Last-gasp year ticks!

A frozen Fowlmere held 19 Teals on the mere, a good count for Fowlmere! Later, a ring-tail Hen Harrier was found hunting in the fields south of the reserve; a year tick and a new bird for Fowlmere.

A visit to Shepreth L-moor produced a single Snipe before I continued to Amwell. Here were four Shelducks, a single Little Egret, and a female Red-crested Pochard, another year-tick.

Finally, just outside of Foxton village on the Fowlmere road, a Barn Owl was seen, the last bird of the year.

Ferry Meadows

Two Snipe were seen during a lunchtime break from work, as well as a large number (over three hundred?) of Tufted Duck.

Wicken Fen

A walk with the family late afternoon to try out Michelle’s and Sam’s new binoculars! Three Marsh Harriers, a Barn Owl, and a Woodcock were seen, as well as a Ross’s Goose (with Greylag Geese) and an obviously captive Trumpeter Swan.

Shepreth L-moor

Another couple of Snipe flushed whilst walking around Shepreth.

Fowlmere and Shepreth L-moor

Apart from a close views of a perched male Sparrowhawk, there was little of interest at Fowlmere. Shepreth produced between four and six flushed Snipes.

Fen Drayton

One Little Egret and around four-hundred Golden Plovers during a pre-dusk walk.

In the evening, the midnight mass Christmas Carols were heard from the church side of the garden whilst a Tawny Owl called from the other. As usual, it couldn’t be seen.

Ring-necked Parakeet

One Ring-necked Parakeet heard outside Loftus Road before the 3-2 win over Preston!

Fowlmere

Wet and windy. Very little seen during quick circuit of Fowlmere; just five Teals (four male.)

Rough-legged Buzzard

Not much action in the morning at Fowlmere (apart from very large numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare), so went off to Reed for the last hour of the day. The Rough-legged Buzzard hadn’t been seen for a few hours but performed really well the moment I arrived and continued to do so until dusk. Three Common Buzzards seen as well, making a nice comparison, especially when one of them saw off the Rough-legged.

Shepreth L-moor

Torrential rain all day. Had to get out so went to Shepreth with Sam where we flushed three Snipes.

Fowlmere, Shepreth L-moor, and Reed

Rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds early in the day predictably meant little was seen. Two female Teal at Fowlmere and the normal large numbers of Redwing at Shepreth. Towards dusk the sun came out and the wind died, and I had another try at Reed, but only four Buzzards were seen.

Fowlmere and Reed

Very quiet at a sunny but bitterly cold and windy Fowlmere. A Buzzard being the only notable bird. Several flocks of Long-tailed Tits and large numbers of Redwing also being present.

No sign of the Rough-legged Buzzard in what should have been ideal conditions (it was seen once in the morning.) At least six different Buzzards were seen (probably many more.)

Rough-legged Buzzard

A Rough-legged Buzzard was reported at Reed yesterday and despite the poor weather, it showed itself for short periods this afternoon.

Ring-necked Parakeets at Loftus Road

Whilst watching QPR lose at home to Burnley, a flock of Ring-necked Parakeets flew over the pitch!

Fowlmere

A Chiffchaff was calling and seen briefly, and seven Grey Partridges flew over the mere.

Fowlmere & Shepreth L-moor

A cold, blustery, early morning at Fowlmere with non of the recently reported birds been seen (Bittern, Bearded Tit, Hen Harrier.) Lots of Redwings, and a few sightings of Fieldfare, Skylark, and Bulfinch was about all to see, with pretty much the same later at Shepreth.

An odd sighting was a covey of eleven Red-legged Partridges walking along the road near Fowlmere village.

Foxton

Tom, Sam, and I caught this late Hornet in the house!

In the evening, around one hundred Starlings were gathering to roost.

Tree Sparrows

About sixty Tree Sparrows roosted at Orton Brick-pit near Peterborough this evening.

Waxwings at Shepreth L-moor

After giving up trying to brave the traffic to Peterborough for work, I went to a foggy Shepreth and spent a good hour there. Many thrushes as usual feeding on the numerous berries, and very interesting views of a young Wood Mouse (possibly Yellow-necked?) foraging. It was completely unperturbed by my presence, so much so that I was able to pick it up.

Ten Siskins flew over, plus (rather curiously) my first ever Sparrowhawk at Shepreth, a large female. I then heard a trilling call I was vaguely familiar with but could not put a name to. I walked towards it and noticed three Starlings fly over which at first I ignored. I then realised that they were actually Waxwings, the source of the call. The misty conditions didn't help, but I was able to note the generally pale colour compared to Starling, the smaller size, and the different flight pattern.

Shepreth L-moor

Ten Grey Partridges were the first at this site. Later headed to India.

Peregrine and Merlin

Good views of a Peregrine near Godmanchester on the A14 were seen early morning. At lunchtime, what sounded like a Tree Pipit flew over Ferry Meadows. Obviously too late. What was it? In the evening a Merlin was seen at Shepreth L-moor.

A few Common Darters were still on the wing at Ferry Meadows, and a Feathered Thorn was in the garden after dark.

Fowlmere and Shepreth L-moor

A strong south-westerly didn't help birding. Four each of Siskin and Golden Plover were seen, but the most surprising sight was a Red Admiral.

Fen Drayton

Lots of Wigeon and a Barn Owl this evening.

Fowlmere

A calling Tawny Owl was about it for Fowlmere this evening.

Raven

One probable (virtually certain) over Shepreth at 11:30. Two more Swallows over the garden and two Buzzards near Wimpole.

Local Migrants

Two Swallows over the garden may prove to be the last for this year. At Fowlmere, four Chiffchaffs were seen or heard.

Glossy Ibis

A Glossy Ibis flying in to roost with Cormorants at Fen Drayton at 6:02 was my 200th bird of the year. Also noted were about fifty Golden Plovers and thirteen Snipe as well as a Migrant Hawker.

Red-backed Shrike

First winter Red-backed Shrike on Therfield Heath. An appalling attempt was made at photographing it through my phone's camera; it may do for the rarities committee though.

Little Blue Heron

Ryan Air flight to Shannon then hire car to Letterfrack, County Galway, with Cris Freddi and John Murray. Nothing much on the way apart from Hooded Crows. Saw the Little Blue Heron as soon as we arrived, but very distant. Looking around the bay there were two Black Guillemots (one in winter plumage, the other transitionary) and four Red-breasted Mergansers. With the bird still far away we drove a short distance along the road to a suitable place to do some birding and get a celebratory pint at the local hotel (where John spent part of his honeymoon!) Nothing too exciting: Goldcrests, hibernicus Coal Tits, and a Treecreeper, as well as a Common Hawker.

We then managed closer views of the Heron before heading south to Shannon. A Raven was the only bird of note on the way, before stopping at Rahasane Turlough, where several American waders had been seen recently. Unfortunately non could be located (we were short of time), but we did see ten Greenland White-fronted Goose.

Fen Drayton

No sign of the Glossy Ibis at the roost, but I did arrive very late and only managed a single Little Egret flying in.

Therfield Heath and Shepreth L-moor

Wet and windy. No migrants at Therfield Heath apart from a single Chiffchaff with Long-tailed Tits. A pair of Buzzards were the only other noteworthy birds.

At Shepreth, the winter's first Redwings were seen (six or more.) At dusk, a party of four hirrundines included a juvenile House Martin along with the three Swallows (an adult and two juveniles.)

Mistle Thrushes

Working in the garden, so no time for birds, but a party of six calling Mistle Thrushes were noted flying over.

Fowlmere

On an autumnal evening: Tawny Owl, Siskins (14), and a Snipe.

Fowlmere

Two Snipe on a very cold evening.

Fowlmere

Twenty-five Siskins at a overcast and blustery Fowlmere. A Tawny Owl later flew across the road at Newton.

Fowlmere

A flock of around twenty-five Siskins was the highlight at a very windy Fowlmere. Earlier in the day, a female-type Marsh Harrier was seen near Fen Drayton whilst driving.

Norfolk

With a good fall of migrants on the north Norfolk coast, myself, Tom, Cris Freddi and John Murray set off early in thick fog, full of expectation. Unfortunately the day didn't live up to it's promise, with no new arrivals and poor views (if any) of some of the birds already there.

Starting at Holkham, myself and John had brief views of the Radde's Warlber that had turned up the day before, but the two people who needed it, Tom and Cris, failed to see it and we eventually gave up. An amazing number of Goldcrests were present (I probably saw over a hundred) but no Yellow-broweds could be found. We did manage good views of two Lesser Whitethroats (new for Tom) and a Garden Warbler, as well as a Hobby. Around five hundred Pink-footed Geese had also arrived.

Next we tried Walsey Hills for Barred and Yellow-browed Warblers, but neither were showing, so after quick views of Egyption Geese on the marshes we headed to West Runton for Blyth's Reed Warbler. However upon arriving we found out that it hadn't been seen since early morning and so we back-tracked to Weybourne. A long walk was needed, but we were rewarded with good views of the Lesser Grey Shrike that was present there.

On the walk back to the car we heard news that the Blyth's Reed Warbler had been relocated, so being a new bird for everyone apart from me, we headed back there. Again, both myself and John saw it (in my case very poorly) but Tom and Cris missed out again.

With time pressing on we headed back west, again stopping at Walsey Hills, were we had good views of a Yellow-browed Warbler. A quick look around Stiffkey produced little aprart from Little Egrets, and so with daylight running out we headed for Titchwell were a juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was seen.


Lesser Grey Shrike by Tom

Fowlemere and around

At Fowlemere:
Siskin x c.10
Snipe
Jay - flock of six birds flying extremely high south-west. Local movement?

Shepreth (village):
Common Buzzard x 3 together with large, presumably female, Sparrowhawk.

Garden:
Willow Warber? Probable, but could have been a Chiffchaff.
Common Buzzard x 4

Mipit

One Meadow Pipit over the garden whilst scanning for HBs filled an embarrassing gap in the garden list. Also three Common Buzzards.

Ouse Fen

On a sunny evening:

Whinchat
Snipe x 25+
Little Ringed Plover x 2
Marsh Harrier - female type.

Hobby

One Hobby at Ferry Meadows around midday. Later, Shepreth L-moor, was completely devoid of any migrants barring six Swallows.

Fen Drayton

An evening stroll around Fen Drayton produced the following:

Common Sandpiper
Pintail x 3
Starling - roost of about 2000.
Black Squirrel x 2, possibly same one.
Red Fox - two together, looked like could be siblings.

Kingfisher

A Kingfisher flew low over the A1(M) just south of Peterborough, avoiding all the speeding traffic and landed safely in bushes on the south-bound side of the carriageway!

Later at Ferry Meadows, a Marsh Tit was seen.

Honey Buzzard

Whilst driving Sam to football at Baldock, a Honey Buzzard was seen flying low eastwards, parallel with the A10. Fortunately there was a parking place and I was able to watch the bird as it turned south-eastwards and flew in to Hertfordshire.

Later in the garden I did a couple of hours sky-watching hoping for more, as there was something of an invasion in to East Anglia. Apart from a promising looking individual that was always drifting away, I failed, but did manage to get six Common Buzzards (may have been the same two individuals), a female Sparrowhawk, and a Hobby.

Ouse Washes and Fen

Headed with Tom to the Ouse washes, partly in hope of seeing one of the huge number of Honey Buzzards coming inland off the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts. Despite seemingly favourable raptor watching conditions, the best we could manage was a distant Buzzard sp. (only two Honeys were reported in Cambridge all day) and a couple of juvenile Marsh Harriers. The water level was very high, and no good for any waders we were hoping to see, seeing instead several hundred Wigeon. There were however huge numbers of dragonflys (mainly Common Darter, Southern Hawker, and a few Brown Hawkers) and Butterflies (massive numbers of Green-veined White and good numbers of Small Tortoishell and Large White, plus a few Red Admirals.)

We moved south a bit to Ouse Fen and saw a couple of Little Egrets, three Green Sandpipers, four each of Little Ringed Plovers and Ringed Plovers.

Hobby and Redstart

Another drive-by Hobby, this one over Grantchester.

Later in the day, found a female-type Redstart at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough.

Hobby

A single Hobby seen whilst driving between Wimpole and Longstowe was more than I could find at Fowlmere after the drive!

Black Terns

Five Black Terns (three adults and two juveniles) at Ferry Meadows Peterborough. Quiet between downpours later at Fowlmere, with a Swift being the only notable bird.

Fowlmere

A walk around a misty Fowlmere with the boys. Not too much to be seen: A family party of Willow Warblers being fed, a Kingfisher, a Swift, and a Hobby.

Fowlmere

A Hobby and a Shoveler was about all I could muster on a quiet stroll.

Baird's

Baird's Sandpiper by Tom

A juvenile Baird's Sandpiper (third day) was at the pumphouse pit, Paxton. Tom did the sketching as usual.

A Spotted Flycatcher was also noted as well as eleven Little Egrets.

Fowlmere

A walk with Tom at lunchtime in unusual conditions: Sunshine. Not much to see, but twelve species of dragonfly and a freshly killed Stoat.

Upon leaving we witnessed the most amazing cyclone / dust devil that uplifted a large amount of straw several hundred feet in to the air.

Privet Hawk-moth

A very impressive Privet Hawk-moth caterpillar was found during a lunchtime walk near Ferry Meadows, Peterborough.

Breeding Garden Birds

Haven't seen the Swifts for a while, and assuming they've all left. Disappointingly, they didn't bread this year. Will miss the screaming parties over the garden, particularly as there hasn't been much chance this summer to sit outside and listen to them (yet another day of heavy rain today.)

Birds that did attempt breeding actaully in the garden were:
Wood Pigeon - still nesting.
Collared Dove - still nesting somewhere close, but not in garden; previous brood or broods failed?
Dunnock - second brood; first brood probably failed.
Robin - feeding young earlier in year, but no juveniles seen.
Blackbird - fledged.
Blue Tit - no breeding this year (though pair very interested in nestbox at one point); family party visitng feeders regularly.
Great Tit - pair abandoned nest; family party ofen seen on feeders.
House Sparrow - nesting attempt made, but probably aborted.
Chaffinch - there is an obvious resident pair, but cannot find the nest, possibly outside the garden.

Cley Sea-watch

With strong westerly winds and squally showers, myself and Tom decided on a spur of the moment sea-watch at Cley. Dropping Michelle and Sam of at Holt, we arrived in the rain at 2:30pm, and watched for four hours. The first two hours were extremely dull, with no birds of any note at all. It then livened up a bit and we finished the day with the following total of birds actually over or off the sea: Red-throated Diver - two summer plumaged birds (possibly same individual) close offshore. Gannet - many. Common Scoter? - a flock of seven ducks west. Cormorant - many. Oystercatcher - many. Grey Plover - one west. Knot x c.18. Bar-tailed Godwit x 12 Whimbrel. Curlew/Whimbrel x 2 Redshank x 12 Greenshank x 4 west. Turnstone - many. Arctic Skua x 8 (5 dark, 3 pale), including one pale bird swimming close offshore. Pomarine Skua x 2 (dark), one close in west, the other east. Kittiwake - west. Black-headed Gull - many. Common Gull x 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull - many. Herring Gull - many. Greater Black-backed Gull - many. Common Tern - many. Sandwich Tern - many. Gull-billed Tern? - a very good candidate flew west at c.5pm! Guillemot - 35 (plus several unidentified Auks.) Feral Pigeon x 2 together, inland, from way off shore! Swift x 2 Swallow x 8 Pied Wagtail x 2 Common Seal

Fen Drayton

A single Little Egret was seen on a rather quiet late afternoon visit.

Ferry Meadows

A Wood Warbler was reported within easy walking distance of where I was walking. Unfortunately, by the time I got there it was no longer around. A few Willow Warblers and a stoat were seen whilst searching.

Brugge

In Brugge for a completely non-birding weekend. An amazing twenty-one birds were seen, including several Shags seen in canals in the heart of the city near my favourite bar, plus a male Black Redstart.

St. David's Head

After lunch in Solva, we decided to follow a walk around St David's Head. However, the heat of the afternoon sun proved too much so we instead decided upon a walk to the headland followed by a spot of sea-watching.

The usual seabirds were seen, including several Manx Shearwaters (a tick for Tom.) We also saw a Whimbrel go past south, as well as two small flocks of Common Scoter. On land we saw six Choughs plus several Ravens, as well as a Painted Lady and Greyling butterflies.

Skomer

Sitting eating breakfast in a rather gloomy Pembroke Dock, whilst the rain poured outside, we were wondering whether we should make the trip to Skomer as planned. In the end we decided to drive to Martin's Haven and see what the weather was like when we arrived. Fortunately it had stopped, so we took a chance and saw two Chough from the boat before we had left.



It wasn't long into the crossing before we saw our first auks: Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills, as well as Kittiwakes, Gannets and Fulmars. We were also fortunate to have close views of a Harbour Porpoise and Grey Seal.

After a brief shower, the rain cleared and was sunny for the rest of the time on the island. We took a walk into the centre by the farm before heading south to where most of the sea-bird colonies are. Common Lizard was seen roosting in the sun by the small bird hide.


After some photography we took a circular walk around the rest of the island, stopping for a short sea-watch on the north side where we saw little apart from several more Harbour Porpoises and Grey Seals.

Making the boat by only a few minutes, we all had a fine day. Our island list for the day also included Peregrine, Raven, Jackdaw, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Stonechat, Sedge Warbler (heard), Whitethroat, Wren, Shoveller, Greater Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, and Common Gull.

Amwell and Fowlmere

A quick visit to Amwell produced two Oystercatchers and two Hobbies. Later in the day, a Shoveler (eclipse male) and Sand Martin were seen in an equally brief visit to Fowlmere.

Goshawk?

What was I'm sure a female Goshawk flew over the A1, south of Peterborough. It was flying west, possibly out of Monks Wood (where they apparently breed.) Not an easy species to positively claim whilst driving!

Fen Drayton

A quick walk after working in Peterborough produced a tatty male Marsh Harrier as well as a much cleaner female. Also, a female-type Crossbill.

Sandon

Another look for Quail with Tom on a perfect night for them ended in failure.

Garden

A weekend of hard work in the garden, with no time for birding. However, found the Collard Doves' nest as well as confirming House Sparrows are breeding. Also Blackbirds and Dunnocks may well be breeding in the same hedge.

Fowlmere

Although sunny, an extremely windy day (from the west.) Not much seen apart from spectacularly close views of a young Hobby hawking over the mere.

Prior to that, Fowlmere Road's Stoat (or Weasel?) was again seen.

Stoat?

A Stoat (or Weasel?) ran across Fowlmere road.

Yellow-necked Mouse

A young Yellow-necked Mouse caught in the shed.

Buzzards

Two Buzzards near Cambridge from A14.

Fowlmere and Lakenheath

Awoke early so went to Fowlmere. Nothing too exciting, just a perched Buzzard.

Late afternoon myself and the kids joined a Fowlmere Bufinches expedition to Lakenheath. A good turn-out with two minibuses and several cars.

Initially we split in to two groups and walked in opposite directions around the reserve. Highlights during were Bearded Tit (male), Grasshopper Warbler (good views) and two Barn Owls, along with several Marsh Harriers. Unfortunately no Golden Orioles were seen (or heard) and the other group also managed a flyover Crane!

Although for the most part sunny, we were caught in a heavy shower towards the end of the day and things did not look good as we drove through heavy rain towards our planned Nightjar ringing session nearby, just north of Santon Downham. Fortunately the rain stopped and we had good views of several birds at dusk as well as two Woodcocks. With the nets set up, a male Whitethroat was caught shortly before nightfall, and just prior to the rain starting again, we were fortunate to catch a single male Nightjar.


Reed Buntings by Tom

Red Kite

A Red Kite near Grantchester brings this weeks A14-M11 raptor driving total to six species including the Saker-type escape!

Marsh Harrier

Female-type Marsh Harrier seen near Fen Drayton whilst driving.

Yellow-necked Mouse and Buzzard

A Yellow-necked Mouse was trapped in the shed. Whilst examining it, Tom let it free in the house where it spent most of the day!

Single Buzzard near Godmanchester.

Falcon

A large, pale, Saker like Falcon, with jesses. Seen whilst driving on A14 near Fen Drayton early evening.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Buff-breasted Sandpiper near to place of work at Maxey gravel pits. Unfortunately a bit distant and in not great light. Also present, a pair of Avocets, a pair of Little-ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover, a pair of Redshank, several breeding Lapwings with chicks, plus a number of breeding Common Terns and (possibly breeding?) Black-headed Gulls.

Icterine Warbler

Icterine Warbler at Wilstone. New bird for Herts for me, and a lifer for Tom. Also Red Kite there, and two Buzzards at Puckeridge, plus one near Royston.

Swift and Thrush Nightingale

The day started with a Swift found by Tom, in his bedroom! It must have entered through a hole in the thatch, and then flown through the loft entrance which was left open for work being done. A bit stunned by flying in to a window, we put it on a branch, from which it flew after a few minutes or so. It quickly met up with what we assume was its mate.

Despite waiting for some time in terrible weather, myself and Tom had good, but very brief views of a Thrush Nightingale at Dunwich. The bird was only for a few seconds once the rain had eventually stopped, but my best ever view of one, and a new bird for Tom.

After a drink and cake whilst watching the Sand Martins in better weather at Minsmere, we had a quick look in the North hide where we saw a couple of female type Marsh Harriers and a moulting adult Mediterranean Gull. Leaving the hide, a Nightingale was singing, and Tom managed to get a view of this also.

On the way home, a Marsh Harrier was a surprise find seen near Duxford.

Buzzards

Two Buzzards at junction of A14 and M11 on way home from Peterborough.

Red Kite

Red Kite circled over the garden for about 7-8 minutes. Seen whilst enjoying a relaxing post-work beer in the sun just before 6:30.

Also two Buzzards from the A14 whilst returning from Peterborough.

Garden Moths

Overcast with some rain over night:

Poplar Hawkmoth x 2
Brimstone
Heart and Dart x 4
Marbled Minor x 5
Nutmeg
Common Swift x 2
Treble Lines x 2
Beautiful Brocade
Common Marbled Carpet
Garden Carpet

Also found a young Magpie in the garden which unfortunately died, despite Tom's best attempts.

Amwell

In the drizzle, but from the new hides:

Ringed Plover x 3.
Redshank
Cetti's Warbler x 3 (heard.)
Lapwing - 3 pairs of adults with young.

Chaffinch

Had to rescue a male Chaffinch that had flown in to a window inside the main hide at Fowlmere. It was stunned for about ten minutes before it eventually flew off.

Little else of note, just a single Sand Martin amongst the House Martins, Swallows, and Swifts.

Lake District (Day 3)

Not much birding today but finished at Haweswater. No Golden Eagles, just Ravens and spectacular views.

Lake District (Day 2)

A morning family walk (again in good weather), around Latterbarrow, Witherslack. Several Buzzards were seen as well as Northern Marsh Orchid and Early Purple Orchid.

In the afternoon we drove north to Thirlmere looking for Red Squirrels. None were found (indeed not much was) apart from a Spotted Flycatcher and a probable Merlin.

Tawny Owls were calling in our Hawkshead garden at dusk, but couldn't be seen.

Lake District (Day 1)

Annual family visit to lake district, started in the morning sun at Brother's Water where Tom found a male Pied Flycatcher (a tick for him!) Shortly afterwards he had another (again self-found) tick with several short views of Dipper. We then did well for raptors on the drive to our accommodation in Hawkshead, seeing several Buzzards, a Merlin (Tom missed it as usual) and a Peregrine.

In the afternoon we went for a walk around Claife Heights and Latterbarrow, where we managed to see a Spotted Flycatcher and three Ravens.

Fowlmere

Warm but with patchy cloud in a quick afternoon visit produced two Hobbies and a few Blue-tailed Damselflies.

Fowlmere

A sunny afternoon visit:

Hobby x 3.
Little Grebe - pair plus three young.
Turtle Dove (heard)
Gadwall - pair (male in eclipse.)
Buzzard
Banded Demoiselle
Four-spotted Chaser
Azure Damselfly

Fowlmere and Garden

Yesterday's "Wood Mouse" actually turned out to be a Yellow-necked Mouse. Not much at Fowlmere: Kingfisher (first for some time; breeding?), Hobby, and Turtle Dove (heard).

Great Reed Warbler

Great Reed Warbler! An Amwell mega. Singing and showing surprisingly well.

Also two Hobbies and a Little Ringed Plover. Later found a mouse (probably Wood Mouse) in the garden, but it escaped before it proper identification.

New Forest (Day 3)

Crockford Bridge:
Buzzard - many.
Smooth Newt - several.
Dartford Warbler - pair.
Curlew
Heath Spotted Orchid

Beaulieu Road Railway Station:
Slow Worm
Buzzard - many.
Hobby
Raven

Then to Wembley to watch Cambridge loose to Exeter in the play-off final!

New Forest (Day 2)

Bolderwood:
Redstart x 2 male.
Garden Warbler x 4
Firecrest - male.
Nuthatch
Crossbill x 2 female type.
Sika, Fallow, Roe, and Red Deer.



Acres Down:
Goshawk x 2
Buzzard - several.
Tree Pipit - several.
Woodlark x 4
Stonechat - several.
Redstart - male.

Thorns Beach:
Green-winged Orchid - several hundred



Beaulieu:
Black-tailed Godwit x c.20

Then back to Brockenhurst and Hollands Wood to watch the cup final, play football and cricket, and have a barbeque!

One Common Pipistrelle confirmed using a bat detector.

New Forest (Day 1)

Drove to our camp site at Hollands Wood, seeing a few Buzzards on the way. Met up with the other Fowlmere Bullfinches and set up the camp. Tawny and Little Owls were calling overnight.

Red-footed Falcon

A wet Fowlmere first thing produced nothing of note at all. Much better later in the day however with a first year female Red-footed Falcon at Fisher's Green. Unfortunately in the three and a half hours that I watched it, it failed to venture the few yards needed to make it on the Hertfordshire list, but a good time all the same as it flew around with at least seven Hobbies. A Black Tern was an additional bonus.

Fowlmere

Despite the drop in temperature, and quite a breeze, the first Hairy Dragonfly of the year was seen at Fowlmere.

Little Paxton

Went to Little Paxton with Sam after he played in a football tournament at nearby St. Neotts. Three Nightingales were heard and one bird was extremely showy, singing in the open. The other highlight was a Red Kite circling in a hot midday thermal. A Hobby and three Buzzards were also seen.

Fowlmere

An hour in the sun at Fowlmere produced three year ticks: Hobby, Shoveler, and Turtle Dove.

Shepreth L-moor

Two Turtle Doves in a quick walk around Shepreth L-moor, followed by a Hobby over the garden (apparently chasing Swifts a few moments earlier.)

Fowlmere

Another very hot day:

Lesser Whitethroat
Gadwall - two male already in eclipse.
Large Red Damselfly
Green-veined White

Yellow Wagtails

Four Yellow Wagtails noted near Grantchester whilst on bike-ride from Cambridge to home.

Dotterels

Starting off early at Fowlmere where I had very frustrating views of what I was sure seemed to be a streaked locustella Warbler. It walked off in to the undergrowth, and after fifteen minutes, I knew I wouldn't see it again.

Then drove around north Herts. and southern Cambridgeshire in a fruitless search for Dotterel, only managing to find a Yellow Wagtail and a Buzzard, plus a few Whitethroats.

We gave up near Ashwell as just over the border in Beds. a dark morph Montagu's Harrier that had been there all morning was confirmed as such. Our frustration increased when we missed it by a few minutes by not being able to find Broom gravel pits in time.

Giving up birding for the day we headed to Peterborough for some family 'stuff', but did manage to see a female Marsh Harrier on Flag Fen. Indeed, all was not lost as a male and female Dotterel had been found near Therfield Heath, so after dropping off Michelle and Sam, we saw what was to be a new bird for Tom.

Fowlmere and Shepreth L-moor

Only noteworthy sightings were a Buzzard at Fowlmere and the year's first Large White at Shepreth.

Marsh Harrier

Nothing much at Fowlmere, but on returning home, a Marsh Harrier flew over the garden. Light was poor but I think it was a male, though possibly not the Fowlmere bird (though this is the most likely) as it appeared generally more 'tatty'.

Fowlmere

Sunshine and heavy showers:

Marsh Harrier - female (plus one unidentified sighting.)
Lesser Whitethroat - three.
Yellow Wagtail - one over, plus another two unidentified Wagtails with it.
Common Whitethroat

Amwell

A visit to a sunny Amwell with the whole family:

Ruddy Duck - male.
Swift x c.20
Redshank - pair.
Cetti's Warbler x2 (heard only.)
Ringed Plover x 4
Common Tern x 6
Hobby
Common Sandpiper
Shelduck

Fowlmere

Several Reed Warblers were heard and seen at Fowlmere having presumably arrived over the last few days.

Fowlmere and Shepreth L-moor

The morning drizzle looked promising for migrants, but produced little apart from a small fall of Sedge Warblers. When the drizzle turned to heavy rain I gave up. Brightened up in the evening, so took a walk around Fowlmere with Tom, but with no more luck.

House Martin

No new species migrants at Fowlmere, but plenty more Sedge Warblers in. The first House Martin flew over the garden, and we caught the large (25 gramme) Bank Vole again.

Red Kite, Redstart, and Marsh Harrier

I didn't see the bird of the day: Red Kite over fields behind Foxton school, seen by Tom. We both saw the male Redstart, still at Shepreth L-moor, and on the way home Fowlmere's male Marsh Harrier hunting between Foxton and Fowlmere.

A male Orange Tip was seen in the garden.

Green-winged Teal

Passed near by Eyebrook Reservoir on the way home from Rutland Water (rock climbing and cycling) so called in for a quick look at the male Green-winged Teal.

A different Bank Vole caught: 19 grammes.

Lesser Yellowlegs and Redstart

A Lesser Yellowlegs was at Earith, so I went along for a look with Tom, who made an excellent sketch.


Lesser Yellowlegs by Tom

I then went on my own to a blustery Therfield Heath looking for migrants, but with no luck I gave up when the rain started.

Driving home, the rain stopped and so I had a look around Shepreth L-moor. Here there were eighty-nine Golden Plovers in summer plumage, plus a Treecreeper (first I've seen here), but best of all, a splendid male Redstart.

Another Bank Vole caught, a large one weighing 25 grammes.

Fowlmere

A quick lunchtime stroll produced little in windy conditions. Nothing new, though perhaps a small fall of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers overnight.

Fowlmere and Merlin

A morning visit produced a Buzzard, the Marsh Harrier pair nest building, over forty Fieldfares, and a heard-only Sedge Warbler.

Early evening, a (or the) female-type Merlin was seen between Newton, Thriplow, and Foxton.

Fowlmere and Shepreth L-moor

A Peregrine at Fowlmere was the obvious highlight of a lunchtime visit. Later in the day, sixteen Golden Plovers (some at least in summer plumage) flew over Shepreth.

Bank Vole, Fowlmere, and Whimbrel

A (or most likely, the) Bank Vole was caught and weighed at 25 grams.

A morning walk around Fowlmere produced a Redpoll, a Grey Heron, and a Cuckoo (heard only.)

Then down to Tyttenhanger, where a Whimbrel had settled.

Bank Vole and Fowlmere

Caught the Bank Vole again. Looked like the same individual, so decided to weigh it: 25 grams.

A reasonable hour or so was spent at Fowlmere with Tom before the rain moved in for the day:
Marsh Harrier - the female seen first, followed by the male.
Green Sandpiper.
Buzzard.
Fox.

Bank Vole, Shepreth L-moor, and Therfield Heath

Put the mammal trap in the outhouse to see what was eating the pet food. Caught a Bank Vole.

Lots of activity at Shepreth Heath, but nothing too exciting. A small flock of Fieldfares was the first for several days. A fox was also seen.

Similar at Therfield Heath. No Wheatears or Ring Ouzels, just a few more Fieldfares passing through.

Fowlmere and around

Another fine morning, though with a chilly westerly wind. A good morning at Fowlmere:

Willow Warbler - same date as last year.
Marsh Harrier - almost certainly the returning male; quartered reed bed and landed in area around last year's nest site. Later mobbed by...
Common Buzzard - an interesting bird. Very pale underneath and pale brown upper parts with sandy-red tail. Also seemed to be large and more robust than most. In south-eastern Europe I would have definitely called it Long-legged.
Sand Martin - three over north-west.
Fox

Then, took a drive around locally, looking for Tree Sparrows. None found but excellent, close views of a female-type Merlin between Foxton and Newton.

Early evening, during a quick walk around Fowlmere, the Marsh Harrier could be seen hunting over the airfield.

Fowlmere

A fine morning, full of expectation but little promise. Just the first butterfly of the year for Fowlmere: A Peacock.

Therfield Heath, Thriplow, and Fowlmere

Sunny but cold. Covered a good part of Therfield Heath looking for migrant Wheatears and Ring Ouzels, but found little apart from a Peacock butterfly and three Willow Warblers.

At dusk, a distant falcon was seen whilst driving between Newton and Foxton; probably a female-type Merlin.

More luck than earlier in the day at Fowlmere where there were superb views of Barn Owl followed by Long-eared Owl and then a heard-only Tawny Owl. A Pipistrelle bat was also seen.

Fowlmere

A sunny but cold evening (light snow during the day) at Fowlmere. Two Grey Partridges were the only birds of note, with the cold northerlies continuing to keep the migrants away.

Redwing and Fieldfare were noticeable by their absence.

Fowlmere

A light sprinkling of snow and cold northerlies meant nothing new at Fowlmere apart from a few extra Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.

Fowlmere and Garden

A very quick afternoon stroll around a cloudy Fowlmere where the year's first Swallow was seen. Meanwhile in the garden, it seems we have nesting Great Tits, House Sparrows, Starlings, and Robins, with Blue Tits checking out a nestbox as well as Blackbirds and Chaffinches close by (if not somewhere in the garden.)

Fowlmere

A late afternoon stroll produced six fly-over Golden Plovers and two Blackcaps.

Fowlmere

Went to Fowlmere with Tom in the afternoon where he did some photography with very pleasing results:


Greylag Goose by Tom


Little Grebe by Tom

Spring?

Again no birding, but another butterfly in the garden: Tortoiseshell.

Spring?

No birding as too busy in the garden, but a fine sunny day produced the first butterfly since February 10th, a Brimstone again.

Firecrest

Arriving at a sunny but breezy Fowlmere early morning, I was informed of a Firecrest singing by the east gate. A superb male was soon located, afterwhich I quickly went home to fetch the children so they could see before Sam's football match. The children managed to get good views, despite a singing Goldcrest causing some slight confusion.


Firecrest by Tom

Fowlmere

A late afternoon walk around Fowlmere. The morning's continuous light rain had changed to dry periods with heavy downpours. A probable, non-calling, flyover, Redpoll didn't quite make the year-list, but three singing Redwing and two Brambling were seen.

Fowlmere and Shepreth L-moor

Awoke early and, as the overnight rain had stopped, was at Fowlmere before seven. Not a lot of change from yesterday apart from six Teal and the arrival of several more Chiffchaffs.

An evening stroll in the sun around a waterlogged Shepreth produced little apart from a few singing Yellowhammers.

Fowlmere

The rain eventually stopped for a few hours in the afternoon so I took a stroll around Fowlmere where a Peregrine went over the carpark, and the year's first Chiffchaff was seen.

Fowlmere

An afternoon walk around Fowlmere produced a Redwing in full song, large flocks of Fieldfare, a distant Buzzard, and eighty-seven Golden Plover.

Fowlmere

The male Long-eared Owl was displaying nicely to the calling (but not seen) female on a calm, but cold, evening.

Golden Plovers

Heavy snow in the morning led to snowball fights and a snowman being built in the garden, where five Golden Plover flew over. A larger flock were the only birds of note later at Fowlmere.

Minsmere

With heavy showers and strong swirling winds, I returned to Minsmere (primarily as it has hides to shelter from the weather.) Pretty much the same as yesterday, but without the Spotted Redshank, although four adult Mediterranean Gulls and a male Wheatear were seen.

Minsmere

At the parents for a couple of days, so with father and the two boys, visited Minsmere for a couple of hours in the afternoon. We parked at Dunwich cliffs and walked to the reserve in gale-force winds and just before arriving at the west hide got soaked in a torrential downpour. Cold and wet, we didn't see a great deal: A Spotted Redshank, a couple of Ruff, and three Marsh Harriers.


Black-headed Gulls and Avocet by Tom

Spring?

Having spent two very long days, as well as the morning in front of computer screens, I needed to get out. However, despite being the first day of spring, the weather was awful, with continuous rain and strong swirling winds. Nothing of note was seen at Fowlmere in a one hour walk.

Shepreth L-moor and Goldcrest

A quick walk around Shepreth produced a single Snipe. Later, a flyover Goldcrest was a new bird for the garden list.

Therfield Heath and Fowlmere

After eighteen hours of solid rain I ventured to a very blustery Therefield Heath in search of early Wheaters. The strong winds and drizzle made it very difficult, and hardly a bird was seen apart from a couple of pairs of territorial Lapwings. About twenty early Pasque Flowers were out.

Fowlmere in the wind produced nothing of note.

Shepreth L-moor and Fowlmere

A short walk around Shepreth produced a single Snipe.

An late afternoon walk around Fowlmere just before the rain started produced a fly-over flock of around two-hundred Golden Plover, but rather annoyingly, a non-calling fly-over lark that may well have been Woodlark: Very short-tailed, and seemingly lacking a white trailing edge, but unfortunately the brief views were not conclusive.

Fowlmere

A calm, sunny day, but a morning visit to Fowlmere produced much the same (not very much!) as yesterday. A return visit just before dark yielded good views of the Long-eared Owl pair as they performed their wing-clapping display.

Three Pipistrelle Bats were the first of the year.

Fowlmere

With the wind subsided, a morning visit was made to Fowlmere. Not a lot seen: Teal pair, Gadwall pair, and a Yellowhammer.

Fowlmere

After the second wave of battering winds (tiles of the shed roof and temporary greenhouse blown down), I took an evening stroll around Fowlmere. The winds had rescinded slightly, but unsurprisingly, not a lot was seen. Two Barn Owls were the highlight, one hunting around a paddock and one by the churchyard, both before I reached the reserve.

Fowlmere

Decided to brave the gales and rain for a short evening stroll around Fowlmere. Worth it: One Long-eared Owl left its roost at about 6:10 and a Woodcock was seen shortly after.

Fowlemere

A pair of Long-eared Owls plus a possible additional male were the obvious highlight at Fowlmere this evening. Tipped off about them at lunchtime, one male was seen very closely from the Spring hide at dusk. Much calling and some flight views of it or possibly another male (there seemed to be two calling) were seen over the next half an hour before it got too dark to see. A female was heard as we left the hide.

Tom also had a good claim of an Otter (although Mink are also present.) In addition a White Hart was seen amongst the Fallow Deer!

Fowlmere

A cold walk around Fowlmere at dusk. Little seen, just a Snipe heard. The Barn Owl didn't show, but, whilst on the way home, presumably the bird was seen sitting on a hedge by the edge of Shepreth Road.

Fen Drayton

Working nearby for a couple of days, I decided to visit Fen Drayton after work. The day had been sunny, although with a very cold northerly wind. Approaching the pits however, the skies rapidly darkened and soon afterwards I was walking in sleety rain. Viewing was difficult, and little was seen apart from a couple of flyover Little Egrets.

Ring-necked Parakeet

Working in Richmond today (very near Kew Gardens), and heard Ring-necked Parakeets go over. No surprise really I guess.

Sand Martin

Went to Amwell with Tom and Sam where a very early Sand Martin was spending its second day. Also seen were two Shelducks and four Buzzards (a further seven were seen on the journey home just north of Ware.)

A Barn Owl was seen on a short dusk visit to Fowlmere.

Red-necked Grebe

Tom and I went to see the wintering Red-necked Grebe at Buckden gravel pits. Found fairly easily, but views were distant.


Red-necked Grebe by Tom

Ring-necked Parakeets

Six Ring-necked Parakeets - probably flying to roost - seen whilst walking to the pub after QPR's disappointing 1-1 home draw with Sheffield Utd.

Red-legged Partridge and Buzzard

During a quick lunchtime walk in the sun around the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge, I was very surprised to find a confused looking Red-legged Partridge scurrying in all directions away from the tourists and strolling office workers.

More usual was a Buzzard perched just west of the M11 between Hauxton and Little Shelford, seen from the train on the way home.

Wicken Fen

Went to Wicken Fen with Tom and Sam to see the wintering Great Grey Shrike. I wasn't overly optimistic given that it ranges widely and Wicken Fen has a huge area of great looking habitat for a shrike to spend its time. However, find it we did, although it was somewhat distant.



Before this we found a fly-over Whooper Swan and a male Pintail, as well as a couple of Marsh Harriers. On the way back around our chosen route, we had good views of two Cetti's Warblers, out of a total of five birds heard.



On the drive home, just south of Upware, we stumbled upon two Short-eared Owls. We watched these for half an hour as they gave exceptionally close views whilst they tangled with each other and a nearby Kestrel.





Short-eared Owls by Tom