Since adopting the Snettisham area as my local patch, there are several things that I have always dreamt about finding... a Red backed Shrike on the hedges of Ken Hill Marsh, a Wood Warbler singing in Ken Hill Wood, a yankie wader feeding with flocks of Dunlin, or a rare Tern, resting on the mud at the south end of the reserve. High tide on July 9th saw large numbers of Sandwich Tern at the far end of the reserve, with a high proportion of juveniles amongst the adult birds. Part way through counting the assembled Sarnies, my attention was drawn to a strikingly pale tern, sat amongst a sizeable group of Commons. Red legs? Silvery grey primaries? Black bill? I had always thought about it (however slim the chances may have been) but here it was for real... a Roseate Tern!! (Patch tick no 222)
Roseate Tern front and back right
After watching it for about 30 minutes, I scanned back to the left to recount the number of Sandwich Terns, only to discover a 2nd Roseate Tern, beyond the original bird, amongst the far right hand flock! After a short wait, both birds came together, before flying out to the Wash after being on view for just over an hour. Thankfully, both returned to the mud, between the first and second hides, where they could be enjoyed by a small number of gathering admirers. A 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull was also present on the mud, whilst on the pits, an adult Little Ringed Plover (a rare bird for the reserve) had tucked itself into the furthest corner, visible for a short time from the bottom hide, before dissapearing behind the shingle ridge.
Convinced that the fields between Dersingham and the reserve, should be holding at least one singing Quail (Wheat fields, grass verges, what more do they need??) I took full advantage of the still calm evening, and set off accross the fields towards Dersingham, in the hope of securing another addition for the patch year list. At least 300 Swallows had gathered over the fields for a pre roost feed, but despite my best planning efforts (Quail being most vocal in the short window before dusk) any birds present remained stubbornly quiet. Having only just began the return journey home, my attention was drawn to a single bird, fluttering low and close, over the grass corner of the field beside the track. Its long slender wings and tail, combined with its distinctive flight, meant that it could only be one thing! Quite what a Nightjar was doing, feeding over
wheat fields, away from any heathland or open woodland is anyones guess!! I doubt I will ever witness this bizzare event again, but if I dont make the effort to look I shall never find out...
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
June Highlights
The month kicked off with a Reed Warbler singing from our urban garden back home in Bedford, our 5th garden record, but the first to be heard singing. As it turned out, I should have spent the day traveling up north to Hartlepool for the White-throated Robin, but in the end decided to leave it till the next day (Thursday 9th) when, in theory, the doctors garden should have been open. Not leaving Bedford till 09:50 I had plenty of time to find out if the bird was still present, with the first report coming out just after 07:30. A straightforward journey through London, saw me arriving into Hartlepool at 14:20, with roughly 3 hours on site, before I had to leave for the train back at 17:50. Unfortunately, despite reports from the previous days appearing on Birdguides almost every hour, the bird was looking to have others ideas, with no further sightings since 11:30, when it had flown from the bowling green, back towards the doctors garden. As the hours slowly passed, things were starting to look ever more doubtful, with 17:00 approaching and the bowling green distinctly Robin free. Despite securing a lift back to Bedford, and gaining an extra couple of hours on site, the bird never showed again that day, but was back on the green again the following morning, departed just before the weekend on the Friday night.
After roosting at Thornham the previous night, where it was seen briefly the following morning, before moving west along the coast to Holme, the Caspian Tern finally gave itself up at Titchwell, where it gave excellent views, feeding over the open water on the west side of the path. My 2nd in the UK, it made a welcome change to see this bird fishing, albeit unsuccessfully, creating quite a splash in the process and completely submerging itself underwater! A Temminck's Stint, seen displaying to a nearby Dunlin, was an unexpected, and out of season, find at Titchwell on the 29th, whilst two groups of Crossbill at Snettisham (12 through the Coastal Park and 28 over the garden) and the first flocks of returning Sand Martin (37 birds on 25th) were clear signs that Autumn was on its way...
After roosting at Thornham the previous night, where it was seen briefly the following morning, before moving west along the coast to Holme, the Caspian Tern finally gave itself up at Titchwell, where it gave excellent views, feeding over the open water on the west side of the path. My 2nd in the UK, it made a welcome change to see this bird fishing, albeit unsuccessfully, creating quite a splash in the process and completely submerging itself underwater! A Temminck's Stint, seen displaying to a nearby Dunlin, was an unexpected, and out of season, find at Titchwell on the 29th, whilst two groups of Crossbill at Snettisham (12 through the Coastal Park and 28 over the garden) and the first flocks of returning Sand Martin (37 birds on 25th) were clear signs that Autumn was on its way...
Friday, 8 July 2011
May selection
May started off at Holme Norfolk, with seven Wood Sandpipers giving excellent views, feeding close to the footpath on Redwell Marsh. My first Norfolk Wood Warbler, feeding in the Poplar and Sycamore trees, alongside the entrance track at the back of the marsh, became somewhat overshadowed, when I returned to the site at 15:30 and discovered Norfolks 4th Collared Flycatcher in the very same trees just 20 minutes later. The bird performed well to its group of admires all afternoon, but had departed by the following morning. A pair of Garganey sat on the sea off of the main Golf course track made for an unusual sight. For an full write up on the days events see Connor Rands excellent write up at http://connorsbirdingsite.blogspot.com/ Further rarity highlights were provided by the Northamptonshire Black Stork, which showed well in the fields surrounding the village of Weedon Beck, before giving excellent flights views at close range, whilst a Norfolk Marsh Warbler eventually gave itself up for viewing, following some initial brief appearances, and short bursts of song (Skylark, Whitehroat, and Bee Eater included!)
A pair of Spotted Flycatchers provided some local interest, nesting in the low branch of a large Sweet Chestnut tree just a few minutes from home, in a small stand of mature woodland opposite the nearby Tescos. The nest was constructed mainly from the flowers stems of the Sweet Chestnut, which the adults were seen collecting and bringing to the nest. Three young were seen in the nest, with at least one bird seen outside the nest being fed by the parents, after the young had cleared out.
The last day of May, finally saw the addition of perhaps the most obvious gap in my Snettisham list, with an unexpected seawatch producing a total of 21 Manx Shearwater (a single bird followed by groups of 5, 8, and 7) moving south into The Wash. Having neglected the sea, in favour of Holme, during productive seawatching conditions, I am awaiting the autumn with much interest, and am keen to find out just how productive Snettisham can be, when the right conditions force seabirds into The Wash. The same morning produced an unusually high total of 52 Auk sp moving North, as well as 74 Gannet South.
A pair of Spotted Flycatchers provided some local interest, nesting in the low branch of a large Sweet Chestnut tree just a few minutes from home, in a small stand of mature woodland opposite the nearby Tescos. The nest was constructed mainly from the flowers stems of the Sweet Chestnut, which the adults were seen collecting and bringing to the nest. Three young were seen in the nest, with at least one bird seen outside the nest being fed by the parents, after the young had cleared out.
The last day of May, finally saw the addition of perhaps the most obvious gap in my Snettisham list, with an unexpected seawatch producing a total of 21 Manx Shearwater (a single bird followed by groups of 5, 8, and 7) moving south into The Wash. Having neglected the sea, in favour of Holme, during productive seawatching conditions, I am awaiting the autumn with much interest, and am keen to find out just how productive Snettisham can be, when the right conditions force seabirds into The Wash. The same morning produced an unusually high total of 52 Auk sp moving North, as well as 74 Gannet South.
Monday, 4 July 2011
2011 Highlights
The year began, as it did for many others, with the wintering Northern Harrier proving to be one of the most popular attractions of early 2011. Remaining faithful to its chosen area of saltmarsh, between Thornham Harbour and Titchwell RSPB reserve, its daily hunting routine, feeding over the marshes during the morning, before moving further east along the coast and then returning in the afternoon to roost, allowed it to be enjoyed by many. The two Rough-legged Buzzards showed well at Burnham Overy, whilst a seawatch off of Holme (Jan 9th) produced wonderfully close views of a fly past Black-throated Diver, as well as three Great Northern Divers, and both Red-necked and Slavonian Grebes. An excellent total of 74 Woodcock were observed at Snettisham (Jan 7th) flying out at dusk from behind Ken Hill marsh to feed on the grazing fields, with up to 40 seen to do the same at Holme. Doubtless just a fraction of a much larger total, one can only imagine the true numbers that must be out there feeding at night!
A maximum of 13 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Holme, were part of a significant influx into the county, whilst a juvenile White-fronted Goose, mixed in with the Greylags and Canadas, at Priory Country Park, filled another gap in my (pitifully low) Bedfordshire list. The harsh weather conditions created further local exitement with a wintering Bittern offering excellent views at Priory, and a showy Coue's Arctic Redpoll just outside the boundaries of the park, feeding in the Silver Birches around the football pitch on Meadow Lane. My 1st since the Titchwell bird of 2001. Prized tick went to a local Tundra Bean Goose seen in the arable fields at the back of Ken Hill marsh with a small group of Pink feet. A long awaited patch tick that had to fall sooner or later.
Having missed it first time around, a return visit to Chipping Norton was rewarded with prolonged, if a little distant, views of the Oriental Turtle Dove, whilst back up in Norfolk, a flock of 40 Scaup together on the sea off of Holme, made for a personal Norfolk record, easily surpassing the group of about 15 birds, that I first saw on Snettisham pits back in the late 90s. Now a very rare sight in the county, a Willow Tit was watched singing in the Norfolk Brecks (also seen to excavate dead wood from the top of a standing Poplar tree) with the ever reliable Goshawks also putting on a fine display.
Visible migration at the end of March/beginning of April produced high numbers of Redpoll and Siskin with several small groups of Blue and Great Tits, two Lapland Buntings and a bonus Corn Bunting (only my 3rd Snettisham record) also passing through the Coastal Park. With higher than everage numbers of Hooded Crows present around the county (a return to winters of the 1980s) it came as little surprise to find two birds at Snettisham, flying south through the Coastal Park, with further individuals seen at Holme and Burnham Ovary dunes. A very early Grasshopper Warbler was singing in the Coastal Park on April 3rd, whilst a return visit to the Brecks produced excellent views of both Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Goshawk, along with Redstart, Crossbills and a chorus of singing Bramblings. A good passage of Wheatear mid month, began with 32 birds present within the Holme Observatory recording area on April 15th, followed by 59 birds between Old Hunstanton and Thornham channel on the 17th, and 52 present within the same area the folowing day. 29 birds were also recorded from Snettisham Coastal Park on the 19th.
A return vsit to Dungeness (April 21st-27th) proved dissapointingly quiet, thanks to strong N/NE winds bringing all migration to a virtual standstill, with two Pomarine Skuas, and the now resident Glaucous Gull being the pick of the highlights. A day trip accross the channel to the Somme Estuary (April 24th) produced Great White and Cattle Egrets, Black winged Stilts, Stone Curlews, Quail and Bluethroat, though there was no sign of any Savis Warbler, Montagu's Harriers or Golden Oriole, with several common summer migrants still present in very low numbers. Having missed out on Black Kite, Bee Eater and Vagrant Emperors, I managed to top of the week by leaving just days before the sea came alive, with a record breaking movement of Bar tailed Godwits, (a minimum of 7300 birds) high numbers of Pomarine Skuas, and an excellent support cast of other waders, terns and wildfowl. For full day totals see http://www.dungenessbirdobs.org.uk/
A maximum of 13 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Holme, were part of a significant influx into the county, whilst a juvenile White-fronted Goose, mixed in with the Greylags and Canadas, at Priory Country Park, filled another gap in my (pitifully low) Bedfordshire list. The harsh weather conditions created further local exitement with a wintering Bittern offering excellent views at Priory, and a showy Coue's Arctic Redpoll just outside the boundaries of the park, feeding in the Silver Birches around the football pitch on Meadow Lane. My 1st since the Titchwell bird of 2001. Prized tick went to a local Tundra Bean Goose seen in the arable fields at the back of Ken Hill marsh with a small group of Pink feet. A long awaited patch tick that had to fall sooner or later.
Having missed it first time around, a return visit to Chipping Norton was rewarded with prolonged, if a little distant, views of the Oriental Turtle Dove, whilst back up in Norfolk, a flock of 40 Scaup together on the sea off of Holme, made for a personal Norfolk record, easily surpassing the group of about 15 birds, that I first saw on Snettisham pits back in the late 90s. Now a very rare sight in the county, a Willow Tit was watched singing in the Norfolk Brecks (also seen to excavate dead wood from the top of a standing Poplar tree) with the ever reliable Goshawks also putting on a fine display.
Visible migration at the end of March/beginning of April produced high numbers of Redpoll and Siskin with several small groups of Blue and Great Tits, two Lapland Buntings and a bonus Corn Bunting (only my 3rd Snettisham record) also passing through the Coastal Park. With higher than everage numbers of Hooded Crows present around the county (a return to winters of the 1980s) it came as little surprise to find two birds at Snettisham, flying south through the Coastal Park, with further individuals seen at Holme and Burnham Ovary dunes. A very early Grasshopper Warbler was singing in the Coastal Park on April 3rd, whilst a return visit to the Brecks produced excellent views of both Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Goshawk, along with Redstart, Crossbills and a chorus of singing Bramblings. A good passage of Wheatear mid month, began with 32 birds present within the Holme Observatory recording area on April 15th, followed by 59 birds between Old Hunstanton and Thornham channel on the 17th, and 52 present within the same area the folowing day. 29 birds were also recorded from Snettisham Coastal Park on the 19th.
A return vsit to Dungeness (April 21st-27th) proved dissapointingly quiet, thanks to strong N/NE winds bringing all migration to a virtual standstill, with two Pomarine Skuas, and the now resident Glaucous Gull being the pick of the highlights. A day trip accross the channel to the Somme Estuary (April 24th) produced Great White and Cattle Egrets, Black winged Stilts, Stone Curlews, Quail and Bluethroat, though there was no sign of any Savis Warbler, Montagu's Harriers or Golden Oriole, with several common summer migrants still present in very low numbers. Having missed out on Black Kite, Bee Eater and Vagrant Emperors, I managed to top of the week by leaving just days before the sea came alive, with a record breaking movement of Bar tailed Godwits, (a minimum of 7300 birds) high numbers of Pomarine Skuas, and an excellent support cast of other waders, terns and wildfowl. For full day totals see http://www.dungenessbirdobs.org.uk/
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Memorable days 2010
March 21st
As well as producing a nice selection of grounded migrants, the light NW winds, combined with low cloud cover and light drizzle, provided the ideal conditions to encourage a remarkable overhead passage of Chaffinch. I had been standing on the edge of the road, just to the south of the lifeboat station, watching the numbers of Wheatear steadily increase, when I became aware of the presence of large numbers of Chaffinch calling high overhead. Once located with the naked eye, the volume of birds quickly became apparent, with some flocks reaching almost 1000 birds(a closer look revealed a second layer of birds, moving even higher up) Once flocks were seen moving back north, the true number of birds became difficult to determine (were these new birds coming in from the south, or some of the earlier birds had had reached the point and turned back?) Either way, it was an an amazing sight, with a final total of at least 9000 birds. Other migrants that day included a single Woodcock, 49 Wheatear, 5 Black redstart, 63 Redwing, 21 Chiffchaff and 7 Firecrest. Starlings were also present in good numbers with 2,500 passing overhead.
April 24th
After a decent morning watch, I returned to the seawatch hide late afternoon, to find passage reduced to a light trickle, with just a couple of Great Skuas and 5 small groups of Bar tailed Godwit passing through in 2 hours of watching. Thinking that was it for the day, I returned to the Obs, where we later received at phone call from Tony Greenland, who had gone down to the fishing boats just prior to 19:30, only to find that the sea had (inexplicably) exploded into life. Abandoning Doctor Who, we made our way to the boats, where lines of Common Terns and Little Gulls were streaming past the point at close range, along with various flocks of assorted waders, and good numbers of Arctic Skuas. A pair of Black throated Divers gave excellent views, as they passed by at close range (another was seen further out), though the icing on the cake was provided by an equally close summer plumaged drake Long tailed Duck. The first time I have ever seen one in its summer dress. Though afternoon movements of Terns, Skuas, and waders, are a well known feature of spring seawatching, the late evening rush still made for an unexpected surprise, with no clear change in weather conditions (either wind strength of direction), and no obvious explanation as to why it occured!
Totals for the day were as follows: Brent Goose 225, Shelduck 27, Eider 21, Common Scoter 1,566, long tailed Duck 1, Red breasted Merganser 22, Black throated Diver 4, Slavonian Grebe 2, Grey Plover 15, Bar tailed Godwit 211, Whimbrel 160, Pomarine Skua 2, Arctic Skua 54, Great Skua 6, Mediteranean Gull 6, Little Gull 322, Sandwich Tern 485, Common Tern 2,500, Little Tern 149, Black Tern 9
August 24th
Another memorable seawatch, with strong southerly winds and showers, producing a spectacular offshore passage of waders. A flock of 600 Knot (probably the largest ever to be seen off of Dungeness) were followed by an equally large mixed flock, holding a remarkable 250 Grey Plovers, as well as Bar tailed Godwits, Whimbrels, and more knot. I may be used to seeing large numbers of waders in Norfolk, feeding on The Wash and flying together to roost, but however impressive, it cannot compare with the spectacle of migration, when flocks such as these are on the move.
Totals for the morning were as follows: Balearic Shearwater 1, Manx Shearwater 1, Ringed Plover 57, Grey Plover 440, Knot 776, Curew Sandpiper 1, Sanderling 266, Dunlin 72, Bar tailed Gadwit 190, Whimbrel 71, Redshank 1, Turnstone 113, Arctic Skua 19, Great Skua 6, Common Tern 832, Arctic tern 6, Little Tern 38, Black Tern 7
A flock of 150 Redshank were also seen on the ARC pit that same morning
August 28th
A good arrival of migrants, with the highlight being two Icterine Warblers between the Observatoy and the old lighthouse. Initially identified as a Melodious, the identification quickly became settled, once the bird started showing well in its small patch of chosen Gorse. Having missed 5 at Dungeness, including 4 whilst I was away in Canada and another in 2008 (just glimpsed in flight), as well as several in Norfolk, and the long staying bird at Bungay Suffolk (arriving the day after it went, having been present for several weeks!) I managed to double my lifetime tally of Icterine Warblers, by finding a second bird in the large area of Gorse, just yards from where everyone was standing! Three flyover Spoonbills provided a welcome distraction and a Wood Warbler made a brief appearance in the Trapping Area late afternoon, moving with the mixed feeding flock of Tits and Willow warblers.
Day totals of migrants were as follows: Yellow Wagtail 350, Redstart 3, Whinchat 10, Wheatear 73, Garden Warbler 1, Icterine Warbler 2, Willow Warbler 40, Wood Warbler 1, Pied Flycatcher 9, Spotted Flycatcher 4
September 12th
A day of excellent variety, with a decent scattering of migrants and a varied overhead passage.
Grounded migrants: Yellow Wagtail 170, Redstart 5, Whinchat 4, Wheatear 32, Willow Warbler 35, Chiffchaff 35, Spotted Flycatcher 8, Pied Flycatcher 3, Lapland Bunting 4
In addition, the Wryneck was still present, around the Gorse between the Observatory and the lighthouse, whilst an overhead passage of raptors included a single Honey Buzzard, 10 Common Buzzard and 16 Sparrowhawks. 1000 each of Meadow Pipit and Sand Martin also passed through, though it wasn't untill late into the afternoon that the day really hit its peak.
Sitting on the moat, surrounding the Observatory, I watched in amazement, as thousands of Swallows made their way south towards the point, after flying in from the direction of the RSPB reserve. We had been used to seeing large numbers of birds, congregating over the point in the evenings, but never on a scale such as this. After cycling down to the patch, with birds lining the power station fence, resting on challet roofs, and blackening the power lines, I watched from outside the hide, as birds poured through along the beach and over the sea. The final day total was estimated to be an amazing 40,000 birds.
October 4th
After a good days birding, we were in the process of writing up the daily log, when we received a call from the power station, just after 20:30, to say that they had located a "small, eared Owl" in their security cameras, sat on the power station fence. After exchanging phone numbers and cycling down towards the patch, trying our best to avoid the speed bumps in the dark, (they had agreed to call, once they picked us up in the cameras) we arrived below the hide, to find a Long eared Owl, sat on the fence in full view (it was never REALLY going to be a Scops Owl was it?) Seemingly oblivious to its passers by, just the other side of the fence, we were treated to excellent views, with the bird fully lit up by the lights of the power station. Quite what those within the complex thought we were doing, sat on the shingle, looking into the power station at nine oclock at night, was anyones guess! Overhead, the calm night sky, was broken by the soft "zit" of Song Thrushes, whilst a flock of Greenshank (probably 6+ birds) and a lone Common Sandpiper, could also be heard passing through. A unique and migical experience.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Dungeness 2010
Some of the more unusual birds seen within the Dungeness recording area over the course of the season...
MARCH
Penduline Tit Three birds, seen close to the ARC Hanson hide, were relocated three days later, feeding in the stand of reedmace along the Willow trail. They remained on site till April 4th, when one of the birds could even be heard singing.
Pallid Swift Initially viewed under terrible light conditions, the bird remained on site till the following morning, when people were able to gain satisfactory views and confirm its identity.
Alpine Swift Seen on the final day of the month, as it made its way south along the point and into the power station to roost. The first Dungeness record for almost 20 years! Having failed to show itself to the small crowd, waiting at the power station for its morning departure, it was relocated over ARC, where a handful of fortunate locals managed to connect. Having dipped a bird in Folkestone, that didn't leave its roost till 10:30, I now realise that I should have given the Dungeness bird more time to wake up
APRIL
Purple Heron Britain's first successful nesting pair! It soon became apparent that things were starting to happen, shortly after the arrival of the second bird. Regularly seen together as a pair, it wasn't long before the male was seen collecting nesting material and displaying over the nest site. After a summer of mixed emotions (on more than one occasion thinking that the birds had either failed or deserted the nest) it was a great relief to confirm successful hatching, when the first young bird was seen close to the nest on August 4th. By the end of the season, the birds had managed to successfully fledge two young.
MAY
Whiskered Tern Initially found feeding over the patch (where it stayed for roughly 20 minutes) the bird was relocated over the RSPB reserve, where it could be watched from the causeway feeding over New Diggings. Regularly giving good views, it lingered throughout the morning but disappeared from site late afternoon..
Red-footed Falcon A 1st summer male, which lingered on the RSPB reserve for three days at the beginning of the month.
Bee Eater An unexpected treat, whilst cycling back from the patch late afternoon. Noticing a lone bird sat on the wires I remember thinking to myself "I'm not going to jump to conclusions here, but that looks like a Bee Eater!" In typical Bee Eater fashion, the bird was present for just 15 minutes, and seen by only three birders (several locals arriving just minutes too late) This was my 2nd Dungeness Bee Eater, following a bird seen almost two weeks later (6th June 2008) on almost the same stretch of wire, at the same time of day!
JUNE
Common Rosefinch A frustratingly elusive bird that I found singing in the trapping area June 16th. After hearing it 4 or 5 times I finally managed to locate its position, when it made the brief flight, crossing from one bush to another. It remained on the edge of the Willows for a few seconds (though still largely obscurred, exept for the head) before melting away, never to be seen or heard again!
Marsh Tit Never mind Bee Eaters, unusual Terns or Swifts... For the avid Dungeness lister this was one of the rarest birds of the year! (5th Dunge record) Of all the places it could have chosen, I found it sitting on the power station fence early one morning whilst strolling down to the patch! After a few seconds on the fence, it flew to the scaffolding within the power station complex, for a slightly longer view before dropping to ground and dissapearing. If only it had been a Crested....
JULY
White tailed Plover After a visit to Merseyside (27th - 28th May) and a short hop accross to the Netherlands (May 29th), this striking wader was relocated on the RSPB reserve at Rainham Marshes (July 7th) where it remained for the day, before moving to Slimbridge WWT in Glouctershire 2 days later. Following a 2 day stay at Slimbridge, it was relocated at Dungeness on the afternoon of the 11th, where it remained on the ARC pit untill July 20th. This was the first kent record, and only the 6th to be recorded in Britain, after a bird in 2007, seen in Lancashire and Dumfries and Galloway.
AUGUST
Cattle Egret Now a seemingly annual visitor to Dungeness, one appeared on the reserve on the classic date of August 1st. Hard to believe now, that this used to be a major rarity!
White-winged Black Tern Another regular autumn vagrant that appeared bang on que, with a juvenile being found at the patch on August 15th.
Buff breasted Sandpiper Found the same afternoon as the Tern at the southern end of ARC, this bird lingered till the following day, and provided a welcome Dungeness grip back, having missed the previous autumn bird at Scotney.
Icterine Warbler two birds were present on the 28th, in the gorse between the Observatory and the old lighthouse
Buff breasted Sandpiper When seen in company with a juvenile Ruff (right hand bird) the striking differences in size, structure and even plumage, make it very difficult to understand how the two species can ever be confused! This bird was scarcely bigger than either the Common Sandpiper or Dunlin that accompanied it...
Red backed Shrike One of three birds seen during August, within the Observatory recording area.
SEPTEMBER
Aquatic Warbler One was seen early morning, in the reeds in front of Hanson hide
Glossy Ibis In keeping with last autumns invasion, a flock of 18 birds were seen to fly in off the sea at the fishing boats. They then settled on the RSPB reserve for a couple of days, feeding in the same pools along the entrance track, that held last years birds.Hoopoe One was present around the fishing boats September 14th
Sabines Gull Three birds flew west on the 23rd, with another individual seen offshore the following day. Seawatching at the fishing boats with Mark Hollingworth, we were both watching the Sabines feeding close inshorehore when a Sooty Shearwater flew through our field of vision, no more than 300 yards out. One of the closest birds I have ever seen off of Dungeness!
Buff breasted Sandpiper Two birds were found at Scotney Sept 28th, increasing to three on October 8th
Spotted Flycatcher An obliging bird feeding around the pines at the water tower pits
Wryneck One of at least 5 recorded during the autumn. This bird gave exceptional views, often down to a matter feet, as it fed on and around the path, between Denge Marsh hide and the viewing ramp.
OCTOBER
Barred Warbler Found on the reserve Oct 2nd, it remained till the following day, regularly giving good views to its admirers. A rare bird in Kent, and the first Dungeness record in about 15 years!
Pallas's Warbler Three records during the autumn: One trapped and ringed (18th) One around the willow trail at ARC (27th) and a second bird in the trapping area on the 31st (self found). After completing a net round of the trapping area with Sam Bayley, we arrived back at the first net, to find a Pallas's with a flock of Long tailed Tits in the Willows surrounding the net. After a couple more brief views, and a short wait, the Pallas's was caught in the net and taken back to the obs were a good number of locals managed to see it in the hand.
Sabines Gull Another bird was watched feeding at the patch on the morning of the 7th
Penduline Tit One on Oct 23rd (ringed) was almost certainly the same bird that had been seeen at the start of the year.
Waxwing A real Dunge rarity! Two birds seen briefly (Oct 24th) were followed the next day by a total of 14, passing through the area in small groups. A rare occurance in itself, what was even more unusual was the remarkably early timing of these arrivals. An axample of its local rarity status can be shown by the bird that I had seen with Dave in November 2008 (his first sighting of a Waxwing at Dungeness in his 20 years as Obs warden!)
Grey Phalarope One on Oct 25th was followed by a second bird (28th - 29th) that gave excellent views, as it fed off the end of the boardwalk just a few meters offshore.
Barred Warbler
"Europeaus" Long tailed Tit Three of these continental birds were present with the Long tailed Tit flock, caught in the same net as the Palas's Warbler.
Everyones favourite Sibe...
Death's-Head Hawk-moth A stunning beast, found flying around inside the power station!
Lapland Bunting One of two birds that lingered around the fishing boats, often showing down to a few feet.
Caspian Gull A very elegant bird
Penduline Tit Feeding on reedmace in front of Hanson hide
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Dungeness 2009
An overview of the season with a selection of some of the highlights from 2009
March began with the continued presence of a long staying Iceland Gull, which remained throughout the month, lingering until April 7th. One of two birds seen during the first winter period, which also produced an immaculate adult Glaucous Gull. A seldom seen plumage, and not something that I have ever seen myself. Having done nearly all my seawatching in the dunes at Holme, North Norfolk (cold winds, blowing sand and lack of suitable shelter) it makes a welcome change to sit down in a T shirt, watching lines of Brent Geese, mixed flocks of dabbling ducks, and tight clusters of Terns all moving past you on migration. Where else could you sit on a beach and watch 15 Garganey passing offshore, mixed in with flocks of Teal or Common Scoter?
Three different Caspian Gulls all seen on the RSPB reserve on the islands from Makepeace hide.
April 17th Was a morning of grey skies and light rain, the perfect combination for grounding overhead migrants. Having spent all morning in the field, routinely checking all suitable cover on the point I was more than a little gripped to be told (whilst cooking my well deserved breakfast) that there was a male Red breasted Flycatcher in the gorse near the Old Lighthouse... An area I had walked through not five minutes before, for the 2nd time that morning! Other migrants included 85 Song Thrush, 21 Willow Warbler, four Ring Ouzel, single Firecrest, a male Pied Flycatcher in the lighthouse garden (my first male to be seen away from breeding grounds) and a Hawfinch overhead. The Flycatcher remained hidden from view for the rest of the day.
After spending the next morning watching a highly mobile Hoopoe, we made the treck to Hampshire for a look at the long staying White throated Sparrow. A slightly bizarre experience, considering the large numbers I would encounter over the coming days!I returned from Canada on the 17th May, having already learnt about the presence of the Crested Lark, during the daily evening radio updates "Oh David, theres a Crested Lark at Dungeness" Unfortunately he was being serious...
May 20th proved to be a memorable day, although largely for the wrong reasons. Concealed within the Heligoland trap, cutting back the net ride and hidden from view, I was completely unaware of the onging events being watched from the bench at the top of the moat, just a stones throw away from where I was working. After hanging up the phone, and realising that I had a missed call from David Walker (who was with Barry Chambers, watching from the top of the moat) I retreated back to the bench, only to find that I had missed a Black Kite, which had flown almost over my head. Thankfully the bird was still on view, albeit at a greater range, circling over the northern end of the Long Pits with a Marsh harrier and a Buzzard. After a couple more spirals it started to drop, losing height and eventually drifting out of sight, into the haze and over the firing ranges.
June 4th A decision to head to the reserve and look through the previous nights Moth catch, proved to be the start of a remarkable day, that would finally bring to an end one of the longest running Observatory Sweepstakes. After walking through the trapping area and meeting up with John Knowler at the top of the Long Pits (a devoted Moth trapper, staying for his annual visit to Dungeness) we arrived at the reserve, ahead of visitor centre opening hours, with enough spare time on our hands for a walk around the main trail. After sitting for a few minutes in Denge Marsh hide, I picked up a single bird, as it swiftly broke the skyline and quickly disappeared from view... was that what I think it was? A second appearance confirmed by initial suspicions, and I was soon on the radio to let the reserve know that they had a Pratincole sp feeding over the reeds at Hookers Pits! After a few frantic phone calls and a mad dash to the viewing ramp, I arrived, quickly followed by reserve staff and locals, to find the bird showing at much closer range, where the rufous coloured underwing and short, shallow forked tail could clearly be seen. Knowing of the recent Oriental Pratincole at Pagham Harbour, it seemed more than likely that this was going to be the same bird. After changing position and obtaining further views from several different angles, the identification was finally settled. We were looking at Dunges first (and Kents 2nd) Oriental Pratincole.
The bird remained on site for the rest of the day, finally giving itself up on the deck when it touched down on the islands in the corner of Denge Marsh late afternoon. Unlike the previous British records, which have nearly all involved long staying birds, this decided to opt for an overnight departure, much to the disappointment of those that traveled down the next day. Fortunately birders were offered a second chance in the summer of 2010, when an Oriental Pratincole decided to linger at Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire. Given its rarity status (the 2009 bird becoming the 6th British record) and the past habits of returning Collared Pratincoles, it would seem logical to assume this was the same bird returning.
Merlin sat on the beach below the seawatch hide with prey
Roseate Terns were a regular feature of the short summer months, with a peak of 5 birds occurring together at the patch on July 19th. No sooner had the spring ended, that the first signs of Autumn migration had already begun, with the first Sand Martins (a flock of 50 birds) moving south and out to sea on July 10th. In contrast to movements of the past, when most birds passed through in August, the last few years seems to have shown a change in the timing of migration, with July becoming the busiest month for Sand Martin passage. Whatever the reasons behind it, there is no doubt that 2,600 Sand Martins, (as there were on July 13th) feeding in swarms over the shingle, and resting together on the beach, always make for an impressive spectacle. Willow warblers also showed up in good numbers, with a steady passage of birds occuring from the end of July and throughout August.
Single Honey Buzzards were seen on August 6th and 8th with a third bird passing through on September 4th, whilst a Nightjar appeared in the Trapping area on September 15th, gliding silently through one of the net rides, before being flushed from the ground. 24 Baleric and 13 Sooty Shearwaters (September 2nd) were part of a good birthday seawatch. Scarcities were few and far between, with a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Sept 15th) being about the only notable passerine of the Autumn. Having spent several long hours, creating an open clearing in the corner of the Trapping Area, this was a most welcoming and deserving find! Despite thinking to myself "this looks perfect for Flycatchers" that remained the only individual of any species, that I saw during my three seasons at the Observatrory! A second bird was trapped and ringed on Oct 13th (a day which also included 3 fly over Cranes, 2 Woodlark, and a couple of Lapland Buntings) Elsewhere on Dungeness, a Spotted Crake commenced a 5 day stay on the RSPB reserve (Sept 6th) playing a game of hide and seek amongst the reeds in front of the ARC hide. With the water levels so low, and the reed edges fringed by dry mud, seeing the bird often far from straightforward!
An interesting run of birds from the greater Dungeness recording area, began on September 21st when an all too brief Buff breasted Sandpiper was found on Scotney Pit. This was quickly followed by a group of 5 Glossy ibis, which eventually settled onto the reserve, often favouring the pools along the entrance track close to Boulderwall farm. The most interesting bird however, appeared on September 22nd, when a raptor seen over the RSPB reserve managed to leave observers with a severe identification headache!
Cycling down the entrance track, I had not gone far past Boulderwall farm when I was alerted to a large raptor disturbing the resting gulls from the open shingle, flying low towards me. Expecting it to be the usual Buzzard or Harrier I was somewhat taken aback, when I found myself faced with something completely unfamiliar. Although the shape of the tail and the proportions of the wing seemed out of character, the white flashes to the base of the primaries, combined with the body's rufous tones and the delicate bill and small head, led me to the conclusion that the bird could only be a Black Kite. Opinions were, however, soon divided, with numerous observers discussing the strong possibility of the bird in fact being a Booted Eagle. With Black Kite seemingly ruled out of the equation, there was just one option left. As unlikely as it may have seemed, the bird had to be a Booted Eagle. Numerous queries were raised, concerning the lack of visible "landing lights" and pale window to the primaries, though it wasn't until the bird was seen on the deck, sat in the ploughed fields opposite Cockles Bridge, that serious questions started to be asked. Is it possible for a Booted Eagle to show bare yellow legs?? Not really... OK, so it may have not been the mega we were hoping for (im not going to complain about a self found Black Kite!), but this bird was certainly an eye opening and educational experience for all those present. As probability dictates, the most likely answer is nearly always the correct one...
Further Autumn highlights included a long staying Great White Egret and Red backed Shrike, (both on the RSPB reserve) a high count of 25 Firecrest on October 9th, and a Cattle Egret, found on the outskirts of Lydd, which remained in the Dungeness area throughout October. An elusive Dusky Warbler, was found on the reserve (Oct 23rd) in the vegetaion beside the path to the water tower, but remained very difficult to see over the course of its three day stay. A day out accross the channel to Cap gri Nez failed to deliver anything on the sea, but was more than made up for by a spectacular overhead passage of migrants. Two vast flocks of Starlings moving west over the sea, were almost impossible to estimate (one being in excess of 100,000 birds) whilst further numbers were provided by roughly 700 Skylark, 24 Woodlark, and at least 15,000 Chaffinch. Bramblings, Redpolls and Siskins were all moving past in good numbers, whilst the clifftop stubble fields were alive with Reed Buntings, Skylarks and finches. A single Bullfinch, moving west along the cliffs with a small group of finches was my first example of the species, as a visible migrant.
March began with the continued presence of a long staying Iceland Gull, which remained throughout the month, lingering until April 7th. One of two birds seen during the first winter period, which also produced an immaculate adult Glaucous Gull. A seldom seen plumage, and not something that I have ever seen myself. Having done nearly all my seawatching in the dunes at Holme, North Norfolk (cold winds, blowing sand and lack of suitable shelter) it makes a welcome change to sit down in a T shirt, watching lines of Brent Geese, mixed flocks of dabbling ducks, and tight clusters of Terns all moving past you on migration. Where else could you sit on a beach and watch 15 Garganey passing offshore, mixed in with flocks of Teal or Common Scoter?
Three different Caspian Gulls all seen on the RSPB reserve on the islands from Makepeace hide.
April 17th Was a morning of grey skies and light rain, the perfect combination for grounding overhead migrants. Having spent all morning in the field, routinely checking all suitable cover on the point I was more than a little gripped to be told (whilst cooking my well deserved breakfast) that there was a male Red breasted Flycatcher in the gorse near the Old Lighthouse... An area I had walked through not five minutes before, for the 2nd time that morning! Other migrants included 85 Song Thrush, 21 Willow Warbler, four Ring Ouzel, single Firecrest, a male Pied Flycatcher in the lighthouse garden (my first male to be seen away from breeding grounds) and a Hawfinch overhead. The Flycatcher remained hidden from view for the rest of the day.
After spending the next morning watching a highly mobile Hoopoe, we made the treck to Hampshire for a look at the long staying White throated Sparrow. A slightly bizarre experience, considering the large numbers I would encounter over the coming days!I returned from Canada on the 17th May, having already learnt about the presence of the Crested Lark, during the daily evening radio updates "Oh David, theres a Crested Lark at Dungeness" Unfortunately he was being serious...
May 20th proved to be a memorable day, although largely for the wrong reasons. Concealed within the Heligoland trap, cutting back the net ride and hidden from view, I was completely unaware of the onging events being watched from the bench at the top of the moat, just a stones throw away from where I was working. After hanging up the phone, and realising that I had a missed call from David Walker (who was with Barry Chambers, watching from the top of the moat) I retreated back to the bench, only to find that I had missed a Black Kite, which had flown almost over my head. Thankfully the bird was still on view, albeit at a greater range, circling over the northern end of the Long Pits with a Marsh harrier and a Buzzard. After a couple more spirals it started to drop, losing height and eventually drifting out of sight, into the haze and over the firing ranges.
June 4th A decision to head to the reserve and look through the previous nights Moth catch, proved to be the start of a remarkable day, that would finally bring to an end one of the longest running Observatory Sweepstakes. After walking through the trapping area and meeting up with John Knowler at the top of the Long Pits (a devoted Moth trapper, staying for his annual visit to Dungeness) we arrived at the reserve, ahead of visitor centre opening hours, with enough spare time on our hands for a walk around the main trail. After sitting for a few minutes in Denge Marsh hide, I picked up a single bird, as it swiftly broke the skyline and quickly disappeared from view... was that what I think it was? A second appearance confirmed by initial suspicions, and I was soon on the radio to let the reserve know that they had a Pratincole sp feeding over the reeds at Hookers Pits! After a few frantic phone calls and a mad dash to the viewing ramp, I arrived, quickly followed by reserve staff and locals, to find the bird showing at much closer range, where the rufous coloured underwing and short, shallow forked tail could clearly be seen. Knowing of the recent Oriental Pratincole at Pagham Harbour, it seemed more than likely that this was going to be the same bird. After changing position and obtaining further views from several different angles, the identification was finally settled. We were looking at Dunges first (and Kents 2nd) Oriental Pratincole.
The bird remained on site for the rest of the day, finally giving itself up on the deck when it touched down on the islands in the corner of Denge Marsh late afternoon. Unlike the previous British records, which have nearly all involved long staying birds, this decided to opt for an overnight departure, much to the disappointment of those that traveled down the next day. Fortunately birders were offered a second chance in the summer of 2010, when an Oriental Pratincole decided to linger at Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire. Given its rarity status (the 2009 bird becoming the 6th British record) and the past habits of returning Collared Pratincoles, it would seem logical to assume this was the same bird returning.
Merlin sat on the beach below the seawatch hide with prey
Roseate Terns were a regular feature of the short summer months, with a peak of 5 birds occurring together at the patch on July 19th. No sooner had the spring ended, that the first signs of Autumn migration had already begun, with the first Sand Martins (a flock of 50 birds) moving south and out to sea on July 10th. In contrast to movements of the past, when most birds passed through in August, the last few years seems to have shown a change in the timing of migration, with July becoming the busiest month for Sand Martin passage. Whatever the reasons behind it, there is no doubt that 2,600 Sand Martins, (as there were on July 13th) feeding in swarms over the shingle, and resting together on the beach, always make for an impressive spectacle. Willow warblers also showed up in good numbers, with a steady passage of birds occuring from the end of July and throughout August.
Single Honey Buzzards were seen on August 6th and 8th with a third bird passing through on September 4th, whilst a Nightjar appeared in the Trapping area on September 15th, gliding silently through one of the net rides, before being flushed from the ground. 24 Baleric and 13 Sooty Shearwaters (September 2nd) were part of a good birthday seawatch. Scarcities were few and far between, with a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Sept 15th) being about the only notable passerine of the Autumn. Having spent several long hours, creating an open clearing in the corner of the Trapping Area, this was a most welcoming and deserving find! Despite thinking to myself "this looks perfect for Flycatchers" that remained the only individual of any species, that I saw during my three seasons at the Observatrory! A second bird was trapped and ringed on Oct 13th (a day which also included 3 fly over Cranes, 2 Woodlark, and a couple of Lapland Buntings) Elsewhere on Dungeness, a Spotted Crake commenced a 5 day stay on the RSPB reserve (Sept 6th) playing a game of hide and seek amongst the reeds in front of the ARC hide. With the water levels so low, and the reed edges fringed by dry mud, seeing the bird often far from straightforward!
An interesting run of birds from the greater Dungeness recording area, began on September 21st when an all too brief Buff breasted Sandpiper was found on Scotney Pit. This was quickly followed by a group of 5 Glossy ibis, which eventually settled onto the reserve, often favouring the pools along the entrance track close to Boulderwall farm. The most interesting bird however, appeared on September 22nd, when a raptor seen over the RSPB reserve managed to leave observers with a severe identification headache!
Cycling down the entrance track, I had not gone far past Boulderwall farm when I was alerted to a large raptor disturbing the resting gulls from the open shingle, flying low towards me. Expecting it to be the usual Buzzard or Harrier I was somewhat taken aback, when I found myself faced with something completely unfamiliar. Although the shape of the tail and the proportions of the wing seemed out of character, the white flashes to the base of the primaries, combined with the body's rufous tones and the delicate bill and small head, led me to the conclusion that the bird could only be a Black Kite. Opinions were, however, soon divided, with numerous observers discussing the strong possibility of the bird in fact being a Booted Eagle. With Black Kite seemingly ruled out of the equation, there was just one option left. As unlikely as it may have seemed, the bird had to be a Booted Eagle. Numerous queries were raised, concerning the lack of visible "landing lights" and pale window to the primaries, though it wasn't until the bird was seen on the deck, sat in the ploughed fields opposite Cockles Bridge, that serious questions started to be asked. Is it possible for a Booted Eagle to show bare yellow legs?? Not really... OK, so it may have not been the mega we were hoping for (im not going to complain about a self found Black Kite!), but this bird was certainly an eye opening and educational experience for all those present. As probability dictates, the most likely answer is nearly always the correct one...
Further Autumn highlights included a long staying Great White Egret and Red backed Shrike, (both on the RSPB reserve) a high count of 25 Firecrest on October 9th, and a Cattle Egret, found on the outskirts of Lydd, which remained in the Dungeness area throughout October. An elusive Dusky Warbler, was found on the reserve (Oct 23rd) in the vegetaion beside the path to the water tower, but remained very difficult to see over the course of its three day stay. A day out accross the channel to Cap gri Nez failed to deliver anything on the sea, but was more than made up for by a spectacular overhead passage of migrants. Two vast flocks of Starlings moving west over the sea, were almost impossible to estimate (one being in excess of 100,000 birds) whilst further numbers were provided by roughly 700 Skylark, 24 Woodlark, and at least 15,000 Chaffinch. Bramblings, Redpolls and Siskins were all moving past in good numbers, whilst the clifftop stubble fields were alive with Reed Buntings, Skylarks and finches. A single Bullfinch, moving west along the cliffs with a small group of finches was my first example of the species, as a visible migrant.
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