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Wishmoor / Swinley Forest (02/06/07)

2007-06-06T01:19:00.000-07:00

It’s a couple of years since I last had the opportunity to visit Wishmoor.

My previous visit had been one of my best birding days ever, in spite of the fact that by early afternoon the temperature was nudging 37 degrees!

This time the mercury levelled at a slightly more temperate 25 degrees, meaning I only consumed about 5 litres of liquid, instead of the 20ish last time.

Me and my good lady have paid visits to friends down in Oxfordshire on an intermittent basis for the last 10 years or so, and this avails me the opportunity to explore some of the birding locations in the region, down towards the south coast, west towards the Severn and east towards London.

This also means that I get the occasional chance to “chase” one of my long time “wish-list” birds. I can’t really say bogey-bird, because there haven’t been many times when I could realistically expect to see this star. Nevertheless, for as long as I can remember, back to my first interest in birds as a child, I have been keen as mustard to track down a Dartford Warbler.

I’ve visited a number or potential haunts, and unfortunately lain sick in the car at Aylesbeare Common – slacker! – but always drawn a blank.

Last time’s visit to Wishmoor showed me the potential, and gave me a few tantalising flutters of excitement, but as I went completely on spec as a site virgin, I basically wandered around.

This time, thanks to the BerkshireBirds website, I was able to focus my attention on the most likely Dartford Warbler locations, listening to the artillery fire, checking out the 747s overhead, picking up what birds I could, and maybe, just maybe…?

Well… that was the plan.

Anyway, I arrived quite late, about 11.30ish, and entered via the access point on King’s Ride off the A30 in Camberley.

In fact, before I even set foot in the area, I heard both Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker. Although I heard many more calls, I never did actually see any Green Woodies, but I soon tracked down one of their spotted cousins.

The trees were full or song, so much so that a lot of it washed over me as I concentrated on the GSW, but once I had had sight of that fella, I was more tuned in to the others… tits, finches and warblers evidently, but above them all a very vociferous Song Thrush.

I just listened for a while, not making too many attempts to track down the rest of the singers by sight until a shape flew past me and landed nearby. A fabulous male Blackcap.

Another shape flitted in and stopped close by. This time a female Redstart.

As I followed the ride onward, the song quietened a little and then changed as I moved into more coniferous trees.

There was a rather a deal of squeaking and associated action going on towards the top of some of the trees. I’m not particularly adept at telling all the squeaks apart, so this required a greater effort to make visual contact to confirm any id.

It took a while, but eventually I managed to get good enough views of an adult Coal Tit, who appeared to be in the process of placating its somewhat demanding family.

It didn’t take much effort to “officially” add Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Nuthatch, Blue Tit and Chaffinch to the list before turning out of the trees as per BerkshireBirds’ instructions and heading down to Wishmoor Bottom in search of my target bird.

En route, I heard a Buzzard calling overhead, and more Green Woody calls. I also heard a lot of “Whitethroats” but I didn’t want to take them for granted without a positive visual id.

Crossing Wishmoor “Brook”, I stopped to try to track down an unusual call in the trees. I spent perhaps 20 minutes on the task, until I finally managed to catch sight of… Great Tits. (“If you here a song in the trees you don’t recognise”…???!!!) Oh well… a tick’s a tick!

Taking a left on to the ride running parallel to the brook, I found a place to sit and scan the heath.

Whilst sitting patiently, I heard, though unfortunately didn’t see, a Woodlark. It was nonetheless a pleasing reminder of my last visit and my first ever sighting of this mournful songster.

The “Whitethroat” calls were very much in evidence, and there were a few obvious perches that I hoped might be used as calling posts. After a while I noticed one in use, but it required my ’scope to get a good enough view. Stonechat… nice!

Another bird was perched atop and adjacent shrub, which revealed itself to be a Reed Bunting, and then finally in flew (yes, Yes, YES!!!) a Dartford Warbler giving his whitethroat-like call. In fact all three birds were in the same FOV.

I stayed a while longer and soon got an even better view of another (the same?) Dartford Warbler and more Stonechats, whilst calls from the trees resolved themselves into, amongst others, the songs of Willow Warblers.

Having finally tracked down Wishmoor’s extra-speciality, I decided to concentrate less on watching, and simply explore more of the heath and into Swinley Forest proper. I made my way towards and past Surrey Hills Reservoir.

There was an almost continuous accompaniment of birdsong, again changing as the forestation changed, yet the final three additions to the list made no sound at all to give away their presence, but I was fortunate enough to see them “in the feather”.

Actually, the first was Magpie… hardly secretive as it scuttled around by the path, but surprisingly hushed.

Next was a Jay, which I think was feeding on the ground, but gave itself away briefly as it shot up into the nearest tree.

And the last addition was a magnificent male Cuckoo, that I was able to track in my binoculars as it flew through the trees, until it settled on a broken branch giving me enough time to get excellent ’scope views.

I confess, I got a little lost making my way back to the car so I was certainly ready for the sit down by the time I got there… but could I possibly have had a better day’s birding?

Well, to be honest, I can easily think of at least 10 species a more skilful or persevering birder should easily have been able to see, but I think Saturday afternoon’s entertainment was cracking birding by almost anyone’s standard.

Really, Wishmoor is a brilliant place and I thoroughly recommend a visit… before dawn till after dusk – if you can last that long!

Potteric Carr (30-01-07)

2007-02-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Well, almost didn't make the return trip, but got here in the end.

The plan was to take in pretty much the same route as Saturday, but add in the loop from Piper Marsh through Corbett Wood and Childers Wood... so that's what I did.

Nothing on the feeders again on arrival, so the first action of the day, just on site, was three Robins having a serious squabble over robin-stuff.

In fact, that was to become something of a theme, as almost every turn taken led to more squabbling robins!

Blue Tits, Long-tailed Tits and a Chaffinch or two were present beside Decoy Marsh, and Coot and Mute Swan could be seen on the marsh, and a Tufted Duck or so, though that was just about it for today.

Along with the plethora of robins was almost as plethoric a showing of Blackbirds, doing whatever it is blackbirds do, and as usual, doing it noisily!

No bacon doorstep today, so straight on to Hawthorn Bank. Rather than double back, I chose Hawthorn first, to the move on the Piper and the loop.

The new pools (Huxter Well?) offered up Gadwall, Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Pochard, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Moorhen and to complete the list, Carrion Crow. No sign of the other plover on my watch, this time.

I returned along the bank, and rejoined the path to Piper Marsh Hide, adding nothing new just yet. Piper Marsh didn't present me with the Bittern today (I missed it be about half an hour, apparently) but did give Shoveler, Teal and Shelduck, amongst others already mentioned.

The odd Woodpigeon flew over, then just as I was about to leave, a Sparrowhawk flew in, briefly stopping off at one of the islands before taking off again.

I left the hide, in time to see and incoming Cormorant overflying, and then noticed a small group of (what turned out to be ) Redpolls. I'm not familiar with redpolls, and they looked out of the ordinary at first, but happily, I was able to spend a good fifteen minutes in their company confirming their id.

I was thinking, by now, that the bold comment in respect of Bullifinches from last time was coming back to bite me, when at last a female Bullfinch, and soon after her beau, put in a show.

I continued on my way, and the afternoon was drawing to a close now. Things were quietening down. Still Corbett Wood provided Great Tits aplenty, and the fattest Dunnock I've seen away from my garden!

There was something of a commotion in the clearing, just a lot of noise happening, including, I'm pretty sure, much squeaking of voles. Whilst trying to verify this, I was treated to cracking views of a Treecreeper... which had to suffice as the "voles" remained elusive.

The final part of the walk passed through the increasingly gloomy Childers Wood, but was blessed with superb views of a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

And to wrap things up, leaving the site, a Pheasant and a Magpie brought the total to a round thirty.

Hatfield Moor

2007-01-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today was the first of my two days off work.

After my first proper session at my new gym* I moved on the short distance to Hatfield Moor, to see what treasures this relatively new reserve holds in the... erm... depths of winter.

As I arrived, a butterfly flew across the track in front of me. I know winter butterflies are not unknown, but I think that was a January first for me!

On pulling into the car park, the first obvious bird was a Moorhen mooching around in the short grass whilst three Pied Wagtails and a Meadow Pipit were chattering close to the Boston Park hide.

I decided to take a look over the pool from the hide.

It was warm enough to sit in the hide in my T-shirt, but the sun was both bright and low, and made viewing a bit tricky.

Even so, I was quickly able to make out plenty of Coots and Black-headed Gulls, and a single Canada Goose.

A few Tufted Ducks were have seriously bad hair days, and the duck count was completed by some Pochard.

On the far bank a couple of Oystercatchers were feeding, and I caught sight of a Little Grebe just before it dived.

It never obviously resurfaced, but whilst I was scanning the water I saw a couple of Great Crested Grebes making pairing moves... seems love is already in the air!

A Carrion Crow flying over was just about it for the pool so I decided to move on and see what was singing in the trees.

It didn't take long to come across the first of the Long-tailed Tits, although they wouldn't keep still for long and it took a while to get a good views.

In the meanwhile, a Robin was singing lustily from a perch in the same trees. When I finally took the time out give (I guess) him a look, he turned out to be a beauty. At the moment the Robins I am seeing all have this wonderful tomato-soup coloured breast shining brightly.

In the undergrowth, a Dunnock scurried out, and quickly retreated, and Great Tits were doing their squeaky gate impersonations all around.

A Magpie and an Woodpigeon were the next flyovers, as I made my way along one of the rides towards the peat moor/workings. I heard the first of the day's Green Woodpeckers, although I never did actually see one, and Blackbirds were busy rushing around the lowest branches.

As I turned a corner, I got a sort but unmistakeable view of a flying Kingfisher. Kingfishers are another of my "good day" birds. They are certainly pleasing to look at for long durations when perched, but if anything they are better in flight - although repeated flights to and from a fixed perched are certainly better than seeing then shoot of into the distance!

Even so, a short glimpse of electric blue as it rose and turned away were fine enough.

I hung around in the hope it would return, but unfortunately, no. But whilst waiting, I was able to enjoy watching a rather noisy Marsh Tit feeding on the bullrushes. There were a fair few Marsh Tits around, in fact.

The next port of call was a bench by the peat, but once again this desolate stretch of land rewarded little in birds... just a few Carrion Crows. The sit down was welcome though!

After about twenty minutes, I moved on, and sood ided a Coal Tit in amongst a small flock of Blue Tits.

I made my way towords the Redbridge hide, upsetting a few Wrens on the way, it seems.

En route, on another pond I was able to add Wigeon and Herring Gull, the latter being somewhat of the bully towards the Black-headed Gulls, although, apat from Mallard, the view from the hide yielded nought.

Anyway, time to make my way back to the car, by a slightly different route.

I picked more of many of the same, but was able to add a female Reed Bunting and a couple of distant Mute Swans, which, if my counting has served me well, was 30 species for the day.

*Yes... those of you who have seen me... imagine how I'd look if I didn't work out!!!

Potteric Carr

2007-01-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

I wasn't planning on blogging yesterday's trip to Potteric Carr, partly because it was "only" an opportunity for a stroll, and also because, with a couple of days off work, tomorrow and Tuesday, I am expecting to go there again for some "proper" birding, and I don't want to repeat myself too much.

But the presence of one of Potteric's specialities means I feel compelled, in case I miss out next time.

So, as a bit of brain-relaxation after four months of especially intense work, my good lady suggested a walk there with my daughter, picking up a bite of lunch on arrival, and popping over for coffee and cake at Thornton's at the end.

It's five months since my last visit, and Sedum House (the new function centre) is fully open... very posh! So having figured out how to get in, the three of us made our way to the cafe at the Field Centre.

There was nothing on the feeders at that time, but three Jackdaws were strutting close by.

A Magpie flew across the path ahead of us, and a couple of Goldfinches were flitting in the trees.
As we made our way past the site of the old (no longer present) Decoy Hide, were heard and saw a few Blue Tits and partnyorsha caught sight of a Robin.

Walking along the path beside the railway lines, we saw the first of five or six Bullfinches.

Bullfinches are one of my favorite birds, because they are a bit unusual. They're by no means particularly rare, and I would probably see them just about every day at Potteric, but they are certainly more elusive than most other finches. As a kid, they were amongst the group of birds I never thought I'd see... so a Bullfinch day is always a good day!

My daughter, who had actually spotted (although not ided) the first Bullfinch, spotted a rabbit, and whilst I was looking at that through my trusty, but aged binocs, I saw the head and neck of a reclusive Pheasant in the shrubbery.

Great Tits were also in the trees, and we could now see onto the first pool from the path. The light was a little difficult, but we could easily make out Coot, Wigeon and Mute Swan, and a Grey Heron was perched at the edge of the reeds.

My daughter again got her spotting eyes working and found and ided some Long-tailed Tits.

We arrived at the cafe as a noisy Blackbird charged through the undergrowth!

After relieving the cafe of two bacon butties and bowl of vegetable soup, we continued our stroll. As time wasn't on our side, but equally as we didn't want to rush round at a sprint, we decided just to take a walk up to Piper Marsh hide, call in at the new Hawthorn Hide, and then retrace our steps back to the car (and on to Thornton's!)

We got excellent views of a Treecreeper, and then saw a Moorhen on one of the ditches.

A Carrion Crow (or six) flew over, and we had many more encounters with previously mentioned woodland birdies.

We arrived at Piper Marsh hide, which, not surprisingly at this time of year, was quite full. The Marsh itself brought us Mallard, Gadwall, Black-headed Gull, Shelduck and Shoveler, but best of all, and many thanks to the kind birder who had his scope fixed on the skulking star, we were able to get long distance, highly-camouflaged, but nonetheless unmistakable views of one of the site's Bitterns.

We spent about ten minutes in the hide (fly-by-nights, eh?) before we had to move on.

As I mentioned, we called in at the Hawthorn Hide, and spent perhaps twenty minutes or so watch the wheeling flocks of Lapwings and another wader. Someone who briefly entered the hide ided them as Dunlin, but although I'm rubbish at waders, and therefore perhaps not qualified to argue... I don't think he was right. We figured they were winter-plumaged Golden Plover, but not enough to claim such or type them in red!

(Edit 29/01/07: After some checking of various books and reconsideration, I am happy to now type Golden Plover in red. In comparison to the size of the Starlings and the Lapwings, they were just smaller than the Lapwings and way bigger than the Starlings, so Dunlin is certainly out. Short of being a flock of 100 or so American variants, I'm now convinced they were our very own Golden Plovers.)

There were a few other birds on and around the water, including three Greylag Geese. A couple of Skeins of other geese flew over, but I couldn't id them.

Also, in the wader flocks, there was a smattering of Starlings.

May daughter spotted a squirrel, along with more Blackbirds and Robins, before adding to the list with Dunnock.

It was then time to make our way back to the car, with no more additions until we reached the exit, and noticed a Chaffinch or two in with the Goldfinches.

The final bird of the day, was the Lakeside Village speciality bird... Pied Wagtail.

All that was left to do was coffee and cake!

The String of Pearls

2006-08-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

On the evening of Saturday 5^thAugust, my beloved was at a bit of a get-together with workmates at one of their homes in Cudworth, and I was acting as personal taxi service.

During the day, the suggestion was proffered that rather than come home, I do a bit of birding in the area, as it still stays light until well past 9pm.

Good idea… and so I took a couple of hours or so out taking a look at the birds on show at some local watery locations that, at least in one leaflet, go by the somewhat poetically licentious name of “The String of Pearls”.

My home county, and particularly this part of it has a long industrial heritage driven primarily by getting things out of the ground by one method or another.

Many of these are now former mines and quarries, disused, often “naturalised”, and in a number of cases resulting in areas of shallow water that are appealing to birds both resident and in passage.

The first of the “pearls” I visited was Broomhill Flash. A smallish pool overlooked by a single sturdy hide.

There was a reasonable amount of activity – perhaps activity is the wrong word as it was getting late and I think much of the “action” involved preparing to roost.

I will list the full selection of ids at the end, but amongst a fair few ducks on the water it was noticeable there were at least 20 Ruddy Ducks.

I have mixed feelings (that I have expressed elsewhere) about Ruddy Ducks, because I like ducks in general and these are fine birds indeed… but they are out of place, and a potential threat to our European Whiteheads.

As far as I know, we don’t have Whiteheads here, but the Ruddies are spreading and the Whiteheads are in danger on the European Mainland.

A few grebes were also dotted around, both Little and Great Crested – but as I said, the main objective of all the birds seemed to be settling down for the night, so after half an hour, I moved on.

Indeed I moved on the Wombwell Ings, from which Broomhill Flash can be see, although not vice versa due to the lie of the land.

As I approached, rather alarming a Weimeraner who didn’t like to look of me and all my gear, the owners of said beast informed me there were “four ’erons” on the ings, and I’d see them from the “viewin’ ’ut”.

So I made my way to the ’ut, and in fact there were six ’erons!

As an aside, there was some rather highbrow graffiti on the hide; “He who wanders isn’t necessarily lost” and something by Keats that I don’t remember – well at least the scribe said it was Keats and it looked suitably classy!)

Pretty much the same sort of action going on here, with the majority of the birds being, again, ducks (Mallards) and this time also a fair few Lapwings.

Swallows and both House and Sand Martins were flitting over the water, and something like 300 Canada Geese circled over before eventually coming down at Old Moor.

There was a little more peripheral activity, and I ended up staying the best part of two hours.

Patience was rewarded by sightings of Greenshank, Redshank (one of each), Ringed Plover (three) and numerous wagtails of which some, more or fewer were Yellow Wagtails.

As I left, a Cormorant flew over.

Finally, and because Old Moor closes gates early, I decided to have a look over Edderthorpe Flash.

Unfortunately, unless someone can tell me otherwise, only distant views are possible, and the birds proved to be very much “more of the same” with the exception of the evening’s first Moorhens.

And then, taxi duties were once more required, and off I went.

Nice evening.

Full List of 29 IDs:

Black-headed Gull
Canada Goose
Carrion Crow
Coot
Cormorant
Gadwall
Goldfinch
Great Crested Grebe
Greenshank
Grey Heron
Greylag Goose
House Martin
Lapwing
Little Grebe
Magpie
Mallard
Moorhen
Mute Swan
Pied Wagtail
Redshank
Ringed Plover
Ruddy Duck
Sand Martin
Starling
Stock Dove
Swallow
Tufted Duck
Woodpigeon
Yellow Wagtail

Hatfield Moor

2006-07-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Took a chance to get a couple of hours in at Hatfield Moor before today's F1GP.

Without trying, it was easy to spot the Swallows on the way, and when I arrived I parked close to the hide over the first lake.

It wasn't so hot as it has been, but it was still bright and sunny, and a look over the lake brought me many of the usual suspects going about their business in the bright light.

There were a couple of Great Crested Grebe young calling to various parents, as well as Coots doing the same.

Over on the farthest bank was a large mixed gaggle of Canada Geese and Greylag Geese, and a flock of Black-headed Gulls was on the water, as was at least one Little Grebe and a Mute Swan.

I didn't stay in the hide long, as I wanted to roam a little.

As I left, a couple of Oystercatchers flew in, and a two Common Terns flew over, whilst a Yellowhammer was singing closeby.

I walked on, but was quickly soon by the number of insects around the bramble bushes, so I took the chance of a few photos.

There were a number of butterflies, two kinds of White, two Browns, two different Blues (obvious even to me) as well as Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady and a Silver-Y moth.

In addition were several species of Dragon/Damselfly, one of which I got decent shots of and I'll let Pete identitfy, and various other flyin' 'n' buzzin' things.

Whilst watching the insect-life, a Blackbird sneaked out, and quickly sneaked back in, Wrens and a Chiffchaff were calling and Carrion Crows were cawing raucously all around.

I soon heard the first of many Green Woodpecker calls, and I was lucky enough the get two great sightings also, as I walked around the reserve.

My attention was still as much on the insect population as bird population, not least because some wouldn't leave me alone! There were more D-flies and butterflies, including Speckled Wood.

One of the ponds played host to some Mallard, along with another Little Grebe, whilst Woodpigeon and Sedge Warbler were making their presence known in their own special ways.

Walking back to the car, another pond was residence to a few Tufted Duck, and I was now on a mission to get back to the car.

Leaving the reserve, a Grey Partridge ran across my path, followed by at least 13 younngsters - I had to stop to let them all pass.

And whilst stopping, I noticed some bathers in the puddles up ahead. A Goldfinch and a Yellow Wagtail.

Superb!

Blacktoft Sands

2006-07-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a trip to Blacktoft Sands this evening on my way home from work, as it is only a short detour, and it is something I keep promising myself I will do.

In fact, I was going to yesterday evening, but forgot to take my gear to work. As it was, the heavens opened in an almighty downpour yesterday, so forgetting wasn't such a bad thing after all!

Anyway, I arrived this evening at about 5.20, to be greeted by a Tree Sparrow calling from the hedge at the side of the car park. Wood Pigeons were calling and would be ubiquitous, and as I made my way onto the reserve, an old favourite Sedge Warbler was giving its all in the way only a Sedge Warbler can.

As the reception was closed, I made my way to the hides, today calling in at the Townend hide first.

I wasn’t expecting too much activity to be honest, another hot day in the height of summer, but in fact there were quite a few birds, mostly waders, around.

There were perhaps a dozen or more Greenshank, and at least eight Snipe feeding on the lagoon. Now waders are far from my area of expertise and so I might well have missed one or two of the more tricky ones!

Another birder in the hide was calling Ruff, but he did try to make the Snipe into Woodcock, and the Greenshank into Redshank, so without wishing to be unduly critical, I think his expertise was less than mine, and I’m not at all comfortable claiming that particular bird.

There were dozens and dozens of Lapwings (well into three figures over the whole reserve), maybe a dozen Grey Heron feeding, and indeed plenty of bona fide Redshank, along with Dunlin and Common Sandpiper.

Large numbers of Mallard were hunkered on the islands, with one or two feeding, and a Pheasant was roaming in front of the hide. A Moorhen was also feeding to one side of the water. I spent a good time in Townend, but the air was very calm and I was very hot and bothered, and decided to move on to Singleton.

There were loads of insects, butterflies on the teasels in particular, as well as some green-eyed monsters that wouldn’t leave me alone!!!

Arriving at Singleton (less than 100 metres further on) and the wind was beginning to pick up, and would become quite pleasant.

More of the same from Singleton, but additions were some overflying Black-headed Gulls, Wrens calling and a couple of Shovelers shovelling.

As nothing much else was happening, I made my way back to the reception, stopping off first at First hide.

Again, quieter here, although more Grey Herons were present, along with a juvenile Great Crested Grebe, an adult Little Grebe and loads of Coot. A short stay here too, though a check of the time showed I had now been here two hours, so I decided I would call in at Xerox and make that the last for today. Just before leaving, far to the east of the reserve, one of the Marsh Harriers emerged, and flew off to do whatever it is Marsh Harriers do at that time of an evening.

Xerox rewarded my visit. A couple of Greylag Geese were raucously obvious, but the waders were in force again. This time, though, in excess of 50 were Black-tailed Godwits, although all the shanks etc. from the previous pools were also in evidence in similarly large numbers.

A few Swallows were making feeding runs, the geese left, disturbing a hitherto hidden Cormorant, a small party of mischievous Magpies called in, and a sweep of the Mallards turned a pair into Gadwall.

Xerox took an hour itself, and so it was time to go home.

Leaving the reserve I was able to add Yellowhammer calling, and the journey through Garthorpe brought screaming Swifts, whilst Carrion Crow and Collared Dove were picked up before journey’s end.

Not a bad way to spend the evening!

Oh… did I mention the Spoonbills?

In the garden

2006-07-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

I didn't plan to include garden sightings on this blog - not sure why (?) - but this fella has forced my hand somewhat.

Yesterday morning, 6 am, first time ever...

My Outback

2006-06-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Some of you will know that I used to make regular trips to my patch, but due to a rather extended period of intermittent illness, it’s something I haven’t managed for a while. During the periods when I have been well enough, I’ve been scuppered by other inconveniences, and so, this morning marks my first venture onto my patch for some six months or more!

Well, stepping out on an unseasonably windy and cloudy morning, cool enough for fleeces, my first “official” patch bird for some time was House Martin.

A good few nest in the eaves of houses on our estate, though not ours, and we saw a small number flitting around before reaching my outback proper.

The number of ids today was rather small, partly due to lack of practice, but also down to the amount of wind, which meant many birds kept well within the thick foliage of the shrubbery, or sheltered in the long grass, plus, if they didn’t shout very loud, I didn’t stand much chance of hearing them either!

A couple of Blue Tits were in the first bushes, and there were Skylarks doing their best in the gales. At least one Meadow Pipit was also trying to cope with the conditions, and four Linnets crossed our path, resting briefly just ahead of us.

A couple of Goldfinches were in the trees, perhaps on their way to our garden, and a couple of Swifts flew over.

We made our way to the pond, where I am pleased to report a happy story.

Last year, for the first time since I started working the area, a pair of Mute Swans managed to raise a single cygnet, and as the area is very popular with families (great), dog-walkers (super) and yobs on motorbikes (hmm… not great at all!!!*) I thought they did rather well to succeed.

Well this year, as we approached the pond, the swans came towards us, somewhat expectantly it appeared, complete with a family of eight (count ’em, eight!) cygnets. Brilliant!

It’s clearly that time of year, as the Coots, Moorhens and Mallards were also avec young ’uns.

Apologising (would you believe) to the swans, we continued on my formerly regular route, picking up the first of the Carrion Crows, and then as we passed the next stand of trees we came alongside the first “swarm” of House Martins feeding out in the “countryside”.

An occasional Woodpigeon flew over, and we could just about pick out the odd Chaffinch from the trees, and a distant, or perhaps just downwind, Yellowhammer.

We reached the eastern footpath, and added some Swallows, before turning into the wooded area close to the hotel.

Slim pickings there, but we could add Wren, Great Tit and Jackdaw, and a Chiffchaff as we exited.

One of the local Buzzards was flying a sortie, and the only gull we managed to id was a solitary Black-headed.

We made our way back towards the pond, and on to home, the main birding activity apart from the revisit of the pond being a second House Martin swarm.

Other than adding the occasional one to the numbers already seen, that was it, although we were only out just over an hour, so not too bad.

OK, the numbers follow. The first number is total individuals counted, the number in brackets is maximum counted at one time. As it was my first trip out, they are technically all year ticks for my patch, and so all are in bold.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) : 10 (10)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) : 38 (18)
Swift (Apus apus) : 2 (2)
Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) : 4 (1)
Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) : 3 (2)
Coot (Fulica atra) : 11 (11)
Black-Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) : 1 (1)
Buzzard (Buteo buteo) : 1 (1)
Magpie (Pica pica) : 1 (1)
Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) : 2 (2)
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) : 8 (4)
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) : 2 (1)
Great Tit (Parus major) : 1 (1)
Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) : 2 (2)
Swallow (Hirundo rustica) : 3 (3)
House Martin (Delichon urbicum) : 41 (20)
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) : 1 (1)
Skylark (Alauda arvensis) : 4 (1)
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) : 1 (1)
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) : 4 (1)
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) : 2 (2)
Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) : 4 (4)
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) : 1 (1)

*As I type, I am sorry and angered to report that three of the thoughtless idiots are riding their minibikes in the very pond. I despair sometimes!

Lakenheath Fen and Weeting Heath

2006-06-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

During our get together at Flamborough, the conversation briefly turned again to Lakenheath Fen, and Pete recommended a visit "now" to be in with a chance of catching the speciality species, Golden Oriole.

The woman in my life had planned a girly shop (on the day of England's second World Cup Group Game!!!) so we decided that I would have a long day out on the same day, and tape the match to watch later in the evening.

So, up at 5:45 am (whatever that is!) on 15th June, I managed to get myself into gear for the trip to Lakenheath Fen.

(I've said it before, and I say it again, the drag along the A17 from Newark to King's Lynn is the most interminably boring journey I know!)

Anyway, my early start was to avoid any holdups, and apart from getting lost in Feltwell, it was pretty much mission accomplished as I rolled into the reserve car park at just after 9:00 am.

The run down had been mirky, but the sun was shining on arrival, and would do for most of the day.

As I had never visited before, I wouldn't know if this is normal, but immediately on exiting the car, I was hit by the song of countless Common Whitethroats... the nearest to me being barely thirty feet away.

A smallish flock of Starlings was circling, and there were House Martins and Swifts, presumably feeding, all around the sky.

Some work is being done on the reserve, but I headed down the path to the first stand of poplars.

Blackbirds and Wrens were singing, numerous Reed Buntings flitting about, and the occasional Pheasant made itself known.

By now, I was starting to make a few inroads into the birdsong. After the initial onslaught of Whitethroat, it was clear there was more happening, but similar to my trip a couple of days previously, there was just so much sound. I'm sure an expert would have had a field day!

The obvious non-Whitethroat song was Sedge Warbler. Clearly there were loads of these around.

As I made my way along the path, I noticed a small sign which indicated this was probably as good a location as any to try to track down the "stars".

Of course, as I stood, everything that moved, every Jackdaw, every Carrion Crow, every Woodpigeon, every Chaffinch became a potential Golden Oriole... well for a very brief while.

Then I caught a peripheral glimpse of two birds tearing though the trees. Clearly some sort of altercation was taking place, but in the absence of any major bright yellow colouring... well I couldn't make them into orioles.

So, the only thing to do was wait.

Within half an hour, I began to hear the calls of one or more Golden Oriole. This calling lasted for about half an hour itself, but, although sufficiently well ided for me to count them, I didn't actually see a single one.

In all I waited for the best part of 5 hours.

During this time, I spoke with a number of people who had had varying levels of success at various times tracking them down, but all agreeing they certainly live up to reputation of being elusive.

Birdwise, of course there was plenty of action.

A Cuckoo was somewhere closeby, and frequently called, and both Great Spooted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker also made their presence known.

The orioles themselves called again from time to time, but were also quiet for long periods, and I never got even close to tracking one down visually.

A Grey Heron flew down in to the woods, and a Kestrel was making regular forays.

I should add, that on top of all the birdsong, was the regular roar of the local (I am informed) F15s doing manoeuvres just above my head!!!

I decided I needed a break.

It was hot, and things did not seem to be improving, so I took a chance and moved on.

As I was leaving, I met another guy who said he was newish to birding - about 4 years. He had found the reserve by chance, and called in to see what he could find. Like me, he commented on the difficulty of distinguishing bird song, and the birds themselves, particularly warblers.

He followed this by recognising a Garden Warbler by song, which obligingly flew in and perched in a shrub about fifteen feet away, so we were able to id it visually as well.

Before I left the site completely, I did walk up to the river bank to take a look over the Washland. There were numerous Mute Swans, a fair few Canada Geese, and plenty of ducks, all of which appeared to be Gadwall. The exception was a pair of Mallards in a nearby creek.

Based on some information I must've misheard (!) I took a drive over to Tuddenham, but finding no obvious English Nature reserve, my focus changed to finding somewhere to eat.

Unfortunately, by now it was about 4pm so the pubs had stopped serving lunch but weren't yet serving dinner. Never mind... I'll get a snack from a supermarket.

At various points on my drive, I was able to add Swallow, Rook, Blue Tit and Pied Wagtail.

For some reason, I decided to try Hockwold, without success, and drove on to Weeting. On my way I noticed the sign for a nature reserve, and planned to call in on my way back.

You'll all be pleased to here my search for food in Weeting was not in vain, as I found a chippy, and therefore did not waste away!

Now back to the reserve, which turned out to be Weeting Heath.

I pulled into the car park, not knowing what to expect, only to see on the sign that the hides should allow good views of Stone Curlew!!!

So, I gladly stumped up my £2.50, and took a brisk walk to the West Hide.

In the trees the path wended its way through were calling Chiffchaffs, Chaffinches and Wrens.

I soon reached the hide, and took a look over the field.

Many Woodpigeon, loads of Rooks, some Pied Wagtails, a gazillion rabbit all impersonating Stone Curlews, and sure enough two of said Stone Curlews hunkered down from the heat. Superb!

To be fair, I didn't stay as long as I could have, because, although it was now past 5:00 pm, I decided to give Lakenheath Fen one last try.

To be equally fair, my success was similar. I did hear some calls - probably 30 or 40 throughout the whole day - but not a one to be seen.

But my parting bird was an obliging Blackcap, to bring my day to an end.

So all in all, I came with a "target" bird, and left after hearing, if not seeing it, but with the added bonus of the Stone Curlews, and, for me, the rarity of a Garden Warbler.

Brilliant result, yes, but also strangely frustrating. I'll just have to come back again another time.

(P.S. I did have some photos, but see postscript to previous entry. Posting photos is a nightmare!!!)

Potteric Carr

2006-06-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afforded me the opportunity to visit the reserve closest to my hometown, Potteric Carr, barely 2 miles from the centre of Doncaster.

It was my first visit in the best part of a year. The last time work had just begun on extending the reserve. This is now well under way, but there is still more to be done.

The most obvious change (other than a change of entrance) is that almost all the paths have been hardened, and all the new hides have ramp access, opening much more of the reserve up to wheelchair users.

There are still a couple of old, renovated hides that have step entrances, and crossing the railway lines still requires the negotiation of steps, although one of these crossing could perhaps be ramped.

Anyway, I arrived late morning, on a warm but cloudy day.

As summer approaches, Potteric Carr does begin to get a little overgrown, and it can be a little "quiet! in terms of the numbers of species to be seen, but as there are some longstanding stands of trees, there is always likely to be a good selection of woodland birds.

The stretches of water will offer other opportunities - if not the wider possibilities of the cooler months.

My first species of the day was Chaffinch, closely followed by the first of many Black-headed Gulls. A Kestrel was patroling the area.

I move to the first hide on the Green Route (anticlockwise - the new hides haven't been named yet) and although there was little to see on the water, the first of the day's Sedge Warblers could be heard. More Black-headed Gulls on the water, with Mallard and Tufted Duck, and a couple of families of Canada Geese, goslings at various stages of feathering. A few Coots were also present.

After a short stay, I moved on to the next hide.

The improvement to the paths, and some changes in route meant that some previously familiar parts of the reserve looked different, and some new parts have been opened up.

As I walked along the Willow Bank I heard Little Grebe and Chiffchaff, and there were House Martins overhead.

Two ladies of the female persuasion were looking out over the fields, making "Awwww" noises. I heard a Pheasant, and as fine a bird as they are, they didn't strke me as the Awwww type. No, in fact they had found some deer, and had I arrived 5 seconds sooner, I would have seen them myself, but alas and alack.

Shortly afterwards I saw Swifts flying over, and then got decent views of at least half a dozen Willow Tits.

I soon arrived at the Willow Marsh hide.

One bonus feature we have at Potteric Carr at the moment is a pair of Black-necked Grebes, which have fledged a single chick.

I spent plenty of time watching these as they took their chick out into the big wide world.

Another Little Grebe was on the water, along with more Coot and the ubiquitous Black-headed Gulls. A Buzzard flew over causing a bit of a stir, a similar reaction being received by a Grey Heron.

Moving on to the next hide, more Chiffchaffs were calling and I caught sight of a few Great Tits.

I called in at one of the Willow Marsh hides, and spent a little time there, adding Reed Bunting and Magpie, along with yet more Black-headed Gulls, Coots and Sedge Warblers.

Next I made my way to the newest, and as yet not fully open part of the reserve. There is access to a hide overlooking Huxter Pool (or Marsh or whatever) but although this area has already produced some interest, there is still much work taking place.

Nevertheless, I saw another (?) Buzzard, this time flying in the trees and causing as much consternation, and picked up my first Robin sighting of the day.

From the hide itself, more Black-headed Gulls, with Canada Geese and Tufted Ducks, as well as Mute Swans, Stock Doves and the odd Lapwing or two. On one of the islands I noticed an Oystercatcher, and there were a few Mallard and Coot, as a Woodpigeon flew across the "lake".

My next target was the Piper Marsh hide, where I hopes to see what I think would be my first Kingfisher of the year.

En route, I added Long-tailed Tit, Moorhen and a Green Woodpecker (the latter by call) as well as more Great Tits and Robins.

A look over Piper Marsh brought me Sand Martins (it looks like there is a newly created nesting bank) and Ruddy Duck as additions to the day's tally. Mallard and Mute Swan, Sedge Warbler, Grey Heron and Coot were also present.

The other sighting was one for Pete to identify for me!

However, in spite of an extended stay, I didn't get my Kingfisher.

Moving on, I soon adding a couple of Bullfinches (as they tore away from me!) and I could here Willow Warbler. A Blackbird was a surprisingly tardy addition, as was Blue Tit. Another Magpie or two, and as I crossed the railway I was able to add Carrion Crow and a disgruntled sounding Great Spotted Woodpecker.

More Chiffchaffs were calling in the trees.

I eventually made it to the Childers Hide, noticing the raucous cacophony as I approached.

The noise was being made in its entirety by yet more Black-headed Gulls, the vast majority of the birds there. In addition there were a good few Mallard and Coot, just a pair (I think) of Tufted Ducks and a single Shoveler.

My final port of call was the Old Eaa hide.

Sedge Warblers were again calling from the reedbeds.

After experimenting with my camera, my daylist was filled out with a couple of Shelduck and a fair few Gadwall, amongst the Mallards, Ruddy Ducks, Tufted Duck and... oh yes... Black-headed Gulls!

Well, if my counting is correct, that's 40 species, which I don't suppose is too bad for "quiet".

It won't be as long before I return again.

(P.S. There were more photos than this, but after having attempted to load two of them at least four times each, I got sick of trying!!!)

Hatfield Moor

2006-06-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I've got a few well earned days off work, and whilst I'll be otherwise engaged with chores for most of next week, this week I'm taking the chance to get some birding in.

After such a promising visit last time, I thought I'd give Hatfield Moor another go.

Long story short... had another great day!

Long story long... well...

I made the short drive from home, yesterday, and pulled into the entrance trackway of the reserve. With the window wound down, I immediately heard a Yellowhammer calling, and the list began.

I noticed a couple of rabbits on the track a little way ahead of me, so I paused to let them get on with their business, pulling up alongside singing Whitethroat in the shrubbery to my right, and just before a Swallow perched on the fence to my left.

On the track between me and the rabbits, a couple of House Sparrows landed, and an Oystercatcher flew overhead.

As I continued along the track, I added Carrion Crow and Starling, and although I knew what the Martins were likely to be, I couldn't get a good enough fix to confirm, so I left them temporarily "unticked".

Nevertheless, that's seven species, and I've only just reached the carpark.

As I got out of the car and gathered togther all my clobber, a couple of Goldfinches flew over.

The day was very warm, and although the lake looked fairly quiet, I decided to start in the hide and, amongst other things, confirm those Martins. Of course, they were Sand Martins, quite active over the water, taking a break from time to time on the topmost branches of the partially submerged trees.

There lake was no busier from forty yards closer (!) but still I was able to add Mallard and Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Canada Geese and Lapwing. After a short while, a skein of 13 Greylag Geese passed overhead, and Pied Wagtails were toing and froing over the water.

A Green Woodpecker gave its racous laugh from the trees close by.

I decided it was time to leave the hide and explore some more of the reserve.

Since my last visit a box containing excellent leaflets, booklets really, had appeared, so this was a little less of a journey into the unknown.

Rather than take the long drag down to Ten Acre Lake, I decided to stay closer to the southern car park, exploring Boston Park and some of Packard's Heath. The waymarked routes criss-cross the area, and there are some unmarked but clearly navigable paths that add further options.

Although, the weather was very warm, it wasn't so hot as very recently, and overnight there had been some rain. Perhaps this explained the huge quantities of non-avian flying things that meant I spent most of my time wafting away bloodthirsty invaders who seemed to regard me as a good meal.

Of the less offensive insect life, there were quite good numbers of butterflies and day-flying moths out.

I saw my first Painted Lady of the season, getting awfully stroppy towards a Red Admiral that clearly was not welcome.

(As an aside, I've often wondered about butterfly fights. Clearly they can appear very agressive, but what on earth harm can they inflict?)

There were also a great many of these fellas, which I think are Brown Sliver-lines.

A change of vegetation brought out the Speckled Woods.

From the trees and reeds and sky, the birdsong was simply fabulous, and I was lucky enough the be serenaded by Wood Larks, Sedge Warblers, Reed Buntings and Chiffchaffs.

OK, some of those might fall short of melody, but it was brilliant nonethelees.

A somewhat agitated Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over, and from time to time I could here a distant Cuckoo calling.

Actually, there was so much birdsong, it was difficult for me to pick out individual calls... or rather, it was just so good to let it all hit me at once that I sort of "forgot" to listen to particular songs.

Plus, my attention was also being grabbed elsewhere.

A slither and a rustle and I noticed a very yellow Adder slinking into the undergrowth. I got great views, clearly, it saw me before I saw it, and scarpered.

But, I figured if it was basking, it may well reappear, and so I decided to make sure I passed the same spot again.

Plenty of mosquito-type insects had decided to make a meal of me, but I had to really behave like the biggest girl's blouse when something started eating me that I've never seen before!!!

Copious hand shaking, and manly shouts of "yearrrgghhh!!!" only caused it to fall over... BUT IT WAS STILL ATTACHED!!!!

Only panic-filled blowing at it and jumping up and down finally dislodged the diner, and I think I'm going to survive... but it was touch and go for a few seconds, I can tell you!

Plus I felt completely loppy for the rest of the day!

I'm not good at dealing with things with more than four legs, and I had just survived the aforementioned near-death experience, so I hope you appreciate the lengths I went to to get this next photo.

Don't know what it is, but I guess it's some kind of Longhorn.

What I don't mind are slugs and snails (no legs you see... just one foot, which must mean they hop everywhere?)

Anyway, I came across this groovy looking mollusc, which, having no idea what it's proper name is, I shall call the Orange-skirted Slug.

I post the photo mainly for the benefit of my daughter, who thinks they're groovy too.

Well, moving on - adding Wren, Woodpigeon and Little Grebe to the bird list - I soon arrived back at the snake location.

But just a bit sooner than I expected... and they saw me again!

Yes they... there were two out basking. One seemed to be the yellow one again. The other was much darker, and I only saw the tail disappear.

OK, I reckoned they'd show again, so I attached my camera to the tripod, set it to remote activated, retreated and waited.

About fifteen minutes later, the yellow one appeared again, very cautiously, but gradually, until nearly fully in view - a good two feet in length I guess.

Trouble is... I can't take a picture!!!

Now I love my camera, but it has one apparent design fault. The infra red remote only works from in front of the camera, a seems to have a range of about seven inches!

I tried to surreptitiously creep within range, but Snaky saw me and crept off.

OK, I'll give it one more go.

Another twenty minutes or so hanging around, getting gradually devoured by the carnivorous arthropoda in the vicinty.

Then I noticed the yelow snake was visible, not out, but showing from under the low twigs and branches.

After taking that photo and one other, he disappeared, and I was hopeful he was on the way down.

But after a few minutes, he didn't appear, so I took my binoculars to see if he was in sight... only to notice the darker snake in almost full view. Fantastic!!!

Snake photographing mission accomplished, I decided to head home.

My walk back to the car was as delightful as the rest of the day, not least thanks to this fella.

And I managed to just about lock on to Blue Tit, Blackbird and Willow Warbler.

But, d'you know what? It's nice just to let all the songs hit you at once.

Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough South Landing

2006-06-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

After the recent Padley Gorge trip, another little birding escapade was arranged mostly by John and Diane.

Another weekend affair, but once more, I was available only on the Sunday June 11^th… although I once again sacrificed an F1 Grand Prix to attend!

Teenage Daughter decided she wanted to join us, not least so that everyone would know who had posted “that” photo, but after explaining that the photo-glory would be fleeting and then followed by a day’s boring birding, she said she still wanted to come anyway.

However, as she is just about as allergic to early mornings as I, we decided it would be better if she stopped the Saturday night, which would give us a fighting chance of leaving early enough on the Sunday morning to make the 9.00 am start time.

It also meant we could have some quality time together on Saturday evening. We were together, both doing something we wanted to do… me watching the World Cup, whilst she read Artemis Fowl. Yey!!! (I think is the phrase these days.)

Anyway, I gathered together all accoutrements on Saturday, so we could just shower and leave at 7.30 Sunday morning.

Which we did.

I even felt moved to make the point that I was going somewhere with a woman, and we had left at the scheduled time!

Then we went back because “someone” had forgotten to pick up our breakfast croissants. It might’ve been Zanna.

So we set off again, nine minutes late (if anyone’s counting) and made our way to Bempton, waking up on the journey.

On our arrival, nine minutes late, I might add, we met up with Diane and husband Keith, Corrina, Pete, Alan, and Max. Shortly thereafter arrived Cherrypie with various family… the small one of which would require a “beach” fix later in the day, and so Cherry only stayed for the Bempton Cliffs leg, as did Max and Alan.

Unfortunately, John couldn’t make it. Anna and Mike (I think… I really ought to pay attention!) joined us about an hour later, and I think that was everyone.

Immediately on our arrival, we picked up the Jackdaws and Tree Sparrows in and around the car park.

We then walked down to the cliffs, adding Pheasant along the way.

The cliffs gave us the usual spectacle for this time of year, and it is great for a bit of in your face birding that will impress even non-birders. Gannets were soaring, as were the odd Herring Gull and Fulmar. Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Guillemots and everyone’s favourite, Puffins were also in the air, and of course they were all represented nesting on the cliffs, with the local fairly pure Columba livia (Feral Pigeons) thrown in for good measure.

We took time to take in the sights, which included one pair of Fulmars with their egg in full, but protected, view. Clearly it was too hot for direct brooding.

Also, we managed to find one Bridled Guillemot amongst the unbridled horde.

The fields along the cliff edge yielded little today, other than Swallows and Meadow Pipits, and a flock of Starlings, but the cliffs more than made up for that.

We made our way back to the car park, and after a slightly disorganised interlude – during which Pete, whilst hunting down Alan, picked up a couple of Sand Martins – most of us made our way on to the South Landing.

A further pitstop was made at the café, after which we took the road down to the landing.

The water was being used by jetskiers and the beach was busy, so we didn’t pick up any shore birds, although Corinna saw some juvenile gulls out at sea, which (correct me if I’m wrong) were decided as Herring Gulls.

Amongst the shrubbery Pete picked out a Whitethroat and a Linnet, and we soon added Pied Wagtail.

A short steep stepped climb up the other side of the ravine was immediately rewarded with cracking views of a gorgeous Yellowhammer.

We then took the walk back through the woods returning to the car park.

At various points along the way, we were able to add Blackbird, Wren, Chaffinch, Skylark and Greenfinch, followed by Woodpigeon, House Martin, Dunnock, Goldfinch and Swift.

But perhaps the highlight, particularly for Anna, was a Great Spotted Woodpecker, which we heard drumming, and which Keith managed to track down giving us all, fairly decent views.

We were now back at the car park and mulling over our options (which mostly involved ice cream and/or tea and coffee) when Pete managed to put birds to calls twice, giving us superb views of Willow Warbler and Song Thrush – in the case of the warbler, Corinna scoped it up brilliantly, and we could enjoy another Linnet in the same field of view.

Zanna who had noticed a female Pheasant earlier, managed to pick up the day’s only Magpie, and a Carrion Crow gave a brief flypast.

Well, ice creams, drinks and conversations complete, it was time for me and Teenage Daughter to depart, via Bridlington and some chips.

We took a brief walk on the beachfront, and watched the Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, before finally making our way back home.

One noteworthy addition on our journey home was a superb Sparrowhawk, which briefly flew alongside us.

Anyway, in all, I reckon we got 33 species that we all saw, not counting Pete’s Martins and our additions on the way home.

Zanna said she had a great day, and I certainly did, and so big thanks to everyone who came along. Hopefully see you all around!

Padley Gorge

2006-05-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

After a dismal week weatherwise, I took a trip to Padley Gorge on Sun 14^th just gone to meet up with a few friends old and new for a spot of birding… and we had another dismal day weatherwise!

But, the company was good!

Anna, Cherrypie and digi-birder have already given their version of the day's events, Pete may well do in the near future, and only John is a non-blogger, but I’ve had the pleasure of his company on previous outings.

We arranged to meet next to the ice-cream van at about 9:15, but due in part to a petrol-stop, but mostly to not being able to get my body into gear, I thought I was going to be late.

Also the Sheffield Half-Marathon was scheduled to take place that day in Sheffield (you don’t say!).

I’m usually pretty good with directions but I seem to have some sort of mental block with Sheffield, and I could only think of one seldom-used option to enable me to avoid the city centre.

But I missed the turning, and promptly headed fully down the Parkway to Pond’s Forge!

Ah well… at least they’re doing a lot of reconstruction and renovation in Sheffield at the moment, so the road system changes almost daily, and the playing-field was somewhat levelled as no-one else had any idea where they were going either!!!

I negotiated the city centre, passing an awful lot of police and marshals, some of whom seemed to be redirecting a vehicle in front of me onto another route.

I, erm, drove by them and just kept going.

Anyhew… I arrived at out meeting point spot on time, and – phew – wasn’t last. A last minute change of arrangements meant that Pete had had to make a detour to pick up Anna.

This gave me chance to get acquainted with Cherrypie, and reacquainted with John – and to actually find out his name. (I’m sure he’s told me before… I just don’t pay attention sometimes!!!)

Diane soon joined us, and was last to step back as the rest of us “nominated” the expedition leader.

At our rendezvous point we were being watched by a Robin and a few Swallows flew over.

We walked down to Burbage Brook and made our way towards the woodland, quickly accumulating Blue Tit, Great Tit and Chaffinch.

Even though the weather was pretty grim, there was decent amount of birdsong and John, who’s pretty decent at this sort of thing, soon picked up a Redstart.

Further into the trees we got excellent views of more than one Treecreeper, whilst Coal Tits could also be seen foraging in the canopy. In the mirk a Carrion Crow flew over.

One of the target birds, and fortunately (on account of the weather) a guarantee as much as these things can ever be, was our next sighting, Pied Flycatcher. This part of the Gorge is a mini-stronghold for the species.

Special nest-boxes suitable for the Pied Flies have been positioned in the woods to bolster the number of breeding sites and give them a bit of a “leg-up” against the other woodland species. With some success it seems.

It took a little while before we all got a look, but eventually we were all successful, and I was lucky enough to catch sight of both male and female.

(I didn’t bother with my camera, but the following average-ish photos are from a similar visit last year.)

This target achieved, we moved on to try for another, but this time, entirely due to the weather conditions (and nothing to do with the tour guide!), we dipped on the Ravens.

Nevertheless, en route we added Meadow Pipit, and as we approached the Raven location we were met with a very loud and aggravated cuc-ooo call from (guess what) a Cuckoo.

I figured he would probably stay in the trees, but in fact a few minutes later the unmistakeable silhouette of said bird flew across the dank skies in front of us, with a much smaller bird in hot pursuit.

Pete couldn’t tell what the pursuer was, (tut!), so we perhaps miss out on a Mega there!!!

Anyway, lunch time was approaching, and so we decided to head back to the cars and make our way on to the Rising Sun. We were able to add Tree Pipit and Pied Wagtail before reaching the cars, and then Swifts, Jackdaws and House Martins from the pub car-park.

OK, so only 17 species (if I haven’t missed any!) on a somewhat truncated day, but it was a nice little get-together and I think our (fairly) newbie birder friends had a decent time.

Oh, and I had the Potato Skins and the Loin of Pork. Yummy!

Hatfield Moor

2006-05-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Recently, on my journey home from work, I noticed a new-looking sign for a Nature Reserve I hadn’t previously noticed.

I made a quick reccy, and it looked promising, and so, on the May Day Bank Holiday, I took advantage of the opportunity to pay a visit.

Well, I guess you never know what to expect from a new birding place, and so I also had a “plan B” in case plan A wasn’t great.

I needn’t have worried. Hatfield Moor turned out to be a very decent way to spend the best part of seven hours.

As I pulled along the approach road, I saw a vivid flash of yellow alight on the fence. Brilliant, a Yellowhammer… always a pleasure.

As I slowed down to have a decent look, the Yellowhammer only turned into a Yellow Wagtail… now that’s not a bad start!

I parked as surreptitiously as one can, and gathered up my camera from the boot, decided against the converter on account of time. Meanwhile, the waggy had flitted to a treetop just to the other side of the approach road. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I guess. All in all, I’m pretty happy with the single shot I got of the beauty.

Oh, and while we’re at it, I heard a Yellowhammer whilst taking the pic.

I continued on to the car-park, and took advantage of the first hide which overlooks the first lake… Boston Park Lake, I think.

For the record, not much of the habitat is natural, but like many reserves, has been reclaimed after previous industrial use.

In this particular case, English Nature have acquired this land (in 1999) specifically as it forms part of the Humberhead Peatlands – and is of national and international significance as a low-level peat moor.

Anyway, first look over the lake offers up a few of the usual suspects; Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Black-headed Gull and Coot.

Also swimming amongst what appear to be tree-tops, the Great-crested Grebe of the day.

Then I see the sand bank on the far shore, and sure enough, I notice a number of martins flying over the water. Yep, Sand Martin – dozens of them. Only my third sighting ever – believe it or not!

A couple of Oystercatchers fly in, but that’s about all the action for the lake, so I decide to follow one of the paths.

Back in the car-park, I as buzzed by more Sand Martins and also a few Swallows.

Overhead, my first Swift of the season, and then it’s time to tune the ears in to the birdsong going on all about.

It’s not particularly quiet, as the reserve backs on to a longer standing reclaimed stretch of water used by a jet-ski club, and also is (today) directly underneath Robin Hood approach.

But the birds don’t seem to care and there is much lusty singing. A Wren (or six) is giving it what for in the shrubbery, along with the first (few) of many Chiffchaffs.

As a birder the question is sometimes asked which bird means “summer” to you. I think for me it is the Chiffchaff. I miss them when they’re gone!

Also making one hell of a racket is at least one Green Woodpecker.

OK, that’s not my best photo of a Green Woody, but it’s not my worst! Actually, come to think of it, it is my best photo of a Green Woody – room for improvement there then!

There is much warbling going on, and Chiffchaff aside, I have major crises of confidence when it comes to identifying warbler song. I shouldn’t, but I usually need visual confirmation. Fortunately, that was to come quickly for my first Blackcap of the season and the day. Likewise the Willow Warbler, although the better photo came later.

A Woodpigeon flew over – the only one I saw, I think, before I noticed a scurrying Moorhen, and a big fat Greenfinch.

The walk continued along the western edge of the reserve, and my next encounters were Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch and Chaffinch.

The reserve was clearly bigger than I expected, and I was beginning to bemoan the lack of signage, but shortly, and guide post appeared, and I was heading towards the northern tip, catching a Dunnock and Carrion Crow en route.

The north of the reserve opens out onto Ten Acre Lake – which apparently covers much more area than its name suggests.

Here, I added amongst others. Magpie and Little Grebe.

This particular path is an “out-and-back” so it was time to retrace my steps. As such, I put my head down a bit, but still was able to add Robin, Great Tit and Pied Wagtail.

Just before reaching the car-park again, it is possible to go off on a number of loops around the southern part of the reserve, which I decide to do.

There’s more to Hatfield Moor than just birdlife, and especially so in the direction I now followed.

Before reaching the first of the peat rides, the path wended its way through a woodland area, and I was able to get a photo of one of the Chiffchaffs.

Trust me, it is!

On to the dark peat moor. To be honest, not much of this is my cup of tea, but I was pretty impressed with the good number of these fellas that were flitting about. I think it’s some sort of Tiger Beetle.

The moor itself, well worked by the looks of it, is fairly barren in bird terms, but at the right time there is, apparently, a good selection of raptors that make forays over the peat.

A brief flypast from the martins and swallows was all today’s action.

A mound within the peat moor apparently contains the remains of a WWII bomber that didn’t make it back to base at the former RAF Lindholme airbase.

I guess the war created more than its fair share of tragedies, but this one may be even more so, as the airbase can barely have been more than a mile away.

Trees flanked the ride, and so there was the occasional musical relief from the woodland community, and towards the end more woodland and familiar song came into the mix.

A right turn, ad I am now heading past Badger Lake (or something like that) and I pick up my first Greylag Geese of the day, and also a stunning male Reed Bunting.

Another hide overlooks this lake, and a view across the water brought a fair flotilla of Mute Swans and Canada Geese, as well as some more Little Grebes.

A short time spent here and the finally back toward the car.

As I said earlier, warbler song ID is not even close to my strong suit, so although I was fairly sure I had heard a few before, I was pleased to visually confirm my first Whitethroat.

Pheasant, Rook and Lapwing were the final additions to the day’s list, although the partridges “got away”, tearing past me without me able to determine their accent.

Then back to the car… a bit of Kraftwerk for the short journey home and what can I say? Not a bad day!