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30th December - a Siberian Chiffchaff eventually showed well by the entrance gate to Kempsey sewage works, Worcs with an abietinus-type bird also present alongside 2 nominate Chiffchaffs. A short drive to Upton-upon-Severn sewage works provided excellent views of another Siberian Chiffchaff whilst most remarkably a singing Willow Warbler was almost constantly vocal alongside at least 3 Chiffchaffs.
29th December - forcing myself out of bed, I arrived at Llanfairfechan, Conwy mid morning awaiting the midday high tide. On cue, the adult drake Black Scoter drifted in from the east and became more distant as it drew level with Puffin Island just after midday. 120 Waxwings were counted in trees by the St.David's Park Hotel, Ewloe, Flintshire which included a colour-ringed bird - this bird ringed in Inverurie, Aberdeens late October 2004 later being noted at Westhill, Aberdeens and also being present late December 2004 in Ruthin, Denbighshire (thanks to Paul Baxter and Raymond Duncan for this information).
28th December - with a professional effort from our seasoned driver through snowy conditions, we arrived at Cockels Loan, Renfrew, Clyde mid a'noon and were astounded by the site of at least 550 Waxwings as they favoured bushes adjacent to Arkleston Primary School. This was easily the largest flock I had seen since the famous Nottinghamshire flock (plus 1 Nearctic visitor) in early 1996.
27th December - after sorting out the logistics of the trip the previous day whilst at Goodison Park and a drive evading both snow and deer, an uneventful ferry ride in a stiff SW wind culminated in the ferry docking at Lochmaddy, North Uist. In no time at all, we arrived at Cnoc an Torrain near Bayhead, North Uist and located the first-winter Killdeer immediately as it was favouring a waterlogged ditch by the track to the dunes. After gaining views down to a matter of yards, this was enough to consolidate my experience of this species in the British Isles after my distant memories of the bird at South Stack, Anglesey on New Year's Day 1994. A visit to North Ford Fish Factory, Benbecula produced a first-winter Iceland Gull whilst birds at Balranald RSPB, North Uist included 800 Barnacle Geese as well as several Corn Buntings and Twite.
24th December - c.25 Waxwings were mobile around Ruthin craft centre, Denbighshire late morning before the heavens opened and I was forced to leave.
22nd December - leaving London at 5pm, I eventually arrived at a windswept and beautifully remote Coldbackie, Highland in the darkness at 4.30am. After a couple hours of sleep, the superb 1st-winter Ivory Gull showed immaculately on the beach at the east end of Coldbackie bay adjacent to the Pilot Whale carcass in a small cove. For me, despite such birds as Ovenbird and Cream-coloured Courser appearing, this species captivates my imagination and this individual in its favoured setting is undoubtedly my birding highlight of 2004. After seeing a couple of Purple Sandpipers along the coast at Dounreay (as well as plentiful Rock Doves) and an uneventful visit to Scrabster harbour, the drake American Wigeon was easily seen in amongst the Wigeon flock west of the Somerfield in Wick, Highland early a'noon with a drake Goosander also noted there.
20th December - intrigued by the continued presence of an unusual overwintering species, I journeyed across London on the Central Line to White City and then walked under the A40 to visit the southern edge of Wormwood Scrubs. Thanks to some excellent directions from local birder David Lindo I immediately located the male (probably 1st-winter) Redstart as it darted about in a 'chat' manner amongst small saplings in the fenced area immediately north of the childrens play area and just west of the prominent dead tree. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redwing and Long-tailed Tit were also recorded here.
18th December - the Sora was again present at Attenborough, Notts where it performed in exemplary fashion from first light. Nearby the drake Ring-necked Duck was located on the gravel workings at Long Eaton, Derbys in amongst a small flock of Pochard. By mid morning, it was time to drive east to Titchwell RSPB, Norfolk in the hope that we could locate several interesting birds on the reserve. Despite being told about the King Eider just as we had parked, I was unable to locate this bird on the sea although several Velvet Scoters and at least 5 Long-tailed Ducks were some consolation. The Black-winged Stilt, present at Titchwell since 1993, once again showed well on the brackish marsh early afternoon whilst there was no sign of the Coue's Arctic Redpoll late afternoon although a Lesser Redpoll and at least 1 Mealy Redpoll were seen.
14th December - the Sora showed relatively well, albeit briefly, at Attenborough, Notts at 8.10am but despite waiting at the site until 2pm no further views were obtained. Remarkably, a second transatlantic vagrant was present within three miles of the rail - a pristine drake Ring-necked Duck present at Long Eaton GP, Derbys where it favoured the near bay with the small Pochard flock.
12th December - as I am fully aware, locating vagrant geese is often more down to luck than judgement. We were certainly lucky today when, in only the second flock of Barnacles that we scanned, we located the Taverner's Canada Goose in fields by the green barns on the entrance track to Caerlaverock WWT Reserve, Dumfries and Galloway. This individual, recorded as the first of this western race for the Western Palearctic, is extremely well travelled having been located firstly in Co.Sligo in the winter of 1999/2000 and myself having seen this bird in February 2001 at Dunfanaghy, County Donegal and in December 2001 at Loch Gorm, Islay, Argyll. The overall body colouration with a dark brown breast, concolourous with the flanks, is typical of this race whilst the compact bill and structure also make this individual readily identifiable. However, the most important feature is the neat dark gular line (the line that divides the chin strap) that identifies this bird to one of the western forms. A trip to nearby Loch Ken, Dumfries and Galloway produced at least 100 Greenland Whitefronts and 1+ Red Kite whilst good numbers of Pintail and Wigeon were seen on the loch itself. The journey south was broken up by a visit to Mereclough, Lancs where a Richard's Pipit was quickly located as it skittishly fed on tussocks on the bleak moor just below the windfarm.
11th December - with the disappointing negative news on the Ivory Gull at Tongue, Highland we decided to start our day at the Polwarth building, Aberdeen University, Aberdeens where the Desert Lesser Whitethroat showed extremely well from first light in freezing conditions. In the field this bird distinctly reminded me of the bird that I saw at South Gare, Cleveland in November 2000 and was heard to utter a distinctly tit like call. A wintering Chiffchaff was also present here whilst a Waxwing flew over calling. Heading north we arrived at Lovies quarry near New Pitsligo, Aberdeens and were greeted by a frozen pool. We were also greeted by an equally frosty welcome by the quarry owner - but despite this the drake Black Duck was located flying amongst the Mallard flock at the back of the quarry. The afternoon was spent in Abernethy, Highland where we failed to locate any 'Scottish' Crossbills but eventually located a couple of Crested Tits and flushed a Capercaillie and a few Woodcocks off the forest roads as dusk approached.
4th December - the Coue's Arctic Redpoll showed extremely well in pathside trees just north of the information centre at Titchwell RSPB Reserve, Norfolk mid morning. At one stage the bird was seen in direct accompaniment of a Mealy Redpoll and a Lesser Redpoll. Other birds noted at Titchwell RSPB included 2 female-type Northern Bullfinches early morning, although birds of 'local' origin were also noted as the morning progressed. A visit to fields inland of Brancaster, Norfolk produced a Greenland Whitefront and a Barnacle Goose in amongst an impressive flock of c.30,000 Pinkfeet. The Lesser Yellowlegs showed impeccably early afternoon as it graced the tidal creek immediately north of the seawall at Stiffkey Fen, Norfolk whilst the presumed escape Ross's Goose associated with Greylags on the fen itself. The day ended appropriately with 6 Waxwings on the SE outskirts of Norwich, Norfolk.
27th November - no sign of the American White-winged Scoter that was reported yesterday a'noon at Redcar, Cleveland but 8 Velvet Scoters, c.200 Common Scoters and a Red-throated Diver offshore.
21st November - the drake Lesser Scaup was located on Scotney GP, Kent/East Sussex mid morning amongst the aythya flock. Nearby a couple of Tundra Bean Goose were present on Walland Marsh, Kent at Old Cheyne Court in amongst a herd of Mute Swans. 2 Long-tailed Ducks graced the New Diggings at Dungeness RSPB Reserve, Kent whilst a Dartford Warbler showed in flight several times in the gorse opposite the sandworks entrance on Kirton Road, Dungeness. At least 80 Mediterranean Gulls were an impressive site at Copt Point, Folkestone, Kent mid afternoon.
20th November - the Cattle Egret showed very well amongst various livestock at Windmill Farm, Firsdown, Wilts mid morning whilst the returning Great White Egret was located on the lakes at Mockbeggar, Hants ealry afternoon. A search of the East Dean/Lockerley area, Hants produced the expected - no sign of the Chinese Pond Heron that had been seen at a garden pond the previous week.
17th November - the regular wintering Northern Grey Shrike was present on Weather Heath, Suffolk and viewable distantly from the monument by the A11 near Elveden mid afternoon.
11th November - there was again no sign of the Pine Grosbeak in the Easington area, East Yorks up until at least 1pm although a Waxwing was noted in Easington village with Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper also being seen.
10th November - the regular adult Ring-billed Gull showed extremely well mid morning on the shingle and adjacent water opposite Rossi's ice cream parlour at Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex mid morning along with an adult winter Mediterranean Gull also present in the congregation of gulls there. Whilst journeying to Hanningfield, my plans for the day were significantly altered by the finding of a Pine Grosbeak in East Yorkshire. Unfortunately, with over an hour of light left, there was no sign of the target bird in the gardens adjacent to the cemetery at Easington, East Yorks.
5th November - an early morning visit to the hoverpad at Pegwell Bay, Kent revealed no sign of the previous day's Dusky Warbler(s) although a Swallow flew south and at least 6 Ring-necked Parakeets were calling raucously in the area. Birding the Margate area, Kent proved relatively unproductive with an abietinus-type Chiffchaff present in Northdown Park being the highlight. An enjoyable afternoon of raptors on the Harty Ferry road, Sheppey, Kent revealed a relatively inactive juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard, a couple of ringtail Hen Harriers, a Merlin, a Peregrine and many Marsh Harriers.
3rd November - the juvenile Little Crake showed exceptionally well from dawn until at least 7.40am in juncus at the east end of Marazion Marsh RSPB Reserve, Cornwall. This was only my second ever individual of this species following the male at Bough Beech Reservoir, Kent in March 1997. A visit to Porthgwarra revealed the continued presence of the Olive-backed Pipit - initially it was seen to fly off east towards St.Levan, calling as it went, but was then miraculously refound again in its favoured field at the bottom of the valley below the doctor's garden. A Barn Owl showed extremely well at Land's End, Cornwall as it roosted on fenceposts at Swingates House whilst a trip to the Hayle Estuary, Cornwall produced the returning drake Green-winged Teal on the main estuary and the late juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper (favouring Ryansfield, in the company of a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper). A visit to Swanpool, Falmouth, Cornwall produced astounding views of a healthy Little Auk as well as first hand experience of the devastation of the storms of the previous week - sand and seaweed from Gyllingvase beach had been deposited in the pool, and on the road, whilst workmen were busily repairing the seawall. This bird represented my 350th UK400Club species of the year; only the third time I have achieved this landmark following 358 species seen in 2002 and 368 species in 1996 (using current UK400Club taxonomy).
1st November - predictably, following a report the previous evening, there was no sign of the Tree Swallow at Wick Fields, Hengistbury Head and I also managed to fail to see the Great Grey Shrike that had been present in the same area.
31st October - following the now customary Saturday night drive to Scotland (for the third successive week!), the juvenile Masked Shrike performed exceptionally well as it favoured trees adjacent to the playground and walled garden at Kilrenny, Fife early morning (plus 2+ Woodcocks through). Although a typical individual (with large white primary patch, black tail, concolourous rump, small bill and distinct dark barring on the forecrown), this was the third of four potential first for the British Isles that had been initially mis-identified this autumn. A visit to Fife Ness produced an interesting record of a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the plantation by the golf course as well as 4 Swallows, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Brambling, a Blackcap and a Woodcock. 10 Waxwings performed typically well in Montrave Crescent, Leven, Fife late morning whilst a typical selection of seaduck were present off Methil, Fife. The journey home was split by an unproductive visit to coastal scrub at Thorntonloch, Lothian.
26th October - having arrived on site within 5 minutes of the 9am showing, the Ovenbird was eventually relocated mid morning and showed ridiculously well in thickets and adjacent brambles below the pines between Watermill and Trenoweth, St.Mary's, Scilly. So typical of this species, where I have have observed it in both north-eastern U.S. and Costa Rica, its fearless approach to man's presence allowed views down to a matter of yards to be gained. We travelled over to Gugh and after a couple of hours of fruitless searching of the Plantation, the target bird could not be located and the masses disappeared off in fear that they may not get back onto St.Agnes due to the tide rising above the Gugh bar. As one of only a few who was willing to get their feet wet, the reduced disturbance almost immediately paid dividends with the Swainson's Thrush flying back to the spot where it had initially been found. Due to the dense nature of the pittisporum hedge where the bird was frequenting, views were somewhat obscured with, in addition, the bird being somewhat elusive. Having rejoiced in the Courser when it initially turned up, I travelled up to the golf course on St. Mary's and was treated to astounding views of a tatty (the bird appearing to have suspended its moult) yet active Cream-coloured Courser. The bird's active behaviour during my observation at 4.20pm was in sharp contrast to it lying on its back, and subsequent capture, less than a couple of hours later!
24th October - as we waited for the inevitable news (no sign of the Rufous-tailed Robin on Fair Isle), I managed to located at least 23 Waxwings along the approach road to Wick airport, Highland. After a brief, unsuccessful search for a Red-backed Shrike at Noss Farm, Highland we headed south along the A9 and could not help but locate two further flocks of Waxwings by the roadside - at least 20 birds just north of Helmsdale at Berriedale, Highland and a further 13+ birds in trees adjacent to Golf Road, Brora, Highland.
23rd October - the Grey Phalarope, most probably an advanced 1st-winter bird, showed well at Vange Marshes, Essex early morning. After a long drive, due to the combined effect of traffic and events of Fair Isle, we arrived at Kilnsea, East Yorks mid afternoon to be greeted by a showy 1st-winter/female Siberian Stonechat that favoured the field north of the caravan site at Beacon Lane. With the weather deteriorating and a long drive north being needed, the only other birds noted at Beacon Lane were 4 Whooper Swans south and a Barn Owl hunting over the fields.
21st October - the Pallid Swift flew off north from its roost site on the lighthouse window sill at Spurn Point, East Yorks at 7.30am. A search of the wind battered Point Dunes revealed a 'Northern' Bullfinch as well as 30+ Brambling, 1 Blackcap and several Goldcrests. With news from further north, we journeyed up towards Newcastle, Tyne and Wear where today's report of the Blyth's Reed Warbler at Tynemouth was apparently erroneous. A short drive up the road to Briar Dene just north of Whitley Bay, Northumbs provided excellent views of a Short-toed Lark as it fed on short grass just inland from the coast road mid afternoon. Further up the coast the first-winter female Pied Wheatear was located on the beach and adjacent banking near the communications mast at Newbiggin, Northumbs. Although mobile, the bird showed well at times and was at one stage present alongside a late Northern Wheatear - with the Pied being smaller in size and appearing more chat-like, and also having the habit of perching on vegetation as opposed to being solely ground dwellling.
20th October - the early morning was spent at Foreness Point, Kent where I was content in finding a rather bedraggled Woodlark feeding on the open clifftop lawns and showing very well just east of Princes Walk from 8.30-9.30am at least. A couple of Stonechats and Chiffchaffs were located, along with many Redwings whilst at nearby Northdown Park at least 8 Ring-necked Parakeets, c.25 Goldcrests and 5+ Chiffchaffs were located. The afternoon was spent at St.Margaret's-at-Cliffe, Kent where hundreds of Goldcrests, 1 Firecrest, many Chiffchaffs, 1 House Martin and 2 Swallows were seen.
18th October - after walking the clifftop field east of the car park at Weybourne, Norfolk for what seemed like an eternity, the Red-throated Pipit was eventually located as it flew up calling before giving good views late afternoon feeding for several minutes along a furrow in the stubble field. At least 3 Lapland Buntings were located as they flew from the same field whilst a couple of Reed Buntings, a Brambling and a juvenile Peregrine were present in the area. Back at the beach car park at Weybourne, Norfolk the Dark-breasted Barn Owl (race guttata) was initially seen roosting in an isolated bush before hunting over the adjacent fields early evening.
17th October - after the usual stress and strains of arranging off island trips the previous evening, our planeload arrived on Fair Isle, Shetland at midday. After being efficiently escorted to the oat crop at Skadan by the white van, the 1st-winter male Chestnut-eared Bunting was easily located feeding on the ground in one of the openings between the crops. The bird loosely associated with the local House Sparrow contingent, being seen on adjacent rocks and grassy slopes adjacent to the South Light. As has been well documented elsewhere, this species was never mooted as a potential vagrant to the British Isles but an analysis of its migration (combined with its nil status, to the best of current knowledge, in captivity) reveals that a 1st-winter bird on Fair Isle in mid-October should be treated as the first record for the Western Palearctic. 2 Waxwings flew over the South Light area early afternoon whilst several Chiffchaffs, with at least the 'easterness' of the race abietinus, were located on the walk back to the airport. Most prominent though were the numbers of 'Northern' Bullfinches that were present on the island, particularly around the plantation, with at least 25 birds noted. With time running out to get back to the airport, an excellent afternoon culminated in superb views of a 1st-winter Bluethroat as it favoured the small croft at Setter, Fair Isle.
16th October - after arriving at Cardiff Bay Wetlands, the African Spoonbill disappeared to the west whilst I was parking the car. Whilst searching the area, including sites such as Cosmeston Lakes and Aberthaw, we visited Kenfig Pool, Glamorgan where the regular drake Redhead was once again present albeit distantly on the far side of the pool. Other notable birds at Kenfig included 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls and a presumed drake Ferruginous Duck x Pochard hybrid. Back at Cardiff Bay Wetlands, Glamorgan the African Spoonbill (of presumed suspect origin) was located and showed very well in accompaniment with a Little Egret on the pools near the St. David's Hotel late afternoon.
12th October - being somewhat perplexed by the redpoll complex after my recent visits to the Outer Hebrides, and having seen a photograph of a 'northwest' redpoll on Bryher, Scilly I journeyed down to the south-west and made good use of the cheap day return on The Scillonian. The crossing produced a couple of Bonxies and a couple of Arctic Skuas as well as 7 Pintail and a distant group of Common Scoter. The Greenland Redpoll showed well on arrival as it fed in weeds adjacent to the Big Pool on Bryher, Scilly early afternoon. It was obviously a large, bull-necked bird with it not being noticeably smaller than the accompanying House Sparrows. It was, thankfully, a classic first-winter rostrata with a lovely warmness to the ear-coverts extending around to the upper breast, harsh undertail streaking with a distinct arrowhead on the longest undertail covert, a fairly obvious convex culmen, feathered tarsi, black heavy streaked flanks with buffish (not pure white) central mantle tramlines and, finally, 9 primaries extending beyond the tertials. The Ortolan showed well in a field behind the football pitch near Samson Hill, Bryher with a Redstart also present in the same field. Back on St.Mary's, a Red-breasted Flycatcher and a Yellow-browed Warbler were seen on The Garrison by the Lower Broome Platform - my first visit to this site since the Black-and-White Warbler on the 12th October 1996 and a Jack Snipe was present with several Common Snipe from the hide at Lower Moors.
11th October - with continued easterlies, another day at Spurn was the obvious option. Early signs appeared promising when we noted a Northern Grey Shrike flying over us and then perching briefly in the hedge opposite Easington cemetery, East Yorks early morning. Many Goldcrests were seen throughout the day, with the majority feeding out in the open and allowing approach to only centimetres. However, with a clear night, all of the birds that were seen yesterday were not present today. A Lesser Whitethroat was noted in the Crown and Anchor pub car park along with a Blackcap and a couple of Chiffchaffs whilst birds at The Point dunes included a couple of Redstarts, a Short-eared Owl, a Lesser Whitethroat, several Bramblings and hundreds of Redwings with smaller numbers of Song Thrush and Fieldfare. The Barred Warbler showed itself well but briefly in vegetation adjacent to post 62 with a Firecrest and a couple of Ring Ousels also noted there.
10th October - with early morning news from the Spurn area looking promising we hastily headed north and, rather fortuitously, were well en-route when news of the White's Thrush came through. After arriving at Easington cemetery, East Yorks the White's Thrush was seen extremely well in flight on several occasions (as well as perched in the bottom of the hedge for a matter of seconds) throughout the afternoon. An excellent bird, with the diagnostic Zoothera underwing clearly noted as well as the intricate markings on the upperparts and the prominent white bases to the outertail feathers. Previous to the Brora, Caithness occurrence in 1991 this species was near mythical, but in recent years records have become more regular yet I still feel fortunate in this bird being my 3rd in the British Isles (following one at Tolsta, Lewis in October 1998 and the St.Agnes, Scilly individual the following October). Birds in and around the Crown & Anchor, Cliff Farm and Kilnsea churchyard area included a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Pallas' Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warbler as well as several Brambling, a few Chiffchaffs and many Goldcrest. After firstly an unsuccessful attempt, the Olive-backed Pipit was seen in adjacent hedges to a private field behind the church at Kilnsea, East Yorks after being coaxed from a weedy field. With light fading, and a frustration that we had merely been playing catch up and hence little true birding had been done, an attempt to locate the Richard's Pipit at the end of Beacon Lane, Kilnsea, East Yorks proved successful with the diagnostic and drawn out 'shreep' noted as well as decent views of the bird in flight.
9th October - early morning was spent at Grain, Kent where birds included 2 Little Egrets and c.15 Dark-bellied Brents with only a few Goldcrests and Long-tailed Tits noted in the Moat there. An equally unproductive visit to Bockhill Farm, St.Margaret's-at-Cliffe produced only a few Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests.
7th October - birds in the Cley and Salthouse area, Norfolk included many Egyptian Geese, 4 juvenile Little Stints and 16 Sandwich Terns. A brief visit to Titchwell RSPB, Norfolk did not reveal the Common Crane but a juvenile Little Stint and c.250 Golden Plovers were present.
6th October - the Arctic Warbler showed incredibly well, calling occasionally, in sycamores by Louise Close, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex til at least 9.30am. A couple of Chiffcahffs and Goldcrests were noted here, whilst 3 House Martins passed through. The afternoon was spent getting better views of the curlew sp. at Minsmere, Suffolk where it was again present in its favoured stubble field. 3 juvenile Little Stints, a juvenile Wood Sandpiper and 18 Spotted Redshanks were present from East Hide late afternoon.
4th October - the Yellow Warbler was again present in gardens at the end of the road at Brevig, Barra, Western Isles early morning and performing well in the bright sunlight. A redpoll sp. also flew over here, whilst a Greenshank was noted near North Bay on the journey back to the ferry terminal at Aird Mhor. A Great Northern Diver, an Arctic Tern and a couple of Red-throated Divers were noted on the ferry crossing whilst birds on South Uist included a Golden Eagle on the east side of the island and a juvenile Little Stint near Balgarva. A further Golden Eagle was noted on Benbecula whilst an Otter showed extremely well by the jetty at the end of the road to Peter Port, Benbecula.
3rd October - after several stressful hours on the phone the previous day, and after all charter options had fallen through, just three of us journeyed to Glasgow airport. With positive news of the bird's continued presence, we flew onto Benbecula (as there are no Sunday flights to Barra) and travelled to the south end of South Uist to get the ferry crossing from Eriskay to Barra. Birds on this crossing included a Great Northern Diver, 3 Black-throated Divers, a couple of Black Guillemots and several Eider. On arrival at Brevig, the 1st-winter Yellow Warbler showed very well between 5.15pm and 6.15pm as it favoured the purple hebes bushes and adjacent sallows. A well deserved bird for Stuart Rivers, Stuart Green, Mark Oksien, Callum Scott, Keith Gillon et al for their pioneering ventures on this island.
2nd October - after a short wait in the queue for the hide, the juvenile moulting into 1st-winter plumage Western Sandpiper showed exceptionally well in amongst the Dunlin flock. The bird showed well enough to examine its feather tracts, with the bird predominantly in juvenile plumage although evidence of moult on its scapulars and coverts was apparent by fresh grey feathering. After a drive punctuated by news from Barra, we arrived at Minsmere, Suffolk mid afternoon and eventually saw the curlew sp. in stubble fields to the west of The Levels. I have my own views on this bird, and much discussion has taken place elsewhere, but to compare this individual and the Druridge bird (that I saw) together is perhaps impractical and we should assess each record on their own merits.
1st October - after travelling from St.Mary's to St.Martin's, the first-winter Cream-coloured Courser showed extremely well in sheepfields near the fire station late morning. After getting drenched on St.Martin's and on the boat ride back to St.Mary's, I located the adult Short-toed Lark in the second field from the end on Penninis Head - where it showed very well, with the regrowing of its tertials accentuating the primary projection. This was my first Short-toed Lark for two years, following the one that I co-found on Castle Down, Tresco in October 2002.
29th September - much of the day was spent scouring St. Agnes, Scilly on the off-chance that the Cream-coloured Courser would be relocated. This search was, however, to no avail but a Lapland Bunting showed very well on the Covean side of Wingletang early afternoon with other birds noted on the island including a Little Stint on The Big Pool and a couple of Whinchats on Wingletang and at Browarth. Much compensation from the aforementioned dip was regained in excellent views of 3 juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpipers parading round the fairways of the golf course on St.Mary's, Scilly. A Death's Head Hawkmoth was of interest at Longtones, St.Mary's early evening.
27th September - a Willow Warbler was seen in the plantation at Clachan Farm, North Uist mid morning with 4+ redpoll sp. noted in conifers at Newton, North Uist. The ferry crossing between Lochmaddy and Uig was unproductive with only a couple of Red-throated Divers and 5 Manx Shearwaters noted.
26th September - the juvenile American Golden Plover was again present on the short turf west of the terminal buildings at The Range, South Uist early morning, with a Buff-breasted Sandpiper in the same area as yesterday and a second Buff-breasted Sandpiper located in the dune slack at the extreme south end of The Range. A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper fed amongst 3 Ruff in stubble south of Ardivachar Point with a single Snow Bunting also there. A brief seawatch at Ardvule Point, South Uist produced a Bonxie whilst 3 Gadwall were present on nearby Ardvule Loch. 2 Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits were present in flooded fields at Kilpheder, South Uist and a second-winter Glaucous Gull and 3 juvenile Little Stints were present at the north end of Peninerine beach, South Uist. 4 redpoll sp. were again present in Snishival plantation, South Uist. A return visit to The Range, South Uist early evening revealed 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers, both together and showing exceptionally well, on the short turf by the track to launch area 3 plus 3 Arctic Tern over.
25th September - a Wheatear was noted on Eriskay early morning whilst birds at the south end of South Uist included a Slavonian Grebe on Loch nam Faoileann, Daliburgh and a Reed Bunting at North Boisdale. Walking over stubble fields at Ardvule Point, we were lucky enough to find a Lapland Bunting and 6+ Snow Bunting in amongst the more numerous Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. A Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl were located near Stoneybridge, South Uist whilst a Leach's Petrel showed at remarkably close range over Peninerine beach, South Uist whilt being battered by the strengthening south-westerly wind. 22 redpoll sp. were located in reedy fields at Snishival settlement in amongst 40 Twite early afternoon with a further 3 redpoll sp. in the plantation at Snishival. Back at The Range, South Uist our perseverance of meticulously checking every Golden Plover flock paid off when we located a juvenile American Golden Plover just west of the terminal buldings at c.3pm. The bird continued to show well, occasionally to 30 yards, throughout the afternoon and early evening on the short turf. A juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper was located on the short turf to lauch area 3, whilst 2 Lapland Buntings flew over and a Snow Bunting and a ringtail Hen Harrier were also noted at The Range.
24th September - a ringtail Hen Harrier showed well on the west side of Berneray early morning with visits to Clachan Farm, North Uist and Grenitote, North Uist relatively unproductive. A ringtail Hen Harrier showed very well over Loch Scolpaig, North Uist whilst a Wheatear and a Merlin were noted at Loch Paible, North Uist. 3 Snow Buntings were located on the track from Ardivachar to The Range, South Uist with a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Ruff and 25 Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits in stubble fields there. A check of the plantations on South Uist revealed only 13 redpoll sp. at Snishival plantation.
23rd September - a flock of 30 Pale-bellied Brents were present in Broadford Bay, Isle of Skye early morning. Other birds on the Isle of Skye included Black Guillemots at both Portree and Uig whilst a brief seawatch at Duntulm, Isle of Skye included a Bonxie, a couple of Arctic Terns and 15+ Manx Shearwaters. The only bird of note on the ferry between Uig and Lochmaddy was an Arctic Skua whilst on South Uist, 2 juvenile Little Stints fed with Dunlin on a fresh muddy pool between Eochar and Balgarva and 27 Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits were noted at Ardivachar Point along with a Short-eared Owl and a Merlin. 25 Knot and 1 Greenshank were seen by the causeway to Baleshare, North Uist early evening.
21st September - a Peregrine showed well around the tower of the Tate Modern on the South Bank of the River Thames, London late afternoon.
19th September - the late afternoon was spent at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk where the juvenile Baird's Sandpiper showed well from South Hide before being relocated early evening on the beach just north of the sluice gates. However, the juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper could not be located but a few Spotted Redshanks and at least 1 Little Stint were noted on the reserve.
18th September - after journeying down to the west country for the second consecutive Saturday, the juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper showed very well at Drift Reservoir, Cornwall as it roosted with 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers on the bank between the car park and the hide mid morning. A Peregrine was also noted at Drift whilst the Baird's Sandpiper was located again on Marazion beach late morning. A few hours spent in Cot Valley and Nanquidno revealed little off interest with only a Sedge Warbler and several Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs noted. A visit to Davidstow airfield, Cornwall provided excellent views again of the long-staying Baird's Sandpiper with a Knot and a Little Ringed Plover also noted there.
14th September - a Peregrine performed well, calling frequently, in the vicinity of the Tate Modern on the South Bank of the River Thames, London late afternoon.
12th September - a visit to the Naze, Essex did not reveal the hoped for Greenish Warbler yet an exceptionally confiding Wryneck showed constantly during a visit to Landguard, Suffolk early evening.
11th September - the superb juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was located at first light on the beach near the coastguard hut at Marazion, Cornwall feeding actively amongst a few Ringed Plovers and Dunlin. Nearby, after a wait of an hour or so, the juvenile Citrine Wagtail afforded crippling views as it fed around the bases of the cut juncus at the east end of the pool at Marazion Marsh RSPB reserve, Cornwall. Several Wheatear, Pied Wagtails and Swallows were also noted in the Marazion area. After a hearty Tesco breakfast, we journeyed west to Porthgwarra and were greeted on arrival at Roskestal Farm by the wrath of the infamous farmer. After a heated argument, we were treated to decent views of a rather drab juvenile Rose-coloured Starling as it perched on wires and bushes adjacent to the farm. Nearby, there was no sign of the Wryneck near the coastguard cottages in Porthgwarra valley whilst 1 Balearic Shearwater and 3 Manx Shearwaters were noted passing close inshore. A visit to the rather exposed Davidstow airfield, located on moorland just north-east of Camelford, Cornwall provided excellent views of a fresh juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper near the windsock and, in addition, we were treated to views of our second juvenile Baird's Sandpiper of the day as it foraged on the grassy strips adjacent to the runway with the Dunlin flock.
7th September - a raucous group of 15+ Ring-necked Parakeets favoured tall trees adjacent to Staines railway station early morning.
6th September - arriving on the Isle of Lewis, Western Isles just after 8am, we hastily drove to the north end of the island to be greeted with the news that the target bird had departed just prior to our arrival! After an agonising wait of about an hour, the Purple Martin was located distantly over the valley south of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse at 10am. With the bird continuing to show, and not getting any closer, we walked south over the boggy ground to be rewarded with excellent views of this first-winter individual. The bird performed almost constantly for the following two hours, often above the assembled birders heads, with an added bonus being a full spatulated pale morph Pomarine Skua that flew over the Butt of Lewis. Song Thrush, Willow Warbler and 3 Rock Doves were also noted here.
5th September - a couple of visits to Cliffe Pools, Kent (broken up by a visit to the Naze, Essex where there was no sign of the Barred Warbler - yet a Pied Flycatcher was present) produced decent views of the juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper from the 1st viewing mound whilst a couple of Garganey were present with Teal early morning and 5 juvenile Little Stints, 5 Curlew Sandpipers, 10+ Ruff and c.150 Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits were present over the high tide mid afternoon. This relaxed day of birding was, however, brought to an abrupt end... logistics were resolved and I began the long drive north to meet the early morning scheduled flight from Inverness to Stornoway.
4th September - a visit to Oare Marshes, Kent produced an excellent array of waders over the high tide period including no less than 31 Curlew Sandpipers, 12 Little Stint, 2 Turnstones, 50+ Dunlin, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit in amongst 400+ Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits, c.50 Knot, 10 Greenshank and 94 Golden Plover whilst a Hobby graced the skies over the reserve. Nearby at Grove Ferry, Kent the Spotted Crake showed distantly at the back of the pool viewable from Harrison Drove Hide late afternoon with a Water Rail, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 8+ Green Sandpipers and several Yellow Wagtails and Ruff also present.
31st August - a juvenile Long-tailed Skua and 2 Sooty Shearwaters passed the Bridges of Ross, County Clare early morning whilst birds seen at Shannon Airport Lagoon, County Clare included 740 Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Ruff, c.100 Dunlin, 4 Knot and 12 Lesser Redpolls. After visiting the Swords Estuary, where 2 Ruff were present at high tide, we followed directions to Gormanstown beach, County Meath and were rewarded with superb views of 23 Roseate Terns (16 adults and 7 juveniles), with many Arctic and several Common Terns also present on the beach here and 15 Common Scoter passed offshore.
30th August - 5 juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 5 Bonxies, 10 Arctic Skuas and 8 Sooty Shearwaters were seen from the Bridges of Ross, County Clare. A visit to Quilty and Loch Donnell, County Clare produced 40+ Dunlin, 15 Turnstone, c.30 Sanderling, a Sandwich Tern and at least 60 Ringed Plovers whilst a look in at Poulnasherry Bay at low tide produced 7 Greenshank, 250 Dunlin and c.10 Knot. A visit to Kilcredaun Marsh, County Clare revealed 6 Greenshank, 11 Knot, 3 Teal and 7 Dunlin.
29th August - after a strong westerly blow overnight, birds off the Bridges of Ross, County Clare were passing at close range and during the day I observed 2 juvenile Sabine's Gulls, 3 Balearic Shearwaters, 600+ Sooty Shearwaters, a Grey Phalarope, 17 Leach's Petrels, c.12 Storm Petrels, 28 Common Scoter, 18 Bonxies, 40 Arctic Skuas, 3 Long-tailed Skuas (including an adult) and 1 Little Gull. A quick visit to Kilcredaun Marsh produced 2 Dunlin, 11 Teal and 4 Greenshanks.
28th August - with the morning seawatch relatively quiet, I travelled to Poulnasherry Bay, County Clare in order to look at some waders. I arrived on the rising tide and was extremely fortunate, after a couple of hours searching, to locate a moulting adult White-rumped Sandpiper in amongst c.1500 Dunlin at the north-west corner of the bay. It initially was picked up at c.250 yards range and as the tide swallowed the exposed mud, I was eventually able to gain views down to 40 yards range. Also present here were 150 Knot, 5 Greenshank, a juvenile Spotted Redshank and c.20 Turnstones. At the Bridges of Ross, seawatching produced 2 juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 4 Leach's Petrels, 2 Balearic Shearwaters, a flock of 60 Whimbrel, 2 Common Scoters, 40+ Arctic Skuas, 8 Bonxies, 8 Storm Petrels and 40+ Sooty Shearwaters.
27th August - 4 juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, an adult Pomarine Skua, 23 Arctic Skuas, 10 Bonxies, 16 Sooty Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, 2 Leach's Petrels, c.15 Storm Petrels, 1 Whimbrel, a 'blue' Fulmar and a very distant Great Shearwater were observed from the Bridges of Ross, County Clare whilst a juvenile Common Sandpiper was seen on the pool just east of Kilbaha village and 4 Greenshank and 5 Teal were seen at Kilcredaun Marsh, County Clare.
22nd August - after the necessary evil of visiting the birdfair the previous day in order to update my rapidly deteriorating tripod, a relaxed day in Kent was of much relief. There was no sign of the adult Dotterel at Scotney GP, Kent/East Sussex although c.120 Golden Plovers, a feral Snow Goose, a Bar-headed Goose and several Barnacle Geeese were noted here. A brief visit to Dengemarsh Gully produced only a couple of very fresh, yellow Willow Warblers whilst at Oare Marshes NR, Kent the juvenile Red-backed Shrike showed well in bushes at the south end of the reserve.
19th August - after struggling through the traffic on the A12 out of London, I arrived at Fingringhoe, Essex mid evening only to be told that there had been no sign of the target bird since c.5pm. Realising that it was unlikely that the bird would roost on the saltings and that it was probably out of view in one of the tidal channels, I decided to wait at the end of South Green Road until dusk in the hope that it would roost in the area it did the previous evening. At 8.30pm the juvenile Black Stork did indeed fly in from the marsh and, after perching on a telegraph pole briefly, flew into a small line of trees to roost. At least 1 Barn Owl, 1 Hobby and a Little Egret were also seen as were 2 Badgers.
18th August - a before work visit to Cliffe Pools RSPB, Kent revealed 6 Wood Sandpipers, 4 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 10+ Snipe, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 50+ Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Avocet, 11 Greenshank and 8 Ruff. An evening visit to Titchwell RSPB, Norfolk revealed the continued presence of the juvenile Broad-billed Sandpiper as it showed relatively well from the Island Hide with a flock of Dunlin and 3 Little Stints.
15th August - we arrived at Spurn, East Yorks early morning and one of our group was lucky enough to find a Wryneck in the dune slack adjacent to the green beacon - after initially showing well, the bird moved off into the thick scrub and became frustratingly elusive. At least 10 Lesser Whitethroats were also noted as was a single Pied Flycatcher whilst a Fieldfare in the scrub at the Point provided me with my earliest date for this species. Heading back north along the road, a Barred Warbler failed to show yet another Pied Flycatcher and 2 Whinchats were some compensation. We headed south from Spurn and, after battling through the Sunday afternoon traffic, arrived at Cley coastguards at c.4pm. After the long but pleasant walk up Blakeney Point, the Greenish Warbler showed incredibly well at times in the Plantation with a Pied Flycatcher and 2 Yellow Wagtails also noted there whilst a dark phase Arctic Skua was present offshore.
14th August - a visit to Oare Marshes NR, Kent to coincide with the high tide period produced 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 1 Little Stint, 1 Avocet, 25+ Ruff, 2 Garganey, 2 Knot as well as several hundred Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits and many Dunlin. Heading east, there was no sign of the Kentish Plover from the hide south of the picnic site at Pegwell Bay, Kent late afternoon and an early evening visit to St. Margaret's at Cliffe, Kent in search of 9 Dotterels proved fruitless although several Wheatears were noted in the fields adjacent to Reach Road.
8th August - after arriving at the quay at Penzance at 3.45am and being told that the Scillonian was going to sail on the annual pelagic, I decided not to travel due to the potential inclement weather conditions combined with the flat-bottomed nature of the vessel and the memories of the 1996 pelagic - although I was not ill myself on this trip, I was disgusted at the fact that those being ill showed no consideration for where they were ill and proceeded to ruin the enjoyability of those who were not ill. An early morning seawatch off Porthgwarra was disappointing with only 1 Bonxie and a couple of Manx Shearwaters noted. On this note we proceeeded east to Colliford Lake, Cornwall and remarkably located the Pectoral Sandpiper as it fed distantly on mud piles by the dead trees in the extreme north-east arm of the reservoir with 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers and 2 Dunlin also present. After battling throught the returning west country traffic, a visit to Staines Reservoir, Surrey revealed an extremely impressive array of species on the north basin with 11 Black Terns, 4 Garganey, 11 Greenshank, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 3+ Little Ringed Plover, 4 Green Sandpipers, 15+ Dunlin and c.10 Ringed Plover present mid afternoon.
7th August - there was no sign of yesterdays Sharp-tailed Sandpiper from dawn until 7am in the north-west arm of Drift Reservoir, Cornwall although 2 Wood Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 2 Kingfishers and 3 Green Sandpipers enlivened proceedings somewhat. A short drive to Porthgwarra, Cornwall revealed little seabird passage off Gwennap Head with only 1 Storm Petrel, 30 Common Scoter and several Manx Shearwaters being noted. In a quandry as to our next move and with an empty stomach, we were conveniently placed eating breakfast at Penzance McDonalds when the return of the target bird was reported. Between 11.25 and 11.43am, the moulting adult Sharp-tailed Sandpiper showed relatively well in the north-west arm of Drift Reservoir before being flushed by a Sparrowhawk and lost to view. This species has been remarkably difficult to catch up with in the British Isles in recent years with my only previous sighting being that of the adult that graced Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfonshire in August 1996. A couple of further visits to Drift during the afternoon produced a couple of Little Egrets, 6 Dunlin and 2 Greenshank as well as the species that were present early morning.
1st August - after arriving back into Gatwick Airport in the early hours, I managed to gain a few hours of sleep before proceeding to drive to Essex. After a long walk from Tollesbury village, which was rewarded with an adult summer Mediterranean Gull in a field full of Black-headed Gulls, I arrived at Old Hall Marshes RSPB Reserve, Essex where the moulting adult American Golden Plover was showing extremely well on the small pool immediately adjacent to the wind pump. Several Golden Plovers were also present at the back of the field with a male Ruff and a Little Egret also located. Although there had been no news since mid morning, I drove south-west to Fobbing Marshes where I was promptly told that the target bird had been present on the scrape for the last ten minutes but had just flown off towards the creek. I immediately dashed towards the concrete structure and located the juvenile Marsh Sandpiper on Vange Creek, Essex feeding with several Redshank. After a couple of minutes, I lost the bird and retreated back to the scrape. Fortunately within about five minutes the bird was back on the scrape and showed extremely well mid evening with a couple of Common Sandpipers also present there.
24th July to 31st July - South Central and Eastern Turkey.
24th July - the 1st-summer Night Heron was located roosting in a reedy island near the south-west corner of Weirwood Reservoir, East/West Sussex early afternoon with at least 3 Little Egrets, a female Mandarin and 50+ Great-crested Grebes also present.
19th July - no sign of the Pectoral Sandpiper reported yesterday at Oare Marshes, Kent but 25 Ruff, 2 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, an Avocet, 3 Little Egrets and 3 Spotted Redshanks present there.
18th July - the Blue-winged Teal showed well from Cobb Hide at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk early afternoon whilst a female Garganey, a moulting adult Spotted Redshank and 5 Dunlin were present on the scrape and an adult summer Little Gull flew over the reserve in amongst large numbers of Black-headed Gulls.
17th July - 6 Green Sandpipers, 16 Greenshank, 8 Little Egrets and 25+ Avocets were present at Cliffe Pools RSPB, Kent in the afternoon.
10th July - an early morning visit to Gibraltar Point, Lincs proved successful with good views of the moulting adult Long-billed Dowitcher on Jackson's Marsh. A couple of Greenshanks flew onto the scrape shortly after arrival whilst 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Sandpipers and an Avocet were also present here. The summer-plumaged Cattle Egret eventually showed well as it perched on the back of Highland Cattle in grassy fields adjacent to the information centre at Fairburn Ings RSPB Reserve, North Yorkshire during the early afternoon. With birding fairly quiet at this locality, we drove north to Hunmanby, North Yorks where the singing male Common Rosefinch was eventually located in bushes adjacent to the Methodist Church. This represented only the second male Rosefinch that i've seen in the British Isles following one at Balquihidder, Stirlingshire in 1997.
4th July - the moulting adult Greater Sand Plover was seen immediately on arrival south of the beach car park at Snettisham Coastal Park, Norfolk mid afternoon. After a recent upsurge in Lesser Sand Plovers, it was nice to note the very obvious feet protrusion of this individual when seen in flight. In addition, as well as obvious structural and plumage characteristics, the fact that this individual was in such a stage of moult on such a date is indicative of this species (we do appear to have learnt something since Pagham 1997!). This was only my second of this species in the British Isles, following the immaculate summer plumaged individual at Belhaven Bay, Lothian in June 1999.
3rd July - after taking the ferry from Pembroke in the middle of the night, we arrived at Rosslare, County Wexford early morning. After a short taxi ride from the ferry, the 1st-summer Short-billed Dowitcher was located almost immediately as it fed actively with Black-tailed Godwits near the monument on the causeway at Ladys Island Lake, County Wexford. Having only seen the fresh juvenile at Rosehearty, North-east Scotland in September 1999 this individual was most informative - the dark tail barring appeared narrow whilst importantly a slight wing projection beyond the tail could be clearly seen. Despite flying off with a couple of Redshanks it was not heard to call during our visit. Although asleep for the majority of the ferry crossings, a couple of Storm Petrels were seen whilst many Manx Shearwaters and Gannets were also observed. Arriving back on the Welsh mainland by early afternoon, a quick visit to St. Governs Head, Pembrokeshire produced excellent views of a pair of Chough as they fed on grassy areas adjacent to the car park. A pair of Montagu's Harriers showed relatively well in the southern half of Britain whilst yesterday's White Stork was still present in the same field at New Denham, Bucks at dusk.
2nd July - a White Stork (unringed) showed admirably whilst feeding on earthworms in the field at the end of Knighton Way Lane, New Denham, Bucks mid evening.
20th - 27th June - the week was spent on the island of Zakynthos, Greece (birding highlights can be found in my 'Foreign Trip Reports 3')
18th June - the singing Icterine Warbler showed well occasionally mid afternoon and sang almost continuously at Outney Common, Suffolk whilst uttering mimics of several species including Wryneck, Oystercatcher and Blackbird. A visit to Lakenheath Fen RSPB Reserve, Suffolk produced decent views of the female Golden Oriole whilst she sat incubating on the nest whilst the male was seen on one occasion as it flashed through the poplar plantation before vanishing into the dense canopy. Several hundred hirundines and Swifts were also present at Lakenheath, hawking low over the water in cloudy, blustery conditions.
13th June - one Roseate Tern showed well, roosting in amongst Sandwich Terns, on a small shingle island early afternoon viewable from the Roy Parkes Hide at Rye Harbour, East Sussex. Many Common Terns were also present on the scrape as well as 1 Avocet and 41 adult/second-summer Mediterranean Gulls plus at least 7 young birds. Excellent views of several Little Terns were gained as they flew along the beach whilst a few Redshank and Ringed Plover were seen on the Wader Scrape. A Quail was audible late afternoon in the large field north of Hurst Lane, north of Sedlescombe, East Sussex although appearing distant.
12th June - the adult Spotted Sandpiper showed at medium distance early afternoon as it loosely associated with a Common Sandpiper on Elton Hall Flash, Sandbach, Cheshire. This species is an exceptionally rare vagrant to the county, being only the third record following a summer plumaged individual at Spike Island, Widnes on 20th April 1991 and a juvenile that remained on the Railway Flash, Sandbach from 14th - 17th September 1980. Several Tree Sparrows showed well and chipped from the bushes by the feeders on Clay Lane. Crossing over the M6, a short walk around Teggs Nose CP near Langley, Cheshire during the afternoon revealed 3 Pied Flycatchers (a pair feeding a fully fledged young), a male Redstart and a singing Wood Warbler.
9th June - after departing central London just after 11.30am and picking up 'my team' at various locations along the M40 and M6, we arrived at the scenic coastal location of Monreith, Dumfries and Galloway at 6.30pm. Almost immediately, after walking east along the beach for 100 or so yards, the male Red-headed Bunting was located as it busily fed on the tidal reach and amongst small succulent bushes on the seaward side of the dune slack. The bird appeared immaculately plumaged and there was no abnormal abrasion to the tail feathers and the bill and feet were in mint condition. Typically a large bunting, this individual exhibited obvious pale grey fringing to particularly its red breast feathers and ear-coverts and a neat line of dark centred yellow feathers were prominent on the scapulars. Also present at this site were a couple of Fulmars, several Rock Pipits and Linnets.
5th June - the male Woodchat performed admirably at Minnis Bay, Kent as it favoured the small bushes on the south side of the railway line mid to late afternoon whilst several Whitethroats, Yellow Wagtails and a Buzzard were seen here. An evening visit to the Stodmarsh area, Kent provided good general birding with several Bearded Tits seen busily feeding their young whilst Cettis Warblers were typically audible and a couple of Turtle Doves and a small family party of Bullfinches were located.
3rd June - the summer plumaged adult Squacco Heron was located on a couple of occasions mid to late afternoon as it flew from the emergent vegetation on the far side of Dengemarsh, Kent. A Green Sandpiper was a welcome distraction as it flew over and superb views of Hobby and Little Ringed Plover were obtained during the afternoon.
2nd June - an evening visit to Knole Park, Kent produced good views of a couple of Spotted Flycatchers whilst nearby at least two Nightjars were located on suitable heathland habitat.
24th May - the near adult White-winged Black Tern showed fairly well from the first viewing mound at Cliffe Pools RSPB Reserve, Kent early evening with several Avocets present here. At nearby Oare Marshes, Kent the male Red-necked Phalarope showed well as it fed actively on the east scrape in amongst a handful of Black-tailed Godwits late evening.
15th May - after leaving North Yorkshire just before 6.30am, our plane had arrived at Stornoway airport before 9am and, after an efficient car hire pick up, we headed westwards to the west side of the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides. After a few minutes of searching at Loch Thuamister, I picked up the drake Cinnamon Teal as it swam elusively in reeds on the far side of the lochan with several Mallard, a drake Teal and a Cuckoo also being located at this site. Driving around the island produced several Arctic Terns and Arctic Skuas, a couple of Bonxies as well as several Rock Doves, Wheatears and Hooded Crows. A migrant Whimbrel was located on the grass near the Butt of Lewis lighthouse whilst birding at nearby Skigersta did not reveal any White-billed Divers but 4 Pale-bellied Brents were present here. A Corncrake showed remarkably well in one of the many iris beds at the north end of the island whilst birds at Loch Stiapavat included a Greenshank, a drake Wigeon and several Dunlin. A quick look in at Stornoway harbour on the way back to the airport revealed the continued presence of a 1st-summer Iceland Gull.
9th May - a visit to Bawdsey lagoons, Suffolk revealed moderate views of the 1st-summer female Citrine Wagtail as it fed actively around the floatsum at the edge of the second pool east of the car park late afternoon with at least 25 Swifts and a Common Sandpiper also present here.
8th May - a visit to Cheshire in order to pick up my new car was combined with catching up with some of the interesting birds that had been favouring the county for the previous week or so. An early morning visit to Dibbinsdale NR, Wirral in damp conditions revealed the continued presence of the 'controversial' Chiffchaff as it sang from the mature oak trees near the car park. Plumage characterisics always involve an element of subjectivity when trying to determine the length of the primary projection and the paleness of the legs in the field and therefore the only pro-Iberian feature noted was the contrast between the pale yellow breast and the more placidly toned underparts (although the contrast was significantly less than on both the Kingswear and Portland birds that I have observed previously). When initially heard singing, its call appeared good for an Iberian Chiffchaff with the typical 'chiff-chiff-chi trill' but the one element of a typical (or what we deem to be typical on current knowledge) Iberian that it lacked was the Reed Bunting-esque 'wheet' between the final chiff and the somewhat dry trill. Although the jury will be out on this bird for the foreseeable future, are we completely familiar with Iberian Chiffchaffs from the north of their range (where overlap with collybita occurs) and have we been fortunate in that previous occurrences of Iberian Chiffchaff have emanated from the southern part of their range? I revisited this bird in drier conditions late afternoon whilst a visit to Barnton, Cheshire produced the fully winged but suspiciously sedentary White Stork as it showed well in a ploughed field off Hough Green Lane.
5th May - an after work visit to Barnes WWT, Greater London eventually revealed the 1st-summer Night Heron, being viewable from the Wildside Hide between 8.15-8.40pm before flying off in the direction of the reserve centre.
2nd May - a superb adult Glossy Ibis (presumably that from Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon) showed extremely well on a small pool immediately east of Charlton All Saints village, Wilts early morning with a Kingfisher and a pair of Gadwall also present. Nearby in the New Forest an excellent couple of hours produced 1 Tree Pipit and a couple of Woodlark at one site whilst at Eyeworth Pond, Fritham, Hants at least 1 male Redstart and 3 drake Mandarins showed well. Indications were that it was to be a 'Pom' day at Dungeness, Kent and we therefore left in the direction of this site. On arrival at Dungeness, Kent early afternoon 8 Pomarine Skuas were seen heading east in an hour spell - although their spatulate tails were visible, all birds were viewed at distance. 3 Little Tern and 1 Whimbrel were also seen. After receiving a phone call that a Great Reed Warbler had been located at Sandwich Bay, Kent we headed north east with some reluctance. However, after about 10 minutes of searching, a stunning migrant Great Reed Warbler was located as it scrambled amongst the brambles at the back of the estate at Sandwich Bay, Kent late afternoon with 2 Turtle Doves also noted here. At nearby Grove Ferry, an adult Temmincks Stint was seen from the viewing ramp early evening whilst a lone Stone Curlew looked somewhat out of place as it stood isolated, whilst being mobbed by the resident Lapwings, at Dartford Marshes, Kent late evening.
1st May - an early morning visit to Bough Beech Reservoir, Kent inevitably led to a blank with regard to the previous days Black Terns although hundreds of hirundines were present and were duly scanned for a Red-rumped. With no such luck on picking out anything interesting, a drive to Farnborough, Hants provided excellent views of a singing Wood Warbler in a small coppice by Pinehurst Avenue. At least 1 Stone Curlew was eventually located in a typically stone-chipped field in southern England mid morning whilst a return to the capital provided excellent views of 2 Whinchat at Croxley Common Moor, Watford, Herts late morning. Also noted here were a pair of Wheatear, 2 Common Terns and remarkably an Arctic Tern as it passed through at 11.10am. With overcast, mirky conditions Wilstone Resr, Herts was full of terns, hirundines and over 500 Swifts - 2 Black Terns hawked high over the lake early afternoon whilst 1 Arctic and 30 Common Terns were also present. After an abortive attempt at a Bee-eater in Devon (only getting as far as Reading), the female Kentish Plover showed relatively well at Upware Washes late afternoon with 1 Knot, 1 Grey Plover, 30+ Dunlin and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler also present at this site. After a drive north-east, the Purple Heron was seen in flight mid evening as it flew from the field east of Brograve Drain towards Horsey Mill. At least 3 reeling Grasshopper Warblers were also present here whilst a Greenshank and 6 Common Cranes flew over just prior to dusk.
25th April - 1 Stone Curlew was seen distantly mid morning in southern England. On arrival at Noahs Lake, Shapwick Heath, Somerset the adult Whiskered Tern was showing well mid afternoon as it flew about the lake whilst being viewable from the hide. The bird was a fairly worn individual with it having at least one primary missing from each wing.
24th April - an early morning seawatch off Dungeness, Kent was unproductive and nearby there was no sign of yesterdays Hoopoe at Dengemarsh, Kent. However a superb male Blue-headed Wagtail showed well as it perched on small hwathorn bushes adjacent to the Dengemarsh road whilst at least 15 Yellow Wagtails were also located in the area. On the nearby Dengemarsh flood 3 Little Ringed Plovers showed well whilst a female Garganey and a Common Sandpiper were a little less obliging. 5 Whimbrel were noted by the entrance track to Dungeness RSPB Reserve mid morning. After such an eventful visit the previous evening, Grove Ferry was once again alive with birds and the rest of the day was spent enjoying it birdlife. The female Ring Ousel was once again present in the paddocks near the viewing ramp, a Garden Warbler showed well by the river, a pair of Garganey showed well on a small pool beyond the green hide, a Kingfisher perched briefly on an isolated stump viewable from the viewing ramp whilst other birds seen included 1 Reed Warbler, 6 Hobbies, 4+ Marsh Harriers, 2 Ruff, 5+ Bearded Tits and a Saker-type falcon.
23rd April - at least 10 Nightingales proved vocal late afternoon at New Hythe, Kent with 3 birds being seen (including 1 well). 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3+ Cettis Warblers, several Whitethroats, Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps were also present and a Cuckoo was calling occasionally near Abbeymeads Pit. The rest of the evening was spent in the Stour Valley around Grove Ferry - the highlight being 2 Red-rumped Swallows (one in pristine condition, the other having a slightly reduced tail streamer on its left side) that I was fortunate to locate in amongst the 300+ group of Sand Martins and Swallows. The pristine individual showed extremely well at times over the footpath between the ramp and the paddock whilst the other bird kept higher and was more mobile with the Sand Martin flock - at least one bird (probably both birds) was seen late evening by others appearing to fly to roost towards Stodmarsh. The female Ring Ouzel showed well in the paddock, whilst several Cettis Warblers, 2+ Bearded Tits, 2 Little Ringed Plover and many Sedge Warblers were also noted here.
19th-22nd April - evening visits to Coate Water Park, Swindon, Wiltshire after work produced little of note except for large congregations of 3 species of hirundine, the odd Grey Wagtail, several Blackcaps in full song and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
18th April - being forced to leave my flat early morning due to the closure of streets nearby due to the London Marathon, I was greeted at Two Tree Island, Essex by a cool southerly wind and bands of rain - unsurprisingly the Grasshopper Warbler could not be located although several Whitehroats were still in full song and a search of the adjacent estuary produced the adult Black Brant and a Pale-bellied Brent in amongst c.50 Dark-bellied Brents. With the aforementioned weather it was no surprise that newly arrived flocks of hirundines were keeping low over water bodies and by late morning, I was watching my fourth Red-rumped Swallow of the year as it showed well at times from the Layer Breton causeway, Abberton Reservoir, Essex - a typical individual with elongated tail streamers and a soft peach hued rump. 1 Swift was also located here as well as excellent numbers of the 3 common hirundines whilst 2 Black Swans were evidently escapes. An afternoon visit to New Hythe GP, Kent produced several common summer migrants including a Cuckoo, 2 Swifts and 3 species of hirundine, many Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs whilst 3 Nightingales and 6 Cettis Warblers were heard. An excellent bonus at this site was an Arctic Tern, seen to fly high over Abbeymeads Pit at 3pm before departing eastwards.
17th April - we arrived at Portland, Dorset just after dawn with moderate expectations due to the weather conditions. A few hours of birding around The Bill and up to Culverwell and the Top Fields produced 2 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, a Yellow Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 8+ Wheatears and several Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps whilst a pale morph Arctic Skua flew east past the observatory early morning. By mid morning, the decision had been made to continue to the extreme south west, with the journey being broken up by views of the 1st-summer drake Lesser Scaup as it showed at relative distance on the main lagoon at Exminster Marshes RSPB, Devon in near proximity to a couple of Tufted Ducks. On our journey down towards Lands End, we received a couple of phone calls stating that up to three Subalpine Warblers were now present in the Sennen area, Cornwall and that the 'most tricky' individual was showing well whilst we were just east of Penzance. This latter bird, in a dense clump of brambles near the track to Trevilley Farm, failed to show on the three attempts we made during the course of the afternoon. A greater amount of success was achieved at nearby Treave Common, Sennen, Cornwall where 2 (Western) Subalpine Warblers were seen within ten minutes of each other - an active, bright individual in the hedge immediately opposite the B3315 junction and a paler, more lethargic bird in isolated gorse c.200 yards west of Treave Moor House. A search of Porthgwarra, Cornwall revealed a couple of Willow Warblers as well as several Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps whilst Long Rock Pool, Marazion, Cornwall produced a flock of 150+ Sand Martins flying low over the pool battling against the strong south-westerly wind. The journey home provided the usual ritual - a visit to Bowling Green Marsh, Devon where the Glossy Ibis was located on the pool in front of the hide whilst 34 Whimbrel and a couple of Pochard were also present here.
12th April - it was evident on arrival just after dawn that yesterdays Bufflehead had departed the shallow peat lagoon at Astley Moss, Gtr Manchester although 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Sand Martin were seen. A search of nearby Pennington Flash, Gtr Manchester produced a summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe near Horrocks Hide as well as 2 Little Ringed Plovers and a drake Goldeneye. After receiving a tip off, the drive over the Pennines to Pugneys CP, Wakefield, West Yorks culminated in superb views of the drake Bufflehead as it initially fed on the nature reserve lake before relocating to the main lake by the car park. A summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe was present on the main lake and at least 20 Goldeneye were also present at the site. On the journey home, a 3rd-summer Glaucous Gull showed well at Stewartby Lake, Beds mid afternoon.
11th April - a first-summer Iceland Gull showed well on The Patch, Dungeness, Kent mid morning with an adult Little Gull, c.25 Common Terns, several Sandwich Terns and 2 Swallow recorded there. A female Black Redstart showed well on fences and brick buildings just south of the old lighthouse at Dungeness, Kent with 2 male Stonechats (including an individual resembling the nominate race rubicola) and 4 Wheatears also present in this area. Nearby on Dungeness RSPB Reserve, Kent 3+ Sedge Warblers were present on Hookers Pit plus 1 Cettis Warbler and a couple of Bearded Tits whilst a male Yellow Wagtail flew over calling.
10th April - after an hour or so of waiting, the 2 Red-Rumped Swallows (one in pristine condition and the other bird exhibiting only one tail streamer) appeared over the small pool on the south side of Hay-a-Park GP, Knaresborough, North Yorks from 8.40am until at least 9.15am. At least 1 Swallow here was my first of the year as was a singing Willow Warbler whilst other birds noted here included 1 Lesser Redpoll, c.15 Sand Martins, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 38 Fieldfare flew north. Journeying west, the Hoopoe was seen at Eldroth, North Yorks near-on arrival as it flew from private fields and perched on the stone barn at Smithys Croft. 2 Little Owls showed almost continually as they huddled together on a fencepost in the adjacent field and 1 Sand Martin, 4 Siskins and a Redwing were also noted here. Heading south and into Derbyshire, a male Goshawk performed admirably over a steep wooded valley whilst 4 male Ring Ouzels and 2+ Siskins were also located at this site. The overwintering Great Grey Shrike showed well late afternoon as it favoured newly planted trees on the steep sided slopes adjacent to the A6 just north of Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire with a male Bullfinch also there. An impressive flock of hirundines - consisting of over 40 Swallows, c.8 Sand Martins and 2+ House Martins - were seen over water by the Meaden Bridge just east of Bakewell, Derbyshire with a Goosander over there and a pair of the latter species also seen at What Standwell, Derbyshire.
9th April - the drake Green-winged Teal was present, albeit somewhat distantly, on the River Thames at Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, Essex mid afternoon amongst 18 Teal with 45 Avocet and a singing male Blackcap also seen at this site. Nearby, the 2 near summer plumaged Slavonian Grebes were located early evening on White Hart Lake East, Dagenham Chase, Greater London/Essex and showed well in close association of 4 Little Grebes.
4th April - after a short wait, the female Bluethroat (presumably a white-spotted, merely due to the date of occurence) performed admirably from mid afternoon until early evening as it favoured the short reeds and brambles adjacent to the boardwalk just north of the car park at Church Norton, Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. 2 Little Egrets, a male Blackcap and a couple of Chiffchaffs were also present at the site.
3rd April - a male Capercaillie and 2 Crested Tits were noted mid morning at a site in Abernethy Forest, Highland whilst a search of a further site produced 2 female Capercaillies and at least one further Crested Tit. A brief visit to the Osprey Centre at Loch Garten RSPB, Highland was rewarded with good views of one Osprey (apparently 'Henry', last years male bird, that was a fresh arrival that morning) and excellent views of 2 Crested Tits on the feeders immediately outside the centre. With the previous birds all being seen with relative ease, 'Scottish' Crossbill was the only outstanding speciality that had not been seen by mid morning. A concerted attempt for this species was made for at least 5 hours, and after realising that luck was not on our side, we headed off south in the hope of having better luck with a White Stork that had been found in Fife. On arrival just north of Kilrenny, Fife the White Stork was seen actively feeding in fields between 7-7.30pm - the bird appeared unringed and in good plumage.
2nd April - the 1st-winter white morph Snow Goose was found with 4 Icelandic Greylags as it flew from fields at the north end of Baleshare (an island of machair adjoined to North Uist by a causeway) and landed on the nearby mud. After several minutes, the 5 birds took flight and flew in the direction of Baleshare again but a brief search failed to produce any more sightings although several Icelandic Greylags were noted as well as a Buzzard. 10+ Corn Buntings proved fairly vocal in fields by the visitor centre at Balranald RSPB, North Uist whilst 15 Whooper Swans and 9 Wigeon were seen on a nearby lochan. Birding at the northern end of North Uist produced a Merlin, 2 Golden Plovers and several Bar-tailed Godwits at Grenitote, a male Hen Harrier near Oban Trumisgarry and c.500 Barnacle Geese on Berneray, Western Isles. An uneventful return ferry crossing produced only 2 Black Guillemots of note, whilst a Red-throated Diver was noted on a loch between Kyle of Lochalsh and Dingwall, Highland. Whilst crossing the Black Isle north of Inverness, Highland the habitual Red Kite spotting produced 1 individual south of Dingwall as we journeyed south and into Speyside. Parking the car in the ski lift car park on Cairngorm at c.5pm, we hastily walked up the track towards the snowline and were rewarded with decent views of a pair of Ptarmigan, as well as two pairs of Red Grouse that provided a pleasant distraction on the descent.
1st April - birding on the Isle of Skye prior to the boat over to North Uist mid morning produced a Wheatear just south of Uig at Earish, a Guillemot in Portree harbour and several Hooded Crows whilst birds seen on the ferry between Uig and Lochmaddy, North Uist included 2 Puffins, 1 Black Guillemot, 2 Meadow Pipits and many Razorbills and Guillemots (including 2 of the bridled form) as well as 3+ Harbour Porpoise. The superb male Snowy Owl was easily located as it sat on rocks at Eilean Cuithe Nam Fiadh, occasionally being mobbed by Herring Gulls, being viewable from the rough track adjacent to the Hebridean Jewellery store at the north end of South Uist. A visit to a site on South Uist produced excellent views of a near adult Golden Eagle as well as an immature White-tailed Eagle whilst 2 Peregrines, at least 2 Buzzards and 20 Whooper Swans were seen there. The 1st-winter American Coot was quickly located at the north end of West Loch Ollay, South Uist and showed relatively well at times as it dived frequently near the thinly reeded edge of the loch. Several Rock Doves were seen in the immediate area whilst 8 Tufted Duck, 15 Wigeon and a few Teal were also present on the loch. The area immediately north-west here, Penninerine, produced excellent birding from late afternoon onwards with the adult Bonapartes Gull being located eventually on rocks at the north end of the beach with c.150 Black-headed Gulls. A search of the other gulls in the area revealed a nice first-summer Ring-billed Gull whilst 3 Great Northern Divers and 18 Long-tailed Ducks were present offshore whilst a male Wheatear and a Wren were the only passerines of note. Driving back north towards our accommodation on North Uist a Short-eared Owl was observed on Benbecula at Ballivanich and a female Merlin showed well on Baleshare, North Uist mid evening.
31st March - in extremely misty conditions, 6 male Black Grouse were located at Langden Beck, Co.Durham early morning with a Woodcock showing well in the field adjacent to the minor road running north to St.Johns Chapel. Nearby, a Ring Ousel was seen and heard to call in the small quarry north of Langden Beck, Co.Durham whilst 2 Red Grouse were located in the same area. After a few hours of driving north, a visit to Craigluscar NR near Dunfermline, Fife revealed the drake Green-winged Teal as it roosted on the reedy edge of the reservoir with c.20 Eurasian Teal before swimming across the water and disappearing into a reed fringed channel. A short trip down the road was rewarded with good views of a pair of Surf Scoter as they sat on the sea off East Brae Road, East Wemyss, Fife. An excellent array of seaduck were present at this site including 100+ Velvet Scoter, a couple of Long-tailed Ducks and c.100 Eider whilst a first-winter Black-throated Diver also showed well and a Peregrine was seen over the adjacent cliffs. A second visit of the year to Methil, Fife again produced views of the female King Eider although the views obtained were somewhat distant. 5 Long-tailed Ducks were also present alongside 30 Velvet Scoter, 250+ Eider and c.40 Red-breasted Mergansers. A visit to Glen Tanar, Aberdeenshire revealed a Golden Eagle as it circled over the valley whilst 2 Dippers were seen on the River Don just west of Aboyne and, most interestingly, 12+ Common Crossbills were seen in the pine forest there. Whilst driving through Speyside just prior to dusk, 2 Woodcock were noted.
30th March - 2 Common Cranes were eventually located in fields half a mile south of Horsey Mill, Norfolk late afternoon with a White Wagtail seen in a group of Pied Wagtails adjacent to the B1159 near Brograve Farm, Waxham, Norfolk and at least 3 Marsh Harriers also in the area.
28th March - 4 Water Pipits and 2 littoralis Rock Pipits were located in the scant vegetation and adjacent stone barges off the Riverbank car park at Rainham, Essex mid morning with a Green Sandpiper also present in the ditch adjacent to the access road there. A brief visit to Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex produced 7 Red-crested Pochards (4 males, 3 females) as they fed in the water adjacent to Fremnalls Causeway at the south end of the reservoir. The afternoon was spent in the Stodmarsh, Kent area in the hope that the White Stork would perform - unfortunately there was no further sign of this bird although excellent birding was had nonetheless. The drake Ring-necked Duck showed distantly with Tufted Duck on Collards Lake, Kent early afternoon with at least 3 Goldeneye and several Pochard and Wigeon also seen there. Nearby at Stodmarsh NNR, Kent the Yellow-browed Warbler showed almost constantly as it fed in trees adjacent to the last bench before the bridge in the woodland near the car park - c.8 Chiffchaffs were also present in the area with several Cetti's Warblers calling on the reserve and flight views of Bearded Tit obtained from the Lampen Wall.
27th March - the superb Red-rumped Swallow duly showed on our arrival at Swithlands Reservoir, Leics as it hawked over fields with c.30 Sand Martins just north-west of the dam off Kinchley Lane early morning. After half an hour or so the hirundine flock became more distant above the reservoir, and the worsening views were the cue to depart to Anglesey. After c.20 minutes of searching, the overwintering Little Bunting suddenly appeared in the small bush immediately adjacent to the bench in the south car park at Newborough Warren, Anglesey. During the early afternoon, the bird showed remarkably well as it fed on seed with several Chaffinches before being flushed by a tractor and flying deeper into cover. A Peregrine was noted as we drove along the A55 towards Holyhead, Anglesey whilst a couple of Choughs, c.4 Ravens and a Wheatear were seen from the top car park at South Stack, Anglesey mid afternoon. A quick detour just east of Bangor at Aber Falls, Gwynedd produced the hoped for Dipper just north of the roadbridge with a few Ravens flying overhead there. In the evening at Frodsham Marsh, Cheshire 2 Avocets were located on The Weaver Bend with a drake Scaup showing well there with c.5 Tufted Ducks, whilst nearby 8 Pink-footed Geese were present with Canada Geese on the field by the old log and 2 Short-eared Owls and c.300 Golden Plover were seen at the west end of No.5 Tank.
21st March - a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was located with remarkable ease early morning as it drummed on the thick, dead oak tree by the first bend in the track around the fishing pond at Cassiobury Park, Watford, Herts with a Little Egret also seen over the fishing pond. The area was alive with typical woodland species with Nuthatch, Treecreeper and a pair of Siskin being seen before I located the Redpoll flock. At least 2 Mealy Redpolls (a male and a female) were present with 22 Lesser Redpolls as they fed on larch stems on the ground immediately adjacent to the birdge to the fishing lake off Gade Avenue. A second Alpine Swift in a week (and only my sixth in the British Isles) was too good an opportunity to miss, and between 11am and midday the bird showed exceptionally well in bright sunlight over meadows at the end of Mill Lane, Abbots Worthy, Hants. A Little Egret and 2 Buzzards were also seen at Abbots Worthy, Hants whilst a singing male Firecrest was seen surprisingly well in blustery conditions in the county. A pair of Crossbills showed well in the pines at the north end of Shatterford car park, Beaulieu Road, Hants early afternoon whilst a search of the perimeter fence at Fawley Power Station did not reveal any Black Redstarts although c.70 Dark-bellied Brents were present on the rivermouth there. A detour on the way home produced the superb summer plumaged Red-necked Grebe at close range as it swam around on Village Pit, Wraysbury GP late afternoon (this being the individual that wintered at Thorpe Park Surrey) with 25+ Sand Martins, 1 Ring-necked Parakeet and a drake Goldeneye also there.
20th March - an early morning visit to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve revealed 3 Little Ringed Plovers actively feeding on the gravel islands on the main lake with 2 Green Sandpipers and a Grey Wagtail there, whilst a Little Egret flew low over the lake before dropping in the adjacent damp meadows. As we headed south-west, a detour to Abbots Worthy, NE of Winchester, Hants mid morning did not produce the Alpine Swift although a female Sparrowhawk was seen there. A quick visit to Lodmoor RSPB Reserve, Dorset revealed 2 Spoonbills feeding on the brackish pools late morning whilst on arrival at Radipole Lake, Dorset 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2nd summer, 2nd winter and 1st winter) showed immaculately on the gravel island in front of the visitor centre with at least a further 2 1st-winters located during the afternoon. A superb summer-plumaged Ring-billed Gull showed well in the gull flock at Radipole at c.3:40pm whilst 4+ Sand Martins were present on and off at the back of the reserve throughout the afternoon. After several hours of waiting and hoping, I located the hoped for quarry, the 1st-winter Franklin's Gull, as it flew in from the north at 4:20pm and showed well in front of the visitor centre til at least 4:50pm. Contrary to reports on previous days, the bird appeared fit and well, with it being a particularly distinctive individual exhibiting a vivid pink breast and actively moulting into 1st-summer plumage. An evening visit to a wind battered Portland Bill, Dorset produced 2 Wheatears near The Bill whilst 1 Manx Sheawater flew west past there close inshore.
14th March - with squally showers pushing up from Biscay and moderate to strong south-west winds, as well as an added attraction of a Bonaparte's Gull, a return to the south-west was in order. The day started with the 1st-winter Lesser Yellowlegs showing very well from Lelant Station on the Hayle Estuary, Cornwall at c.6.30am with 1 Greenshank also present in the same intertidal creek. A brief drive to a windswept Marazion, Cornwall immediately revealed the 1st-winter Bonaparte's Gull as it roosted with c.20 Black-headed Gulls on the Red River (just west of the village and immediately east of the RSPB reserve) before feeding in the surf in petrel-like fashion til at least 7.10am. Although the heavens opened for over an hour, our search for the 1st-summer Rose-coloured Starling in Penzance, Cornwall proved fruitful with it being located on wires by the allotments immediately west of St.Johns Church mid morning. A return visit to Marazion, where 1 Little Egret and several Teal were noted, was suddenly abrupted by a telephone call from RBA that an Alpine Swift had been located a mile or so away! A frantic car journey onto the A30 and north towards the village of Crowlas immediately revealed a superb Alpine Swift as it flew around for several minutes at close range before drifting off low east at 11.14am - an excellent find for Sara McMahon who just happened to be driving up the A30 when the bird flew over her car! Back to long-staying birds, the second-winter Ring-billed Gull once again showed well on Helston Boating Lake, Cornwall whilst a frustrating visit to Loe beach, Feock, Cornwall revealed extremely distant views of a dark duck, almost certainly the over-wintering female Surf Scoter, with the Red-breasted Merganser flock although a Black-necked Grebe was slightly less distant. With no sign of the adult Ring-billed Gull at Par Beach Pool in a brief search, the Glossy Ibis once again provided a convenient stop on the way home as it showed well in the field by the viewing platform late afternoon. Nearby, a quick search of the relief channel and the adjoining pools at Exminster Marshes RSPB did not reveal the hoped for 1st-winter drake Lesser Scaup.
13th March - with atrocious weather conditions early morning and milder conditions compared to midweek, it was no surprise that there was no sign of the Pine Bunting at Choseley, Norfolk although several Corn Buntings, 1 Tree Sparrow and 1 Lapland Bunting in the vicinity of the concrete pads were some compensation. Nearby, there was no sign in an hour or so mid morning of the Black-bellied Dipper at Letheringsett, Norfolk. A drive back to west Norfolk revealed, after an hour or so of a wait, a 1st-winter Rough-legged Buzzard midway between Great Massingham and Grimston, Norfolk early afternoon - the bird showed well as it flew over the hillock behind the grass triangle whilst being mobbed by corvids. 1 Common Buzzard, a male Sparrowhawk and several Red-legged Partridges were also present in the area. A search of Cottenham Long Drove, Cambs on the journey home did not reveal the 1st-winter Caspian Gull although a search of the adjacent Waterbeach Waste Management Site (viewed from the entrance gate immediately adjacent to the A10 roundabout) produced the bird - the 1st-winter Caspian Gull was found roosting with other large gulls on the grassy mound above the tip mid afternoon.
12th March - an after work visit to Timber Lake, Higham, Kent just prior to dusk revealed the 2 Taiga Bean Geese in the field just south of the lake and north of the railway with a few Greylags and several Canada Geese.
7th March - the drake Garganey was located roosting with a few Teal on the large island in the centre of Connaught Water, Essex after a short search late morning. A drake Smew showed exceptionally well in the far corner of the lake as it dived frequently, with at least 11 Mandarin present and c.20 Teal and a Pochard also there. A late afternoon search of fields along Queenborough Lane, Rayne, Essex failed to produce the hoped for Hooded Crow.
6th March – a male Golden Pheasant showed well on the path in the far corner of Waylands Wood, Norfolk early morning with 3 Nuthatch and 1 Marsh Tit also seen. West of Watton, Norfolk an escaped/released Reeves Pheasant was seen in a ploughed field c.1 mile east of where the B1108 meets the a-road. A search of Lynford GP failed to produce the hoped for drake Ferruginous Duck but nearby 5 Waxwings and 40+ Bramblings (including a summer male) showed well just north of the A11 by the Croxton turn-off. The wintering Great Grey Shrike was quickly |