Tuesday, 24 November 2009
FRIGATEBIRD report
There is a report from early this morning of a Frigatebird species flying low SW over Lockwood Reservoir (SE 142 159) (Steve Pogson). It was apparently a juvenile but I have no further details.
Friday, 20 November 2009
The Identification of ASIAN HOUSE MARTIN
There has yet to be a confirmed record of ASIAN HOUSE MARTIN in the Western Palearctic but it is a strong contender to occur. On the back of yet another odd bird in Israel, the following information largely gleaned from Surfbirds forum contributors is most useful.
Some excellent images of Asian House Martin are published here http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?tid=9527&extra=page%3D1
Identification expert Paul Leader has also very kindly provided this very useful summary of defining characteristics based on his wealth of experience with the species.
The separation of Northern (Common) and Asian House Martins is relatively straightforward on good views. This posting is actually quite timely from my point of view: I found the first Northern (Common) House Martin for Hong Kong only yesterday, which has been well seen and photographed. It was present with about ten Asian House Martins, of two subspecies.
The following apply:
Structure: Asian is tiny compared to Northern, overall length being about 80% of Northern and clearly smaller body size. The tail is clearly shorter which results in Asian looking far more compact. The tail fork difference is obvious (except when dealing with moulting birds), with Asian having a very shallow tail fork which results in the tail appearing square when slightly spread. It is worth noting that the Northern in HK was of the taxon lagopoda, which has a more shallow tail fork than nominate, yet the fork depth difference was always obvious.
Rump: The rump patch on Asian is small and rather square looking (beacause more of the longer uppertail coverts are black than in Northern HM), and often sullied grey, especially in the southern taxon nigrimentalis. It seems that northern birds (i.e. nominate dasypus) have a cleaner, whiter rump than southern birds and are more similar in rump colour to Northern. The rump patch on the HK bird was massive compared to the Asians present, such that the bird could be picked out on naked eye views. However, as this bird was of the taxon lagopoda in which all the upper tail coverts are white, this difference would be less obvious in a western European context. However, I still think the rump size difference would be obvious.
Underparts: The underparts of Asian are very dusky grey, except for the throat which is contrastingly white. This is obvious in the field. Nominate dasypus is probably darker below than southern birds although the literature is contradictory on this issue and this needs more research. However, the gleaming white underparts of the HK Northern was strikingly different to the underparts of the Asians present.
Underwing coverts: These are always black(ish) on Asian, and are darker than the rest of the underwing. On Northern (on eastern birds at least) the underwing coverts are grayish or brownish and show little if any contrast with the rest on the underwing. However, in dull conditions, the underwing coverts of the Northern at times looked darker than the rest of the underwing, so this feature should be used carefully. However, in good light the uniform grey underwing and underwing coverts was obvious (especially on photos).
Some excellent images of Asian House Martin are published here http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?tid=9527&extra=page%3D1
Identification expert Paul Leader has also very kindly provided this very useful summary of defining characteristics based on his wealth of experience with the species.
The separation of Northern (Common) and Asian House Martins is relatively straightforward on good views. This posting is actually quite timely from my point of view: I found the first Northern (Common) House Martin for Hong Kong only yesterday, which has been well seen and photographed. It was present with about ten Asian House Martins, of two subspecies.
The following apply:
Structure: Asian is tiny compared to Northern, overall length being about 80% of Northern and clearly smaller body size. The tail is clearly shorter which results in Asian looking far more compact. The tail fork difference is obvious (except when dealing with moulting birds), with Asian having a very shallow tail fork which results in the tail appearing square when slightly spread. It is worth noting that the Northern in HK was of the taxon lagopoda, which has a more shallow tail fork than nominate, yet the fork depth difference was always obvious.
Rump: The rump patch on Asian is small and rather square looking (beacause more of the longer uppertail coverts are black than in Northern HM), and often sullied grey, especially in the southern taxon nigrimentalis. It seems that northern birds (i.e. nominate dasypus) have a cleaner, whiter rump than southern birds and are more similar in rump colour to Northern. The rump patch on the HK bird was massive compared to the Asians present, such that the bird could be picked out on naked eye views. However, as this bird was of the taxon lagopoda in which all the upper tail coverts are white, this difference would be less obvious in a western European context. However, I still think the rump size difference would be obvious.
Underparts: The underparts of Asian are very dusky grey, except for the throat which is contrastingly white. This is obvious in the field. Nominate dasypus is probably darker below than southern birds although the literature is contradictory on this issue and this needs more research. However, the gleaming white underparts of the HK Northern was strikingly different to the underparts of the Asians present.
Underwing coverts: These are always black(ish) on Asian, and are darker than the rest of the underwing. On Northern (on eastern birds at least) the underwing coverts are grayish or brownish and show little if any contrast with the rest on the underwing. However, in dull conditions, the underwing coverts of the Northern at times looked darker than the rest of the underwing, so this feature should be used carefully. However, in good light the uniform grey underwing and underwing coverts was obvious (especially on photos).
Thursday, 19 November 2009
PACIFIC DIVER in West Cornwall
A well-marked adult PACIFIC DIVER still retaining some breeding plumage was present on Carnsew Basin, at the east end of the Hayle Estuary (Cornwall) throughout much of this afternoon. In near gale force winds, the bird was very mobile and diving continuously and flew on several occasions. At around 1500 hours, it took to the air again and flew off in the direction of Carbis Bay and the mouth of the estuary. There is every possibility it was the bird seen by a French visitor last week and this particular bird has also been seen briefly since Tuesday (Chris Barnard et al).
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Yet another one of those puzzling Arctic gulls - this juvenile in County Sligo
It has all the hallmarks of another juvenile Glaucous-winged Gull but this individual photographed in Drumcliff Bay, Lissadell, in County Mayo (Ireland) by Michael Casey has typically a few anomalous features, such as stance, overall bulk and bill shape and size. Is it a hybrid nobody knows? Is it a pure Glaucous-winged Gull nobody knows? But what we do know is that juvenile Arctic gulls of this appearance are appearing on this side of the Atlantic in increasing frequency. In some ways, they conform to the appearance of birds from the more northern part of the range, particularly those that winter in Japan, but with so much argument about the purity of many individuals, one is on a hiding to nothing to make solid pronouncements.
My concerns over the British Countryside and its real lack of farmland birds
This is a response I wrote to a fellow birder concerned about the predicament this country finds itself in as regards to its ongoing agricultural and countryside policies.
''I am very sad to say that this is prevalent throughout much of Southern England - vast tracts of our countryside are a totally birdless, barren, foodless landscape. You can drive for miles when the only species you will encounter are Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow. In reality, few farmers are interested in the Stewardship Scheme and many feel particularly aggrieved by this government's approach to Foxhunting. I see little reverse in fortunes of our traditional farmland species here in rural Buckinghamshire such as Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Partridge and European Turtle Dove and now, even species like Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting are becoming scarce. Eurasian Skylark is doing reasonably well because it is utilising land re-landscaped at landfill sites.
The hunting ban seriously troubles me because that is where we are seeing populations of both farmland and woodland birds still holding up. The large tracts of farmland devoted to such syndicate activities involves planting maize strips for the Common Pheasants and other gamebirds to shelter and feed and also protects substantial areas of coppiced woods and plantations; these in turn harbour a great many bird species and attract a lot of other wildlife. I have spoken with many estate landowners who will turn this land back to agriculture if this ban continues and their traditional way of life is continually undermined. I do not agree with bloodsports but in this case I certainly feel that wildlife has more to gain from this activity than lose and only the odd Red Fox is actually killed anyway on the average hunting day, primarily the lame and the sick (more are killed on the M25 and M40 every day).
I was trawling through my notebook of 1971 and my eyes watered at the entries. There were four pairs of Red-backed Shrike breeding within 25 miles of my house including a pair that raised all of its five young. Tree Sparrow was so abundant and breeding in every Ash tree that it barely warranted a mention; likewise the abundance of Yellowhammer. Hawfinches were common and I had big roosts to count. The sound of machine-gunning Lesser Redpoll were everywhere as was the habitat they required to breed - open rich countryside full of the beautiful scent of wild flowers. The jangling song of the Corn Bunting was a daily occurrence and the many roosts harboured 300 birds or more, with Yellow Wagtail equally numerous. I noted Spotted Flycatcher at over 35 sites - all breeding within five miles of my house - and the sound of singing Willow Warblers could be heard literally everywhere. I found Common Nightingale at 15 sites in early May (where now there are none and the thickets have largely fallen silent), Barn Swallows breeding at every farm, House Martins by the dozen under the eaves of many houses, especially those newly built and Common Stonechat, Whinchat and Northern Wheatear all bred in small numbers. The sound of Long-eared Owls could be heard from the conifer woods in March and April and numerous pairs of European Nightjar were on the heaths, particularly at Old Warden. The sound of the Common Cuckoo could be heard everywhere in late April/early May and the dearly-loved European Turtle Dove saw daily entries with flocks of up to 160 birds being commonplace (and westerly migration at Cley East Bank in North Norfolk staggering). In fact, relating to the latter and sitting with the late Richard Richardson, I logged an unbelievable 23,000 Linnets migrating west in late April.
One of my favourite local patches - Ashridge Forest - held 32 or more singing male Tree Pipits, 12 Wood Warblers, several Common Redstarts, breeding Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and roding Woodcocks - whilst Willow Tits were easy to locate and their nasal calls could be heard in many local woods. Reedbed roosts of Common Starlings numbered into the 'millions' whereas my few today struggle to reach 2,000.
Yes Mike you can say that I am as depressed about the state of our Nation's wildlife as you are and cherish the memories that I have in golden days gone by. On my travels around the Western Palearctic, only Sardinia, Eastern Turkey, Spain, Eastern Poland and Armenia continue to harbour natural countryside in a way in which we remember and consequently are rich in biodiversity.
I really do not know the answers - it makes me too depressed to even think about it''
Love Lives Forever - Heal The World
Lee G R EvansBritish Birding AssociationUK400 Club, Rare Birds Magazine, Ornithological Consultant and Conservationist
''I am very sad to say that this is prevalent throughout much of Southern England - vast tracts of our countryside are a totally birdless, barren, foodless landscape. You can drive for miles when the only species you will encounter are Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow. In reality, few farmers are interested in the Stewardship Scheme and many feel particularly aggrieved by this government's approach to Foxhunting. I see little reverse in fortunes of our traditional farmland species here in rural Buckinghamshire such as Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Partridge and European Turtle Dove and now, even species like Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting are becoming scarce. Eurasian Skylark is doing reasonably well because it is utilising land re-landscaped at landfill sites.
The hunting ban seriously troubles me because that is where we are seeing populations of both farmland and woodland birds still holding up. The large tracts of farmland devoted to such syndicate activities involves planting maize strips for the Common Pheasants and other gamebirds to shelter and feed and also protects substantial areas of coppiced woods and plantations; these in turn harbour a great many bird species and attract a lot of other wildlife. I have spoken with many estate landowners who will turn this land back to agriculture if this ban continues and their traditional way of life is continually undermined. I do not agree with bloodsports but in this case I certainly feel that wildlife has more to gain from this activity than lose and only the odd Red Fox is actually killed anyway on the average hunting day, primarily the lame and the sick (more are killed on the M25 and M40 every day).
I was trawling through my notebook of 1971 and my eyes watered at the entries. There were four pairs of Red-backed Shrike breeding within 25 miles of my house including a pair that raised all of its five young. Tree Sparrow was so abundant and breeding in every Ash tree that it barely warranted a mention; likewise the abundance of Yellowhammer. Hawfinches were common and I had big roosts to count. The sound of machine-gunning Lesser Redpoll were everywhere as was the habitat they required to breed - open rich countryside full of the beautiful scent of wild flowers. The jangling song of the Corn Bunting was a daily occurrence and the many roosts harboured 300 birds or more, with Yellow Wagtail equally numerous. I noted Spotted Flycatcher at over 35 sites - all breeding within five miles of my house - and the sound of singing Willow Warblers could be heard literally everywhere. I found Common Nightingale at 15 sites in early May (where now there are none and the thickets have largely fallen silent), Barn Swallows breeding at every farm, House Martins by the dozen under the eaves of many houses, especially those newly built and Common Stonechat, Whinchat and Northern Wheatear all bred in small numbers. The sound of Long-eared Owls could be heard from the conifer woods in March and April and numerous pairs of European Nightjar were on the heaths, particularly at Old Warden. The sound of the Common Cuckoo could be heard everywhere in late April/early May and the dearly-loved European Turtle Dove saw daily entries with flocks of up to 160 birds being commonplace (and westerly migration at Cley East Bank in North Norfolk staggering). In fact, relating to the latter and sitting with the late Richard Richardson, I logged an unbelievable 23,000 Linnets migrating west in late April.
One of my favourite local patches - Ashridge Forest - held 32 or more singing male Tree Pipits, 12 Wood Warblers, several Common Redstarts, breeding Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and roding Woodcocks - whilst Willow Tits were easy to locate and their nasal calls could be heard in many local woods. Reedbed roosts of Common Starlings numbered into the 'millions' whereas my few today struggle to reach 2,000.
Yes Mike you can say that I am as depressed about the state of our Nation's wildlife as you are and cherish the memories that I have in golden days gone by. On my travels around the Western Palearctic, only Sardinia, Eastern Turkey, Spain, Eastern Poland and Armenia continue to harbour natural countryside in a way in which we remember and consequently are rich in biodiversity.
I really do not know the answers - it makes me too depressed to even think about it''
Love Lives Forever - Heal The World
Lee G R EvansBritish Birding AssociationUK400 Club, Rare Birds Magazine, Ornithological Consultant and Conservationist
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
ISABELLINE SHRIKE in IRELAND - belated 428
It has been very kindly pointed out to me that there has already been an ISABELLINE SHRIKE this year - a bird on Achill Island in County Mayo on 4 October. Initially identified as a Red-backed Shrike but re-identified from images. The total is therefore revised to 428 species.
Year Total at 427
As the year is now coming to a close, the total number of species now recorded in Britain and Ireland (combined) has petered out at 427, some 20 less than last year's record total of 447 species.
The additional species since my last update included the EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER in South Tyneside, the UPLAND SANDPIPER in Caithness and the AMERICAN MOURNING DOVE and SWAINSON'S THRUSH in Ireland.
We are still missing both ISABELLINE SHRIKE and DESERT WHEATEAR in 2009 (both still feasible) as well as BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT and ROSS'S GULL. There are also a few wildfowl possibilities (Lee G R Evans)
The additional species since my last update included the EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER in South Tyneside, the UPLAND SANDPIPER in Caithness and the AMERICAN MOURNING DOVE and SWAINSON'S THRUSH in Ireland.
We are still missing both ISABELLINE SHRIKE and DESERT WHEATEAR in 2009 (both still feasible) as well as BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT and ROSS'S GULL. There are also a few wildfowl possibilities (Lee G R Evans)
Confusing late EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVES
This past weekend saw a very late juvenile EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE in Colliston Village leading local observers to suspect its identity as an Oriental Turtle Dove of the form 'meena'. It was a fairly dark individual with heavily fringed upperparts. However, in all honesty, the Collieston bird may well be a European Turtle Dove of the west central Asian form 'arenicola' on account of its extensive grey rump (pers comments).
Late European Turtle Doves are a major pitfall in Britain as this example shows (Andy Webb has very kindly supplied four images of it above). However, meena will always have the structure and 'feel' of a Stock Dove, particularly in flight - they are stockier birds.
On close inspection of the Collieston bird, several features are characteristic of 'turtur' -:
1) The fact that the bird is still very largely in juvenile plumage by mid November. Even meena shows a large selection of first-winter feathers by this time; It completely lacked any hint of the neck patch;
2) The patterning of the newly moulted adult-type coverts and scapulars - the pointed, spiky shapes of the black centred feathers and the broad rufous fringes;
3) The pale primary covert tips and fringes, being quite broad ginger or pale rufous; Oriental has a very narrow fringe which is often very difficult to see;
4) the extent and shape of the bare skin around the eye; more extensive and obvious
5) The uniformity of the dark primaries lacking any obvious pale tips;
6) the startingly white axillaries contrasting with the greyer underwing; Oriental is generally uniform grey on the underwing;
7) the relatively thin and all-dark bill
8) Not diagnostic and similar to meena but this bird had an extensive gleaming white tail band; orientalis is all dark grey;
9) Gleaming white undertail-coverts; Oriental Turtle Dove is much darker with less contrast;
10) Oriental Turtle Dove shows very slightly longer legs and larger feet when feeding on the ground.
I am also indebted to Graham Catley who has provided some outstanding images of a typical late autumn juvenile European Turtle Dove he photographed in Lincolnshire on 29 September 2004 (the 3 images below). However, note the well-defined neck patch on the Lincolnshire bird, suggesting it had fledged in Britain or perhaps close continental Europe in July
Late European Turtle Doves are a major pitfall in Britain as this example shows (Andy Webb has very kindly supplied four images of it above). However, meena will always have the structure and 'feel' of a Stock Dove, particularly in flight - they are stockier birds.
On close inspection of the Collieston bird, several features are characteristic of 'turtur' -:
1) The fact that the bird is still very largely in juvenile plumage by mid November. Even meena shows a large selection of first-winter feathers by this time; It completely lacked any hint of the neck patch;
2) The patterning of the newly moulted adult-type coverts and scapulars - the pointed, spiky shapes of the black centred feathers and the broad rufous fringes;
3) The pale primary covert tips and fringes, being quite broad ginger or pale rufous; Oriental has a very narrow fringe which is often very difficult to see;
4) the extent and shape of the bare skin around the eye; more extensive and obvious
5) The uniformity of the dark primaries lacking any obvious pale tips;
6) the startingly white axillaries contrasting with the greyer underwing; Oriental is generally uniform grey on the underwing;
7) the relatively thin and all-dark bill
8) Not diagnostic and similar to meena but this bird had an extensive gleaming white tail band; orientalis is all dark grey;
9) Gleaming white undertail-coverts; Oriental Turtle Dove is much darker with less contrast;
10) Oriental Turtle Dove shows very slightly longer legs and larger feet when feeding on the ground.
I am also indebted to Graham Catley who has provided some outstanding images of a typical late autumn juvenile European Turtle Dove he photographed in Lincolnshire on 29 September 2004 (the 3 images below). However, note the well-defined neck patch on the Lincolnshire bird, suggesting it had fledged in Britain or perhaps close continental Europe in July
An excellent reference is 'The Macmillan Guide to European and Middle Eastern Birds' pages 140-143.
Lee G R Evans
Monday, 16 November 2009
Very confiding if late BLUETHROAT in Ireland
This beautiful male BLUETHROAT has been present for nearly two weeks at Ballycotton Marsh in County Cork (IRELAND).
These terrific images were obtained by Polina Kasapova - see more Irish Bird Images at http://www.thingsarelikethis.com/
Saturday, 14 November 2009
EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE confusion
A juvenile EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE was discovered this morning in Collieston village, just north of the Ythan Estuary (Aberdeenshire). It was frequenting the lawn of the last garden along the minor road to Sand Loch before moving early afternoon to stubble fields nearby. At 1440 hours, it flew towards the village and was not seen again despite searching. Collieston is accessed off of the A975 via the B9003. To avoid upsetting local residents, please park sensibly just beyond the harbour. The bird was initially confused with Oriental Turtle Dove of the 'meena' form
Farther south, in Perth & Kinross, an elusive first-winter BLUETHROAT remains near Errol in the cabbage field at NO 257 224 (park by the barrier and walk 500 yards to the bridge to view)
A LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was present for a second day at Port Carlisle (Cunbria), showing well SE of the main harbour with Common Redshanks, whilst a WILSON'S PHALAROPE was new in on Musselburgh Lagoons (Lothian), showing very well from the Middle Hide (a first-winter of this species also spent much of the last week at the Zeiss Scrape at Slimbridge WWT, Gloucs). The wintering LESSER YELLOWLEGS remains with Common Redshanks on the river by the bridge at Aberlady Bay (Lothian).
The first-winter BROWN SHRIKE sets forth to start its 6th week in residency at the north end of Staines Moor (Middlesex) although there was no sign of yesterday's juvenile RED-RUMPED SWALLOW at Holy Island (Northumberland) today.
In what has been a resurgence in winter status in SHORE LARK - up to 13 remain in Holkham Gap (Norfolk) with 3 nearby at Holme Dunes (Norfolk) and 4 at Theddlerhorpe Dunes (Lincs) whilst most unusual is a singleton by the 4th red flag north of the Weld Road car park along Southport Promenade (Lancs).
Inland, a first-winter LONG-TAILED DUCK remains on Theale Moatlands Pit (Berks) whilst the juvenile GREAT NORTHERN DIVER continues at Hollingworth Lake (Gtr Manchester) with up to four at Grafham Water (Cambs) andRED-THROATED DIVERS at Chard Reservoir (Somerset) and on Rutland Water (Leics)
Two drake North American Green-winged Teals include singles at Draycote Water (Warks) (in Toft Bay) and on North Scrape at Cley NWT (Norfolk) with the drake Ring-necked Duck still at Foxcote Reservoir (North Bucks).
Storm-driven birds today included a juvenile GREAT NORTHERN DIVER at Calvert BBOWT Lake (North Bucks), 9 Common Scoter at Chew Valley Lake (Avon), two GREY PHALAROPES on the Mere at West Bexington (Dorset) and further singles at Portland and off Hurst Castle (Hants), 3 LITTLE AUKS and 250+ Kittiwakes off Severn Beach (Avon) and juvenile SABINE'S GULLS in Old Town Bay, St Mary's (Scilly) and off Chesil Cove, Portland (Dorset) and far inland briefly at Slimbridge WWT. Up to 7 LEACH'S PETRELS were forced close inshore in the near gale force winds, including 3 off Hengistbury Head (Dorset).
GREAT WHITE EGRETS include the long-staying adult at Mockbeggar Lake, Ringwood (Hants), up to 3 at Leighton Moss RSPB (Lancs) and one at Dungeness RSPB (Kent), the latter site still hosting the 2 first-winter GLOSSY IBISES near Boulderwall Farm with three more still surviving at Catcott Lows NR (Somerset).
Eleven Water Pipits from the Singleton Hide at Blacktoft Sands RSPB (East Yotks) is an impressive record, whilst a couple of late autumn RICHARD'S PIPITS included singles on St Mary's (Scilly) and another at New Passage (Gloucs) (with two more still in the private fields at Slimbridge WWT).
The very late colour-ringed juvenile OSPREY of Scottish origin still survives in the Chess Valley, NE of Little Chalfont (Bucks).
In IRELAND, the male BLUETHROAT continues to perform very well on the margin of the main lake at Ballycotton (Co. Cork) whilst the juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER remains with European Golden Plover in the field opposite the race track at Kirkistown (Co. Down).
Two RUDDY SHELDUCK remain in a field opposite the quarry 1.4 miles north of Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) whilst the regularly wintering SMALL CANADA GOOSE (form hutchinsii) remains with Barnacle Geese at Ballygilgan NR, Lissadell (Co. Sligo).
Farther south, in Perth & Kinross, an elusive first-winter BLUETHROAT remains near Errol in the cabbage field at NO 257 224 (park by the barrier and walk 500 yards to the bridge to view)
A LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was present for a second day at Port Carlisle (Cunbria), showing well SE of the main harbour with Common Redshanks, whilst a WILSON'S PHALAROPE was new in on Musselburgh Lagoons (Lothian), showing very well from the Middle Hide (a first-winter of this species also spent much of the last week at the Zeiss Scrape at Slimbridge WWT, Gloucs). The wintering LESSER YELLOWLEGS remains with Common Redshanks on the river by the bridge at Aberlady Bay (Lothian).
The first-winter BROWN SHRIKE sets forth to start its 6th week in residency at the north end of Staines Moor (Middlesex) although there was no sign of yesterday's juvenile RED-RUMPED SWALLOW at Holy Island (Northumberland) today.
In what has been a resurgence in winter status in SHORE LARK - up to 13 remain in Holkham Gap (Norfolk) with 3 nearby at Holme Dunes (Norfolk) and 4 at Theddlerhorpe Dunes (Lincs) whilst most unusual is a singleton by the 4th red flag north of the Weld Road car park along Southport Promenade (Lancs).
Inland, a first-winter LONG-TAILED DUCK remains on Theale Moatlands Pit (Berks) whilst the juvenile GREAT NORTHERN DIVER continues at Hollingworth Lake (Gtr Manchester) with up to four at Grafham Water (Cambs) andRED-THROATED DIVERS at Chard Reservoir (Somerset) and on Rutland Water (Leics)
Two drake North American Green-winged Teals include singles at Draycote Water (Warks) (in Toft Bay) and on North Scrape at Cley NWT (Norfolk) with the drake Ring-necked Duck still at Foxcote Reservoir (North Bucks).
Storm-driven birds today included a juvenile GREAT NORTHERN DIVER at Calvert BBOWT Lake (North Bucks), 9 Common Scoter at Chew Valley Lake (Avon), two GREY PHALAROPES on the Mere at West Bexington (Dorset) and further singles at Portland and off Hurst Castle (Hants), 3 LITTLE AUKS and 250+ Kittiwakes off Severn Beach (Avon) and juvenile SABINE'S GULLS in Old Town Bay, St Mary's (Scilly) and off Chesil Cove, Portland (Dorset) and far inland briefly at Slimbridge WWT. Up to 7 LEACH'S PETRELS were forced close inshore in the near gale force winds, including 3 off Hengistbury Head (Dorset).
GREAT WHITE EGRETS include the long-staying adult at Mockbeggar Lake, Ringwood (Hants), up to 3 at Leighton Moss RSPB (Lancs) and one at Dungeness RSPB (Kent), the latter site still hosting the 2 first-winter GLOSSY IBISES near Boulderwall Farm with three more still surviving at Catcott Lows NR (Somerset).
Eleven Water Pipits from the Singleton Hide at Blacktoft Sands RSPB (East Yotks) is an impressive record, whilst a couple of late autumn RICHARD'S PIPITS included singles on St Mary's (Scilly) and another at New Passage (Gloucs) (with two more still in the private fields at Slimbridge WWT).
The very late colour-ringed juvenile OSPREY of Scottish origin still survives in the Chess Valley, NE of Little Chalfont (Bucks).
In IRELAND, the male BLUETHROAT continues to perform very well on the margin of the main lake at Ballycotton (Co. Cork) whilst the juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER remains with European Golden Plover in the field opposite the race track at Kirkistown (Co. Down).
Two RUDDY SHELDUCK remain in a field opposite the quarry 1.4 miles north of Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) whilst the regularly wintering SMALL CANADA GOOSE (form hutchinsii) remains with Barnacle Geese at Ballygilgan NR, Lissadell (Co. Sligo).
WILSON'S PHALAROPE in LOTHIAN
This WILSON'S PHALAROPE (photographed above by Kris Gibb) showed well throughout today from the Middle Hide at Musselburgh Wader Scrapes
Thursday, 12 November 2009
TAIGA FLYCATCHER first for West Cornwall
Lisa Williams photographed this TAIGA FLYCATCHER at Tregeseal, adjacent to St Just, in West Cornwall late afternoon on 6 November. The bird was showing very well but was sadly seen by just Lisa and the finder Phil Clarke. A few locals were informed but the bird disappeared on the clear weather overnight (see more at http://www.swopticsphoto.com/2009/11/first-for-cornwall-has-sting-in-taiga.html
.
In October, a TAIGA FLYCATCHER was also seen on Shetland, moving from Fetlar to Yell.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
ARMISTICE DAY - 3 LITTLE AUKS in Scapa Flow
There were 3 LITTLE AUKS around the Vanguard buoy, just north of Flotta, today. It was just before 1100 hours on Armistice Day, so it was fairly poignant, but the birds were so close to the boat and cute (I just wanted to grab them tight and squeeze their ridiculously dinky little bills) that WW1 was actually pretty far from my mind. Two groups of porpoises, and lots of Long-tailed Duck, and a good sprinkle of 3 diver species (Black-throated represented by a group of 3 towards Hunda, with another LITTLE AUK seen flying past there too). No scoter however (Julian Branscombe) The inset photograph was taken by Ian Boustead
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Cork RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL
Shots of today's Dursey Island RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL taken by finders Brendan and Ciaran Finch are now up in the November gallery on www.birdsireland.com
A stunner of a bird. best of luck to all who twitch it tomorrow.
I am off to South Africa on Thursday morning for a short trip...as of Thursday Paul Kelly will be maintaining the BINS service for the following five/six days. Please text Paul directly with news from Thursday onwards or call news in direct to 01-8307364 (Eric Dempsey).
First modern record of ROSE-COLOURED STARLING for Oxfordshire
The juvenile ROSE-COLOURED STARLING was still present today in Forest Hill village, just two miles NE of Oxford. The bird was first seen on or about 23 October (according to local residents) and is favouring the gardens along Mickle Way in the NW end of the village at SP 584 080. The bird is consorting with a small flock of Common Starlings and can be regularly seen as it perches on the roofs, aerials and telegraph wires in the lane. Justin Taylor obtained the image above.
It is best to park in Stanton Road and walk in to Mickle Way and always respect the privacy of residents.
There are two post-1900 records of Rose-coloured Starling in Oxfordshire - an adult-type shot near Oxford in spring 1837 (Zoologist 1849: 2598) and a male shot in Eveline on 20 October 1871 (the Field 23rd March 1872: 260).
At last - IRELAND finally gets its first-sever RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL
Brendan Finch discovered a RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL on Dursey Island (County Cork) this afternoon, the bird feeding out in the open and away from trees. It representys the long-awaited first record for IRELAND.
In contrast, Britain has now recorded a mere 66 individuals !!
In contrast, Britain has now recorded a mere 66 individuals !!
Third PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER for the Outer Hebrides
Bob Swann found this gorgeous little sprite on Harris and Martin Scott photographed it. There has been one previous record on the island.
Nationally, it has been a very poor autumn for this species and I am still yet to see one (LGRE)
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Winter's drawing closer but a few Sibes still appear
Juvenile Sabine's Gull at North Shields Quay (www.tomtamsnaturephotography.com)This is the UK400 Club Rare Bird Alert for Thursday 5 November 2009, issued at 2100 hours and published in association with the premier paging company 'Rare Bird Alert' whilst utilising additional information gleaned from Birdline (09068 700 222), the Regional Birdlines, BirdGuides and a diverse collection of local websites, blogsites and other forums.
In East Kent, what now appears to be the first 'resident' FAN-TAILED WARBLER in Britain and perhaps the first coloniser can now be seen more regularly at Pegwell Bay Country Park, favouring the Salicornia and patches of reed and saltgrass east of the car park and hide. It shows very well on occasions and is still predominantly an 'early morning bird' disappearing into thick cover as each day progresses. It roams the area widely, ranging 250 yards either side of the hide. There is an obvious pay and display car park on the main coast road.
An OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT was discovered early afternoon at Flamborough Head (East Yorks) showing well intermittently in Old Fall Plantation, 450 yards south of the road and accessed along the Old Fall Hedgerow.
A typically elusive DUSKY WARBLER is present for its 5th day at Gunton Cliff, just north of Lowestoft (Suffolk), now favouring the Japanese Knotweed, bracken and Silver Birch scrub just north of Warrenhouse Wood. It is calling frequently but exceptionally difficult to view and occasionally wanders north for up to 400 yards along the heavily vegetated cliff bank. Park at The Links Road public car park on the Gunton Warren and walk north for 125 yards to view.
A further DUSKY WARBLER is on Shetland in Sandwick crop on Whalsay whilst a RED-RUMPED SWALLOW remains for a second day close to the chicken pens SSW of Gosford in Aberlady Bay (Lothian)
The first-winter BROWN SHRIKE is still present and showing very well in scrub just NW of the wooden footbridge on the north side of the river at Staines Moor (Middlesex) (please note that wellingtons are now essential for access from Hithermoor Road and The Anchor pub)
A long-staying adult ROSE-COLOURED STARLING remains in Shapinsay village (Orkney)
A moulting adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER is with 335 European Golden Plovers on Bodmin Moor in fields near Dozmary Pool (Cornwall) whilst the long-staying juvenile EURASIAN SPOONBILL remains on the Hayle Estuary. A late RADDE'S WARBLER was still frequenting scrub alongside the coastal footpath at St Levan (Cornwall) as recently as yesterday.
A GREAT WHITE EGRET was at Lea Farm GP (Berks) this evening, whilst another was viewable from the Wash Viewpoint at Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincs) this morning with another in Aberdeenshire on the north bank of the River Dee, just downstream of the bridge in Crathes and a further roosting with 12 Little Egrets at Frampton-on-Severn Sailing Lake (Gloucs). Meanwhile, the near resident bird continues at Island Mere, Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) with other long-stayers at Denge Marsh, Dungeness RSPB (Kent) Two of the three CATTLE EGRETS remain at the 100 Acre Scrape at Frampton (Gloucs) with others at Dungeness RSPB (Kent) (in the sheep field close to the entrance) and at Landulph Marsh (Cornwall) (viewable from the Kingsmill Lake hide at Saltash).
Two first-winter GLOSSY IBIS remain at Dungeness RSPB (Kent) but mobile and elusive, with another three still surviving at Catcott Lows NR (Somerset).
With winter fast approaching, attention is now turning to wintering wildfowl with long-staying drake RING-NECKED DUCKS at Westport Lake (Staffs), Kirkby-on-Bain GP (Lincs) and Foxcote Reservoir, Buckingham (North Bucks), a drake AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL on North Scrape, Cley NWT (Norfolk)
, a drake AMERICAN WIGEON on Kirk Loch, Lochmaben (Dumfries & Galloway)
A TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE is amongst Eurasian White-fronted Geese at Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs), with a single white morph SNOW GOOSE with Pink-feet in Budle Bay (Northumberland) and up to 266 TAIGA BEAN GEESE opposite Luckenburn Farm near Slamannan (Clyde)..
The adult winter LESSER YELLOWLEGS is still consorting with Common Redshanks just downstream of the bridge at Aberlady Bay (Lothian)
The near-adult AZOREAN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL is still to be found at Didcot Landfill and adjoining fields and Wash Pool (Oxfordshire) whilst an extremely confiding juvenile SABINE'S GULL was present for over a week at North Shields Quay (Tyneside).
Two moulting adult GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS are at Carsington Water (Derbyshire), Grafham Water (Cambs) and Hollingworth Lake CP (Gtr Manchester) whilst meanwhile, a RED-THROATED DIVER remains in the NW corner of Chard Reservoir (Somerset). SLAVONIAN GREBES continue at Pennington Flash CP (Greater Manchester), Grafham Water (Cambs) and Castle Loch NR (D & G), with a first-winter RED-NECKED GREBE for its second day at Calvert BBOWT (Bucks) and 2 BLACK-NECKED GREBES on Staines Reservoirs (Surrey).
There has been a surprising influx of GREATER SCAUPS inland, including 7 on Brogborough Lake (Beds), a pair at Tongwell Lake (North Bucks) and immatures at Grafham Water (Cambs) and Wilstone Reservoir, Tring (Herts)
Two returning adult Black Brants are amongst 1,350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and at least 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese on The Fleet near Weymouth (Dorset), this same area also harbouring 70-120 Mediterranean Gulls, whilst nearby on Portland, Woodpigeon emigration continues to be impressive, several Firecrests are around and a YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER at Easton.
A NORTHERN GREY SHRIKE is in bushes by the landing strip near Feshiebridge (Speyside) at NH 856 032
In North Wales, the singing CETTI'S WARBLER is still present at Conwy RSPB (Conwy) whilst very large numbers of BLACK REDSTARTS are to be found throughout the country
A very late Curlew Sandpiper is at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) (where there were also a Red-breasted Merganser and an adult Kittiwake) whilst a number of Whooper Swans appeared inland today.
In IRELAND, impressive numbers of Black Redstarts remain from last weekend including up to 25 around Rosslare Harbour (County Wexford) whilst a blythi Lesser Whitethroat and a Siberian Chiffchaff remain on Sherkin Island (Co. Cork). A LONG-TAILED DUCK remains on Lady's Island Lake (Co. Wexford).
In East Kent, what now appears to be the first 'resident' FAN-TAILED WARBLER in Britain and perhaps the first coloniser can now be seen more regularly at Pegwell Bay Country Park, favouring the Salicornia and patches of reed and saltgrass east of the car park and hide. It shows very well on occasions and is still predominantly an 'early morning bird' disappearing into thick cover as each day progresses. It roams the area widely, ranging 250 yards either side of the hide. There is an obvious pay and display car park on the main coast road.
An OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT was discovered early afternoon at Flamborough Head (East Yorks) showing well intermittently in Old Fall Plantation, 450 yards south of the road and accessed along the Old Fall Hedgerow.
A typically elusive DUSKY WARBLER is present for its 5th day at Gunton Cliff, just north of Lowestoft (Suffolk), now favouring the Japanese Knotweed, bracken and Silver Birch scrub just north of Warrenhouse Wood. It is calling frequently but exceptionally difficult to view and occasionally wanders north for up to 400 yards along the heavily vegetated cliff bank. Park at The Links Road public car park on the Gunton Warren and walk north for 125 yards to view.
A further DUSKY WARBLER is on Shetland in Sandwick crop on Whalsay whilst a RED-RUMPED SWALLOW remains for a second day close to the chicken pens SSW of Gosford in Aberlady Bay (Lothian)
The first-winter BROWN SHRIKE is still present and showing very well in scrub just NW of the wooden footbridge on the north side of the river at Staines Moor (Middlesex) (please note that wellingtons are now essential for access from Hithermoor Road and The Anchor pub)
A long-staying adult ROSE-COLOURED STARLING remains in Shapinsay village (Orkney)
A moulting adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER is with 335 European Golden Plovers on Bodmin Moor in fields near Dozmary Pool (Cornwall) whilst the long-staying juvenile EURASIAN SPOONBILL remains on the Hayle Estuary. A late RADDE'S WARBLER was still frequenting scrub alongside the coastal footpath at St Levan (Cornwall) as recently as yesterday.
A GREAT WHITE EGRET was at Lea Farm GP (Berks) this evening, whilst another was viewable from the Wash Viewpoint at Frampton Marsh RSPB (Lincs) this morning with another in Aberdeenshire on the north bank of the River Dee, just downstream of the bridge in Crathes and a further roosting with 12 Little Egrets at Frampton-on-Severn Sailing Lake (Gloucs). Meanwhile, the near resident bird continues at Island Mere, Minsmere RSPB (Suffolk) with other long-stayers at Denge Marsh, Dungeness RSPB (Kent) Two of the three CATTLE EGRETS remain at the 100 Acre Scrape at Frampton (Gloucs) with others at Dungeness RSPB (Kent) (in the sheep field close to the entrance) and at Landulph Marsh (Cornwall) (viewable from the Kingsmill Lake hide at Saltash).
Two first-winter GLOSSY IBIS remain at Dungeness RSPB (Kent) but mobile and elusive, with another three still surviving at Catcott Lows NR (Somerset).
With winter fast approaching, attention is now turning to wintering wildfowl with long-staying drake RING-NECKED DUCKS at Westport Lake (Staffs), Kirkby-on-Bain GP (Lincs) and Foxcote Reservoir, Buckingham (North Bucks), a drake AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL on North Scrape, Cley NWT (Norfolk)
, a drake AMERICAN WIGEON on Kirk Loch, Lochmaben (Dumfries & Galloway)
A TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE is amongst Eurasian White-fronted Geese at Slimbridge WWT (Gloucs), with a single white morph SNOW GOOSE with Pink-feet in Budle Bay (Northumberland) and up to 266 TAIGA BEAN GEESE opposite Luckenburn Farm near Slamannan (Clyde)..
The adult winter LESSER YELLOWLEGS is still consorting with Common Redshanks just downstream of the bridge at Aberlady Bay (Lothian)
The near-adult AZOREAN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL is still to be found at Didcot Landfill and adjoining fields and Wash Pool (Oxfordshire) whilst an extremely confiding juvenile SABINE'S GULL was present for over a week at North Shields Quay (Tyneside).
Two moulting adult GREAT NORTHERN DIVERS are at Carsington Water (Derbyshire), Grafham Water (Cambs) and Hollingworth Lake CP (Gtr Manchester) whilst meanwhile, a RED-THROATED DIVER remains in the NW corner of Chard Reservoir (Somerset). SLAVONIAN GREBES continue at Pennington Flash CP (Greater Manchester), Grafham Water (Cambs) and Castle Loch NR (D & G), with a first-winter RED-NECKED GREBE for its second day at Calvert BBOWT (Bucks) and 2 BLACK-NECKED GREBES on Staines Reservoirs (Surrey).
There has been a surprising influx of GREATER SCAUPS inland, including 7 on Brogborough Lake (Beds), a pair at Tongwell Lake (North Bucks) and immatures at Grafham Water (Cambs) and Wilstone Reservoir, Tring (Herts)
Two returning adult Black Brants are amongst 1,350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and at least 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese on The Fleet near Weymouth (Dorset), this same area also harbouring 70-120 Mediterranean Gulls, whilst nearby on Portland, Woodpigeon emigration continues to be impressive, several Firecrests are around and a YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER at Easton.
A NORTHERN GREY SHRIKE is in bushes by the landing strip near Feshiebridge (Speyside) at NH 856 032
In North Wales, the singing CETTI'S WARBLER is still present at Conwy RSPB (Conwy) whilst very large numbers of BLACK REDSTARTS are to be found throughout the country
A very late Curlew Sandpiper is at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) (where there were also a Red-breasted Merganser and an adult Kittiwake) whilst a number of Whooper Swans appeared inland today.
In IRELAND, impressive numbers of Black Redstarts remain from last weekend including up to 25 around Rosslare Harbour (County Wexford) whilst a blythi Lesser Whitethroat and a Siberian Chiffchaff remain on Sherkin Island (Co. Cork). A LONG-TAILED DUCK remains on Lady's Island Lake (Co. Wexford).
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Another big day for WOODPIGEON emigration
Over 8,000 WOODPIGEONS departed to the south today as they headed out over the English Channel from Portland Bill (Dorset) this morning. Martin Cade was able to capture these really evocative images as they headed out over the Observatory and later the sea.
This annual migration between Scandinavia, the Baltic states and western Russia and warmer climes in southern France and Iberia continues for about 6 weeks in autumn, generally petering out by the second week of November.
A particularly bright first-winter GREENISH WARBLER
A bright, particularly yellow-toned GREENISH WARBLER present at Landguard Bird Observatory (Suffolk) in September 2009 - photographed in the hand when trapped by Scott Mayson and in the field by Sean Nixon.
The wing-bar was typically indistinct but there was noticeable yellow in the supercilium and lightly washed in the face. The underparts however were typically silvery-white (and not particularly dingy) and the upperparts cold greyish-olive. The supercilia met typically on the forehead and the thickness of the stripe remained constant throughout not flaring out behind the eye
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