Hayley Wood

Spent the last couple of hours of the day after the rain cleared at Hayley Wood. Primarily went for a couple of last gap year ticks: Marsh Tit, Tawny Owl (not yet seen), and Woodcock. The other reason for going was to look for Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. Don't know if they've been seen here in recent years, but the wood looks perfect for them.

The first year tick (the Tit) was fairly simple. With regards to the Owl, there were several calling (over five). Some close (I must have been under the tree at one point). But couldn't see any. Gave up when it was getting properly dark as I didn't have a decent torch on me. At least I got a couple of flyover Woodcocks (the third target) whilst waiting. No sign of the Lesser 'peckers of course (though Great-spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker were both heard).

Hayley Wood
27 December 2015 14:24 - 16:59
Light rain after much earlier rain 13C 11SW
Greylag Goose (heard), Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Tawny Owl (heard), Woodcock, Green Woodpecker (heard), Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch (heard), Treecreeper, Wren, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Robin (heard), Chaffinch, Grey Squirrel, Muntjac

Christmas Day Little Egret

Took my usual quick Christmas day walk.This year in the rain. Very quiet with the only bird actually on the Mere being a Little Egret. Amazing to think that a few years ago (well, probably best part of a quater of a century) I actually twitched my first ones.

Fowlmere
25 December 2015 12:11 - 13:08
Rain 13C 12SSE
Pheasant (heard), Little Egret, Water Rail (heard), Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Green Woodpecker, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Wren (heard), Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin (heard), Bullfinch, Reed Bunting

Starlings

Went for a walk with Michelle to Thriplow to watch the Starling roost that I'd noted very distantly three nights ago from Fowlmere Road (also watched a couple of nights ago with Michelle from the same spot). Unfortunately the size had dropped by about half since the last viewing but still nice in front of the full moon. Shame I didn't take a decent camera with me.

Tundra Bean Goose

An excellent afternoon at Fen Drayton. Lots of ducks on Drayton Lagoon and scanning through them I found a couple of male Red-crested Pochards, a bird I've not seen for a couple of years. I then carried on around to Moore Lake where upon entering the hide I was told that a Slavonian Grebe was present as well as several Smew (including a drake). All good and after watching them I left the hide at 3pm to quickly get around to the Gull roost on Ferry Lagoon.

I decided to take the north route and walk along the river (to make my journey for the afternoon circular) and spotting a flock of Greylags in the field west of Drayton Lagoon I was in two minds whether to scan through them or not as I was short of time as the sun was going down fast. But lifting my bins to give a cursory look I was amazed to see what I immediately recognized as a Tundra Been Goose! Although it was loosely associated with the Greylags it was on the edge of the flock and not properly mingling. It was also in long grass and I needed to see the feet to determine it wasn't Pink-footed. Eventually I saw the legs and they were orange, so confirming my initial identification.

After watching for twenty minutes or so, I rushed around to the Gull roost where I found a Caspian Gull and two Yellow-legged Gulls (all adults).

The day was also notable for the lack of passerines. In particular, I didn't actually see a Thrush all afternoon!

  

Fen Drayton
20 December 2015 13:03 - 16:42
Overcast 13C 15S
Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Bean Goose (rossicus), Greater Canada Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Smew, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit (heard), Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren (heard), Blackbird (heard), Robin (heard), Dunnock, Meadow Pipit (heard), Goldfinch (heard), Bullfinch, Reed Bunting (heard), Grey Squirrel

Amwell

Quite a few people at Amwell after a report of a possible Azorean Yellow-legged Gull (it was probably just a Herring Gull). It wasn’t seen, but in the gloom two Yellow-legged Gulls were found (an adult and a 2W) and a 1W Caspian Gull (or hybrid?). Then, I found the bird of the afternoon: An Adult Little Gull, something of a rarity in winter. Cetti’s Warbler(s?) and a Bearded Tit were also heard.

Amwell 
13 December 2015 13:58 - 16:15
Misty 8C 6S
Greylag Goose, Greater Canada Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Little Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Bearded Tit (heard), Cetti’s Warbler (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch  

  

Botanic Gardens

An extremely quiet walk around – it was already getting dark on the shortest afternoon of the year -  was made more interesting by a new bird for me in the Gardens when a flock of around twenty Linnets flew in briefly.

Cambridge Botanic Gardens
10 December 2015 14:35 - 15:00
Overcast 12C 19SW
Mallard, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie (heard), Goldcrest (heard), Blackbird, Chaffinch, Linnet, Grey Squirrel

Fen Drayton

Fen Drayton for the afternoon, partly to try out my new tripod, and partly to just get out. Quiet until dusk when I found (I guess re-found, one had been reported a few days before) a female type Long-tailed Duck as it swam in front of the Gull roost I was watching. The roost held two adult Yellow-legged Gulls and a 2W Caspian Gull as well as a 1W Herring Gull with white primaries.

Fen Drayton
06 December 2015 12:16 - 16:37
Overcast 14C 19SW
Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Egyptian Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch (heard), Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, Rabbit

Rough-legged Buzzard at Therfield

Rather distant and sat on the ground a long time before flying (I’d expected it to be the bird but needed it to fly before being sure). The pale Common Buzzard (along with four others) was also in the same field. My initial reaction when it was reported was that this was the bird, but no, a juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard it was.

Lots of Golden Plover (300+). Slightly less Lapwing (220+). Also lots of Thrushes, mostly Fieldfare (c.400?) and Redwing (c.200?).

Therfield
27 November 2015 12:00 - 13:30
Overcast 12C 16SW
Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit (heard), Skylark, Starling, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Rabbit

Humpback Whale

Winterton for the Humpback Whale that’s been lingering offshore for the last few days, apparently feeding on Mackeral (look for the Gannets to find the Whale!) Almost certainly the same individual that’s been returning for its third year now, and the one I dipped on two years ago. This year I saw it, for five minutes as I arrived mid-morning, and it wasn’t seen by myself for the rest of the day, so pretty lucky. Spent the rest of the day watching seabirds re-orientate themselves after two days of storms. It was superb: Highlights were: Cory’s Shearwater south at midday. At least seven Little Auks. Slavonian Grebe. Two Purple Sandpiers. Three Scaup.

Winterton
22 November 2015
Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Scaup, Eider, Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver, Cory's Shearwater, Gannet, Cormorant, Slavonian Grebe, Sanderling, Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, Little Auk, Guillemot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Grey Seal, Humpback Whale

Fowlmere

First proper cold weather this winter. Thought Fowlmere may be promising after a Peregrine went over the house and a Cormorant was seen flying over Foxton. Two Chiffchaffs wasn’t too bad I suppose.

Fowlmere
20 November 2015 Patchy cloud 8C 14W
Teal, Shoveler, Pheasant, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit (heard), Great Tit (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet (heard), Bullfinch

Amwell and Therfield

A funny day. Awoke to find that a Great Skua was at Wilstone Reservoir after last night’s very strong winds. Splashed some water over my face and was on the road but unfortunately it flew when I’d got to around Hatfield (I wouldn’t have made it even if I’d managed to leave immediately). So I turned left rather than right and went to Amwell. Nothing doing really apart from a late Common Darter and possible Comma Butterfly.

I then carried on to Therfield. It was difficult in the strong wind, but I did find a couple of roosting Long-eared Owls and snapped a quick photo before they flew.

Amwell
15 November 2015 09:34 - 11:22
Patchy cloud 14C 21SW
Greater Canada Goose, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird (heard), Redwing, Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), Meadow Pipit (heard), Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting, Rabbit, Common Darter

Therfield
15 November 2015 11:58 - 14:48
Patchy cloud 14C 21SW
Pheasant, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Long-eared Owl, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing (heard), Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), Meadow Pipit (heard), Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Rabbit, Brown Hare, Red Fox

Yellow-legged Gulls and Hen Harrier

Went to Therfield Heath late morning where there had been several reports of a Hen Harrier and Long and Short-eared Owls. Wasn’t too hopeful as it was drizzling with a strong wind. Late afternoon in calm conditions would probably be more favourable but thought I’d give it a go.

On the way, along Foxton Road, I noticed a flock of gulls. I pulled over and scanned them, finding three adult Yellow-legged Gulls amongst around two hundred Lesser Blacked-backed Gulls and a few Herring Gulls. One was colour-ringed red on the right leg (I think – it was difficult to tell as it was only visible when it flew).

Therfield was hard work. I found three Red Kites quite easily amongst a number of Buzzards (one quite pale) and another adult Yellow-legged Gull. This was the only light grey backed large Gull in the flock of Lesser Black-backed Gulls with smaller Common Gulls and Black-headed Gulls. It’s interesting to note the proportion of Yellow-legged to Herring on these inland fields. Any large pale-backed Gull it seems has a chance of being a Yellow-legged which seem to associate a lot more with Lesser Black-backed. Also there seems to be a very high proportion of adults to younger birds, particularly 1st/2nd calendar year birds.

Apart from Gulls, quite a few Yellowhammers were seen and a decent flock of Goldfinches on Teasel, but no Owls or the Harrier. I gave up and decided to drive the various lanes around the area. At one layby I found the Ringtail Hen Harrier quartering a field about a mile West of Therfield, near Kelshaw. So not too bad after all.

 

Therfield
08 November 2015 11:45 - 15:30
Overcast with occasional very light rain 16C 17SW
Pheasant, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing (heard), Mistle Thrush, Robin (heard), Dunnock, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer

Cornwall (Day 8)

After awaking to an incredible sunrise (actually a bit before the sun came up)…

…I had a last walk around Mousehole. Seemed to be a lot less Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs and no Firecrests.

 

After packing and loading the car, the three of us went to Porthgwara for a walk. Similar picture there, though lots of Chaffinches through and another Dartford Warbler.

    

After a final pastie at the Porthgwara shop, I persuaded them we’d drive around to St. Levan before the journey home as a Barred Warbler and Rose-coloured Starling had been seen there. An hour or so later, having seen neither, I gave up with a Black Redstart being the only bird of note.

Stopped off at Hayle and managed to see the 2W Ring-billed Gull as well as two Spoonbills before pressing on.

Mousehole
31 October 2015 08:10 - 08:58
Patchy cloud 16C 10SE
Cormorant, Shag, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Chiffchaff, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet

Porthgwara
31 October 2015 11:05 - 13:30
Mostly sunny 17C 8SE
Pheasant, Shag, Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Dartford Warbler, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Red Admiral, Common Darter

St. Levan
31 October 2015 13:45 - 14:50
Sunny 16C 8SE
Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Black Redstart, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Red Admiral

Hayle
31 October 2015 15:30 - 16:16
Sunny 16C 8SE
Greater Canada Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Skylark, Starling, Meadow Pipit, Linnet

Cornwall (Day 7)

Spent the whole day birding Porthgwara. A misty start, brightening later, then misty again in the afternoon. Highlights were a Dartford Warbler (thought it may be something better first of all – apparently they now breed here), Short-eared Owl (awful shot in the mist below), Black Redstart, and the usual Firecrest.

 

    

Porthgwara
30 October 2015 07:53 - 17:18
Overcast for most of day with some sea fog 15C 17S
Pheasant, Gannet, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Golden Plover, Snipe, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chough, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Dartford Warbler, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch (heard), Grey Seal

Cornwall (Day 6)

Despite finding another Yellow-browed Warbler and a good number of Firecrests, seemed a bit slow. Started at Mousehole as I needed to drop Michelle in Penzance to catch the bus to St. Ives. I then did St. Levan, followed by some lunch and Nanjizal (nothing seen, though I found out later that they – presumably the ringers – had a Pallas’s as well as two Yellow-browed). I went to Porthgwara last thing but stuff was already going to bed.

Took photo of a Peacock that I quite like: The green grass contrasting the red tones…

 

Mousehole
29 October 2015 07:46 - 09:29
Overcast 11C 5W
Cormorant, Shag, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Redwing (heard), Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail (heard), Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch (heard)

St. Levan
29 October 2015 10:37 - 12:56
Overcast 13C 5W
Herring Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Fallow Deer, Migrant Hawker

Nanjizal
29 October 2015 13:37 - 16:03
Hazy 14C 9SW
Greater Canada Goose, Pheasant, Buzzard, Herring Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch (heard), Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Migrant Hawker

Porthgwara
29 October 2015 16:14 - 16:55
Patchy cloud 12C 8SW
Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit (heard), Skylark (heard), Long-tailed Tit (heard), Chiffchaff, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Grey Seal

Cornwall (Day 5)

A very good day. Awoke very early, so I took a picture of Jupiter and Venus together over the sea…

I’d planned to go with Michelle and Sam to Marazion after breakfast so, being awake early went out locally around Mousehole. A good choice. Found a new path with some good habitat just beyond our house towards Love Lane. Gave it a quick go before continuing West towards Lamorna. Usual stuff, but found today’s first Firecrest (poor photo below). Then on the way back gave the newly discovered path another go and found not only another Firecrest, but a Yellow-browed Warbler too!

After a late breakfast we then headed to Marzion. After walking to St. Michael’s Mount and having a bite to eat I birded the RSPB reserve whilst Michelle and Sam walked around the town. Not much to report bird-wise, but I took a picture of what I thought would be the last Dragonfly I’d see for this year (Common Darter)…

However, a few minutes later I found another one, and then a Southern Hawker, a species I’d not seen for a number of years.

Next, after dropping Sam back at Mousehole, Michelle and I carried on to St. Just, where she looked around, whilst I did Cot Valley. Got the usual Firecrest, as well as Black Redstart and Rock Pipit on the rocks by the sea.

With it being a bit slow, I made the decision to try for the 3rd winter American Herring Gull that had been present in the afternoon at nearby Jerico Farm a few days ago. Another good choice. Despite a soaking and not seeing it until pointed out to me by a couple of very helpful birders, I eventually got on the text-book 3rd winter bird and even got to see it fly. Description is exactly as per the Collin’s guide. Indeed, the illustration – although obviously not(!) – looks like it could have been based on that bird. Then back to meet Michelle who was sheltering from the rain in the King’s Arms for a celebratory pint of Tribute.

Mousehole
28 October 2015 07:44 - 09:55
Patch cloud 11C 11W
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Firecrest, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Skylark (heard), Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wren, Robin (heard), Chaffinch, Red Admiral

Marazion
28 October 2015 12:05 - 12:55
Patchy cloud 14C 12W
Mute Swan, Teal, Mallard, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark (heard), Cetti's Warbler (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Linnet, Red Admiral, Southern Hawker, Common Darter

Cot Valley
28 October 2015 13:50 - 15:43
Patchy cloud 14C 12W
Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Chough, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Red Admiral

St. Just
28 October 2015 16:04 - 16:50
Overcast with heavy showers 11C 11W
Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, American Herring Gull, Jackdaw, Rook, Starling, Meadow Pipit

Cornwall (Day 4)

Birded two of my favourite valleys today: Nanquidno and Kenidjack. Fun, but a bit slow. The obligatory Firecrest was found in both valleys and a White Wagtail. Took some nice photos in Kenidjack…

  

Nanquidno
27 October 2015 08:51 - 12:57
Drizzle and heavy rain, clearing later 16C 12SE
Gannet, Grey Heron (heard), Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chough, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Skylark (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet, Brown Hare, Red Admiral

Kenidjack
27 October 2015 13:15 - 17:19
Patchy cloud 16C 12SE
Gannet, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Chough, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail (alba), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Rabbit

Cornwall (Day 3)

Birded from dawn till dusk (well, 9am till dusk; still taking it easy as it’s my birthday!) Hard work in poor weather. Gannets close in-shore after a windy night. A total of four Firecrests seen and a Ring Ouzel. The pond at Porthgwara was birdy (two Firecrests plus the Ouzel) and there were a ton of Goldcrests around and also, unlike yesterday, a lot of Chiffchaffs which is encouraging.

The pond at Porthgwara has a new (well, since I was last there a year ago),  and rather bizarre sign, to discourage thieves. I couldn’t actually see much to take apart from the sign itself, but assuming there was, I’m not sure the sign would deter them?

 

Earlier in the day, I had to shelter in the twin caves at the top of the beach to have my pasty and coffee (fortunately I caught the shop before it gave up trading for the day). Later, when I returned, the cave to the beach was partly under the tide, something I’ve not seen before; presumably a very high tide due to the full moon.

St. Levan
26 October 2015 09:04 - 11:26
Overcast with showers, sometimes heavy 14C 16SE
Gannet, Buzzard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Linnet

Porthgwara
26 October 2015 11:26 - 15:28
Rain, sometimes heavy 14C 16SE
Gannet, Shag, Kestrel, Merlin, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff (heard), Wren, Starling, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Redwing, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet

St. Levan
26 October 2015 15:30 - 16:20
Drizzle 13C 14SE
Herring Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch

Porthcurno
26 October 2015 16:30 - 17:15
Patchy cloud 13C 10SE
Pheasant, Buzzard, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock (heard), Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Rabbit

Cornwall (Day 2)

A lazy start. I was tired so had a lay in and then breakfast with Michelle from our bedroom window in Mousehole…

A lovely day but no birds. . Not a single Chiffchaff all day. Best bird was a Firecrest I found at Porthgwara in the morning. Came back at lunchtime for a Sunday Lunch with Michelle and Sam and then did Nanjizal last thing.

Porthgwara
25 October 2015 10:06 - 12:52
Sunny 18C 13SW
Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood

Nanjizal
25 October 2015 14:55 - 17:11
Cloudy 12C 18SE
Pheasant, Buzzard, Kestrel, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Chough, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit (heard), Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet