first-winter CITRINE WAGTAIL.
The strong NNE winds continue to force scarce seabirds inshore, with both CORY'S and GREAT SHEARWATERS passing headlands in NE England, including the former off Long Nab, Burniston (North Yorks), Flamborough Head (East Yorks), Marine Drive, Scarborough (North Yorks), Hartlepool Headland (Cleveland), Whitburn CP (Durham) and St Mary's Island (Northumberland) and the latter off Spurn Point (East Yorks), Flamborough Head (two birds) and at Whitburn CP as well as a few BALEARIC SHEARWATERS and LEACH'S STORM PETRELS and unusual numbers of Manx Shearwaters. In the Thames Estuary, 22+ SOOTY SHEARWATERS, several SABINE'S GULLS and the odd LONG-TAILED SKUA have been displaced, being seen off Minnis Bay and Reculver (Kent).
A juvenile NORTHERN GANNET was also a victim of the winds, being displaced well inland at Grafham Water (Cambs) this morning (it flew off east at 1035 hours)
The CATTLE EGRET remains at Iley lake, Keyhaven Marshes (Hants), whilst long-staying GREAT WHITE EGRETS remain at Chard Reservoir (Somerset) and Mockbeggar Lake (Hants) and a bird for a second day near Old Hollow Farm at banks Marsh, Southport (Lancs). There was also a new bird on the Greenaways Scrape at Otmoor RSPB (Oxfordshire) today, with one of the two recently in Cambs at Kingfishers Bridge WCT..
In IRELAND, a first-winter BLACK-HEADED BUNTING remains for a third day on Galley Head (Co. Cork), with a GOLDEN ORIOLE seen there briefly, as well as an ICTERINE WARBLER, whilst five juvenile GLOSSY IBISES are still present at Killag (County Wexford)
The LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER remains on Lough Beg at Mullagh (Co. Antrim), with 5 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS and 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS at Tacumshin Lake (Co. Wexford) and a juvenile of the latter at Doonloughan Marsh (Co. Galway).
Monday, 14 September 2009
Eclipse drake AMERICAN WIGEON in OXFORDSHIRE
Three images above (Adam Hartley)
Eclipse drake AMERICAN WIGEON, Sonning Eye GP, Oxfordshire, 14 September 2009 (Roger Wyatt)
There was an adult eclipse drake AMERICAN WIGEON on Sonning Eye Gravel Pit this afternoon. (Sunday 14 September) The bird was originally on one of the Henley Rd Pits with no access but was flushed and ended up at the North end of Sonning Eye. This pit is private with no official public access but as long as no one drives through the gate and people park sensibly nearby there shouldn't be a problem.
To access the pit take the B478 towards Sonning and turn right at the little roundabout. Please do not park in front of the gate. Walk through the gate and walk approx. 100yards to view the pit on the right. The bird was in the right hand end of the pit (Hugh Netley)
The bird was still present and showing well this morning when Roger Wyatt, Ian Wilson and I visited the site - feeding with an eclipse drake Eurasian Wigeon, 4 Gadwall and 44 Coots. The gleaming white axillaries were striking (Lee G R Evans)
Friday, 11 September 2009
East Coast starting to liven up as ENE wind continues to blow
With a window now wide open across the North Sea, passerine migrants are starting to drift in on the ENE winds, with a selection of interesting birds making landfall in Norfolk this afternoon. In addition to a handful of Whinchats, Lesser Whitethroats, Common Redstarts and Pied & Spotted Flycatchers, the first BOOTED WARBLER of the year has arrived - on Blakeney Point - as well as up to 3 RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS and 1-2 ICTERINE WARBLERS. The first of a flush of WRYNECKS was also discovered - at Hopton-on-Sea.
There is also an EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER in IRELAND - at Mizen Head, County Cork - whilst a further BOOTED WARBLER has appeared at Channerwick in Shetland and a GREENISH WARBLER is at Flamborough Head South Landing (East Yorks).
GLOSSY IBISES continue to pop up with another juvenile in North Kent - at Oare Marshes - whilst those already present include the singles at Stodmarsh NNR (Kent), Boyton Marshes (Suffolk) and at Chew Valley Lake (Avon).
There is also an EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER in IRELAND - at Mizen Head, County Cork - whilst a further BOOTED WARBLER has appeared at Channerwick in Shetland and a GREENISH WARBLER is at Flamborough Head South Landing (East Yorks).
GLOSSY IBISES continue to pop up with another juvenile in North Kent - at Oare Marshes - whilst those already present include the singles at Stodmarsh NNR (Kent), Boyton Marshes (Suffolk) and at Chew Valley Lake (Avon).
SEPTEMBER SUMMARY - 1-10 SEPTEMBER - Part 1 The Non-passerines
September 2009 has taken off with a bang with the Atlantic jet-stream 800 miles further south than last year culminating in a run of good sightings in England (rather than on the Scottish Northern Isles) and a selection of 'Grade 1 Rarities' including a gorgeous male PALLID HARRIER and a typically invincible and disappearing FAN-TAILED WARBLER. Due to the diversity and volume of sightings in the past 10 days, I have decided to produce a detailed summary of sightings rather than the normal British Birding Association/UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert.
SYSTEMATIC LIST
CORY'S SHEARWATER
One flew south mid-morning past Hartlepool Headland (Cleveland) on 2 September, followed by four west past Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) by mid-morning on 3rd and a further 2 off Porthgwarra (Cornwall) that day. Further singles flew north past Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 4th, north past Flamborough Head (East Yorks), Newbiggin and Inner Farne (Northumberland) and St Abb's Head (Borders) on 5th, south past Fife Ness (Fife) on 5th, south past Southwold (Suffolk) on 5th and west past Porthgwarra on 6th. 1-2 were seen off Flamborough Head on 6th, with two off Porthgwarra on 7th, whilst another flew west at Sheringham (Norfolk) on 10th.
GREAT SHEARWATER
A total of 251 flew south at Bridges of Ross (County Clare) on 1st September, by far the highest number recorded this autumn. Elsewhere, one flew west past Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) on 3rd, with another off Holme Beach (Norfolk) on 4th and another in Bridlington Bay (East Yorkshire) on 5th.
Ireland also notched up 12 past Kilcummin Head (Co. Mayo) on 4th, with another past Bloody Foreland (Co. Donegal) the same day, whilst in Scotland, one was seen off Labost, Lewis (Outer Hebrides), on 9th.
FEA'S SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL
Following two different birds off Porthgwarra (Cornwall) at the end of August, James McCallum scored a third on 2nd September, flying strongly west late morning.
MANX SHEARWATER
Strong NW winds saw a number of inland/freshwater occurrences including singles off the Farnborough Bank at Draycote Water (Warks) on 4th, at Hen Reedbed SWT, Blyth Estuary (Suffolk) on 6th, at Farmoor Reservoirs (Oxfordshire) on 6th and taken into care in Pitville Park, Cheltenham (Gloucs) on 6th.
YELKOUAN SHEARWATER
A probable flew west past Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) on 4th September.
WILSON'S STORM PETREL
One flew west during strong WNW winds at Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) at 0645 on 3rd September, whilst yet another in what has been an unprecedented summer for the species, flew south at Bridges of Ross (County Clare) on 3rd. A further individual was also reported in the River Mersey river mouth (Lancashire) on 5th September, flying offshore of Seaforth LWT from 1145-1155 and then later off neighbouring Crosby Beach early afternoon.
LEACH'S STORM PETREL
Odd singles were off Cornwall at Pendeen on 1st and Towan Head, Newquay, on 3rd, followed by much larger numbers in the Mersey from 4th, following a period of near gale force NW winds - 7 off New Brighton, 3 past Hilbre Island and singles off Ainsdale (Lancs) and Point of Ayr (Clwyd) on 4th; 13 off Hilbre, 3 past Point of Ayr, 2 past Porth Ysgaden (Gwynedd) and singles past Heysham (Lancs), Burnham-on-Sea (Somerset) and Rubha Ardvule, South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 5th with 3 off the latter-mentioned location on 7th. A further single passed Rubha Ardvule on 8th, with another past Strumble Head (Pembs) on 9th.
MADEIRAN STORM PETREL
One was present off Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) from 1905-1915 hours on 3rd September, delighting 13 of its 14 observers. For one Cornish observer it was his third individual in two years. The bird was seen reasonably well and excellently sketched by its finder James McCallum, and was also seen by Martin Elliott, Mark Golley, Eddie Myers, Steve Beal, Lee Gregory and Adrian Kettle.
CATTLE EGRET
A long-staying bird remained at Keyhaven Marshes (Hants) from 1-10, favouring the cattle field 400 yards along Iley Lane, with another in the Slimbridge (Gloucs) area from 5-9 September.
GREAT WHITE EGRET
Continuing an excellent recent run of records, the following Great White Egrets were recorded -:
1) A long-staying bird at Chard Reservoir (Somerset), favouring the NE end from 1-10;
2) One in the Central Marsh at Brandon Marsh NR (Warks) on 1st, perched in a tree by the River Avon viewed from Teal Pool Hide early afternoon;
3) A long-staying bird at Denge Marsh, Dungeness RSPB (Kent), from 1-10;
4) Most likely the relocating Warwickshire bird at Saddington Reservoir (Leics) opposite the sailing club on 3-9 September;
5) The summering bird yet again at Meare Heath and Shapwick Heath (Somerset) on 6-9;
6) One flew in off the sea at Dungeness (Kent) mid-afternoon on 6th and landed by the ARC Pit briefly;
7-8) Two long-staying birds at Ouse Fen (Cambs) from 1-9, including a colour-ringed juvenile from the colony in NW France;
9) One flew north over Marshside Marsh RSPB (Lancs) and landed on Crossens Marsh on 10th.
PURPLE HERON
A well-watched juvenile has been present ESE of Oswestry (Salop) just NE of Rednal at Pen-yr-Estyn Wetalnd Reserve (at SJ 354 284) since 5 September and was still being seen, mainly in flight, on 10th.
WHITE STORK
A White Stork of unknown origin appeared at gravel pits at the Point of Ayre (Isle of Man) in late August and was last reported flying east near Port St Mary on 9 September.
GLOSSY IBIS
A major influx took place in the first week of September, involving at least 25 birds, predominantly juveniles. Four colour-ringed birds were traced back to a reserve on the Coto Donana in southern Spain (see separate feature).
EURASIAN SPOONBILL
An adult feeding in the shallows at the Anchor Wood bank at Barnstaple (North Devon) on 1 September was presumably a regularly wintering bird on the River Taw, moving up to Pottington on 4-8. That same day an adult showed very well from the Moreton Hide at Chew Valley Lake (Avon) where it remained until
Four sub-adults remain present in Poole Harbour (Dorset), commuting between Brownsea Island NT and the Middlebere reserve, whilst three immigrant birds flew in at Alkborough Flats (North Lincs) on 1st, with one remaining until 8th.
Spoonbills once again graced Simmond's Scrape at Cley NWT reserve (Norfolk) from 2 September, with three birds present on 2nd increasing to six on 4th-9th. Meanwhile in Suffolk, the summering flock (now dwindled to just 17 birds) was still present in isolation on Orford Ness on 5th-6th.
One flew east at Elmley Marshes RSPB (North Kent) on 7th.
Interestingly, a total of 52 Spoonbills in two flocks flew north over Noirmont Point in Jersey (CHANNEL ISLANDS) on 9 September.
RUDDY SHELDUCK
Those considered of unknown origin but possibly related to the continental population include single females on the Kent Estuary at Sandside (Cumbria) on 1st, at Kenfig Pool NNR (Glamorgan) on 4th and at Marazion Marsh/Ryan's Field/Hayle Estuary (Cornwall) from 5th-11th, with two on Covehithe Broad (Suffolk) on 5th (later relocated at Bungay, mingling with 12 Egyptian Geese, and then with Barnacle Geese at Minsmere RSPB on 10th). The adult pair present recently in Bedfordshire visited Tyttenhanger GP (Herts) briefly on 6th whilst a flock of four remained in residence at Calvert Landfill Pools (North Bucks) until at least 3rd. An additional three flew north over Flamborough Head (East Yorks) late afternoon on 4th, with two long-staying birds at Alkborough Flats (North Lincs) from 1-10. Another long-staying bird was still in Montrose Basin (Angus/Dundee) on 8 September.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK
The eclipse drake remained at Loch Gelly (Fife) until at least 1 September, whilst a 'new' drake arrived with Northern Pochard in the Walgrave Arm of Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) on 6th, where it was still present on 8th.
RING-NECKED DUCK
Eclipse drakes remained at Loch Gelly (Fife) and Westport Lake (Staffs) throughout.
KING EIDER
An adult drake in full eclipse was identified at the mouth of the River Witham at Cut End (Lincs) on 5 September, viewable from the Cut End Hide. Next morning at high tide, it showed well just off of the sea wall at Freiston Shore RSPB before returning on the ebbing tide to Cut End. It followed this same pattern of occurrence until at least 9 September. The Cut End Hide is at TF 380 390.
HOODED MERGANSER
A female-type commuted between various pools and ditches in Teesmouth (Cleveland) from at least 1-10 September.
BLACK KITE
In Cornwall, one appeared over Marazion Marsh mid-morning on 9 September. It drifted slowly west and was later seen in the Crowlas area. Next day (10th), it flew SE between Ardensawah Farm and Raftra Farm, Polgigga, at midday.
PALLID HARRIER
A fabulous near-adult male seen previously during survey work in June was relocated in the Haddenham/Aldreth Fen area on 6 September (Simon Stirrup) where it performed well over arable fields close to the junction of Long Drove and Dam Bank Drove in central Cambridgeshire.
Next morning and throughout the afternoon and evening, the bird showed well on occasions, delighting the 100 or so observers that visited. It eventually took up temporary residence in a stubble field much closer to Haddenham and the adjacent A1123 and sat there, digesting the two Meadow Pipits it had earlier chased and killed, for over four hours.
There was no sign of it for most of Tuesday 8 September but at 1635 it flew over fields east of Willingham village at the end of Meadow Drove (TL 437 709) and could still be seen looking south from the Aldreth riverbank in the evening. On 9 September, it was seen just briefly early morning, flying south towards Willingham.
The first record for Cambridgeshire of this truly delightful and very graceful harrier.
MONTAGU'S HARRIER
A vagrant juvenile remained in the Beeley Moor area of Derbyshire until at least 5 September.
SPOTTED CRAKE
So far this autumn, observers have been spoilt for choice for 'showing' Spotted Crakes, with a fair selection on offer -:
1) A particularly confiding individual at Greylake RSPB reserve in Somerset from 1-11 September. It favours the NW corner of the reserve, accessed from the car park off of the adjacent A361. Take the boardwalk past the pool, then the footpath towards the hide before veering off on the tractor track and turning right to view the back of the pool.
2-4) Up to three birds trapped and ringed in the Lower Derwent Valley at Bank Island, Wheldrake Ings (North Yorks), on 1 September.
5) One at Levenmouth Pools, Loch Leven (Kinross) on 2 September;
6) An elusive individual in the NW corner of the Lagoons at the south side of Grafham Water (Cambs) on 3-5 September;
7-8) 1-2 birds showing well intermittently at the end of the sanctuary fence at Marazion Marsh (Cornwall) from at least 1-11 September;
9) A fairly elusive individual on the ARC Pit at Dungeness (Kent) viewable from the Hanson Hide from 6-11 September;
10) One present in a private area of Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) on 7th;
11) One at Edderthorpe Flash in the Dearne Valley (South Yorks) on 8-10 September;
12) One was present at Walmsley Sanctuary (Cornwall) on at least 7-9 September;
13) An elusive individual at the private Bradiford Water reserve (Devon) on at least 10 September.
COMMON CRANE
The Broadlands Norfolk flock have re-grouped after their summer recess and returned to Horsey to roost, with at least 33 counted from Stubb Mill on 7 September
Elsewhere, the single Pensthorpe-ringed adult male continues to range along the North Norfolk coast, visiting Stiffkey Fen most recently, and further singles were seen at Leiston Abbey (Suffolk) and near Earith (Cambs) on 9th.
DOTTEREL
An extremely confiding juvenile remained on the shingle beach at Sandwich Bay (Kent) on 1-2 September, with further juveniles on Shipman Head Down, Bryher (Scilly) until 1st, in the SE corner of Hatfield Moors (South Yorks) until 1st and on Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 6th.
PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER
An adult remained on Tiree (Argyll) at Loch a'Phuill until 1 September.
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER
On the Outer Hebrides, an adult was discovered in the SW corner of Loch Bee, South Uist, on 4th-5th, with another on the machair at Bornish, South Uist, from at least 5-10. One of these was then at West Gerenish, South Uist, on 9 September.
In County Londonderry (IRELAND), an adult was in fields between Ballykelly and Myroe along the Broighter Link Road from 5-10 September.
PURPLE SANDPIPER
September is the classic month for vagrant inland Purple Sandpipers and this year is no exception with one showing well along the east bank of Covenham Reservoir (North Lincs) on 6 September.
TEREK SANDPIPER
A juvenile was a very surprise find in County Kerry on 10 September, showing very well in the channel from the humpback bridge in Barrow Harbour.
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER
A good crop of records of this North American migrant wader.
In Cornwall, juveniles were present on Davidstow Airfield and Marazion Beach from 3rd September, both still present and showing well a week later, whilst on Anglesey, a juvenile showed well with 5 Curlew Sandpipers on the saltmarsh viewed across the stream from the car park at Traeth Dulas from 4th-8th. A further juvenile was then at Loch Paible, North Uist (Outer Hebrides), on 7th and on the south side of Rubha Ardvule beach, South Uist, on 10th.
In IRELAND, a juvenile was at Carrahane Strand (County Kerry) on 1st-4th, with another at Black Rock Strand (Co. Kerry) from 2nd-10th
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER
.Single juveniles were discovered in IRELAND at Inchydoney Bay (Co. Cork) on 1st-2nd, near Baille an Reannaigh (Co. Kerry) on at least 2nd-8th and at White's Marsh (Co. Cork) on 3rd.
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
On the Outer Hebrides, singles were at Griminish Point, North Uist, on 7th, at the Butt of Lewis on 8th-10th and at Bornish, South Uist, on 9th, whilst elsewheere in Scotland, additional birds visited Sandaig, Tiree (Argyll) on 9th and Kettla Ness, West Burra (Shetland), on 9th-10th.
On the Isles of Scilly, two juveniles were on St Mary's Golf Course on 9th-10th, with two more on the West Cornwall mainland in fields near Ardensawah Farm, Polgigga, on 9th-10th.
In IRELAND, two were at Black Rock Strand (Co. Kerry) on 31 August with further juveniles at Smerwick Harbour (Co. Kerry) until 3rd and at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 10th.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER
A fairly poor showing with perhaps no more than 12 individuals recorded.
One remained at Maer Lake, Bude (Cornwall) on 1st September, with a juvenile at Freiston Shore RSPB (Lincs) on 5th and further singles at Hatfield Moors (South Yorks) on 6th, Cley NWT Reserve (Norfolk) on 8th-9th, on Tresco Abbey Pool (Scilly) on 8th-9th, at Old Moor RSPB (South Yorks) on 9th, on Porthellick Pool, St Mary's (Scilly) on 10th, at Dale Airfield (Pembs) on 10th-11th and at Back Saltholme Pool (Cleveland) on 10th.
Two juveniles were on pools close to the lighthouse at Butt of Lewis (Outer Hebrides) on 6th (one remaining to 7th), with another at Loch Paible, North Uist, on 7th and at Rubha Ardvule, South Uist, on 10th.
In IRELAND, 3 were at Murloch, Ballyconneelly (Co Galway) on 2nd September, with another on the Rogerstown Estuary (Co. Dublin) on 3rd.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS
A long-staying adult remains at Aberlady Bay (Lothian) until at least 9 September.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER
A very confiding juvenile remained at Nethertown (County Wexford) from 7-9 September.
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER
In IRELAND, a juvenile was on the Skivileen River at Doonbeg (Co. Clare) on 7 September.
GREY PHALAROPE
With gale force winds in the west country at the beginning of the month, large numbers congregated off west Cornwall. Storm-driven birds inland or on coastal lagoons included a sick individual at Farlington Deeps Pool (Hants) on 1st, a first-winter on Blenheim Park Lake (Oxfordshire) on 3rd, a first-winter on Longham Lakes (Dorset) on 3rd, one on the UV Pools at Weston-super-Mare (Somerset) on 4th and a juvenile briefly at Chew Valley Lake (Avon) on 4th.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
Surprisingly few records with single juveniles at Heswall Shore (Cheshire) on 2nd September, at New Alresford Pond (Hants) on 3rd and at Bawdsey East Lane Lagoons (Suffolk) on 9th.
WILSON'S PHALAROPE
In South Devon, a highly mobile first-winter visited the main lagoon at Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, on 2-3 September before relocating to the roadside pools alongside the entrance track to Exminster Marshes RSPB on 4-5 and 7 September.
FRANKLIN'S GULL
The near-adult reappeared on Orkney on 10 September when it flew north over the road at Deerness.
NORTH AMERICAN BLACK TERN
The Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) juvenile remained until dusk on 2 September.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN
The Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) juvenile remained until dusk on 2 September.
SYSTEMATIC LIST
CORY'S SHEARWATER
One flew south mid-morning past Hartlepool Headland (Cleveland) on 2 September, followed by four west past Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) by mid-morning on 3rd and a further 2 off Porthgwarra (Cornwall) that day. Further singles flew north past Spurn Point (East Yorks) on 4th, north past Flamborough Head (East Yorks), Newbiggin and Inner Farne (Northumberland) and St Abb's Head (Borders) on 5th, south past Fife Ness (Fife) on 5th, south past Southwold (Suffolk) on 5th and west past Porthgwarra on 6th. 1-2 were seen off Flamborough Head on 6th, with two off Porthgwarra on 7th, whilst another flew west at Sheringham (Norfolk) on 10th.
GREAT SHEARWATER
A total of 251 flew south at Bridges of Ross (County Clare) on 1st September, by far the highest number recorded this autumn. Elsewhere, one flew west past Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) on 3rd, with another off Holme Beach (Norfolk) on 4th and another in Bridlington Bay (East Yorkshire) on 5th.
Ireland also notched up 12 past Kilcummin Head (Co. Mayo) on 4th, with another past Bloody Foreland (Co. Donegal) the same day, whilst in Scotland, one was seen off Labost, Lewis (Outer Hebrides), on 9th.
FEA'S SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL
Following two different birds off Porthgwarra (Cornwall) at the end of August, James McCallum scored a third on 2nd September, flying strongly west late morning.
MANX SHEARWATER
Strong NW winds saw a number of inland/freshwater occurrences including singles off the Farnborough Bank at Draycote Water (Warks) on 4th, at Hen Reedbed SWT, Blyth Estuary (Suffolk) on 6th, at Farmoor Reservoirs (Oxfordshire) on 6th and taken into care in Pitville Park, Cheltenham (Gloucs) on 6th.
YELKOUAN SHEARWATER
A probable flew west past Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) on 4th September.
WILSON'S STORM PETREL
One flew west during strong WNW winds at Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) at 0645 on 3rd September, whilst yet another in what has been an unprecedented summer for the species, flew south at Bridges of Ross (County Clare) on 3rd. A further individual was also reported in the River Mersey river mouth (Lancashire) on 5th September, flying offshore of Seaforth LWT from 1145-1155 and then later off neighbouring Crosby Beach early afternoon.
LEACH'S STORM PETREL
Odd singles were off Cornwall at Pendeen on 1st and Towan Head, Newquay, on 3rd, followed by much larger numbers in the Mersey from 4th, following a period of near gale force NW winds - 7 off New Brighton, 3 past Hilbre Island and singles off Ainsdale (Lancs) and Point of Ayr (Clwyd) on 4th; 13 off Hilbre, 3 past Point of Ayr, 2 past Porth Ysgaden (Gwynedd) and singles past Heysham (Lancs), Burnham-on-Sea (Somerset) and Rubha Ardvule, South Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 5th with 3 off the latter-mentioned location on 7th. A further single passed Rubha Ardvule on 8th, with another past Strumble Head (Pembs) on 9th.
MADEIRAN STORM PETREL
One was present off Pendeen Watchpoint (Cornwall) from 1905-1915 hours on 3rd September, delighting 13 of its 14 observers. For one Cornish observer it was his third individual in two years. The bird was seen reasonably well and excellently sketched by its finder James McCallum, and was also seen by Martin Elliott, Mark Golley, Eddie Myers, Steve Beal, Lee Gregory and Adrian Kettle.
CATTLE EGRET
A long-staying bird remained at Keyhaven Marshes (Hants) from 1-10, favouring the cattle field 400 yards along Iley Lane, with another in the Slimbridge (Gloucs) area from 5-9 September.
GREAT WHITE EGRET
Continuing an excellent recent run of records, the following Great White Egrets were recorded -:
1) A long-staying bird at Chard Reservoir (Somerset), favouring the NE end from 1-10;
2) One in the Central Marsh at Brandon Marsh NR (Warks) on 1st, perched in a tree by the River Avon viewed from Teal Pool Hide early afternoon;
3) A long-staying bird at Denge Marsh, Dungeness RSPB (Kent), from 1-10;
4) Most likely the relocating Warwickshire bird at Saddington Reservoir (Leics) opposite the sailing club on 3-9 September;
5) The summering bird yet again at Meare Heath and Shapwick Heath (Somerset) on 6-9;
6) One flew in off the sea at Dungeness (Kent) mid-afternoon on 6th and landed by the ARC Pit briefly;
7-8) Two long-staying birds at Ouse Fen (Cambs) from 1-9, including a colour-ringed juvenile from the colony in NW France;
9) One flew north over Marshside Marsh RSPB (Lancs) and landed on Crossens Marsh on 10th.
PURPLE HERON
A well-watched juvenile has been present ESE of Oswestry (Salop) just NE of Rednal at Pen-yr-Estyn Wetalnd Reserve (at SJ 354 284) since 5 September and was still being seen, mainly in flight, on 10th.
WHITE STORK
A White Stork of unknown origin appeared at gravel pits at the Point of Ayre (Isle of Man) in late August and was last reported flying east near Port St Mary on 9 September.
GLOSSY IBIS
A major influx took place in the first week of September, involving at least 25 birds, predominantly juveniles. Four colour-ringed birds were traced back to a reserve on the Coto Donana in southern Spain (see separate feature).
EURASIAN SPOONBILL
An adult feeding in the shallows at the Anchor Wood bank at Barnstaple (North Devon) on 1 September was presumably a regularly wintering bird on the River Taw, moving up to Pottington on 4-8. That same day an adult showed very well from the Moreton Hide at Chew Valley Lake (Avon) where it remained until
Four sub-adults remain present in Poole Harbour (Dorset), commuting between Brownsea Island NT and the Middlebere reserve, whilst three immigrant birds flew in at Alkborough Flats (North Lincs) on 1st, with one remaining until 8th.
Spoonbills once again graced Simmond's Scrape at Cley NWT reserve (Norfolk) from 2 September, with three birds present on 2nd increasing to six on 4th-9th. Meanwhile in Suffolk, the summering flock (now dwindled to just 17 birds) was still present in isolation on Orford Ness on 5th-6th.
One flew east at Elmley Marshes RSPB (North Kent) on 7th.
Interestingly, a total of 52 Spoonbills in two flocks flew north over Noirmont Point in Jersey (CHANNEL ISLANDS) on 9 September.
RUDDY SHELDUCK
Those considered of unknown origin but possibly related to the continental population include single females on the Kent Estuary at Sandside (Cumbria) on 1st, at Kenfig Pool NNR (Glamorgan) on 4th and at Marazion Marsh/Ryan's Field/Hayle Estuary (Cornwall) from 5th-11th, with two on Covehithe Broad (Suffolk) on 5th (later relocated at Bungay, mingling with 12 Egyptian Geese, and then with Barnacle Geese at Minsmere RSPB on 10th). The adult pair present recently in Bedfordshire visited Tyttenhanger GP (Herts) briefly on 6th whilst a flock of four remained in residence at Calvert Landfill Pools (North Bucks) until at least 3rd. An additional three flew north over Flamborough Head (East Yorks) late afternoon on 4th, with two long-staying birds at Alkborough Flats (North Lincs) from 1-10. Another long-staying bird was still in Montrose Basin (Angus/Dundee) on 8 September.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK
The eclipse drake remained at Loch Gelly (Fife) until at least 1 September, whilst a 'new' drake arrived with Northern Pochard in the Walgrave Arm of Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) on 6th, where it was still present on 8th.
RING-NECKED DUCK
Eclipse drakes remained at Loch Gelly (Fife) and Westport Lake (Staffs) throughout.
KING EIDER
An adult drake in full eclipse was identified at the mouth of the River Witham at Cut End (Lincs) on 5 September, viewable from the Cut End Hide. Next morning at high tide, it showed well just off of the sea wall at Freiston Shore RSPB before returning on the ebbing tide to Cut End. It followed this same pattern of occurrence until at least 9 September. The Cut End Hide is at TF 380 390.
HOODED MERGANSER
A female-type commuted between various pools and ditches in Teesmouth (Cleveland) from at least 1-10 September.
BLACK KITE
In Cornwall, one appeared over Marazion Marsh mid-morning on 9 September. It drifted slowly west and was later seen in the Crowlas area. Next day (10th), it flew SE between Ardensawah Farm and Raftra Farm, Polgigga, at midday.
PALLID HARRIER
A fabulous near-adult male seen previously during survey work in June was relocated in the Haddenham/Aldreth Fen area on 6 September (Simon Stirrup) where it performed well over arable fields close to the junction of Long Drove and Dam Bank Drove in central Cambridgeshire.
Next morning and throughout the afternoon and evening, the bird showed well on occasions, delighting the 100 or so observers that visited. It eventually took up temporary residence in a stubble field much closer to Haddenham and the adjacent A1123 and sat there, digesting the two Meadow Pipits it had earlier chased and killed, for over four hours.
There was no sign of it for most of Tuesday 8 September but at 1635 it flew over fields east of Willingham village at the end of Meadow Drove (TL 437 709) and could still be seen looking south from the Aldreth riverbank in the evening. On 9 September, it was seen just briefly early morning, flying south towards Willingham.
The first record for Cambridgeshire of this truly delightful and very graceful harrier.
MONTAGU'S HARRIER
A vagrant juvenile remained in the Beeley Moor area of Derbyshire until at least 5 September.
SPOTTED CRAKE
So far this autumn, observers have been spoilt for choice for 'showing' Spotted Crakes, with a fair selection on offer -:
1) A particularly confiding individual at Greylake RSPB reserve in Somerset from 1-11 September. It favours the NW corner of the reserve, accessed from the car park off of the adjacent A361. Take the boardwalk past the pool, then the footpath towards the hide before veering off on the tractor track and turning right to view the back of the pool.
2-4) Up to three birds trapped and ringed in the Lower Derwent Valley at Bank Island, Wheldrake Ings (North Yorks), on 1 September.
5) One at Levenmouth Pools, Loch Leven (Kinross) on 2 September;
6) An elusive individual in the NW corner of the Lagoons at the south side of Grafham Water (Cambs) on 3-5 September;
7-8) 1-2 birds showing well intermittently at the end of the sanctuary fence at Marazion Marsh (Cornwall) from at least 1-11 September;
9) A fairly elusive individual on the ARC Pit at Dungeness (Kent) viewable from the Hanson Hide from 6-11 September;
10) One present in a private area of Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs) on 7th;
11) One at Edderthorpe Flash in the Dearne Valley (South Yorks) on 8-10 September;
12) One was present at Walmsley Sanctuary (Cornwall) on at least 7-9 September;
13) An elusive individual at the private Bradiford Water reserve (Devon) on at least 10 September.
COMMON CRANE
The Broadlands Norfolk flock have re-grouped after their summer recess and returned to Horsey to roost, with at least 33 counted from Stubb Mill on 7 September
Elsewhere, the single Pensthorpe-ringed adult male continues to range along the North Norfolk coast, visiting Stiffkey Fen most recently, and further singles were seen at Leiston Abbey (Suffolk) and near Earith (Cambs) on 9th.
DOTTEREL
An extremely confiding juvenile remained on the shingle beach at Sandwich Bay (Kent) on 1-2 September, with further juveniles on Shipman Head Down, Bryher (Scilly) until 1st, in the SE corner of Hatfield Moors (South Yorks) until 1st and on Blakeney Point (Norfolk) on 6th.
PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER
An adult remained on Tiree (Argyll) at Loch a'Phuill until 1 September.
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER
On the Outer Hebrides, an adult was discovered in the SW corner of Loch Bee, South Uist, on 4th-5th, with another on the machair at Bornish, South Uist, from at least 5-10. One of these was then at West Gerenish, South Uist, on 9 September.
In County Londonderry (IRELAND), an adult was in fields between Ballykelly and Myroe along the Broighter Link Road from 5-10 September.
PURPLE SANDPIPER
September is the classic month for vagrant inland Purple Sandpipers and this year is no exception with one showing well along the east bank of Covenham Reservoir (North Lincs) on 6 September.
TEREK SANDPIPER
A juvenile was a very surprise find in County Kerry on 10 September, showing very well in the channel from the humpback bridge in Barrow Harbour.
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER
A good crop of records of this North American migrant wader.
In Cornwall, juveniles were present on Davidstow Airfield and Marazion Beach from 3rd September, both still present and showing well a week later, whilst on Anglesey, a juvenile showed well with 5 Curlew Sandpipers on the saltmarsh viewed across the stream from the car park at Traeth Dulas from 4th-8th. A further juvenile was then at Loch Paible, North Uist (Outer Hebrides), on 7th and on the south side of Rubha Ardvule beach, South Uist, on 10th.
In IRELAND, a juvenile was at Carrahane Strand (County Kerry) on 1st-4th, with another at Black Rock Strand (Co. Kerry) from 2nd-10th
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER
.Single juveniles were discovered in IRELAND at Inchydoney Bay (Co. Cork) on 1st-2nd, near Baille an Reannaigh (Co. Kerry) on at least 2nd-8th and at White's Marsh (Co. Cork) on 3rd.
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
On the Outer Hebrides, singles were at Griminish Point, North Uist, on 7th, at the Butt of Lewis on 8th-10th and at Bornish, South Uist, on 9th, whilst elsewheere in Scotland, additional birds visited Sandaig, Tiree (Argyll) on 9th and Kettla Ness, West Burra (Shetland), on 9th-10th.
On the Isles of Scilly, two juveniles were on St Mary's Golf Course on 9th-10th, with two more on the West Cornwall mainland in fields near Ardensawah Farm, Polgigga, on 9th-10th.
In IRELAND, two were at Black Rock Strand (Co. Kerry) on 31 August with further juveniles at Smerwick Harbour (Co. Kerry) until 3rd and at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 10th.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER
A fairly poor showing with perhaps no more than 12 individuals recorded.
One remained at Maer Lake, Bude (Cornwall) on 1st September, with a juvenile at Freiston Shore RSPB (Lincs) on 5th and further singles at Hatfield Moors (South Yorks) on 6th, Cley NWT Reserve (Norfolk) on 8th-9th, on Tresco Abbey Pool (Scilly) on 8th-9th, at Old Moor RSPB (South Yorks) on 9th, on Porthellick Pool, St Mary's (Scilly) on 10th, at Dale Airfield (Pembs) on 10th-11th and at Back Saltholme Pool (Cleveland) on 10th.
Two juveniles were on pools close to the lighthouse at Butt of Lewis (Outer Hebrides) on 6th (one remaining to 7th), with another at Loch Paible, North Uist, on 7th and at Rubha Ardvule, South Uist, on 10th.
In IRELAND, 3 were at Murloch, Ballyconneelly (Co Galway) on 2nd September, with another on the Rogerstown Estuary (Co. Dublin) on 3rd.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS
A long-staying adult remains at Aberlady Bay (Lothian) until at least 9 September.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER
A very confiding juvenile remained at Nethertown (County Wexford) from 7-9 September.
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER
In IRELAND, a juvenile was on the Skivileen River at Doonbeg (Co. Clare) on 7 September.
GREY PHALAROPE
With gale force winds in the west country at the beginning of the month, large numbers congregated off west Cornwall. Storm-driven birds inland or on coastal lagoons included a sick individual at Farlington Deeps Pool (Hants) on 1st, a first-winter on Blenheim Park Lake (Oxfordshire) on 3rd, a first-winter on Longham Lakes (Dorset) on 3rd, one on the UV Pools at Weston-super-Mare (Somerset) on 4th and a juvenile briefly at Chew Valley Lake (Avon) on 4th.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
Surprisingly few records with single juveniles at Heswall Shore (Cheshire) on 2nd September, at New Alresford Pond (Hants) on 3rd and at Bawdsey East Lane Lagoons (Suffolk) on 9th.
WILSON'S PHALAROPE
In South Devon, a highly mobile first-winter visited the main lagoon at Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, on 2-3 September before relocating to the roadside pools alongside the entrance track to Exminster Marshes RSPB on 4-5 and 7 September.
FRANKLIN'S GULL
The near-adult reappeared on Orkney on 10 September when it flew north over the road at Deerness.
NORTH AMERICAN BLACK TERN
The Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) juvenile remained until dusk on 2 September.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN
The Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) juvenile remained until dusk on 2 September.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
The Early Autumn 2009 invasion of GLOSSY IBISES from SW Spain
Plates 1-2 Glossy Ibis at Chew Valley Lake, Avon (Gary Thoburn) and Plates 3-8 at Pembrey Harbour, Carmarthenshire (Peter Morgans)
Well, yet another example of post-breeding dispersal of a species breeding in Iberia. We have seen a similar pattern emerge with Little Egret, Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, White-headed Duck, Marbled Duck, Pied Avocet and Yellow-legged Gull in the past decade and now in September 2009, the same seems to be happening with GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus).
It was just two years ago (2007) that a record-breaking 29 birds made it to the UK, including a staggering 17 summer-plumaged adults that overshot the Mediterranean Basin and appeared. firstly in Cornwall, and then at Frampton-on-Severn and Slimbridge 100 Acre Lake (Gloucs) from 20 April to 15 May. A colour-ringed juvenile in North Lincolnshire in early 2008 confirmed the origin of these wayward flocks - Coto Donana Reserve in SW Spain - reflecting the exceptional rise and success of this species in that area.
On 1 September, a flock of 12 GLOSSY IBISES flew east over Killag (County Wexford, IRELAND), of which four were colour-ringed.
Two days later, on 3 September, a single juvenile appeared at Coedbach Marsh at Kidwelly (Carmarthenshire). It was highly mobile but was still present in the evening, favouring the floods at Glan Rhyd at SN 433 061.
Next morning (4 September), a staggering flock of 25 birds was seen, favouring grass fields in Pembrey Harbour (Carmarthenshire). Fifteen soon flew off leaving just 10 birds probing the flooded meadow directly opposite the Shoreline Caravan Park. These ten birds took this area to their liking and remained in the field for the rest of the day, often showing down to just 20 yards at times. The entire flock consisted of immature birds, most likely birds fledged this summer. News soon circulated through the information services of how well they were showing and the flock became an instant attraction with all budding photographers, the results being stunning (see selection of images above).
All ten birds remained at the old harbour (at SN 437 003) until Sunday 6 September. That day, whilst observing the flock down to a matter of just feet, I took down the details of the rings, with white rings inscribed 'MVP', 'HH4' and 'MR3' and another with a slight yellowish wash marked 'NJF'. After informing Alan Davies (Birdline Wales) of the details, Barry Stewart traced all of the birds back to the very same breeding colony in the Coto Donana (Spain) from where the 2008 Lincolnshire bird originated.
On 5 September, 8 juveniles were again noted in Forgotten Corner at Tacumshin Lakes (Co. Wexford), whilst in addition to the Welsh ten, a further flock of 7 flew west over Canvey Island (Essex) at 1245.
It then transpired that a single juvenile had flown SW from St Nicholas at Wade towards Chislet Marshes (Kent) on 4 September. This bird was relocated at Stodmarsh NNR on 6 September, where it remained somewhat elusively in the long grass terrain of the marshy pools overlooked by the reserve's Marsh Hide. It continued to show until at least 10 September.
What was almost certainly the same single juvenile flew east out of Glamorgan on 6 September and was later relocated at Chew Valley Lake (Avon), showing initially from the Stratford Hide on 6-7 (where it roosted overnight in a tree on Denny Island) before moving to Herriott's Bridge, where it fed on the mud.
Those seven birds seen in flight over Essex on 5 September flew north towards Sutton Gault on the Ouse Washes (Cambs) on 7 September.
Suffolk then took part in the influx with a juvenile in cattle fields at Hen Reedbed SWT reserve mid-evening on 8 September (after flying west along the Blyth Estuary) with what was possibly the same bird showing well at Boyton Marshes on the Flashes Pool on 10 September. Two additional birds flew north over Minsmere RSPB reserve late afternoon on 10 September and appeared to land on Dingle Marshes at Walberswick.
So, the story so far - a bare minimum of 25 individuals involved, but most likely many more and part of a widespread post-breeding dispersal north. All appear to be juvenile or first-year birds.
It was just two years ago (2007) that a record-breaking 29 birds made it to the UK, including a staggering 17 summer-plumaged adults that overshot the Mediterranean Basin and appeared. firstly in Cornwall, and then at Frampton-on-Severn and Slimbridge 100 Acre Lake (Gloucs) from 20 April to 15 May. A colour-ringed juvenile in North Lincolnshire in early 2008 confirmed the origin of these wayward flocks - Coto Donana Reserve in SW Spain - reflecting the exceptional rise and success of this species in that area.
On 1 September, a flock of 12 GLOSSY IBISES flew east over Killag (County Wexford, IRELAND), of which four were colour-ringed.
Two days later, on 3 September, a single juvenile appeared at Coedbach Marsh at Kidwelly (Carmarthenshire). It was highly mobile but was still present in the evening, favouring the floods at Glan Rhyd at SN 433 061.
Next morning (4 September), a staggering flock of 25 birds was seen, favouring grass fields in Pembrey Harbour (Carmarthenshire). Fifteen soon flew off leaving just 10 birds probing the flooded meadow directly opposite the Shoreline Caravan Park. These ten birds took this area to their liking and remained in the field for the rest of the day, often showing down to just 20 yards at times. The entire flock consisted of immature birds, most likely birds fledged this summer. News soon circulated through the information services of how well they were showing and the flock became an instant attraction with all budding photographers, the results being stunning (see selection of images above).
All ten birds remained at the old harbour (at SN 437 003) until Sunday 6 September. That day, whilst observing the flock down to a matter of just feet, I took down the details of the rings, with white rings inscribed 'MVP', 'HH4' and 'MR3' and another with a slight yellowish wash marked 'NJF'. After informing Alan Davies (Birdline Wales) of the details, Barry Stewart traced all of the birds back to the very same breeding colony in the Coto Donana (Spain) from where the 2008 Lincolnshire bird originated.
On 5 September, 8 juveniles were again noted in Forgotten Corner at Tacumshin Lakes (Co. Wexford), whilst in addition to the Welsh ten, a further flock of 7 flew west over Canvey Island (Essex) at 1245.
It then transpired that a single juvenile had flown SW from St Nicholas at Wade towards Chislet Marshes (Kent) on 4 September. This bird was relocated at Stodmarsh NNR on 6 September, where it remained somewhat elusively in the long grass terrain of the marshy pools overlooked by the reserve's Marsh Hide. It continued to show until at least 10 September.
What was almost certainly the same single juvenile flew east out of Glamorgan on 6 September and was later relocated at Chew Valley Lake (Avon), showing initially from the Stratford Hide on 6-7 (where it roosted overnight in a tree on Denny Island) before moving to Herriott's Bridge, where it fed on the mud.
Those seven birds seen in flight over Essex on 5 September flew north towards Sutton Gault on the Ouse Washes (Cambs) on 7 September.
Suffolk then took part in the influx with a juvenile in cattle fields at Hen Reedbed SWT reserve mid-evening on 8 September (after flying west along the Blyth Estuary) with what was possibly the same bird showing well at Boyton Marshes on the Flashes Pool on 10 September. Two additional birds flew north over Minsmere RSPB reserve late afternoon on 10 September and appeared to land on Dingle Marshes at Walberswick.
So, the story so far - a bare minimum of 25 individuals involved, but most likely many more and part of a widespread post-breeding dispersal north. All appear to be juvenile or first-year birds.
Ageing of a BLUE-WINGED TEAL in Hampshire
Drake Blue-winged Teal, Cosham IBM Lake, Portsmouth, Hampshire, August 2009 (Darren Evans)
Thanks to various photographers including Rebecca Nason, Alan Lewis and Darren Evans, I have tried to make some headway with ageing the drake Blue-winged Teal which was seen recently in Hampshire. Unfortunately, despite contacting some wildfowl experts and North American correspondents, ageing of this individual cannot be proven one way or the other.
I summarize below the results of my findings, and thank in particular, Chris Heard, Keith Vinicombe, Jason Crook and Peter Pyle for their very important input on this difficult challenge.
Ageing as Juvenile
This was favoured by CDRH, KEV, Jason and others and is based around the uniform and rather rounded shape to the upperpart feathers and secondary coverts, the comparatively dull speculum and the greyish tone to the yellow legs. Peter Pyle also commented on the bluish bill with tiny black 'speckling' - adults lacking the black generally and having slaty coloured bills.
Ageing as Adult
As I have stated previously, such bright leg colour is almost certainly restricted to adults although an advanced first-year drake could become this yellow on occasions. Adult drake Blue-winged Teal leg colour becomes 'duller' and perhaps more 'grey-toned' whilst moulting in July-September.
Rebecca's excellent images (and some flight shots) suggest that p9 on the right wing has been replaced, clearly indicative of an adult bird, whilst the rectrices do not appear notched as in juveniles. PP makes the point that if you enlarge the images of the tail, the central rectrices appear fresher and 'newer' than the outer feathers, again contradicting juvenile plumage but corresponding well to an adult replacing its feathers during the eclipse.
The colour pattern to the secondary coverts, with blue lesser and median coverts without the dusky wash, and the broad white-tipped greater coverts are all very much features of an adult drake, although the shape of the feathers is more akin to a juvenile.
Peter Pyle further commented ''Ageing Blue-winged Teals in early summer are always a major challenge and despite this drake being superbly captured on film, I cannot state for sure what age it is. A few more weeks and it should become obvious. Blue-winged Teals are different in respect to many other ducks in that the adult drakes do not attain 'adult-type' plumage until very late in the autumn and retain an eclipse-type plumage for much longer following the summer wing moult. The white crescent on the face generally starts to emerge during the latter half of September but often not until well into October''
I summarize below the results of my findings, and thank in particular, Chris Heard, Keith Vinicombe, Jason Crook and Peter Pyle for their very important input on this difficult challenge.
Ageing as Juvenile
This was favoured by CDRH, KEV, Jason and others and is based around the uniform and rather rounded shape to the upperpart feathers and secondary coverts, the comparatively dull speculum and the greyish tone to the yellow legs. Peter Pyle also commented on the bluish bill with tiny black 'speckling' - adults lacking the black generally and having slaty coloured bills.
Ageing as Adult
As I have stated previously, such bright leg colour is almost certainly restricted to adults although an advanced first-year drake could become this yellow on occasions. Adult drake Blue-winged Teal leg colour becomes 'duller' and perhaps more 'grey-toned' whilst moulting in July-September.
Rebecca's excellent images (and some flight shots) suggest that p9 on the right wing has been replaced, clearly indicative of an adult bird, whilst the rectrices do not appear notched as in juveniles. PP makes the point that if you enlarge the images of the tail, the central rectrices appear fresher and 'newer' than the outer feathers, again contradicting juvenile plumage but corresponding well to an adult replacing its feathers during the eclipse.
The colour pattern to the secondary coverts, with blue lesser and median coverts without the dusky wash, and the broad white-tipped greater coverts are all very much features of an adult drake, although the shape of the feathers is more akin to a juvenile.
Peter Pyle further commented ''Ageing Blue-winged Teals in early summer are always a major challenge and despite this drake being superbly captured on film, I cannot state for sure what age it is. A few more weeks and it should become obvious. Blue-winged Teals are different in respect to many other ducks in that the adult drakes do not attain 'adult-type' plumage until very late in the autumn and retain an eclipse-type plumage for much longer following the summer wing moult. The white crescent on the face generally starts to emerge during the latter half of September but often not until well into October''
Lee Evans
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Just 9 species to go
With four new species in the past three weeks (NORTH ATLANTIC LITTLE SHEARWATER, WILSON'S PHALAROPE, ARCTIC WARBLER and TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL), the total number of species now recorded in Britain and Ireland reaches 391 (Lee Evans)
Monday, 7 September 2009
Colour-ringed GREAT WHITE EGRET in Cambridgeshire
Two GREAT WHITE EGRETS arrived at Ouse Fen (Cambs) in mid-September and are both still present today. Richard Thomas photographed both birds (see above), one of which was colour-ringed (orange over blue over red) and Dr Loic Marion kindly confirmed that this bird (CA 69526) had been ringed as a juvenile at Lac de Grand-Lieu (Loire Atlantique, FRANCE) on 14 May 2009. It seems that the majority of our birds are turning up post-breeding dispersal from this colony (Lee G R Evans).
Trawling the archives - previous colour-ringed Cambs GWE:
The Cam Washes bird at Upware 8th - 9th July 2003 was ringed as a nestling at Lake Grand-Lieu, Loir Atlantique, France on 30th April 2003.
The Kingfisher's Bridge of the same year on 28th July - 28th August 2003 was also ringed as a nestling at Lake Grand-Lieu,Loir Atlantique, France (on 26/6/01). Both birds were also seen at other sites in the UK (Mark Ward)
Colour-ringed GREAT WHITE EGRET in Hampshire
Thanks to Dr Loic-Marion of the CNRS-University of Rennes, France, I am now in a position to document the full history of the colour-ringed EUROPEAN GREAT WHITE EGRET that has repeatedly visited Britain (and in particular Hampshire) since August 2003. I am also extremely grateful to all of you that kindly responded to my request for photographs of this colour-ringed individual, including Martin Bennett and Norman Hunt (see above).
The bird was first ringed as a nestling at Lac de Grand-Lieu (Loire Atlantique, NW FRANCE) on 4 May 2003 (one of two birds unfortunately ringed with the same combination) (metal rings CA 62372 and CA 62420).
The bird was first seen at Sturminster Marshall GP (Dorset) on 16 August 2003, moving to Mockbeggar Lake and Ivy Lake, Blashford (near Ringwood), on 21 August 2003. It then returned to Sturminster, where it was present on and off until 26 October before returning once more to Mockbeggar from 31 October to at least 24 January 2004.
It reappeared at Blashford on 5 November 2004 and remained in that area until at least 23 January 2005, It was most frequently observed on Ibsley Water but was also seen adjacent to the River Avon at Ibsley on 2, 9 and 23 January. It returned on 17 July 2005 and was recorded almost daily until 7 December.
It was back again in 2006, where it appeared on cue at Rockford Lake, Blashford, on 3 July. It then remained in the Blashford Lakes area until the end of the year and was last seen that winter on 21 January 2007.
It made repeat visits again to Mockbeggar and environs from 7 September 2007 to 25 January 2008 and from 16 August 2008 to 24 January 2009. It is remarkable how its departure in midwinter has always been within a 1-week period in late January in recent years.
The bird was first ringed as a nestling at Lac de Grand-Lieu (Loire Atlantique, NW FRANCE) on 4 May 2003 (one of two birds unfortunately ringed with the same combination) (metal rings CA 62372 and CA 62420).
The bird was first seen at Sturminster Marshall GP (Dorset) on 16 August 2003, moving to Mockbeggar Lake and Ivy Lake, Blashford (near Ringwood), on 21 August 2003. It then returned to Sturminster, where it was present on and off until 26 October before returning once more to Mockbeggar from 31 October to at least 24 January 2004.
It reappeared at Blashford on 5 November 2004 and remained in that area until at least 23 January 2005, It was most frequently observed on Ibsley Water but was also seen adjacent to the River Avon at Ibsley on 2, 9 and 23 January. It returned on 17 July 2005 and was recorded almost daily until 7 December.
It was back again in 2006, where it appeared on cue at Rockford Lake, Blashford, on 3 July. It then remained in the Blashford Lakes area until the end of the year and was last seen that winter on 21 January 2007.
It made repeat visits again to Mockbeggar and environs from 7 September 2007 to 25 January 2008 and from 16 August 2008 to 24 January 2009. It is remarkable how its departure in midwinter has always been within a 1-week period in late January in recent years.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
FEA'S SOFT-PLUMAGED PETRELS off Porthgwarra
For the third day in just four, a FEA'S SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL flew west past Gwennap Head, Porthgwarra (Cornwall).
The first came through on Sunday morning at 1127 hours (John Swann, James McCallum, Martin Elliott, et al), flying west just beyond the runnel stone, followed by a second on Bank Holiday Monday (31 August) which passed PG at 1525 hours (Russell Wynn, James McCallum, Brian Field) after being initially seen off Prawle Point (South Devon) mid morning (Mark Darlaston).
Today, yet another flew through, this time at only half distance to the runnel, at 1151 hours (Russell Wynn, James McCallum). Well deserved though, as conditions were dismal, with driving rain and a strong southerly wind.
The first came through on Sunday morning at 1127 hours (John Swann, James McCallum, Martin Elliott, et al), flying west just beyond the runnel stone, followed by a second on Bank Holiday Monday (31 August) which passed PG at 1525 hours (Russell Wynn, James McCallum, Brian Field) after being initially seen off Prawle Point (South Devon) mid morning (Mark Darlaston).
Today, yet another flew through, this time at only half distance to the runnel, at 1151 hours (Russell Wynn, James McCallum). Well deserved though, as conditions were dismal, with driving rain and a strong southerly wind.
ARCTIC WARBLER trapped and ringed on Suffolk coast whilst AMERICAN BLACK TERN continues to attract large crowds to Oxfordshire reservoir
Ian Lewington certainly proved his worth on Friday afternoon (28 August) by impressively pulling out of the bag Britain's third-ever AMERICAN BLACK TERN. Tasked with twitching Dave John's juvenile WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN, Ian utilised his years of experience and remarkable insight gleaned from studying museum specimens and realised the importance of a dark-sided juvenile Black Tern that arrived at Farmoor Reservoir late afternoon. Armed with his video camera, he obtained some excellent footage of the bird and later, in the luxury of his study, was able to confirm his suspicions and record all of the salient features required to separate juvenile surinamensis from niger. Following the remnants of the Tropical Storm that crossed southern Britain, Oxfordshire had taken landfall of this highly migratory North American waif.
The only previous British record had been a well-twitched juvenile at Wessex Water Treatment Works, Weston-super-Mare (Avon), from 2-11 October 1999 (fully documented by Rick Andrews, Rupert Higgins and John Martin in Birding World 12: 416-418). October 1999 was perhaps the last of the real vintage years on Scilly and with 'cripplers' turning up almost each and every day, I was loathe to leave the archipelago for fear of dipping out on what else may have been on offer. As it was, I never saw the Avon ABT and nor did I see, despite trying, successive juveniles that graced southern Ireland with their presence.
So it was with great delight to finally connect with this charmer, even though it involved an overnight drive up from West Cornwall. I was greeted by an equally delighted Martin Garner early morning Friday on the Farmoor causeway, who was revelling in the species' finer detail. We had been extremely lucky as the first real cold night of the autumn had been starlit and calm and the light NW breeze had seen the onward migration of all 8 European Black Terns that had been present the evening before.
In fact, what was to follow was truly unique - a trio of American Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern and European Black Tern all feeding together in a tight-knit flock over Farmoor 2. Even more remarkable was the fact that all three birds remained for a further three days - all still showing well today.
The second British record related to a juvenile which was seen for about an hour at midday on 17 November 2008 in North Bay, South Uist (Outer Hebrides) before flying off east (Steve Duffield, John Kemp - photographed - see http://www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk/November%2008%20latest%20bird%20sightings.htm).
By dusk this evening, well over 1,000 observers had passed through the gates of the reservoir in the past four days and enjoyed this rarity.
A further juvenile WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN is present for a third day at Loch of Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire).
An adult drake BLUE-WINGED TEAL of unknown origin was with Mallard on the IBM Lake at Cosham, Portsmouth (Hampshire) all day Sunday (the first occurrence in the county of this species since May 1992), with an adult female Hooded Merganser (also of unknown provenance) on the Calor Gas Pool at Port Clarence (Cleveland).
The first juvenile ROSE-COLOURED STARLING of the autumn appeared in front of Duncan Walbridge's window in Weston Road, Portland (Dorset) this morning, and continued to show well for several hours (see images on the Portland Bill website). It was favouring the rooftops of Pound Place. Meanwhile in West Cornwall, a juvenile CITRINE WAGTAIL is present for its 7th day at Marazion Marsh RSPB.
A first-winter ORTOLAN BUNTING was present in the Bay Brambles below the lighthouse at Flamborough Head (East Yorks) this afternoon, with the first ARCTIC WARBLER of 2009 trapped and ringed at Landguard NR (Suffolk) at 1900 hours this evening (see Paul Oldfield's excellent photographs above. A scattering of WRYNECK occurrences include singles at Warton Crag LWT (Lancs) and at Beer Head (South Devon) whilst RED-BACKED SHRIKES include a long-staying juvenile at Dungeness RSPB (Kent) and a COMMON ROSEFINCH ion North Ronaldsay (Orkney). A long-staying BARRED WARBLER remains in a Scatness garden (Shetland), with an ICTERINE WARBLER at Prawle Point (South Devon) on 31 August.
The near-adult SABINE'S GULL continues to increase its daily visits to Upton Warren NR Flashes Pool (Worcs) (permit access only to hide, available £3 to non Wildlife Trust members) whilst the slightly oiled, rather disoriented and perhaps terminally ill juvenile GREY PHALAROPE continues to survive on the Deeps pools at Farlington Marshes HWT (Hants).
It has been an excellent early autumn period for GREAT WHITE EGRETS with two still remaining in the Ouse Fen area (Cambs) and singles at Chard Reservoir (Somerset), Brandon Marsh NR (Warks) and Denge Marsh, Dungeness RSPB (Kent). An adult EURASIAN SPOONBILL was showing well all day today from the Moreton Hide at Chew Valley Lake (Avon).
Arriving on the same front that brought in the ABT was a juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER - showing well for a second day at Maer Lake NR, Bude (Cornwall), whilst other rare waders include the long-staying adult LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Aberlady bay (Lothian) and an adult PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER again at Loch a'Phuill, Tiree (Argyll), this morning.
A confiding juvenile DOTTEREL is present for a second day at Sandwich Bay Estate (Kent) favouring the beach area between the toilet blocks, with another on Shipman Head Down, Bryher (Scilly).
A fairly showy SPOTTED CRAKE is still present in the NW corner of the main pool at Greylake RSPB (Somerset), with another trapped and ringed in the Lower Derwent Valley today at Bank Island (North Yorks).
A juvenile MONTAGU'S HARRIER was an excellent local find for birders in Derbyshire - hunting for prey over Harewood Moor early morning before flying south towards Holy Moor at 0715. It was then picked up at nearby Beeley Moor mid-morning, where it was hunting around the edge of Harland Edge from at least 1246-1315. An immature male also flew through Draycote Water (Warks) today.
The eclipse drake FERRUGINOUS DUCK and Ring-necked Duck both remain at Loch Gelly (Fife) today, best viewed from the steps at the north end, with the drake Ring-necked Duck also still present on Westport Lake (Staffs).
A good scattering of PIED FLYCATCHERS, Whinchats and Common Redstarts have appeared at inland localities over recent days, with many OSPREYS now on their way south
The Tropical Storm certainly deposited several Nearctic waders in IRELAND with two BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS at Black Rock Strand (County Kerry), a juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPER at Carrahane Strand (Co. Kerry), a juvenile SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER at the western end of Inchydoney Beach (Co. Cork) and another near Baille an Reannaigh on the beach at Smerwick Harbour (Co. Kerry).
Perhaps more intriguing was the arrival of 12 GLOSSY IBISES at Killag (Co. Wexford), at least two of which were colour-ringed
Bridges of Ross (County Clare) seawatching today produced 3 CORY'S SHEARWATERS, 251 GREAT SHEARWATERS, 25 SABINE'S GULLS and over 1,200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 7 LEACH'S PETRELS, 12 GREY PHALAROPES and a juvenile LONG-TAILED SKUA.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
A classic seawatch of Bridges proportions - but off West Cornwall !!
FRIDAY 28 AUGUST
On Thursday evening, I was in a dilemma. I had driven from my home in Buckinghamshire to see a WRYNECK at Witley Reservoir (Gloucs) and a near-adult SABINE'S GULL at Upton Warren Flashes Pool (Worcs) and knew full well that a good seawatch was on the cards should the wind go roiund.
After observing the Sab's as it went to roost, I contacted an array of Cornish birders to solicit opinion on what to do. After all, being on the M5, it made far more sense to drive straight down. The weather forecast was for strong winds and a deep depression moving in overnight and Cornwall was going to take the brunt. Frustratingly, the latest shipping forecast was stating WSW 7, occasionally gusting 9 - a wind direction not necessarily that good for Pendeen Watchpoint. I discussed the conditions at great length with both Chris Batty and John Swann, the two of them going to great lengths to trawl the internet for further updates. By 2100 hours, I had almost made my mind up but one last call to Falmouth Coastguards swayed my decision - their latest forecast was suggesting a WNW wind overnight veering NW by day and strengthening to force 7-9 by early afternoon - a classic forecast. The swell was also estimated to be in the region of 16-22 feet.
So that was it. I continued down the M5, on to the A30 and into Cornwall. By the time I reached Marazion it was 1am and walking around the Penzance Tesco car park in the early hours, I was worried I had made the wrong decision (it was relatively calm and incredibly starlit). However, sleeping at Pendeen soon made me realise that the forecasters had got it right - by 0300 hours, the wind was gusting gale force and WAS WNW in direction.
Daybreak Friday dawned shortly after 0615 hours and within 15 minutes, 11 of us were in position on the 'concrete pad' including Cornish seawatching stalwarts and good friends Brian Mellow, Pete Maker, Steve Rogers and Royston Wilkins. I had only set my 'scope up on the rocks for a few seconds before I noticed 'good' birds - two 'flocks' of SOOTY SHEARWATERS totalling 9 birds and a very close GREAT SHEARWATER. It sure was going to be a good day !!
Within the next half hour I was joined by 40 or so birders, predominantly of local origin, including John Swann, Linton Proctor, Steve Votier, Mike Langman, Mark Darlaston, Brian Field, Martin Elliott and Geoff Wyatt.
PENDEEN WATCHPOINT
(Seawatching from 0620 through 1820 hours; WNW 7-8 veered NW 8 moderating to NW 6 by evening with excellent visibility and occasional showers) (all passage to the west)
The following species were recorded -:
Northern Fulmar (243, many in heavy wing moult)
BLUE FULMAR (1)
CORY'S SHEARWATER (2 west, with singles at 0806 and midday)
GREAT SHEARWATER (7 west - following the first very close in at 0625, further singles followed at 0930,1139, 1154, 1211, 1237 - another very close in, and 1707 - the closest yet, in the surf in front of the rocks).
**NORTH ATLANTIC LITTLE SHEARWATER (0947-0953 - initially picked up by Linton Proctor as it was overtaken by other seabirds in the close 'Manx line' of movement. I got on to it almost straight away followed by Royston Wilkins and others as it negotiated the huge swell. A very striking bird with a 'Common Sandpiper-like' flight action, gleaming white underparts and very black on the upperparts. Its predominantly white head was held straight or peculiarly upwards with the white on the underwing extending far out on to the under-primaries, almost restricting the black to the tips. I concentrated on the upper wing in the 'scope and could make out a silvery-grey panel on the inner section of the wing and as a single Manx joined it, the shorter tail, blacker plumage and underwing contrast was noticeable. It was a much smaller bird, more compact in structure and had very oddly-shaped wings - in fact it reminded me of Common Sandpiper. It was repeatedly fluttering its tail feathers and trawling the surface and eventually landed on the sea. On the water, I targeted the head pattern - the face was strikingly white and contrasting heavily with an isolated dark, beady eye. It kept holding its head up in a very odd fashion and at times was quite auk-like. I lost it in the huge swell on the sea but shortly later it took flight again and Linton and others followed it as it flew further west and eventually disappeared around the wall for us. Sadly, despite the fact that I shouted a loud running commentary on what exactly the bird was doing and where, surprisingly few others were able to get on to it in the seven minutes it was on view).
Manx Shearwater (9,040 including some in heavy moult and others with white on the upperwing)
BALEARIC SHEARWATER (93 west including many pale variants)
**YELKOUAN SHEARWATER (an apparent Yelkouan flew west at 1058 hours. I initially thought Herald Petrel when I picked it up as it was surprisingly small but it had typical Balearic-like brownish upperparts but incredible gleaming white underparts all the way down to the undertail-coverts. There was a thin dark line on the underwing contrasting with the white underwing and some brown staining on the rear flanks. Although we saw much variation in the large number of Balearic Shearwaters that were passing including a rather high percentage of pale birds, none had the appearance of this startlingly obvious individual. I have never seen a Balearic with such white underparts like Manx)
SOOTY SHEARWATER** (a record Cornwall movement with outstanding passage, including regular flocks. I click-counted an exceptional 394 birds)
EUROPEAN STORM PETREL (just 9 flew west; two were seen feeding on a dead Harbour Porpoise)
**WILSON'S STORM PETRELS (2 flew west and I managed to miss both of them, despite one being tracked for the best part of 10 minutes - Pendeen is one frustrating seawatching locality - the first at 0930 (Steve Votier, Mike Langman, Mark Darlaston) and another at 1640 (Steve Rogers, Royston Wilkins, Brian Mellow, et al).
Northern Gannet (10,300+ west, with very few juveniles)
European Shag (15)
Common Scoter (3 west; 2 drakes)
Turnstone (1)
Whimbrel (3)
GREY PHALAROPES (following the first at 1335, a further 7 was seen by 1820, including some showing well in the surf)
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (a typically dark and very small juvenile sat on the sea just beyond the rocks and flew along relatively close inshore at 1626 hours. In flight, it had a very thin white wing-bar, a small head with a black crown and very dark mantle and back)
GREAT SKUA (38 west including an equal proportion of adults and juveniles; no 'collared' birds were seen)
POMARINE SKUA (1 superb pale morph adult still with 'spoons' flew west at 1241)
ARCTIC SKUA (43)
Kittiwake (just 3 - 2 adults and a juvenile)
**SABINE'S GULLS (summer-plumaged adults still retaining black hoods west at 0915, 1035, 1130 and 1759, with two together at 1145 - 6 in total)
Sandwich Tern (1)
ARCTIC TERN (58 west)
BLACK TERN (1 west, in with 4 Arctic Terns)
ATLANTIC PUFFIN (1 - RW)
Auk spp (2)
COMMON RAVEN (pair flew west)
Northern Wheatear (1 on cliff edge)
Ocean Sunfish (1+)
Basking Shark (1)
On Thursday evening, I was in a dilemma. I had driven from my home in Buckinghamshire to see a WRYNECK at Witley Reservoir (Gloucs) and a near-adult SABINE'S GULL at Upton Warren Flashes Pool (Worcs) and knew full well that a good seawatch was on the cards should the wind go roiund.
After observing the Sab's as it went to roost, I contacted an array of Cornish birders to solicit opinion on what to do. After all, being on the M5, it made far more sense to drive straight down. The weather forecast was for strong winds and a deep depression moving in overnight and Cornwall was going to take the brunt. Frustratingly, the latest shipping forecast was stating WSW 7, occasionally gusting 9 - a wind direction not necessarily that good for Pendeen Watchpoint. I discussed the conditions at great length with both Chris Batty and John Swann, the two of them going to great lengths to trawl the internet for further updates. By 2100 hours, I had almost made my mind up but one last call to Falmouth Coastguards swayed my decision - their latest forecast was suggesting a WNW wind overnight veering NW by day and strengthening to force 7-9 by early afternoon - a classic forecast. The swell was also estimated to be in the region of 16-22 feet.
So that was it. I continued down the M5, on to the A30 and into Cornwall. By the time I reached Marazion it was 1am and walking around the Penzance Tesco car park in the early hours, I was worried I had made the wrong decision (it was relatively calm and incredibly starlit). However, sleeping at Pendeen soon made me realise that the forecasters had got it right - by 0300 hours, the wind was gusting gale force and WAS WNW in direction.
Daybreak Friday dawned shortly after 0615 hours and within 15 minutes, 11 of us were in position on the 'concrete pad' including Cornish seawatching stalwarts and good friends Brian Mellow, Pete Maker, Steve Rogers and Royston Wilkins. I had only set my 'scope up on the rocks for a few seconds before I noticed 'good' birds - two 'flocks' of SOOTY SHEARWATERS totalling 9 birds and a very close GREAT SHEARWATER. It sure was going to be a good day !!
Within the next half hour I was joined by 40 or so birders, predominantly of local origin, including John Swann, Linton Proctor, Steve Votier, Mike Langman, Mark Darlaston, Brian Field, Martin Elliott and Geoff Wyatt.
PENDEEN WATCHPOINT
(Seawatching from 0620 through 1820 hours; WNW 7-8 veered NW 8 moderating to NW 6 by evening with excellent visibility and occasional showers) (all passage to the west)
The following species were recorded -:
Northern Fulmar (243, many in heavy wing moult)
BLUE FULMAR (1)
CORY'S SHEARWATER (2 west, with singles at 0806 and midday)
GREAT SHEARWATER (7 west - following the first very close in at 0625, further singles followed at 0930,1139, 1154, 1211, 1237 - another very close in, and 1707 - the closest yet, in the surf in front of the rocks).
**NORTH ATLANTIC LITTLE SHEARWATER (0947-0953 - initially picked up by Linton Proctor as it was overtaken by other seabirds in the close 'Manx line' of movement. I got on to it almost straight away followed by Royston Wilkins and others as it negotiated the huge swell. A very striking bird with a 'Common Sandpiper-like' flight action, gleaming white underparts and very black on the upperparts. Its predominantly white head was held straight or peculiarly upwards with the white on the underwing extending far out on to the under-primaries, almost restricting the black to the tips. I concentrated on the upper wing in the 'scope and could make out a silvery-grey panel on the inner section of the wing and as a single Manx joined it, the shorter tail, blacker plumage and underwing contrast was noticeable. It was a much smaller bird, more compact in structure and had very oddly-shaped wings - in fact it reminded me of Common Sandpiper. It was repeatedly fluttering its tail feathers and trawling the surface and eventually landed on the sea. On the water, I targeted the head pattern - the face was strikingly white and contrasting heavily with an isolated dark, beady eye. It kept holding its head up in a very odd fashion and at times was quite auk-like. I lost it in the huge swell on the sea but shortly later it took flight again and Linton and others followed it as it flew further west and eventually disappeared around the wall for us. Sadly, despite the fact that I shouted a loud running commentary on what exactly the bird was doing and where, surprisingly few others were able to get on to it in the seven minutes it was on view).
Manx Shearwater (9,040 including some in heavy moult and others with white on the upperwing)
BALEARIC SHEARWATER (93 west including many pale variants)
**YELKOUAN SHEARWATER (an apparent Yelkouan flew west at 1058 hours. I initially thought Herald Petrel when I picked it up as it was surprisingly small but it had typical Balearic-like brownish upperparts but incredible gleaming white underparts all the way down to the undertail-coverts. There was a thin dark line on the underwing contrasting with the white underwing and some brown staining on the rear flanks. Although we saw much variation in the large number of Balearic Shearwaters that were passing including a rather high percentage of pale birds, none had the appearance of this startlingly obvious individual. I have never seen a Balearic with such white underparts like Manx)
SOOTY SHEARWATER** (a record Cornwall movement with outstanding passage, including regular flocks. I click-counted an exceptional 394 birds)
EUROPEAN STORM PETREL (just 9 flew west; two were seen feeding on a dead Harbour Porpoise)
**WILSON'S STORM PETRELS (2 flew west and I managed to miss both of them, despite one being tracked for the best part of 10 minutes - Pendeen is one frustrating seawatching locality - the first at 0930 (Steve Votier, Mike Langman, Mark Darlaston) and another at 1640 (Steve Rogers, Royston Wilkins, Brian Mellow, et al).
Northern Gannet (10,300+ west, with very few juveniles)
European Shag (15)
Common Scoter (3 west; 2 drakes)
Turnstone (1)
Whimbrel (3)
GREY PHALAROPES (following the first at 1335, a further 7 was seen by 1820, including some showing well in the surf)
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (a typically dark and very small juvenile sat on the sea just beyond the rocks and flew along relatively close inshore at 1626 hours. In flight, it had a very thin white wing-bar, a small head with a black crown and very dark mantle and back)
GREAT SKUA (38 west including an equal proportion of adults and juveniles; no 'collared' birds were seen)
POMARINE SKUA (1 superb pale morph adult still with 'spoons' flew west at 1241)
ARCTIC SKUA (43)
Kittiwake (just 3 - 2 adults and a juvenile)
**SABINE'S GULLS (summer-plumaged adults still retaining black hoods west at 0915, 1035, 1130 and 1759, with two together at 1145 - 6 in total)
Sandwich Tern (1)
ARCTIC TERN (58 west)
BLACK TERN (1 west, in with 4 Arctic Terns)
ATLANTIC PUFFIN (1 - RW)
Auk spp (2)
COMMON RAVEN (pair flew west)
Northern Wheatear (1 on cliff edge)
Ocean Sunfish (1+)
Basking Shark (1)
Thursday, 27 August 2009
A hybrid Tufted Duck x Ring-necked Duck at Seaforth NR, Lancashire, in March-April 2009
This is a drake Ring-necked Duck x Tufted Duck hybrid which was present at Seaforth NR, Lancashire, in March-April 2009 (Pete Kinsella).
From these two images it would be hard to believe that this were not a pure drake Ring-necked Duck but other images reveal it to be an obvious hybrid.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
LGRE at the Rutland Birdfair - August 2009
After a six year absence, I made my first appearance at the Rutland Bird Fair this past weekend, promoting a new publication under a joint collaboration with the hugely successful and popular BirdGuides company. I must admit that I was totally overwhelmed by the love and affection shown by the large number of visiting friends and exhibitors and spent much of my time posing for photographs, autographing copies of my book, being interviewed by journalists or being filmed by the media.
It is quite staggering just how many individuals rely on birding as a business to survive and the fair proves how much of a multi-million empire it actually is. Tim Appleton and Martin Davies are to be congratulated and highly commended on the tireless effort they both put into staging and organising this event every year. This will be the third and final year of Birdfair support for Birdlife's 'Preventing Extinctions Programme' and funds raised from this year's fair will be drawing special attention to the 45 Critically Endangered bird species that are in dire need of our help.
It was great to see and spend time with some very special friends and birding colleagues, including those of you I haven't seen in an awful long time - Killian Mullarney, Dick Forsman, James Lidster, Mark Constantine, Arnoud van den Berg, Marcel Haas, Rene Pop, Magnus Robb, Bryan Bland, Ian Wallace, Raymond, Christine & Moya Scalley, Russell Slack, John McLoughlin, Jim Lawrence, David Lindo, Stuart Winter, Pete Alfrey, Graham Catley, Derek Moore, Andy Musgrove, Mark Grantham, Derek & Jan Toomer, David Fisher, Steve Rooke, Mark Andrews, David Cottridge, Tim Loseby, Hugo Romano, Solomon Jallow and his 'new' generation from Gambia, the entire Lambert family, Chris, Paul and the remaining members of the original Leicestershire twitching crew, Dick Filby, Will Wagstaff, James Wolstencroft, Ian Lewington, Peter & Carole Leigh, 'Becca Nason & Phil, David Hatton, Anna Hughes & Charlie Wilkins, David Cromack, Brian Clews, Vaughan Ashby, Pete Basterfield, Ian Packer, Tim Cleeves, Tim Stowe, Richard Porter, Dave Morgan, Paul Fuller, Ray Wright, Geoff & Alan Clewes, Matt Mulvey, Andy Clifton, Richard Bonser, John Gale, Mark Thomas & the Wildlife Crime Officers, Neil, Richard and team from In-Focus, Duncan MacDonald and all of his loveable rogues on the Wildsounds stall and all of my friends on the Opticron stall I love you all.
I also had the great pleasure in meeting and discussing pressing subjects with Mark Avery of the RSPB
The diversity and richness of those contributing towards the success of the fair is incredible and it is testimony to our hobby that so many individuals can be bought together from so many different areas of life
It is quite staggering just how many individuals rely on birding as a business to survive and the fair proves how much of a multi-million empire it actually is. Tim Appleton and Martin Davies are to be congratulated and highly commended on the tireless effort they both put into staging and organising this event every year. This will be the third and final year of Birdfair support for Birdlife's 'Preventing Extinctions Programme' and funds raised from this year's fair will be drawing special attention to the 45 Critically Endangered bird species that are in dire need of our help.
It was great to see and spend time with some very special friends and birding colleagues, including those of you I haven't seen in an awful long time - Killian Mullarney, Dick Forsman, James Lidster, Mark Constantine, Arnoud van den Berg, Marcel Haas, Rene Pop, Magnus Robb, Bryan Bland, Ian Wallace, Raymond, Christine & Moya Scalley, Russell Slack, John McLoughlin, Jim Lawrence, David Lindo, Stuart Winter, Pete Alfrey, Graham Catley, Derek Moore, Andy Musgrove, Mark Grantham, Derek & Jan Toomer, David Fisher, Steve Rooke, Mark Andrews, David Cottridge, Tim Loseby, Hugo Romano, Solomon Jallow and his 'new' generation from Gambia, the entire Lambert family, Chris, Paul and the remaining members of the original Leicestershire twitching crew, Dick Filby, Will Wagstaff, James Wolstencroft, Ian Lewington, Peter & Carole Leigh, 'Becca Nason & Phil, David Hatton, Anna Hughes & Charlie Wilkins, David Cromack, Brian Clews, Vaughan Ashby, Pete Basterfield, Ian Packer, Tim Cleeves, Tim Stowe, Richard Porter, Dave Morgan, Paul Fuller, Ray Wright, Geoff & Alan Clewes, Matt Mulvey, Andy Clifton, Richard Bonser, John Gale, Mark Thomas & the Wildlife Crime Officers, Neil, Richard and team from In-Focus, Duncan MacDonald and all of his loveable rogues on the Wildsounds stall and all of my friends on the Opticron stall I love you all.
I also had the great pleasure in meeting and discussing pressing subjects with Mark Avery of the RSPB
The diversity and richness of those contributing towards the success of the fair is incredible and it is testimony to our hobby that so many individuals can be bought together from so many different areas of life
'Leucism' in buntings
See http://www.freewebs.com/suffolkbirding/august2009.htm
Grahame Walbridge has very kindly responded to my comments relating to yesterday's Landguard Ortolan Bunting and in this context, I reverse my view and agree that it is just as likely to be a genuine vagrant as an escape from captivity where perhaps more of these plumage aberrations occur.
Hi Lee,
I have just seen the images of yesterdays leucistic Ortolan at Landguard. An amazing looking bird but undoubtedly an Ortolan, in my view. I gather it was calling typically. Not sure why you would consider it a likely escape though?
This brings to mind a very washed-out example that Richard Cockram and I found in the Bill quarry on 12th October 2007. The bird, which was not as pale/unmarked as the Languard individual, virtually lacked all yellow, olive and russet tones to its plumage.
Some years ago there was a resident leucistic (white) male Corn Bunting at the Bill which, I recall, may have succumbed to a Merlin. I would have to go through my notebooks to find out which year since there appears to be no mention of it any PBO report!
Cheers, Grahame Walbridge.
A 'leucistic' ORTOLAN BUNTING
This peculiar plumaged ORTOLAN BUNTING (photographed above by Lee Woods and Matthew Deans) spent the day yesterday on Landguard Common (Suffolk). Its plumage pigmentation was very pale sandy brown.
A juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE was also present in Suffolk yesterday at Benacre Sluice (image above by Dave Carr) whilst the main attraction over the summer has been the fine GREAT WHITE EGRET (superbly photographed in flight by Dick Walden)
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
This is the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert for Tuesday 25 August 2009 issued at 2200 hours and published in association with Rare Bird Alert Pagers whilst utilising additional information gleaned from the Regional Birdlines, BirdGuides, local email groups, web-sites and web-blogs and individual observers.
An adult SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER continues to delight visitors at Cresswell Pond NWT (Northumberland) (see Stef McElwee's excellent images above) whilst in Cleveland, a juvenile CITRINE WAGTAIL moulting into first-winter plumage showed well for two days (23-24 August) at Saltholme Pools RSPB.
SPOTTED CRAKES have appeared in force over recent days as more and more mud becomes exposed at numerous sites following the recent hot, dry weather including singles at Conwy RSPB (showing well from the reserve Tal-y-fan Hide), Abbotsbury Swannery (Dorset), Grove Ferry NR (Kent), Greylake RSPB (Somerset), Sandwell Valley RSPB (West Midlands) and the long-staying bird in the Dearne Valley at Edderthorpe Flash (South Yorks).
There has also been an upsurge in PECTORAL SANDPIPER appearances with adults at Loch of Houll on Whalsay (Shetland), on the golf course at Point of Ness, Stromness (Orkney Mainland), at Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire), at the north end of Hollowell Reservoir (Northants), whilst the first of this autumn's DOTTERELS appeared at Hatfield Moors (South Yorks) and on Ramsey Island (Pembs) this afternoon.
Recent days have seen a scattering of drift migrants with a very confiding HOOPOE at the base of the cliffs above the beach at the Folkestone end of Samphire Hoe Country Park (East Kent) (access through the tunnel east of the A20), juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKES at Kelling Water Meadows (Norfolk) and Benacre Sluice (Suffolk) and ICTERINE WARBLERS on Fetlar and at Scatness (Shetland). A very odd-plumaged leucistic-type ORTOLAN BUNTING spent the day at Landguard NR (Suffolk) (perhaps more likely an escape) whilst a drab juvenile yesterday afternoon caused consternation on Inner Farne (Northumberland).
The long-staying adult LESSER YELLOWLEGS is still present with the juvenile Ruff on Porthellick Pool, St Mary's, with a TEMMINCK'S STINT showing well on roadside pools at Pett Levels (East Sussex) and a juvenile RED-NECKED PHALAROPE new in at Keyhaven Marshes Lagoons (Hants).
The two GREAT WHITE EGRETS, one of which is a colour-ringed bird from NW France, both remain at Ouse Fen (Cambs) with another at Chard Reservoir (Somerset) and a returning adult at Mockbeggar Lake (Hamts).
A male MONTAGU'S HARRIER was present for a second day at Rainham Marshes RSPB (Essex/London), showing well from the seawall hunting over Aveley and Wennington Marshes until 1015 hours when it drifted off high to the southeast, with a juvenile in the Burrough Hill CP area (Leics), with other longer stayers at Orford Ness (Suffolk) and at Elmley Marshes RSPB (Kent) (two birds). Meanwhile, a presumed first-summer male RED-FOOTED FALCON continues to range widely between Horsey Mere and Hickling Broad (Norfolk), occasionally resting in dead trees visible distantly from Bittern Hide at Hickling NWT.
An adult SABINE'S GULL has been roosting almost every evening at Upton Warren Flashes Pool (Worcs) since Friday, arriving at 2020 hours and departing shortly before 0540, whilst a hint of east in the wind carried large numbers of Black Terns over the North Sea and into the Midlands. A flock of 40 ROSEATE TERNS were at Beacon Point, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea (Northumberland) this afternoon.
With over 14,500 TREE PIPITS leaving Sweden south over Falsterbo, it is hardly surprising that above average numbers have appeared in central, southern and eastern Britain in recent days. A COMMON NIGHTINGALE on Scilly is a good record, remaining for a second day on the Garrison, St Mary's, with good numbers of Whinchat and Common Redstarts now passing through.
A CORNCRAKE visited North Ronaldsay (Orkney) today, with a BARRED WARBLER on Fair Isle (Shetland).
The adult drake FERRUGINOUS DUCK remains at Heron's Green Bay, Chew Valley Lake (Avon), with another at Loch Gelly (Fife), with drake RING-NECKED DUCKS at Loch Leven (Fife) and at Westport Lake (Staffs) whilst an adult female Hooded Merganser of unknown origin arrived at Scaling Dam Reservoir (Cleveland).
Seawatching continues to cause concern in County Clare (IRELAND) with the 35 or so participants in this week's residency being showered in yet further WILSON'S STORM PETRELS today, as well as 18+ SABINE'S GULLS, 2 LONG-TAILED SKUAS, 7 GREY PHALAROPES and a single GREAT SHEARWATER
Meanwhile, 200 miles west of County Cork aboard the ''Cetaceans on the Frontier'' survey vessel, a WILSON'S STORM PETREL was seen on Sunday (23 August), along with Cory's Shearwater, 20+ Great Shearwaters, Long-tailed Skua, several Sabine's Gulls and a Grey Phalarope, whereas today the same vessel recorded 3 WILSON'S STORM PETRELS, a GREAT SHEARWATER, 2 SABINE'S GULLS and a LEACH'S PETREL 150 miles west of County Mayo (Antony McGeehan et al).
Elsewhere in IRELAND, a juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER was today on Inch Lake, Lough Swilly (Co. Donegal) and an incredible 550+ ROSEATE TERNS in Dublin Bay at Sandymount Strand (Co. Dublin).
An adult SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER continues to delight visitors at Cresswell Pond NWT (Northumberland) (see Stef McElwee's excellent images above) whilst in Cleveland, a juvenile CITRINE WAGTAIL moulting into first-winter plumage showed well for two days (23-24 August) at Saltholme Pools RSPB.
SPOTTED CRAKES have appeared in force over recent days as more and more mud becomes exposed at numerous sites following the recent hot, dry weather including singles at Conwy RSPB (showing well from the reserve Tal-y-fan Hide), Abbotsbury Swannery (Dorset), Grove Ferry NR (Kent), Greylake RSPB (Somerset), Sandwell Valley RSPB (West Midlands) and the long-staying bird in the Dearne Valley at Edderthorpe Flash (South Yorks).
There has also been an upsurge in PECTORAL SANDPIPER appearances with adults at Loch of Houll on Whalsay (Shetland), on the golf course at Point of Ness, Stromness (Orkney Mainland), at Strathbeg RSPB (Aberdeenshire), at the north end of Hollowell Reservoir (Northants), whilst the first of this autumn's DOTTERELS appeared at Hatfield Moors (South Yorks) and on Ramsey Island (Pembs) this afternoon.
Recent days have seen a scattering of drift migrants with a very confiding HOOPOE at the base of the cliffs above the beach at the Folkestone end of Samphire Hoe Country Park (East Kent) (access through the tunnel east of the A20), juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKES at Kelling Water Meadows (Norfolk) and Benacre Sluice (Suffolk) and ICTERINE WARBLERS on Fetlar and at Scatness (Shetland). A very odd-plumaged leucistic-type ORTOLAN BUNTING spent the day at Landguard NR (Suffolk) (perhaps more likely an escape) whilst a drab juvenile yesterday afternoon caused consternation on Inner Farne (Northumberland).
The long-staying adult LESSER YELLOWLEGS is still present with the juvenile Ruff on Porthellick Pool, St Mary's, with a TEMMINCK'S STINT showing well on roadside pools at Pett Levels (East Sussex) and a juvenile RED-NECKED PHALAROPE new in at Keyhaven Marshes Lagoons (Hants).
The two GREAT WHITE EGRETS, one of which is a colour-ringed bird from NW France, both remain at Ouse Fen (Cambs) with another at Chard Reservoir (Somerset) and a returning adult at Mockbeggar Lake (Hamts).
A male MONTAGU'S HARRIER was present for a second day at Rainham Marshes RSPB (Essex/London), showing well from the seawall hunting over Aveley and Wennington Marshes until 1015 hours when it drifted off high to the southeast, with a juvenile in the Burrough Hill CP area (Leics), with other longer stayers at Orford Ness (Suffolk) and at Elmley Marshes RSPB (Kent) (two birds). Meanwhile, a presumed first-summer male RED-FOOTED FALCON continues to range widely between Horsey Mere and Hickling Broad (Norfolk), occasionally resting in dead trees visible distantly from Bittern Hide at Hickling NWT.
An adult SABINE'S GULL has been roosting almost every evening at Upton Warren Flashes Pool (Worcs) since Friday, arriving at 2020 hours and departing shortly before 0540, whilst a hint of east in the wind carried large numbers of Black Terns over the North Sea and into the Midlands. A flock of 40 ROSEATE TERNS were at Beacon Point, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea (Northumberland) this afternoon.
With over 14,500 TREE PIPITS leaving Sweden south over Falsterbo, it is hardly surprising that above average numbers have appeared in central, southern and eastern Britain in recent days. A COMMON NIGHTINGALE on Scilly is a good record, remaining for a second day on the Garrison, St Mary's, with good numbers of Whinchat and Common Redstarts now passing through.
A CORNCRAKE visited North Ronaldsay (Orkney) today, with a BARRED WARBLER on Fair Isle (Shetland).
The adult drake FERRUGINOUS DUCK remains at Heron's Green Bay, Chew Valley Lake (Avon), with another at Loch Gelly (Fife), with drake RING-NECKED DUCKS at Loch Leven (Fife) and at Westport Lake (Staffs) whilst an adult female Hooded Merganser of unknown origin arrived at Scaling Dam Reservoir (Cleveland).
Seawatching continues to cause concern in County Clare (IRELAND) with the 35 or so participants in this week's residency being showered in yet further WILSON'S STORM PETRELS today, as well as 18+ SABINE'S GULLS, 2 LONG-TAILED SKUAS, 7 GREY PHALAROPES and a single GREAT SHEARWATER
Meanwhile, 200 miles west of County Cork aboard the ''Cetaceans on the Frontier'' survey vessel, a WILSON'S STORM PETREL was seen on Sunday (23 August), along with Cory's Shearwater, 20+ Great Shearwaters, Long-tailed Skua, several Sabine's Gulls and a Grey Phalarope, whereas today the same vessel recorded 3 WILSON'S STORM PETRELS, a GREAT SHEARWATER, 2 SABINE'S GULLS and a LEACH'S PETREL 150 miles west of County Mayo (Antony McGeehan et al).
Elsewhere in IRELAND, a juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER was today on Inch Lake, Lough Swilly (Co. Donegal) and an incredible 550+ ROSEATE TERNS in Dublin Bay at Sandymount Strand (Co. Dublin).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
