Broad-billed Sandpiper

Michelle's birthday so wasn't planning any birding. But I awoke quite early so popped down to Druridge Bay; a good decision. Similar sort of birds to yesterday until I noticed an odd looking 'Dunlin'. Viewing was difficult: The bird was very distant and kept hiding behind grassy tufts; the wind-shake didn't help either. Even so, it didn't seem right for a Dunlin. Dark above and with no black belly; too early for a juvenile or winter adult surely. I then noticed a couple of tram-lines on the mantle and so thought Little Stint but then got my first decent side-on view and saw the bill size which immediately ruled that out. Then Broad-billed Sandpiper sprang to mind just as the bird flew and was lost to view.

Thirty minutes later and with no sign of the bird, I was about to give up and put it down as an odd looking and poorly seen Dunlin as I had to be back to take Michelle out for the day. One final scan and I picked up a two Dunlin. Then a third bird walked out; the bird I had been watching. Noticeably smaller; dumpy looking; straighter bill, with droop at the end; darker above; slightly different feeding action. Still very distant and I couldn't get any real detail, but the (split?) supercilium looked noticable. I was now convinced it was a Broad-billed but I'd still not had great views so was reluctant to say it definitely was one. I thought I'd try putting my camera on the area and taking some shots to see if I could get any detail from the photos. I got a few as it came into the open for the first time, but then it flew again just as I was getting my 'scope on it.

It was nineteen years to the day since I'd seen one in the UK; I knew that as it was also Michelle's birthday and she fed Tom who was only a few months old in the car whilst I watched one at Cliffe in Kent! I called Michelle; they weren't ready to go yet and would be at least another hour. I looked at the photos. It was probably just about good enough for a positive ID. I searched again. A party of four other birders turned up. Whilst I was telling them that I had a suspected Broad-billed Sandpiper, the bird flew back, closer, and in the open. It was one!

I got the other birders on it and phoned the news out. It behaved better over the next hour and I got some decent views, though didn't manage any photographs. I then dashed off just as the first person who had heard the news turned up.

In the evening I took Tom down. It had been elusive at times during the day and hadn't been seen for several hours. In that we couldn't even get into the hide that I'd had all to myself earlier, we gave up. I walked around to the other hide to check that, and managed poor views of a Wood Sandpiper that had been found as well as a male Garganey.

The bird made the national news service weekly round-ups, with a much better picture than mine.

Druridge Bay
31 May 2016 07:51 - 10:40
Overcast with light drizzle 12C 19N
Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Redshank, Common Tern, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Swift, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff (heard), Willow Warbler (heard), Blackcap (heard), Sedge Warbler (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock (heard), Meadow Pipit

Kielder Forest

A quick look on my own around Druridge Bay first thing. Usual sort of stuff including a couple of good looking male Ruffs. Took a few photos of a Ringed Plover, Swallow, and a Skylark.

 


Then a day at Kielder Forest and surrounding area with the family. We missed the Lesser Twayblade near Holystone; this was expected as they're rare here and the details I had were sketchy. We also missed Red Squirrel despite sitting waiting in the hide for about ninety minutes. Saw a few birds, best of whcih was a Firecrest that I found. Terrible photo below...

Druridge Bay
30 May 2016 08:34 - 10:55
Overcast 16C 15N
Greylag Goose, Greater Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Dunlin, Redshank, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Swift, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (heard), Blackcap (heard), Whitethroat (heard), Sedge Warbler (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Tree Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Rabbit, Brown Hare

Kielder Forest
30 May 2016 12:00 - 20:00
Overcast, clearing later with a sunny evening 16C 13N
Mute Swan, Greater Canada Goose, Mandarin Duck, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (heard), Blackcap (heard), Whitethroat (heard), Nuthatch, Treecreeper (heard), Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Siskin, Linnet, Rabbit, Brown Hare, Western Roe Deer

Northumberland

The first full day of a family week away (all four of us) near the coast at West Thirston in Northumberland. Went for a morning walk with Michelle starting out from the village. Lovely scenery and a few birds including Dipper (also seen in the village the day before).



In the afternoon, the two of us plus Tom went for a walk along the beach starting from Creswell Pools to Creswell Village and back. Tree Sparrows were seen in bushes in the carpark and the pools held Shelduck with a total of twenty young, nineteen of which were attached to a single pair.

A

Great White Egret was reported a mile down the road at Druridge Bay Pools, so we popped in there on the way back also.

West Thirston
29 May 2016 10:50 - 14:07
Cloudy 14C 6NE
Mallard, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Swift, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Swallow, Chiffchaff (heard), Willow Warbler (heard), Blackcap (heard), Whitethroat, Treecreeper (heard), Wren, Dipper, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Dunnock (heard), Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer (heard), Stoat, Green-veined White

Druridge Bay
29 May 2016 17:50 - 20:15
Cloudy 13C 13N
Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Eider, Pheasant, Gannet, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff (heard), Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Tree Sparrow, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Northern Marsh-orchid

Great Reed Warbler

Eventually got around to getting to Little Paxton to see the long-staying (nearly two weeks) Great Reed Warbler. Singing constantly, showing (well) occasionally, and chasing a Reed Warbler now and again. Also year ticked Cuckoo and had great views of a round bundle of feathers that I think was a Nightingale. A bird was constantly singing nearby but I didn't see it.

White Helleborines

Jubilee Wood, Therfield. Most weren't out. These are a few of the ones that were.

 

Stock Dove

Stock Dove was a new bird for me in the Botanic Gardens, Cambridge. Also took a phone picture of one of the Moorhen chicks that walked by me. Exciting stuff. Fowlmere was nearly as exciting.

Cambridge Botanic Gardens
17 May 2016 13:48 - 13:57
Patchy cloud 17C 11SW
Mallard, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit (heard), Great Tit, Coal Tit (heard), Chiffchaff (heard), Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Green-veined White

Fowlmere
19 May 2016 18:05 - 19:01
Patchy cloud 14C 6SE
Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Greater Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Water Rail (heard), Moorhen, Coot, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Turtle Dove (heard), Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Swallow, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap, Sedge Warbler (heard), Reed Warbler, Wren (heard), Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock (heard), Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting (heard), Corn Bunting

Fowlmere

A very quick lunchtime visit to Fowlmere where I got the year's first identifiable Dragonflies: Azure and Large Red, both along the Shep. Also a Speckled Wood to add to new insects for the year. Usual array of birds, including a Little Egret on the mere. Also some nice views of a Weasel.
  
 

Fowlmere
16 May 2016 13:15 - 14:25
Patchy cloud 15C 9NW
Greylag Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Grey Partridge, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Woodpigeon, Turtle Dove, Green Woodpecker, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit (heard), Great Tit (heard), Skylark, Swallow, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Long-tailed Tit (heard), Chiffchaff (heard), Willow Warbler (heard), Blackcap (heard), Whitethroat (heard), Sedge Warbler (heard), Reed Warbler, Treecreeper, Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush (heard), Robin, Dunnock (heard), Chaffinch, Linnet, Bullfinch (heard), Reed Bunting (heard), Corn Bunting, Rabbit, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Large Red Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Weasel

Foxton and Shepreth L-moor

A walk to Thriplow for some lunch in the Green Man in Thriplow with Michelle and Tom. All the usual suspects seen along the way, including the male Marsh Harrier and one of the Red Kites that has been hanging about. No sign of the Spotted Fly', though a brief search only.

Early evening I went for a quick visit to Shepreth L-moor and actually had two new birds in the same bin' view: I picked up a male Tufted Duck as it flew across the reserve, and whilst following it, picked up a distant Red Kite in the background!

Foxton
15 May 2016 12:15 - 16:05
Patchy cloud 15C 6NW
Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Lapwing, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap (heard), Lesser Whitethroat (heard), Whitethroat, Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Rabbit, Brown Hare, Brimstone, Small White, Orange Tip, Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock

Shepreth L-Moor
15 May 2016 18:55 - 19:18
Patchy cloud 15C 6NW
Tufted Duck, Red Kite, Swift, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap (heard), Whitethroat, Wren (heard), Starling, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greenfinch (heard), Yellowhammer

Foxton

Not a bad couple of hours or so. Spotted Flycatcher still present. Sparrowhawks probably nesting: Only saw the male (the very good looking individual with a brick red breast), but saw it carrying prey, and heard bird (or birds?) calling. The male Marsh Harrier was also seen.

Foxton
14 May 2016 16:30 - 18:30
Cloudy 11C 11NNW
Red-legged Partridge (heard), Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Grey Heron, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Lapwing, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Swift, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Swallow, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat (heard), Whitethroat, Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Rabbit, Brimstone, Small White, Orange Tip, Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock

Spot' Fly' in Foxton

Foxton mega: Only my second ever Spotted Flycatcher found this evening along Hoffer Brook. Also saw the Fowlmere male Marsh Harrier, and a Hobby (flying into trees at top of Rowley's Hill - interesting).

Lunchtime in Cambridge produced the year's first Dragonfly: A very brief and unidentified Damselfly species.

Cambridge Botanic Gardens
12 May 2016 13:15 - 14:12
Sunny 23C 9NE
Mallard, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit (heard), Great Tit, Blackbird, Robin (heard), Robin, Chaffinch (heard), Holly Blue

Foxton
12 May 2016 18:25 - 20:00
Sunny 14C 12N
Pheasant, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Hobby, Lapwing, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Swift, Green Woodpecker, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Swallow, Chiffchaff, Blackcap (heard), Whitethroat (heard), Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush (heard), Spotted Flycatcher, Dunnock (heard), House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch (heard), Corn Bunting

Foxton Treecreepers

Went up to Rowley's Hull with a 'scope to see if I could pick up any raptor passage. I didn't really but did manage to see one of the Thriplow Hobbys as it flew below. It appeared to be heading for the fishing lakes to the east of Thriplow. On the way back I found a pair of Treecreepers nesting by Hoffer Brook. My first for Foxton, though I've no doubt overlooked them.

Foxton
08 May 2016 15:13 - 17:20
Sunny 24C 10ESE 
Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hobby, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit (heard),Great Tit (heard), Skylark, Swallow, Chiffchaff (heard),Blackcap (heard), Whitethroat, Treecreeper, Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Robin (heard), Dunnock, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Brimstone, Small White, Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock

Swifts

Back tonight! Lots (10+) over village too.

"Mere Mega"

Awoke a bit after 7am to a text from Ade Cooper saying "Mere Mega". Ringed Plover. With sleep in my eyes I couldn't discern whether the text was sent at 6:47am this morning, or 6:47pm the previous night. After finding my reading glasses, I released the former and was there 15 minutes later.

No Birds

Winds changed direction slightly. Round to the South-west. Still not ideal and strong too. Slogged around fields for a few hours without seeing an awful lot. Highlights were a Moorhen(!) pair nesting on a pond on the large field adjoining Foxton and Thriplow, and a male Sparrowhawk with a brick-red breast seen at close range. Heavy rain came in at 3pm on the dot whilst the church bells were chiming, exactly as forecast, and I gave up for the day.

Foxton
02 May 2016 13:46 - 15:03
Patchy cloud with occasional very light rain 16C 21SW
Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Moorhen, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Swallow, Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap (heard), Lesser Whitethroat (heard), Whitethroat, Wren (heard), Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Goldfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Brown Hare, Small Tortoiseshell

Bluebells and Hobbys

Went to Ashridge Estate with Michelle for a walk among the Bluebells. Michelle found a good walk, and going reasonably early, we avoided the crowds somewhat. A nice morning.

 

Did the Foxton/Thriplow circuit in the evening looking for Dotterel and other migrants. Was checking the last field in on the parish border for the two Wheatears that I found last night (no sign tonight) when a pair of Hobbys circled around displaying. They disappeared as quickly as they arrived but I found saw them again about ten minutes later, this time both chasing an unfortunate Swallow. The second bird caught it (great to see) and the pair flew off calling and seemed to settle in tall trees on the road to Newton. No sign after that, but hopefully they may nest there (looks very suitable), so will keep an eye open.

The only other bird of note was a Sand Martin in Thriplow; my first locally away from Fowlmere.

Ashridge
01 May 2016 10:19 - 13:18
Patchy cloud 11C 13SW
Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jay, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit (heard), Marsh Tit (heard), Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap, Nuthatch (heard), Wren, Blackbird (heard), Robin, Dunnock (heard), Chaffinch, Bullfinch (heard), Brimstone