Siskin and Skylark pics below.
sh4rpy's birding blog
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Cabin Fever
I was going to stay in doors today but just after lunchtime I decided to brave the weather and have a stroll around the fields near my house. Unsurprisingly there was little of interest about. The best I could do was a fly over flock of c20 Fieldfare, c20 Siskin, 80+ Skylark.
Siskin and Skylark pics below.
Siskin and Skylark pics below.
Saturday, 19 January 2013
Dippy Day
A days birding with Paul. First stop was Moor Green Lakes in Berkshire. Our target bird the recently reported Pallas's Warbler. We arrived at around 08:30 and despite over 3 hours of searching by ourselves and several other birders we were unable to connect with our target bird. We did manage; Siskin (c30), Goldcrest (20+), Grey Wagtail, Little Grebe, Goosander (4, 2m, 2f,), Snipe (8), Red Kite.
From Moor Green Lakes we headed over to Hogback Wood near Beaconsfield. Shortly before arrival at Hogback Wood I checked my Birdguides App and you can guess what bird had been seen and where. It was seen only 20 minutes after we had left.
At Hogback Wood we were hoping for Firecrest. What we actually saw was nuffink.
Over to Little Marlow Gravel pits next in search of Caspian Gull. You can guess the result.
By now we were freezing cold and ever so slightly demoralised. As it was after half past three we decided to call it a day.
On the trudge back to the car we decided to visit one more site to try and finish the day on a more positive note. A female Scaup had been seen quite regularly on the Roach Pit at nearby Marlow Gravel Pits. On arrival at the Roach Pit we immediately connected with a female Scaup that was loosely associating with 2 Tufted Duck.
From Moor Green Lakes we headed over to Hogback Wood near Beaconsfield. Shortly before arrival at Hogback Wood I checked my Birdguides App and you can guess what bird had been seen and where. It was seen only 20 minutes after we had left.
At Hogback Wood we were hoping for Firecrest. What we actually saw was nuffink.
Over to Little Marlow Gravel pits next in search of Caspian Gull. You can guess the result.
By now we were freezing cold and ever so slightly demoralised. As it was after half past three we decided to call it a day.
On the trudge back to the car we decided to visit one more site to try and finish the day on a more positive note. A female Scaup had been seen quite regularly on the Roach Pit at nearby Marlow Gravel Pits. On arrival at the Roach Pit we immediately connected with a female Scaup that was loosely associating with 2 Tufted Duck.
Monday, 14 January 2013
Inns n Stockers
A quick visit to Inns and Stockers Lakes before work. Inns; Goosander (drake), Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Stockers; Goosander (drake), Goldeneye, Wigeon, Ring-necked Parakeet, Great-spotted Woodpecker (seen drumming).
Distant Goosander on Inns and Great-spotted Woodpecker drumming at Stockers.
Distant Goosander on Inns and Great-spotted Woodpecker drumming at Stockers.
Sunday, 13 January 2013
50 per cent
A day out with Paul. As usual we had an outline plan. Red-breasted Goose at Farlington Marshes (Hants), Ring-billed Gull at Walpole Park (Hants), Glossy Ibis at Bickerley Common (Hants), Buff-bellied Pipit at Kingsmead Quarry (Berks).
Farlington Marshes: Despite a good search of the marshes and also the nearby Brent Goose Refuge we failed to find the Red-breasted Goose. We did speak to one birder who had seen it fly off early morning. It has apparently now re-located to Selsey Bill. At Farlington Marshes we noted the following; Brent Goose, Shelduck, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Avocet, Curlew, Redshank, Grey Plover, Dunlin. At Tangiers Road, Brent Goose Refuge we noted..................? yep lots of em!
Walpole Park: No sign of Ring-billed Gull despite it being reported 20 minutes prior to our arrival. So first 2 of our target birds missed. We did manage to see; Common Gull, Ringed Plover, Rock Pipit and nearby on "the creek" Red-breasted Merganser.
Bickerley Common: Almost the first area we viewed produced the Glossy Ibis as it fed with a sizeable flock of Snipe. Viewing here was awful as we had to look straight into the sun.
At the M3 turn off for the M27 we saw c20 Waxwing drop into a small bush on the hard shoulder. Shame we couldn't stop!
Kingsmead Quarry, Berks: A short walk from the van and we were soon viewing both Buff-bellied Pipits as they fed with about half a dozen Pied Wagtails.
Staines Moor, Surrey: Our final stop of the day. We were hoping for several Short-eared Owls but had to settle for just the one. On our walk to the moor we were overtaken by LGRE he was after Stonechat for his Surrey list. As we had seen Stonechat on the moor the previous day we were able to direct him to the right area. He later confirmed he had seen them. On the way back to the van we heard a Barn Owl screeching but we did not see it.
Pics below; My Red-breasted Mergansers at Walpole Park, Paul's Rock Pipit at Walpole Park and then my really poor quality Buff-bellied Pipit at Kingsmead Quarry
Farlington Marshes: Despite a good search of the marshes and also the nearby Brent Goose Refuge we failed to find the Red-breasted Goose. We did speak to one birder who had seen it fly off early morning. It has apparently now re-located to Selsey Bill. At Farlington Marshes we noted the following; Brent Goose, Shelduck, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Avocet, Curlew, Redshank, Grey Plover, Dunlin. At Tangiers Road, Brent Goose Refuge we noted..................? yep lots of em!
Walpole Park: No sign of Ring-billed Gull despite it being reported 20 minutes prior to our arrival. So first 2 of our target birds missed. We did manage to see; Common Gull, Ringed Plover, Rock Pipit and nearby on "the creek" Red-breasted Merganser.
Bickerley Common: Almost the first area we viewed produced the Glossy Ibis as it fed with a sizeable flock of Snipe. Viewing here was awful as we had to look straight into the sun.
At the M3 turn off for the M27 we saw c20 Waxwing drop into a small bush on the hard shoulder. Shame we couldn't stop!
Kingsmead Quarry, Berks: A short walk from the van and we were soon viewing both Buff-bellied Pipits as they fed with about half a dozen Pied Wagtails.
Staines Moor, Surrey: Our final stop of the day. We were hoping for several Short-eared Owls but had to settle for just the one. On our walk to the moor we were overtaken by LGRE he was after Stonechat for his Surrey list. As we had seen Stonechat on the moor the previous day we were able to direct him to the right area. He later confirmed he had seen them. On the way back to the van we heard a Barn Owl screeching but we did not see it.
Pics below; My Red-breasted Mergansers at Walpole Park, Paul's Rock Pipit at Walpole Park and then my really poor quality Buff-bellied Pipit at Kingsmead Quarry
Saturday, 12 January 2013
Hoops no BB Pipit
A mornings birding with Paul and Brendan. The plan was to start off at Staines Moor in the hope of Water Pipit and Short-eared Owl. Then Queen Mother Reservoir for Long-tailed Duck and Buff-bellied Pipit.
Staines Moor. After a fairly birdless start we connected with a Water Pipit and then another "possible". We searched for some time for the Short-eared Owls and were eventually rewarded with close views of 2 as they flew from the long grass. Then news broke of the Buff-bellied Pipit at nearby Queen Mother Reservoir. It appeared things were going to plan! So we left Staines and headed for Horton. Also of note at Staines; Little Egret, Little Grebe, Stonechat, Skylark, Green Woodpecker.
Queen Mother Reservoir. Unfortunately no Pipit but we did manage; Peregrine (pair), Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck.
We dropped Paul off at Maple Cross as he had a date with the "Super Hoops" and headed homewards. Of course the Pipits were again reported so we did a "U" turn and headed back. However, a few mimutes later another report that the Pipits had flown off had us U turning again and heading for home. On arrival back home news that the Pipits had re-located nearby broke but just a bit too late in the day to head back.
Pic below Slav Grebe at Queen Mother Reservoir
Staines Moor. After a fairly birdless start we connected with a Water Pipit and then another "possible". We searched for some time for the Short-eared Owls and were eventually rewarded with close views of 2 as they flew from the long grass. Then news broke of the Buff-bellied Pipit at nearby Queen Mother Reservoir. It appeared things were going to plan! So we left Staines and headed for Horton. Also of note at Staines; Little Egret, Little Grebe, Stonechat, Skylark, Green Woodpecker.
Queen Mother Reservoir. Unfortunately no Pipit but we did manage; Peregrine (pair), Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck.
We dropped Paul off at Maple Cross as he had a date with the "Super Hoops" and headed homewards. Of course the Pipits were again reported so we did a "U" turn and headed back. However, a few mimutes later another report that the Pipits had flown off had us U turning again and heading for home. On arrival back home news that the Pipits had re-located nearby broke but just a bit too late in the day to head back.
Pic below Slav Grebe at Queen Mother Reservoir
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Stockers
An hour at Stockers Lake before work today. I met Geoff and Tony near the Kingfisher hide, they had just seen the male Smew. Unfortunately for me it had swum out of view. I did have a look from various vantage points but no luck. I did manage the following; Goldeneye, Lapwing, Ring-necked Parakeet, Nuthatch, Siskin, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Redwing.
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Suffolk and Norfolk
Saturday 5th January 2013. A trip to Suffolk and Norfolk with Paul. Brendan, Ephraim and Tony.
First stop was Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft. Here we were hoping to connect with Great Northern Diver. We arrived slightly later than expected due to the fact that Brendan’s new sat-nav has a woman’s voice and we all chose to ignore her instructions!
On arrival we parked up and were soon viewing the Great Northern Diver. Also of note here were Great blacked-Backed Gull.
Tony arrived shortly after and we walked the short distance to Ness Point in the hope of Purple Sandpiper. First birds were Turnstone and then after a short while, 2 Purple Sandpipers arrived. Also here Red-throated Diver.
Great Yarmouth Beach was next up. Mediterranean Gull our target here. A short walk from the car to the beach and we immediately connected with 8 Mediterranean Gulls. Also of note here several Red-throated Divers
Caister Beach at the end of Second Avenue was our next stop. Again we struck lucky with our target birds. We walked a few hundred yards in a northward direction and soon located a flock of c40 Snow Buntings.
Over to Buckenham Marshes next in search of Taiga Bean and White-fronted Goose. However, neither species could be located. By way of compensation we did manage; Wigeon, Teal, Ruff, Peregrine (pair). Tony thought that the geese may be viewable from Burnthouse Lane at nearby Cantley . On the way to Cantley we made a quick stop at Strumshaw Fen. We only viewed the feeders near the information centre here but we did connect with Marsh Tit and Coal Tit. Whilst at Strumpshaw we spoke to an RSPB warden who had just come back from Cantley. He confirmed the geese could be seen from there.
On arrival at Burnthouse Lane, Cantley we walked a few hundred yards and were soon viewing both species of our target birds. Taiga Bean Goose (36) and White-fronted Goose (3). Also here several hundred Golden Plover. Tony had to leave us here but we weren’t finished yet as there was still some daylight left in the day!
To finish the day we went to Hickling Broad, Stubb Mill raptor roost. On the longish walk to the view point from the car park we had good views of Barn Owl and Marsh Harrier. From the watch point we connected with; Marsh Harrier (30+), Barn Owl (2 maybe 3), Common Crane (8 or 12, two or three groups of 4), Hen Harrier (4, 1 ringtail and 2 or possibly 3 males), Stonechat (pair).
Pics below; GND at Hamilton Dock, Med Gulls at Great Yarmouth, Snow Buntings Caister and distant Taiga Bean Geese at Cantley. Paul's Barn Owl at Stubb Mill.
First stop was Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft. Here we were hoping to connect with Great Northern Diver. We arrived slightly later than expected due to the fact that Brendan’s new sat-nav has a woman’s voice and we all chose to ignore her instructions!
On arrival we parked up and were soon viewing the Great Northern Diver. Also of note here were Great blacked-Backed Gull.
Tony arrived shortly after and we walked the short distance to Ness Point in the hope of Purple Sandpiper. First birds were Turnstone and then after a short while, 2 Purple Sandpipers arrived. Also here Red-throated Diver.
Great Yarmouth Beach was next up. Mediterranean Gull our target here. A short walk from the car to the beach and we immediately connected with 8 Mediterranean Gulls. Also of note here several Red-throated Divers
Caister Beach at the end of Second Avenue was our next stop. Again we struck lucky with our target birds. We walked a few hundred yards in a northward direction and soon located a flock of c40 Snow Buntings.
Over to Buckenham Marshes next in search of Taiga Bean and White-fronted Goose. However, neither species could be located. By way of compensation we did manage; Wigeon, Teal, Ruff, Peregrine (pair). Tony thought that the geese may be viewable from Burnthouse Lane at nearby Cantley . On the way to Cantley we made a quick stop at Strumshaw Fen. We only viewed the feeders near the information centre here but we did connect with Marsh Tit and Coal Tit. Whilst at Strumpshaw we spoke to an RSPB warden who had just come back from Cantley. He confirmed the geese could be seen from there.
On arrival at Burnthouse Lane, Cantley we walked a few hundred yards and were soon viewing both species of our target birds. Taiga Bean Goose (36) and White-fronted Goose (3). Also here several hundred Golden Plover. Tony had to leave us here but we weren’t finished yet as there was still some daylight left in the day!
To finish the day we went to Hickling Broad, Stubb Mill raptor roost. On the longish walk to the view point from the car park we had good views of Barn Owl and Marsh Harrier. From the watch point we connected with; Marsh Harrier (30+), Barn Owl (2 maybe 3), Common Crane (8 or 12, two or three groups of 4), Hen Harrier (4, 1 ringtail and 2 or possibly 3 males), Stonechat (pair).
Pics below; GND at Hamilton Dock, Med Gulls at Great Yarmouth, Snow Buntings Caister and distant Taiga Bean Geese at Cantley. Paul's Barn Owl at Stubb Mill.
Friday, 4 January 2013
Return to Oaklands Avenue Waxwings
A brief visit to view the Waxwings in Oaklands Avenue. They kept me waiting for about 10 minutes then flew into an old oak tree nearby. Then re-located to the back garden of a private house. The owner kindly let me and two other birders into his back garden for closer viewing.
Waxwings Oaklands Avenue Watford
Yesterday afternoon whilst carrying out my duties as a highly trained and motivated postal officer, I noticed an alert on my birdguides app of Waxwings in Oaklands Avenue, Watford. Although I had no optics with me and I am not allowed to stray "off route", Oaklands Avenue was about a mile and a half from where I was in Bushey. So I made my over and soon connected with 8 Waxwings in the back garden of a house on Oaklands Avenue. Joan T (the finder) was there and kindly lent me her bins for a better look. Only a brief stay, then back to work.
If you are reading this today (friday 4th Dec 2013) the flock is now up to 16 and still there.
Off to Suffolk and Norfolk in the morning with Paul, Brendan and Ephraim. Should be fun!
If you are reading this today (friday 4th Dec 2013) the flock is now up to 16 and still there.
Off to Suffolk and Norfolk in the morning with Paul, Brendan and Ephraim. Should be fun!
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
GWE at Chenies
Local birding to kick off the New Year with Paul and Brendan. First stop was Chenies where we eventually connected with the long staying Great-white Egret. Rather frustratingly we heard a small flock of Crossbills in the nearby Baldwins Wood but could not connect with them. We then moved on to a few other local sites. A list of species and sites below.
1 Mute Swan Chenies
2 Little Grebe Chenies
3 Little Egret Chenies
4 Great White Egret Chenies
5 Red Kite Chenies
6 Woodpigeon Chenies
7 Wren Chenies
8 Dunnock Chenies
9 Robin Chenies
10 Blackbird Chenies
11 Song Thrush Chenies
12 Goldcrest Chenies
13 Blue Tit Chenies
14 Great Tit Chenies
15 Magpie Chenies
16 Jackdaw Chenies
17 Carrion Crow Chenies
18 Chaffinch Chenies
19 Goldfinch Chenies
20 Common Crossbill Chenies (heard only)
21 Wigeon Stockers Farm
22 Gadwall Stockers Farm
23 Shoveler Stockers Farm
24 Little Owl Stockers Farm
25 Meadow Pipit Stockers Farm
26 Pied Wagtail Stockers Farm
27 Fieldfare Stockers Farm
28 Mistle Thrush Stockers Farm
29 Starling Stockers Farm
30 House Sparrow Stockers Farm
31 Canada Goose Stockers Lake
32 Mallard Stockers Lake
33 Pochard Stockers Lake
34 Tufted Duck Stockers Lake
35 Goldeneye Stockers Lake
36 Pheasant Stockers Lake
37 Cormorant Stockers Lake
38 Grey Heron Stockers Lake
39 Sparrowhawk Stockers Lake
40 Lapwing Stockers Lake
41 Common Gull Stockers Lake
42 Lesser Black-backed Gull Stockers Lake
43 Ring-necked Parakeet Stockers Lake
44 Kingfisher Stockers Lake
45 Long-tailed Tit Stockers Lake
46 Nuthatch Stockers Lake
47 Goosander Inns Lake
48 Great Crested Grebe Bury Lake
49 Coot Bury Lake
50 Black-headed Gull Bury Lake
51 Greylag Goose Lynsters Farm
52 Egyptian Goose Lynsters Farm
53 Buzzard Lynsters Farm
54 Kestrel Lynsters Farm
55 Moorhen Lynsters Farm
56 Stock Dove Lynsters Farm
57 Collared Dove Maple Lodge
58 Green Woodpecker Maple Lodge
59 Herring Gull Woodoaks Farm
60 Great Spotted Woodpecker Chenies
To start the New Year my top quality pics below; Ring-necked Parakeet and Goldeneye at Stockers. Paul's better quality pics; Great-spotted Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk again at Stockers.
1 Mute Swan Chenies
2 Little Grebe Chenies
3 Little Egret Chenies
4 Great White Egret Chenies
5 Red Kite Chenies
6 Woodpigeon Chenies
7 Wren Chenies
8 Dunnock Chenies
9 Robin Chenies
10 Blackbird Chenies
11 Song Thrush Chenies
12 Goldcrest Chenies
13 Blue Tit Chenies
14 Great Tit Chenies
15 Magpie Chenies
16 Jackdaw Chenies
17 Carrion Crow Chenies
18 Chaffinch Chenies
19 Goldfinch Chenies
20 Common Crossbill Chenies (heard only)
21 Wigeon Stockers Farm
22 Gadwall Stockers Farm
23 Shoveler Stockers Farm
24 Little Owl Stockers Farm
25 Meadow Pipit Stockers Farm
26 Pied Wagtail Stockers Farm
27 Fieldfare Stockers Farm
28 Mistle Thrush Stockers Farm
29 Starling Stockers Farm
30 House Sparrow Stockers Farm
31 Canada Goose Stockers Lake
32 Mallard Stockers Lake
33 Pochard Stockers Lake
34 Tufted Duck Stockers Lake
35 Goldeneye Stockers Lake
36 Pheasant Stockers Lake
37 Cormorant Stockers Lake
38 Grey Heron Stockers Lake
39 Sparrowhawk Stockers Lake
40 Lapwing Stockers Lake
41 Common Gull Stockers Lake
42 Lesser Black-backed Gull Stockers Lake
43 Ring-necked Parakeet Stockers Lake
44 Kingfisher Stockers Lake
45 Long-tailed Tit Stockers Lake
46 Nuthatch Stockers Lake
47 Goosander Inns Lake
48 Great Crested Grebe Bury Lake
49 Coot Bury Lake
50 Black-headed Gull Bury Lake
51 Greylag Goose Lynsters Farm
52 Egyptian Goose Lynsters Farm
53 Buzzard Lynsters Farm
54 Kestrel Lynsters Farm
55 Moorhen Lynsters Farm
56 Stock Dove Lynsters Farm
57 Collared Dove Maple Lodge
58 Green Woodpecker Maple Lodge
59 Herring Gull Woodoaks Farm
60 Great Spotted Woodpecker Chenies
To start the New Year my top quality pics below; Ring-necked Parakeet and Goldeneye at Stockers. Paul's better quality pics; Great-spotted Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk again at Stockers.
Monday, 31 December 2012
Clean sheet in a few hours
What a great year!
Happy New Year to one and all but especially my massive band of followers. Hopefully I will get to meet some of you in the field in 2013.
Below is my 2012 year list. I am not a competitive lister. I only list birds for my own records
1 Carrion Crow 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
2 Lesser black-backed Gull 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
3 Jackdaw 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
4 Blue Tit 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
5 Blackbird 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
6 Robin 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
7 Black-headed Gull 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
8 Wood Pigeon 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
9 Magpie 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
10 Siskin 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
11 Pied Wagtail 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
12 Great-spotted Woodpecker 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
13 Wigeon 01 January 2012 Inns Lake
14 Mute Swan 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
15 Canada Goose 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
16 Egyptian Goose 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
17 Gadwall 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
18 Mallard 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
19 Shoveler 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
20 Pochard 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
21 Tufted Duck 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
22 Goldeneye 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
23 Cormorant 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
24 Grey Heron 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
25 Moorhen 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
26 Coot 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
27 Lapwing 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
28 Common Gull 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
29 Collared Dove 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
30 Ring-necked Parakeet 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
31 Little Owl 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
32 Kingfisher 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
33 Wren 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
34 Dunnock 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
35 Fieldfare 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
36 Song Thrush 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
37 Long-tailed Tit 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
38 Great Tit 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
39 Jay 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
40 Chaffinch 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
41 Goldfinch 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
42 Red Kite 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
43 Kestrel 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
44 Green Woodpecker 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
45 Skylark 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
46 Meadow Pipit 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
47 Redwing 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
48 Goldcrest 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
49 Starling 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
50 House Sparrow 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
51 Greenfinch 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
52 Buzzard 02 January 2012 Wendover Woods
53 Crossbill 02 January 2012 Wendover Woods
54 Teal 02 January 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
55 Great-crested Grebe 02 January 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
56 Grey Wagtail 02 January 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
57 Jack Snipe 02 January 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
58 Snow Bunting 02 January 2012 Startop's Reservoir, Tring
59 Yellowhammer 02 January 2012 Bedmond nr Radio mast
60 Coal Tit 05 January 2012 Abbots Langley
61 Woodlark 07 January 2012 Hawkhill Inclosure
62 Mistle Thrush 07 January 2012 Hawkhill Inclosure
63 Dark-eyed Junco 07 January 2012 Hawkhill Inclosure
64 Reed Bunting 07 January 2012 Hawkhill Inclosure
65 Red-legged Partridge 08 January 2012 Deadman's Hill
66 Rook 08 January 2012 Deadman's Hill
67 Grey Partridge 08 January 2012 Therfield Heath
68 Great Grey Shrike 08 January 2012 Therfield Heath
69 Sparrowhawk 08 January 2012 Deadman's Hill
70 Nuthatch 09 January 2012 Abbots Langley/Bedmond
71 Bullfinch 09 January 2012 Abbots Langley/Bedmond
72 Pheasant 12 January 2012 Springwell Lake
73 Little Grebe 12 January 2012 Springwell Lake
74 Water Rail 12 January 2012 Croxley Common Moor
75 Chiffchaff 12 January 2012 Springwell Lake
76 Brent Goose 14 January 2012 Calshot Marshes
77 Oystercatcher 14 January 2012 Calshot Marshes
78 Curlew 14 January 2012 Calshot Marshes
79 Stock Dove 14 January 2012 Beaulieu Road Station
80 Treecreeper 14 January 2012 Beaulieu Road Station
81 Spanish Sparrow 14 January 2012 Calshot
82 Scaup 15 January 2012 Staines Reservoir
83 Ruddy Duck 15 January 2012
84 Black-necked Grebe 15 January 2012 Staines Reservoir
85 Shag 15 January 2012 Staines Reservoir
86 Water Pipit 15 January 2012 Staines Reservoir
87 Goosander 16 January 2012 Stockers Lake
88 Red-crested Pochard 16 January 2012 Bury Lake
89 Temminck’s Stint 21 January 2012 Rushy Common
90 Green Sandpiper 21 January 2012 Rushy Common
91 Grey Phalarope 21 January 2012 Farmoor Reservoir
92 Raven 21 January 2012 M40 nr High Wycombe
93 Red-breasted Merganser 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
94 Little Egret 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
95 Ringed Plover 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
96 Grey Plover 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
97 Dunlin 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
98 Turnstone 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
99 Shorelark 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
100 Rock Pipit 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
101 Cattle Egret 22 January 2012 Warblington
102 Ring-billed Gull 22 January 2012 Walpole Park
103 Herring Gull 22 January 2012 Walpole Park
104 Purple Sandpiper 22 January 2012 Southsea Castle
105 Little Auk 22 January 2012 College Lake
106 Dipper 28 January 2012 New Mill nr Witney
107 Smew 29 January 2012 Stockers Lake
108 Marsh Tit 01 February 2012 Wendover Woods
109 Corn Bunting 01 February 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
110 Short-eared Owl 02 February 2012 Otmoor
111 Greylag Goose 02 February 2012 Otmoor
112 Stonechat 03 February 2012 Black Down NT
113 Golden Plover 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
114 Greenshank 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
115 Pintail 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
116 Redshank 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
117 Shelduck 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
118 Black-tailed Godwit 03 February 2012 Thorney Island
119 Snipe 03 February 2012 Thorney Island
120 Willow Tit 04 February 2012 Linford NR
121 Great black-backed Gull 04 February 2012 Hedgerley Landfill Site
122 Bittern 05 February 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
123 Merlin 12 February 2012 Deadman's Hill
124 Tree Sparrow 12 February 2012 Tyttenhanger
125 Linnet 20 February 2012 Abbots Langley
126 Brambling 24 February 2012 Penn Wood
127 Common Yellowthroat 26 February 2012 Rhiwderin near Newport
128 Lesser Scaup 26 February 2012 Cosmeston Country Park
129 Lesser-spotted Woodpecker 28 February 2012 Withey Beds
130 Rough-legged Buzzard 03 March 2012
131 Rose-coloured Starling 04 March 2012 Hordle
132 Cetti's Warbler 10 March 2012 Stockers Lake
133 Pink-footed Goose 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
134 Long-tailed Duck 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
135 Velvet Scoter 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
136 Slavonian Grebe 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
137 Marsh Harrier 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
138 Avocet 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
139 Knot 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
140 Sanderling 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
141 Ruff 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
142 Bar-tailed Godwit 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
143 Spotted Redshank 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
144 Mediterranean Gull 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
145 Coues' Arctic Redpoll 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
146 Lesser Redpoll 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
147 Mealy Redpoll 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
148 Hawfinch 11 March 2012 Lynford Arboretum
149 Spoonbill 17 March 2012 Lodmoor
150 Fulmar 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
151 Gannet 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
152 Guillemot 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
153 Peregrine 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
154 Razorbill 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
155 Wheatear 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
156 Glossy Ibis 17 March 2012 Radipole Lake
157 Goshawk 19 March 2012 Acre's Down
158 Firecrest 19 March 2012 Acre's Down
159 Black Redstart 20 March 2012 Woodoaks Farm
160 Dartford Warbler 23 March 2012 Coombe Heath
161 Sandwich Tern 24 March 2012 Dungeness
162 Black-throated Diver 01 April 2012 Dunlichity
163 Golden Eagle 01 April 2012 Findhorn Valley
164 Hooded Crow 01 April 2012 Loch Ruthven
165 Osprey 01 April 2012 Loch Garten
166 Red-throated Diver 01 April 2012 Loch Ruthven
167 Scottish Crossbill 01 April 2012 Loch Garten
168 Whooper Swan 01 April 2012 Loch Garten
169 Black Guillemot 02 April 2012 Lochalsh
170 Ptarmigan 02 April 2012 Applecross
171 Crested Tit 03 April 2012 Loch Garten
172 Red Grouse 03 April 2012 Grantown on Spey
173 Black Grouse 04 April 2012 Tulloch Moor
174 Capercaillie 04 April 2012 Loch Garten
175 Eider 04 April 2012 Ythan Estuary
176 King Eider 04 April 2012 Ythan Estuary
177 Kittiwake 04 April 2012 Frazerburgh
178 Blackcap 06 April 2012 Stockers Lake
179 Willow Warbler 06 April 2012 Stockers Lake
180 Common Tern 06 April 2012 Stockers Lake
181 Ring Ouzel 07 April 2012 Incombe Hole
182 Garganey 08 April 2012 Rainham Marshes
183 Common Sandpiper 08 April 2012 Rainham Marshes
184 Swallow 08 April 2012 Rainham Marshes
185 Yellow Wagtail 08 April 2012 Rainham Marshes
186 Tundra Bean Goose 09 April 2012 Thorpe Park
187 Little Gull 09 April 2012 Staines Reservoir
188 Sand Martin 09 April 2012 Staines Reservoir
189 Redstart 13 April 2012 Croxley Common Moor
190 Black-winged Stilt 14 April 2012 Abbotsbury
191 Manx Shearwater 14 April 2012 Portland Bill
192 Puffin 14 April 2012 Portland Bill
193 House Martin 14 April 2012 Portland Bill
194 Sedge Warbler 15 April 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
195 White Wagtail 15 April 2012 Farmoor Reservoir
196 Whitethroat 16 April 2012 Croxley Common Moor
197 Bearded Tit 21 April 2012 Titchwell Marshes
198 Reed Warbler 21 April 2012 Titchwell Marshes
199 Stone-curlew 21 April 2012 Foxhole Heath
200 Swift 27 April 2012 Gaywoods Lake, Kings Langley
201 Whimbrel 28 April 2012 Balscote Quarry, Oxon
202 Whinchat 28 April 2012 Balscote Quarry, Oxon
203 Little Ringed Plover 28 April 2012 Balscote Quarry, Oxon
204 Dotterel 28 April 2012 Balscote Quarry, Oxon
205 White Stork 29 April 2012 Standlake Common, Oxon
206 Lesser Whitethroat 04 May 2012 Croxley Common Moor
207 Garden Warbler 04 May 2012 Croxley Common Moor
208 Hobby 05 May 2012 Portland Bill
209 Spotted Flycatcher 05 May 2012 Portland Bill
210 Little Tern 05 May 2012 Ferrybridge
211 Cuckoo 06 May 2012 Otmoor
212 Wood Sandpiper 06 May 2012 Otmoor
213 Golden Oriole 12 May 2012 Lakenheath
214 Tree Pipit 12 May 2012 Santon Downham
215 Wood Warbler 26 May 2012 Aber Falls
216 Pied Flycatcher 26 May 2012 Aber Falls
217 Chough 26 May 2012 South Stack
218 Curlew Sandpiper 26 May 2012 Cemlyn Bay
219 Arctic Tern 26 May 2012 Cemlyn Bay
220 Turtle Dove 02 June 2012 Otmoor
221 Nightingale 02 June 2012 Bledlow
222 Barn Owl 04 June 2012 Lakenheath
223 Common Crane 04 June 2012 Lakenheath
224 Roller 09 June 2012 Aldbrough
225 Little Bittern 13 June 2012 Stockers Lake
226 Montagu’s Harrier 16 June 2012
227 Night Heron 16 June 2012 Keyhaven
228 Great Skua 30 June 2012 Milford on Sea
229 Common Scoter 30 June 2012 Milford on Sea
230 Grasshopper Warbler 01 July 2012 Otmoor
231 Sabine’s Gull 02 July 2012 Startop's Reservoir, Tring
232 Surf Scoter 07 July 2012 Murcgar
233 Red-backed Shrike 14 July 2012 Dawley Road, Hayes.
234 Yellow-legged Gull 14 July 2012 Little Marlow
235 Woodcock 17 July 2012 Chobham Common
236 Nightjar 17 July 2012 Chobham Common
237 Balearic Shearwater 21 July 2012 Portland Bill
238 Purple Heron 05 August 2012 Sutton Gault
239 Little Stint 18 August 2012 Buckenham Marshes
240 Honey Buzzard
241 Woodchat Shrike 25 August 2012 Wyke Regis
242 Wryneck 01 September 2012 West Bexington
243 Short-billed Dowitcher 08 September 2012 Lodmoor
244 Baillon’s Crake 15 September 2012 Rainham Marshes
245 Spotted Crake 16 September 2012 Stanwick Lakes
246 Great White Egret 16 September 2012 Ouse Washes
247 Red-breasted Flycatcher 22 September 2012 Holme
248 Arctic Skua 22 September 2012 Holme
249 Barred Warbler 22 September 2012 Holme
250 Baird’s Sandpiper 22 September 2012 Titchwell Marshes
251 Yellow-browed Warbler 22 September 2012 Wells Woods
252 Pectoral Sandpiper 23 September 2012 Dorney Common
253 Mandarin Duck 23 September 2012 Black Park
254 Barnacle Goose 30 September 2012 Loch of Strathbeg
255 Long-eared Owl 06 October 2012 Elmley
256 White-rumped Sandpiper 17 October 2012 Cley
257 Hen Harrier 18 October 2012 Stubbs Mill
258 Red-breasted Goose 20 October 2012 South Swale NR
259 Glaucous Gull 20 October 2012 Dungeness
260 Little Bunting 27 October 2012 Burnham Overy
261 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 27 October 2012 Holkham Pines/Dunes
262 Hoopoe 03 November 2012 Swallow Point
263 Black Brant 10 November 2012 Pagham Harbour
264 Waxwing 10 November 2012 Marston Vale Country Park
265 Hooded Merganser 12 November 2012 Pagham Harbour
266 Pallas’s Warbler 17 November 2012 Dungeness
267 Great Northern Diver 17 November 2012 Theale Gravel Pits
268 Twite 24 November 2012 Dingle Marshes
269 Bewick's Swan 24 November 2012 Minsmere
270 Red-necked Grebe 25 November 2012 Queen Mother Reservoir
271 Buff-bellied Pipit 15 December 2012 Queen Mother Reservoir
Happy New Year to one and all but especially my massive band of followers. Hopefully I will get to meet some of you in the field in 2013.
Below is my 2012 year list. I am not a competitive lister. I only list birds for my own records
1 Carrion Crow 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
2 Lesser black-backed Gull 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
3 Jackdaw 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
4 Blue Tit 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
5 Blackbird 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
6 Robin 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
7 Black-headed Gull 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
8 Wood Pigeon 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
9 Magpie 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
10 Siskin 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
11 Pied Wagtail 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
12 Great-spotted Woodpecker 01 January 2012 Ascot Road, West Watford
13 Wigeon 01 January 2012 Inns Lake
14 Mute Swan 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
15 Canada Goose 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
16 Egyptian Goose 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
17 Gadwall 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
18 Mallard 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
19 Shoveler 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
20 Pochard 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
21 Tufted Duck 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
22 Goldeneye 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
23 Cormorant 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
24 Grey Heron 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
25 Moorhen 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
26 Coot 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
27 Lapwing 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
28 Common Gull 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
29 Collared Dove 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
30 Ring-necked Parakeet 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
31 Little Owl 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
32 Kingfisher 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
33 Wren 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
34 Dunnock 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
35 Fieldfare 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
36 Song Thrush 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
37 Long-tailed Tit 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
38 Great Tit 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
39 Jay 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
40 Chaffinch 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
41 Goldfinch 01 January 2012 Stockers Lake/Farm
42 Red Kite 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
43 Kestrel 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
44 Green Woodpecker 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
45 Skylark 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
46 Meadow Pipit 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
47 Redwing 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
48 Goldcrest 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
49 Starling 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
50 House Sparrow 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
51 Greenfinch 01 January 2012 Woodoaks Farm
52 Buzzard 02 January 2012 Wendover Woods
53 Crossbill 02 January 2012 Wendover Woods
54 Teal 02 January 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
55 Great-crested Grebe 02 January 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
56 Grey Wagtail 02 January 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
57 Jack Snipe 02 January 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
58 Snow Bunting 02 January 2012 Startop's Reservoir, Tring
59 Yellowhammer 02 January 2012 Bedmond nr Radio mast
60 Coal Tit 05 January 2012 Abbots Langley
61 Woodlark 07 January 2012 Hawkhill Inclosure
62 Mistle Thrush 07 January 2012 Hawkhill Inclosure
63 Dark-eyed Junco 07 January 2012 Hawkhill Inclosure
64 Reed Bunting 07 January 2012 Hawkhill Inclosure
65 Red-legged Partridge 08 January 2012 Deadman's Hill
66 Rook 08 January 2012 Deadman's Hill
67 Grey Partridge 08 January 2012 Therfield Heath
68 Great Grey Shrike 08 January 2012 Therfield Heath
69 Sparrowhawk 08 January 2012 Deadman's Hill
70 Nuthatch 09 January 2012 Abbots Langley/Bedmond
71 Bullfinch 09 January 2012 Abbots Langley/Bedmond
72 Pheasant 12 January 2012 Springwell Lake
73 Little Grebe 12 January 2012 Springwell Lake
74 Water Rail 12 January 2012 Croxley Common Moor
75 Chiffchaff 12 January 2012 Springwell Lake
76 Brent Goose 14 January 2012 Calshot Marshes
77 Oystercatcher 14 January 2012 Calshot Marshes
78 Curlew 14 January 2012 Calshot Marshes
79 Stock Dove 14 January 2012 Beaulieu Road Station
80 Treecreeper 14 January 2012 Beaulieu Road Station
81 Spanish Sparrow 14 January 2012 Calshot
82 Scaup 15 January 2012 Staines Reservoir
83 Ruddy Duck 15 January 2012
84 Black-necked Grebe 15 January 2012 Staines Reservoir
85 Shag 15 January 2012 Staines Reservoir
86 Water Pipit 15 January 2012 Staines Reservoir
87 Goosander 16 January 2012 Stockers Lake
88 Red-crested Pochard 16 January 2012 Bury Lake
89 Temminck’s Stint 21 January 2012 Rushy Common
90 Green Sandpiper 21 January 2012 Rushy Common
91 Grey Phalarope 21 January 2012 Farmoor Reservoir
92 Raven 21 January 2012 M40 nr High Wycombe
93 Red-breasted Merganser 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
94 Little Egret 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
95 Ringed Plover 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
96 Grey Plover 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
97 Dunlin 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
98 Turnstone 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
99 Shorelark 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
100 Rock Pipit 22 January 2012 Hayling Island Oyster Beds
101 Cattle Egret 22 January 2012 Warblington
102 Ring-billed Gull 22 January 2012 Walpole Park
103 Herring Gull 22 January 2012 Walpole Park
104 Purple Sandpiper 22 January 2012 Southsea Castle
105 Little Auk 22 January 2012 College Lake
106 Dipper 28 January 2012 New Mill nr Witney
107 Smew 29 January 2012 Stockers Lake
108 Marsh Tit 01 February 2012 Wendover Woods
109 Corn Bunting 01 February 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
110 Short-eared Owl 02 February 2012 Otmoor
111 Greylag Goose 02 February 2012 Otmoor
112 Stonechat 03 February 2012 Black Down NT
113 Golden Plover 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
114 Greenshank 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
115 Pintail 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
116 Redshank 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
117 Shelduck 03 February 2012 Pagham Harbour
118 Black-tailed Godwit 03 February 2012 Thorney Island
119 Snipe 03 February 2012 Thorney Island
120 Willow Tit 04 February 2012 Linford NR
121 Great black-backed Gull 04 February 2012 Hedgerley Landfill Site
122 Bittern 05 February 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
123 Merlin 12 February 2012 Deadman's Hill
124 Tree Sparrow 12 February 2012 Tyttenhanger
125 Linnet 20 February 2012 Abbots Langley
126 Brambling 24 February 2012 Penn Wood
127 Common Yellowthroat 26 February 2012 Rhiwderin near Newport
128 Lesser Scaup 26 February 2012 Cosmeston Country Park
129 Lesser-spotted Woodpecker 28 February 2012 Withey Beds
130 Rough-legged Buzzard 03 March 2012
131 Rose-coloured Starling 04 March 2012 Hordle
132 Cetti's Warbler 10 March 2012 Stockers Lake
133 Pink-footed Goose 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
134 Long-tailed Duck 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
135 Velvet Scoter 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
136 Slavonian Grebe 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
137 Marsh Harrier 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
138 Avocet 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
139 Knot 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
140 Sanderling 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
141 Ruff 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
142 Bar-tailed Godwit 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
143 Spotted Redshank 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
144 Mediterranean Gull 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
145 Coues' Arctic Redpoll 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
146 Lesser Redpoll 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
147 Mealy Redpoll 11 March 2012 Titchwell Marshes
148 Hawfinch 11 March 2012 Lynford Arboretum
149 Spoonbill 17 March 2012 Lodmoor
150 Fulmar 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
151 Gannet 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
152 Guillemot 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
153 Peregrine 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
154 Razorbill 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
155 Wheatear 17 March 2012 Portland Bill
156 Glossy Ibis 17 March 2012 Radipole Lake
157 Goshawk 19 March 2012 Acre's Down
158 Firecrest 19 March 2012 Acre's Down
159 Black Redstart 20 March 2012 Woodoaks Farm
160 Dartford Warbler 23 March 2012 Coombe Heath
161 Sandwich Tern 24 March 2012 Dungeness
162 Black-throated Diver 01 April 2012 Dunlichity
163 Golden Eagle 01 April 2012 Findhorn Valley
164 Hooded Crow 01 April 2012 Loch Ruthven
165 Osprey 01 April 2012 Loch Garten
166 Red-throated Diver 01 April 2012 Loch Ruthven
167 Scottish Crossbill 01 April 2012 Loch Garten
168 Whooper Swan 01 April 2012 Loch Garten
169 Black Guillemot 02 April 2012 Lochalsh
170 Ptarmigan 02 April 2012 Applecross
171 Crested Tit 03 April 2012 Loch Garten
172 Red Grouse 03 April 2012 Grantown on Spey
173 Black Grouse 04 April 2012 Tulloch Moor
174 Capercaillie 04 April 2012 Loch Garten
175 Eider 04 April 2012 Ythan Estuary
176 King Eider 04 April 2012 Ythan Estuary
177 Kittiwake 04 April 2012 Frazerburgh
178 Blackcap 06 April 2012 Stockers Lake
179 Willow Warbler 06 April 2012 Stockers Lake
180 Common Tern 06 April 2012 Stockers Lake
181 Ring Ouzel 07 April 2012 Incombe Hole
182 Garganey 08 April 2012 Rainham Marshes
183 Common Sandpiper 08 April 2012 Rainham Marshes
184 Swallow 08 April 2012 Rainham Marshes
185 Yellow Wagtail 08 April 2012 Rainham Marshes
186 Tundra Bean Goose 09 April 2012 Thorpe Park
187 Little Gull 09 April 2012 Staines Reservoir
188 Sand Martin 09 April 2012 Staines Reservoir
189 Redstart 13 April 2012 Croxley Common Moor
190 Black-winged Stilt 14 April 2012 Abbotsbury
191 Manx Shearwater 14 April 2012 Portland Bill
192 Puffin 14 April 2012 Portland Bill
193 House Martin 14 April 2012 Portland Bill
194 Sedge Warbler 15 April 2012 Marsworth Reservoir, Tring
195 White Wagtail 15 April 2012 Farmoor Reservoir
196 Whitethroat 16 April 2012 Croxley Common Moor
197 Bearded Tit 21 April 2012 Titchwell Marshes
198 Reed Warbler 21 April 2012 Titchwell Marshes
199 Stone-curlew 21 April 2012 Foxhole Heath
200 Swift 27 April 2012 Gaywoods Lake, Kings Langley
201 Whimbrel 28 April 2012 Balscote Quarry, Oxon
202 Whinchat 28 April 2012 Balscote Quarry, Oxon
203 Little Ringed Plover 28 April 2012 Balscote Quarry, Oxon
204 Dotterel 28 April 2012 Balscote Quarry, Oxon
205 White Stork 29 April 2012 Standlake Common, Oxon
206 Lesser Whitethroat 04 May 2012 Croxley Common Moor
207 Garden Warbler 04 May 2012 Croxley Common Moor
208 Hobby 05 May 2012 Portland Bill
209 Spotted Flycatcher 05 May 2012 Portland Bill
210 Little Tern 05 May 2012 Ferrybridge
211 Cuckoo 06 May 2012 Otmoor
212 Wood Sandpiper 06 May 2012 Otmoor
213 Golden Oriole 12 May 2012 Lakenheath
214 Tree Pipit 12 May 2012 Santon Downham
215 Wood Warbler 26 May 2012 Aber Falls
216 Pied Flycatcher 26 May 2012 Aber Falls
217 Chough 26 May 2012 South Stack
218 Curlew Sandpiper 26 May 2012 Cemlyn Bay
219 Arctic Tern 26 May 2012 Cemlyn Bay
220 Turtle Dove 02 June 2012 Otmoor
221 Nightingale 02 June 2012 Bledlow
222 Barn Owl 04 June 2012 Lakenheath
223 Common Crane 04 June 2012 Lakenheath
224 Roller 09 June 2012 Aldbrough
225 Little Bittern 13 June 2012 Stockers Lake
226 Montagu’s Harrier 16 June 2012
227 Night Heron 16 June 2012 Keyhaven
228 Great Skua 30 June 2012 Milford on Sea
229 Common Scoter 30 June 2012 Milford on Sea
230 Grasshopper Warbler 01 July 2012 Otmoor
231 Sabine’s Gull 02 July 2012 Startop's Reservoir, Tring
232 Surf Scoter 07 July 2012 Murcgar
233 Red-backed Shrike 14 July 2012 Dawley Road, Hayes.
234 Yellow-legged Gull 14 July 2012 Little Marlow
235 Woodcock 17 July 2012 Chobham Common
236 Nightjar 17 July 2012 Chobham Common
237 Balearic Shearwater 21 July 2012 Portland Bill
238 Purple Heron 05 August 2012 Sutton Gault
239 Little Stint 18 August 2012 Buckenham Marshes
240 Honey Buzzard
241 Woodchat Shrike 25 August 2012 Wyke Regis
242 Wryneck 01 September 2012 West Bexington
243 Short-billed Dowitcher 08 September 2012 Lodmoor
244 Baillon’s Crake 15 September 2012 Rainham Marshes
245 Spotted Crake 16 September 2012 Stanwick Lakes
246 Great White Egret 16 September 2012 Ouse Washes
247 Red-breasted Flycatcher 22 September 2012 Holme
248 Arctic Skua 22 September 2012 Holme
249 Barred Warbler 22 September 2012 Holme
250 Baird’s Sandpiper 22 September 2012 Titchwell Marshes
251 Yellow-browed Warbler 22 September 2012 Wells Woods
252 Pectoral Sandpiper 23 September 2012 Dorney Common
253 Mandarin Duck 23 September 2012 Black Park
254 Barnacle Goose 30 September 2012 Loch of Strathbeg
255 Long-eared Owl 06 October 2012 Elmley
256 White-rumped Sandpiper 17 October 2012 Cley
257 Hen Harrier 18 October 2012 Stubbs Mill
258 Red-breasted Goose 20 October 2012 South Swale NR
259 Glaucous Gull 20 October 2012 Dungeness
260 Little Bunting 27 October 2012 Burnham Overy
261 Hornemann's Arctic Redpoll 27 October 2012 Holkham Pines/Dunes
262 Hoopoe 03 November 2012 Swallow Point
263 Black Brant 10 November 2012 Pagham Harbour
264 Waxwing 10 November 2012 Marston Vale Country Park
265 Hooded Merganser 12 November 2012 Pagham Harbour
266 Pallas’s Warbler 17 November 2012 Dungeness
267 Great Northern Diver 17 November 2012 Theale Gravel Pits
268 Twite 24 November 2012 Dingle Marshes
269 Bewick's Swan 24 November 2012 Minsmere
270 Red-necked Grebe 25 November 2012 Queen Mother Reservoir
271 Buff-bellied Pipit 15 December 2012 Queen Mother Reservoir
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Soggy Otmoor
A belated Merry Christmas and an early Happy New Year to one and all.
A long overdue update. I've not been out much since my last post due to a combination of virus, Christmas and can't be arsedness because of the rubbish weather.
This morning Paul and myself paid a visit to Otmoor. The weather was gloomy and overcast with periods of fine rain.
Soon after we arrived we connected with a Ringtail Hen Harrier. So not a bad start. Other birds of note here were; Golden Plover, Lapwing, Teal. Wigeon, Green Woodpecker, Water Rail, Nuthatch, Stonechat, Little Egret.
On our way back to car park I slipped over. This was my fourth fall of the year so not a bad total. I wonder if I can sneak in one more before the New Year?
From Otmoor we headed off to Spade Oak Gravel Pits near Little Marlow. We had the deluded idea that we might connect with a Caspian Gull. By now the weather had worsened with pouring rain. The footpaths around the lake were almost impassable. Very few gulls around and all the spits had disappeared due to the high water levels. We did note the following before the heavens really opened; Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Snipe, Kingfisher, Red Kite, Goldcrest.
Paul's pics below. Stonechat and Golden Plover at Otmoor and Goldcrest at Little Marlow.
A long overdue update. I've not been out much since my last post due to a combination of virus, Christmas and can't be arsedness because of the rubbish weather.
This morning Paul and myself paid a visit to Otmoor. The weather was gloomy and overcast with periods of fine rain.
Soon after we arrived we connected with a Ringtail Hen Harrier. So not a bad start. Other birds of note here were; Golden Plover, Lapwing, Teal. Wigeon, Green Woodpecker, Water Rail, Nuthatch, Stonechat, Little Egret.
On our way back to car park I slipped over. This was my fourth fall of the year so not a bad total. I wonder if I can sneak in one more before the New Year?
From Otmoor we headed off to Spade Oak Gravel Pits near Little Marlow. We had the deluded idea that we might connect with a Caspian Gull. By now the weather had worsened with pouring rain. The footpaths around the lake were almost impassable. Very few gulls around and all the spits had disappeared due to the high water levels. We did note the following before the heavens really opened; Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Snipe, Kingfisher, Red Kite, Goldcrest.
Paul's pics below. Stonechat and Golden Plover at Otmoor and Goldcrest at Little Marlow.
Saturday, 22 December 2012
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Sunday, 16 December 2012
GND at Hillfield
This afternoon whilst watching the footie on tv I took a call from Brendan with news of a Great Northern Diver at Hillfield Reservoir. I prized my self away from the sofa, called round for Brendan and we headed over to Hillfield. Now entry to Hillfield is a bit complicated but there is access to a viewing platform near to Elstree Aerodrome. After a traipse across hertfordshire's muddiest field we reached the viewing platform. Part of the reservoir is not visible from the platform and we could not locate the Diver. However, there were a few birders on the opposite bank who were looking into the area we couldn't see. We recognised a couple of the birders and Brendan made a call to Derek. He confirmed the Diver would not be viewable from where we were. We were debating whether to try viewing from the footbridge over the M1 when Brendan reveived a call. As he was talking I noticed what I thought was the diver in flight. This was confirmed on the phone by Derek. Brendan could not get on the bird and for a few moments it looked like the Diver had departed. It then flew right above us, circled the reservoir and landed in the middle. We were able to get good scope views as it dived continuously (as divers do!). Another birder joined us and was relieved when we put him straight on the bird.
Aldenham CP, Bramfield, Fishers Green.
A mornings birding with Brendan.
Aldenham Country Park; Mandarin.
Bramfield Village; Hawfinch (2), Siskin (2), Nuthatch (3), Fieldfare.
Fishers Green; Water Rail (2), Bittern.
Aldenham Country Park; Mandarin.
Bramfield Village; Hawfinch (2), Siskin (2), Nuthatch (3), Fieldfare.
Fishers Green; Water Rail (2), Bittern.
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Farmoor then QMR
A mornings outing to Farmoor in Oxfordshire then Queen Mother Reservoir in Berkshire. Ephraim was serving a one trip suspension for bad joke telling. (Something about a zoo with no dogs!). So it was Brendan, Paul and myself that made the trip. Farmoor was our first stop. No Falcated Duck but we did manage; Slavonian Grebe (2) and a single Brambling. Then over to Queen Mother Reservoir. The Buff-bellied Pipit showed really well. Also here Long-tailed Duck and Peregrine.
Pics below; Slavonian Grebe at Farmoor then next two Buff-bellied Pipit at QMR.
Pics below; Slavonian Grebe at Farmoor then next two Buff-bellied Pipit at QMR.
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Bramfield Hawfinches
A days birding in Hertfordshire with Ephraim. Our first stop was the village of Bramfield. We arrived in the village and parked up outside the church. Here a large number of other birders had gathered. We soon had a brief flight view of a single Hawfinch. We decided to drive around to the car park near the playing field at the rear of the churchyard. We soon had a sighting of another Hawfinch. Then several more brief sightings of up to three birds at a time. We also walked the hedgerow and lane close to the playing field, here we had two more single Hawfinch sightings. Also 2 Lesser Redpolls showed well. So approximately 6 Hawfinches in the general area of the churchyard.
Then up to Therfield and a long walk along the Icknield Way towards Therfield Heath. Slightly disappointing here, no owls and no Great-grey Shrike. The best we could manage here were; Corn Bunting (20+), Yellowhammer (c50), Red-legged Partridge (c25).
Then up to Therfield and a long walk along the Icknield Way towards Therfield Heath. Slightly disappointing here, no owls and no Great-grey Shrike. The best we could manage here were; Corn Bunting (20+), Yellowhammer (c50), Red-legged Partridge (c25).
Monday, 3 December 2012
Striking Blackbird
Jim a colleague of my birding pal Paul Frost found this unusually marked Blackbird. It was around the car park area of Holmers Farm recreation ground, Buckmaster Road, High Wycombe. Paul headed over and took the pics below.
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Portland
Birding at Portland, Dorset with Paul.
Ferrybridge; Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Little Egret.
Portland Harbour; Goosander, Guillemot, Razorbill, Shag, Great-northern Diver.
Portland Bill; Guillemot, Gannet, Great-black Backed Gull, Shag, Peregrine, Raven, Stonechat, Snipe, Little Owl.
On our way home we made a brief stop at Acres Down, Hants. All quiet here just; Marsh Tit,Goldcrest, Mistle Thrush.
Pics below; My Little Owl then Paul's; Stonechat (f), Stonechat (m), Raven, Raven (same bird), Kestrel.
Ferrybridge; Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Little Egret.
Portland Harbour; Goosander, Guillemot, Razorbill, Shag, Great-northern Diver.
Portland Bill; Guillemot, Gannet, Great-black Backed Gull, Shag, Peregrine, Raven, Stonechat, Snipe, Little Owl.
On our way home we made a brief stop at Acres Down, Hants. All quiet here just; Marsh Tit,Goldcrest, Mistle Thrush.
Pics below; My Little Owl then Paul's; Stonechat (f), Stonechat (m), Raven, Raven (same bird), Kestrel.
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