Wednesday, 7 April 2010

4th March (Pulborough Brooks)

Just popped in to see what was about and have a look at the books in the shop.

The reserve was extremely quiet and the highlight was a drake Pintail (77).

Other year ticks:

Skylark (78)
Chaffinch (79)
Wren (80)

3rd March (Fleet Pond)

Headless chicken job!

I was processing my holiday photos when news arrived of an Alpine Swift (74) @ Fleet Pond seen 20 minutes ago.

I eventually got to the pond and there was no sign of it, however, after a few minutes a spotted a swift species coming towards us which then promptly vanished behind the island.

Someone then spotted the same bird and it could be seen a little distantly flying over the pond and the nearby railway station.

At one point it did fly nearly over our heads where we had tremendous views. A quite powerful swift with white underbelly and throat.

Also at the pond were 4 Common Terns (75) and a few Sand Martins (76) (both my first for the year)

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

28th March 2010 (Various)

Started off at Woolhampton GP where had a singing Willow Warbler (62), Chiffchaff (63) and Blackcap (64) but no hirundines.

Then on to Padworth Lane and still no hirundines until I turned to leave and there was suddenly a flock of 9 Swallows (65).

Final stop was at Theale GP/Hosehill Lake where the highlight was a pair of Goldeneye (66) and a pair of flyover Egyptian Geese (67).

Others:

Kestrel (68)
Little Grebe (69)
Collared Dove (70)
Goldcrest (71)
Treecreeper (72)
Linnet (73)

Saturday, 27 March 2010

26th March (Little Marlow GP)

A quick trip after getting my lunch.

The Cormorants and Grey Herons were already nesting on the island, but the only other species of note was a Little Ringed Plover (58) on the main spit.

Other year ticks:

Greylag Goose (59)
Jackdaw (60)
Greenfinch (61)

Thursday, 11 March 2010

NE Hants trip to West Wittering (07/03/10)

Only my second trip out for the year, and I should have stayed in bed.

There was a howling, freezing cold wind coming from the east and the place was full of dog walkers.

There really wasn't much to see apart from a lot of Golden Plover, a lot of Brent Geese (which I scanned to see if there were any Black Brants), a few Red-breasted Mergansers and a couple of Knot.

As I was so cold I left early.

Brazil (25/01 - 04/02)

Spent 10 days in the atlantic rain forest of Brazil at Serra dos Tucanos lodge.

Suffice to say it was a great holiday that produced 205 lifers - so I have now breached the 1000 species mark in the world.

A trip list will be posted on the Birdfinders web site eventually.

Thursday, 7 January 2010

The Big Freeze!

I am currently snowed in at home - not tremendously deep (7-8 inches) but sufficient not to let me drive anywhere.

Had my first Red Kites on the way to work on the 5th January, there has been a couple of Redwings and a Fieldfare round my house.

There has been a Tawny Owl calling on my estate but I have yet to see it.

Hope this snow doesn't hang around too long - its novel to see it, but it gets annoying after a while.