Trip Reports


Keyhaven & Pennington Marsh 11th May 2008

In what can only be descibed as true summer weather, and may it continue, we had our monthly Sunday group at Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes today. We started by looking over the Avon floods where we saw Little Egret, Mallard and Coots with young, Little Grebes, Black-tailed Godwits but no sign of the Garganey which had been frequenting the area over the last week or so. We decided to walk around the sea wall first and slowly checked off many of the usual species for the location, Cetti's Warbler didn't show but blasted it song out as usual, a long-tailed Tit was seen sitting on a eletricity wire not the usual place you would normally find one. As we moved on around the reserve Jackie found a summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwit feeding in a pool and we watch and listened to several distant terns flying in the distance. The first pond had Shelduck, Mute Swan, Coots and Moorhen and the now resident immature Spoonbill with all it's colour rings which identified it as coming from a colony in Holland. Other birds seen were Reed Bunting, 5 adult Eider four drakes and a single duck, Whimbrel, Curlew, Dunlin, Ringed and Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and more Black-tailed Godwits, Great Crested Grebe, Common and Little Terns put on a great show for us, Reed and Sedge Warbler also put in an appearence.

On our returning walk back to Keyhaven, Whitethroats and Chaffinchs seem to be singing from every bush, but the day, by now was at it's hottest and many of the birds were probably chilling in the shade somewhere and we finished back at our cars ready for lunch and a refreshing drink.

Dawn Chorus in the Forest 10th May 2008

Today or I should say this morning as we started at 05.00hrs to listen to a New Forest Dawn Chorus, we all had an excellent morning starting with Cuckoo and the more common thrush species of Blackbird, Song Thrush and Robin, Chaffinch and Wren soon followed. I should explain at this point I usually take my Parabolic reflector for those of you who do not know what it is, it's very like a Sky TV dish which has a microphone at it's centre, it acts like a large ear which enhances your hearing capacity by around forty times and when connected to a recorder enables you to record the bird which you are aiming at, above those that are around it. Well I just switched the parabol on and making sure everything was working I found I was listening to the sounds of at least two Nightjar churring and another in flight making the "Quick Queeick" calls and wing clapping. Taking off my head set I realised neither I or any of the group could hear them without the use of the parabol, so everyone took a turn with the head phones.

Moving on we singled out the calls of Great, Blue, and Coal Tit and Goldcrests after a while I picked up one of our target species for the morning and in fact we had around six individuals during our walk, Wood Warbler. This species always puts their heart and soul into their singing, as it emits his trilling song the whole body seems to shimmer with the effort and then to finnish it ends with the "Peeeooo Peeeooo Peeeooo", a beautiful bird I never tire of seeing and indeed good views were had. Continuing on we added Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush and Blackcap, but it wasn't until we started our return towards the cafe for Breakfast that we came across a group off Siskin, a single Crossbill, Tree Pipit and we ended with a Common Redstart. Well in fact we ended with an excellent full English Breakfast at the Acres Down Cafe which was very appreciated by all, which nicely rounded off an excellent morning.

Portland & Weymouth Away Day 25th April 2008

Our walk around Portland and Weymouth today was excellent, starting with a sea watch we had lots of groups of Gannet moving east and not long after a few Manx Shearwaters past going west. Then a group of manxies were seen moving east, but they landed on the sea just off shore and slowly were joined by more and more and when they eventually lifted off there must have been a minimum of a 100 birds which gave fantastic binocular views. On the west cliff the auks where on their ledges and some were flying off out to sea others were returning, thanks goes to a visiting birder who spotted a Puffin drifting on the tide near the Pulpit Rock and we soon had it in our scopes. We walked around the Radar Station to see if we could find any Razorbill and Shags on the cliff and luckly there were, a small group of Guillimot a pair of Razorbill, two Cormorant and a Shag all resting on the top ledges. Well not all were resting in fact the Razorbills had other things on their mind as the photo's on the gallery page prove. A quick look around, a cuddle and well you know what came next!

We moved on to explored the Obs Quarry and ticked off a pair a Stonechat on the way, we were lucky and found the Little Owl sat on the ledge in the quarry, we also had a Turtle Dove which flew in off the sea and landed briefly in the quarry field before flying off again inland. We had lunch at Ferrybridge where we had Sandwich and Little Terns good numbers of Ringed Plover a handfull of summer plumaged Dunlin and a half dozen or so Wheatear which were scurring about in the Sea Pink on the beach.

Little had been reported from Radipole so we decided to head for Lodmoor to finish our day off, where the Cetti's Warblers seemed to abound today, with the males calling all around the reserve but as usual only giving tantalising glimpses of themselves. Unlike a Sedge Warbler which gave us a nice rendering of it's song as well as good views. But best bird here was a Nightingale which only gave a few very brief views before flying into a Bramblebush and disapearing from view. We also came across a freshly hatched clutch of Coots which seem to have charm but not beauty.
Testwood Lakes and Keyhaven Marshes 1st April 2008

There was a lot of bird song to greet us on our arrival at the HWT Reserve at Testwood Lakes, including Chiffchaff, a spring migrant though many now winter with us, they were singing everywhere we went today.

We set off towards the Meadow Hide and we hadn't walked far when a Redwing was spotted sat on top of a tree giving lovely views and a nearby displaying Greenfinch was disturbed by a Kestrel flying through. On our walk through the woods and past the fields to the hide we saw and heard many of the common woodland species you would expect like Chaffinch, Wren, Robin, Blue and Great Tit.

From the hide we were able to watch in comfort 2 Little Ringed Plovers and see them well to point out their features especially that lovely yellow eye-ring, 2 Oystercatchers flew off but 4 Sand Martin were happily going in and out of the man-made nesting site by the hide. A pair of Teal, noisy Canada Geese and Tufted Ducks completed the picture.

After a while we moved on to the next new and perhaps even bigger hide, on the way a Green Woodpecker flew across and another Kestrel. The antics of the Coots with their posturing and fighting, ducking and diving were very entertaining. On the bank the rather unusual bird feeders attracted a Long-tailed Tit and Chaffinch but not much else.

It was time to move on to our next destination at Keyhaven where we sat on the sea wall, listening to a Cetti's Warbler, in the glorious warm sunshine and ate our lunch before setting off on our walk. We were soon watching a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, Brent Geese and Black-tailed Godwits, Redshanks and Curlews and plenty of Little Egrets. We reached the Fishtail Lagoon where the 1st winter Spoonbill stood among the Shelduck, he was resting as they so often seem to do but every now and then he would shake his head and show his spatula shapped bill. On the lagoon were also Lapwing, Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler.

It was getting rather windy and further on we found a few more waders so we stood down the bank to get some shelter and watch single Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and Greenshank, plus a few Dunlin, Turnstones and Ringed Plover. As we came back up the slope a Swallow flew over the path followed a little later by a Sand Martin.

Before setting off bank inland we scanned the sea for a reported Long-tailed Duck and Slavonian Grebe but no sign of them, but we did find a female Common Eider and on the shore a Rock Pipit. On the walk back to the cars we had a lovely male Wheatear in small field near the caravan park. Our total count for the day was 77 species.

Portland & Weymouth Away Day 29th February 2008

Our group met in Weymouth and after sorting out for car sharing we set off to Castle Cove/Sandsfoot Castle for our first look over Portland Harbour. We saw plenty of Red-breasted Meransers and Great Crested Grebes but otherwise it seemed quiet. Finally Ashley spotted a Red-necked Grebe, it was even starting to have a red tinge on the neck and everyone was able to get good views. We also had 7 Mediterranean Gulls here. Moving on to Portland Castle for another look over the harbour we had Turnstones feeding in front of us and a Kingfisher flashed by.

Going up to Portland Bill we popped into Reap Lane to see if we could find the Black Redstart, which we dipped on, but we did have a nice male Sparrowhawk and very good numbers of House Sparrow. Seawatching on the Bill itself give us Gannets, Guillemots, Shag, Kittiwake, Fulmar and Great Black-backed Gulls. We then watched 5 Purple Sandpipers plus 2 Rock Pipits busy feeding on the rocks below us, when suddenly the wind picked up Betty's cope with tripod and deposited it down with the birds! Nick was able to gt down and though the scope did break in two I can happily report it was fixed and working fine.

After that bit of drama we decided it was time to go down to Ferrybridge and have lunch, we picked the right time because we had a heavy shower during our break, though we were still able to watch Dunlin and Ringed Plovers from our cars.

On to Radipole RSPB reserve, where we stood in the car park going through the gulls and we had a few Mediterranean Gulls there but particularly striking was an adult with an almost complete hood, we also had Common Gull here. Walking round the reserve some of us were lucky enough to see a Cetti's Warbler dash acroos our path, we had a few Greenfinch and Great Tit but as it was so windy most of the small birds kept their heads down. Thankfully the ducks came out and at very close range we had a beautiful male Ruddy Duck with his bright blue bill display to two females.

Further round at the North Hide we were pleased to have 3 Cattle Egrets with a few Little Egrets in front of us, together with Grey Heron and a few duck including Wigeon, Tal, Shoveler, Pochard and Shelduck. The weather started to close in so we decided to head back before we got wet and finished with a look round the visitor centre

FARLINGTON MARSHES 16th February 2008

One of the features of Farlington Marshes are the Brent Geese that use this Hampshire Wildlife Reserve, it is a huge number and they were to be seen everywhere and were a real spectacle and the bird you notice the most when you walk round.

From the main gate as we first walked in a couple of Snipe flew up and away and a tantalising but brief glimpse of a Marsh Harrier. On the habour side we had Black-tailed Godwits, a few of them colour ringed as part of the Operation Godwit which this reserve is at the forefront of,also Curlew, Redshank, Grey Plover and Shelduck.

In the reedbed some of us had brief flight views of Bearded Tits but not good enough really. In the pool were a few Teal and Mallard and then our attention was taken by a call from Kit that the Marsh Harrier was on show. We watched this lovely raptor for some time as she quartered over the reedbeds.

We wandered on huddled up against the very cold biting wind; a Stonechat came up on to the wire fence but didn't linger long. The oldd Skylark struggled to sing and a few Meadow Pipits flew by. Also on the fields were a scattering of Wigeon, Lapwings and Curlews. Loafing ducks by a small pool included Shoveler and Pintail. On the mudflats were over a 1000 Dunlin plus a few Knot and Grey Plover, also Red-breasted Merganser in the channel of water but they were distant as it was low tide.

We were all quite pleased to turn away from the seawall and out of the wind and at the visitor centre we were greeted with a loud "ping" and a pair of Bearded Tits came very close feeding from the tops of the reed heads and gave us the most marvellous show. Though the photographers among us were frustrated as they wouldn't stay still long enough.

Making our way back to the cars a few saw a Reed Bunting and a Kestrel but once back at the seawall a mass of birds took to the air and Jackie picked up a Peregine high up in the blue sky. A nice way to finish our visit to Farlington Marshes

NORFOLK BROADS & SUFFOLK WEEKEND 25th - 27th January 2008

FRIDAY 25th
Our weekend started at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust at Hickling Broads. Unfortunately Gordon was terribly unwell and was unable to join us. The rest of the group took a walk round part of the reserve that wasn't closed due to flooding but it was fairly quiet so we made our way down to the viewing point at Stubbs Mill.

It was a bit cold standing out here on the viewing area but we were absolutely fascinated by the Marsh Harriers, they seemed to be everywhere and at one point we counted 22 in the air together - wow that was some sight! About 2000 Pink-footed Geese were flying about in large groups and we had 3 pairs of Common Cranes flying plus 1 Barn Owl and 4 Snipe. Other birds seen were Fieldfare, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Goldfinch, Lapwing and 5 Egyptian Geese.

But the light was now fading fast and it was turning very cold so it was time to get on to our hotel, warm up and relax before our excellent 3-course dinner.

SATURDAY 26th
After a good breakfast we made our way towards Waxham and en-route we stopped for good views in one field of Pink-footed Geese, Red-legged Partridge and hunting Barn Owl. In fact we had good views of at least 8 Barn Owls during the day. We scoured the fields for Common Cranes but without luck and stopped at Horsey Mill where we had Siskins and other small birds before decided to try Horsey Gap and some seawatching.

Our seawatching in a very short period produced 10 Red-throated Divers but little else, but we decided to take the mile walk to the viewing platform for the breeding Grey Seal colony where we saw plenty of adults and some well grown pups and a few Sanderling running on the sand amongst them. On the way back we had Green Woodpecker and Stonechats.

Apart from good numbers of Pink-footed and a couple of Egyptian Geese we decided to try and find a few more Geese and went on to a lay-by near Acle. Rather unfortunately a Chinese Water Deer lay dead here but it showed it's small tusks but thankfully soon we were able to view a live one properly through the scopes. In the field were a large group of Pink-footed Geese and Nick soon picked up 2 White-fronted Geese and then 2 Lesser Snow Geese which are pure white but when laid down were hard to find!

We then went on to the RSPB reserve at Strumpshaw Fen to find information where we could find the Bean Geese but apparently they were very wary and very difficult to see so we chose to have a little walk around the reserve instead. Time was catching up with us so we made our way back towards Horsey and Waxham to look again for the Cranes without luck, however we were treated to a beautiful sunset, over a superb landscape with the windmills. This brought us to the end of another day and it was back to our hotel to warm up and look forward to another delicious evening meal.

SUNDAY 27th
After checking out of our hotel we were off to Suffolk and the wonderful RSPB's Minsmere nature reserve. There is always plenty to see here and we had plenty of wildfowl to look at including a female Goldeneye and the star of the show a male Smew, a lifer for many in the group. The Smew took a real shine to the female Goldeneye and started to show off a bit to her and then they took to the air together and flew off and out of sight - fantastic! We also had a few waders here with Snipe, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstones and over 2000 Lapwings. Small birds were also around with Cetti's Warbler shouting at us but not showing itself as usual; in the woodland in just one spot we had 2 Treecreepers, 2 Marsh Tits, 3 Redwings and a flock of Long-tailed tits. What a finish to our excellent weekend.

Total - 83 bird species seen by the group.

East Yorkshire Break - 20th- 23rd September 2007

Thursday 20th September
Our group met at the West Carlton Country Guest House in the early afternoon to a very warm welcome by our hostess, Caroline and Oscar the dog. After being shown to our very comfortable rooms we were given tea, coffee and biscuits in the garden and watched Tree Sparrow on the feeders. Not a bad beginning to what was to turn out as an excellent weekend break.

Feeling refreshed we drove the short distance to Hornsea Mere which is renowned for attracting Little gulls and we were not disappointed with about 100, also a single Knot which literally fed at our feet and two female Greater Scaup were rather unexpected. Seawatching off the nearby coast gave us Razorbills, Red-throated Diver and plenty of distant terns. All too soon it was time to go back and relax before enjoying an excellent evening meal.

Friday 21st September
After a good hearty breakfast we were ready to set off for Spurn Point but were slightly delayed to watch about 70 Golden Plover flying over us and finally settling in a nearby field.
The tide was out when we arrived at Spurn Point Observatory and the waders a long way off so we went for a sea watch. This produced a very close Arctic Skua, a distant Manx Shearwater, two Red-breasted Mergansers which flew in to view and settled just offshore and a small group of Bar-tailed Godwits flew by plus many terns.

The local birders told us the 1st winter male Bluethroat was nearby at Easington, so we walked along the coastal path looking in the fields en-route. This gave us Reed Bunting, Skylarks plenty of Meadow Pipits and Alba Wagtails. We didn't see the Bluethroat as a "birder" was stood in the favoured spot of the bird!!! We gave up and went back to watch the rising tide.

As the tide came in we watched, from our cars as the rain and wind became too difficult for us. The sight of several thousand waders the majority being Knot, with lesser numbers of Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwits, Curlew, Grey Plover, and just one Turnstone, moving ahead of the tide was a real spectacle. As the weather eased we drove back to Easington and had brilliant views of the Bluethroat.
After lunch at the Bluebell tearooms we went off to Tophill Low Nature Reserve. The very long winding lane to the reserve gave us close views of Brown Hares and a lovely Hedgehog which Nick had to move out of the road for it's own safety.

A friendly warden gave us helpful information and we were pleased to be told that two Pectoral Sandpipers were on the reserve and viewable from the hide right by the car park. We managed to have very good views of these birds and also of Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Grey Plover and more. Wildfowl was also seen including Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler and Ruddy Ducks. Reluctantly it was now time to return to our hotel and dinner.

Saturday 22nd September
An early breakfast today so we could arrive in Bridlington in plenty of time to board the "Yorkshire Belle" for a 9a.m. sailing. As we queued to board we could see several Guillemots around the harbour entrance and watched the Kittiwakes lined along the outer walls as we sailed out.
The weather was mild, the sun shone, the sea was like a millpond and our hopes were high. We were soon watching many auks, mainly Guillemots but also a few Razorbills and dusky faced Puffins. Two Harbour Porpoise swimming alongside the boat raised excitement; then two Common Scoters flew by. There were lots of Gannets and Common Terns around and later we had Arctic Terns and Little Gulls, also Arctic Skua and Manx Shearwater were seen but rather distant.

I went off to use the toilet and as I came out a cry of Osprey came round, I bumped my head in my eagerness to get out and as I recovered I just managed to spot it with an obscured view, the first seen from this boat in 19 years. Thankfully the rest of the group had good views.
Just as things seemed to become quieter more chum was put out and soon after followed the cry of Sabine's gull and not only one but two, which stayed with us for ages giving the most brilliant views, especially when a Kittiwake, Sabine's and Little Gull flew in size order together gave a good opportunity for identification comparison.

Then a Great Skua decided to see what was going on for a short time, a Sooty Shearwater came close and then I spied Manx Shearwater coming towards us and it sedately flew across the bow of the boat. Finally a Red-throated Diver did a fly past. What excitement!
Time for lunch at Flamborough, then on to Bempton Cliffs. It was very quiet birdwise but a large number of Gannets sat on the cliffs, bill tapping and sky pointing and just falling off the cliff and swirling around, just enjoying being in the air and great entertainment for us.
On the way back to the hotel we popped back into Hornsea Mere for another look at the Little Gulls, and then time to relax before our evening meal.

Sunday, 23rd September
Time to pack our bags and say our farewells to Caroline and of course Oscar the dog. As we made our way to North Cave, Wetland Reserve we ticked off Sparrowhawk and a covey of seven Red-legged Partridges. We arrived at the reserve and added Little Grebe and Pochard to our list and then before we explored any further Nick received a message to say that there was a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve. As we had planned to go there it was agreed to go on straight away.
When we arrived there were quite a few already looking for the bird among a very large flock of Golden Plovers with a about twenty Ruff and a few Lapwings. Thankfully someone watching from the other side of the field re-found it and was waving frantically to us to say he had it. It was still difficult to see at first but eventually it flew with four Golden Plovers and it looked so small, it landed further down the field. We moved down too and eventually got very good views. The Buff-breasted Sandpiper was the 100th bird for our trip and what a goodie.
At this point Tony and Carole left us for their journeys home and the rest of us decided to have a snack and pop into the Reserve Centre. Here we ticked off Marsh Harrier making our trip list 101 birds seen in total.


PAGHAM HARBOUR - SIDELESHAM FERRY & CHURCH NORTON
SUNDAY, 9TH SEPTEMBER 2007

What a lovely day for a visit to this excellent reserve just over the Hampshire border in West Sussex.� We stopped first to look over the Mill Pond Marsh just the other side of the road, which is always a favourite with waders.� One of the first birds we saw was a Curlew Sandpiper, and with more scrutiny we found two more,� along with Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwings. Liz found a Red-legged Partridge stood on a post at in the field to the rear of the pond.
 Another birder told us about a strange Egret seen nearby so we decided to take a look and on the way found a Whinchat, much to Ashley�s delight!� No funny egrets though but along the ditch back to the Visitor Centre were Goldfinch, Linnets and a Reed Bunting.
 We then went on a mini-twitch to the West Fields in Selsey for a juvenile Montagu�s Harrier, but we were out of luck.� However, we did enjoy watching several Buzzards in the field in various plumage colours, they were later buzzed by a juvenile Peregrine.� Out to sea a juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew past and landed on the sea, also Sandwich Terns and a distant Gannet.
 Back to have lunch at Church Norton and going through the birds in the harbour we had Grey Plover in all manner of plumages from pristine juvenile to full summer breeding dress.� Other waders seen were Ringed Plovers, Knots, Turnstones, Oystercatchers, Redshanks and a few Bar-tailed Godwits.� There were several ducks and particularly Wigeon, a few Pintail, 3 Shoveler and Teal.� In the Churchyard we had excellent views of Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Chiffchaffs.�
 We drove back up to Sidlesham Ferry and the strange Egret was showing but it turned out to be juvenile Little Egret which does have greenish coloured legs and the bill does look a little chunkier, it also had a stance more like that of a Cattle Egret.
 We took another look over the Mill Pond Marsh and a Common Sandpiper obligingly flew across but only landed briefly.� Further along the footpath a Kingfisher flashed past, and a Little Grebe parent feeding it�s baby that was calling constantly to be fed.
 A very good day and the weather was perhaps too good for the birds we had a total of 70 birds species at the end of our day.

BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES & ORCHIDS - MARTIN DOWN - JUNE 10TH 2007

A beautiful warm day with lots of sunshine and we started in the car park with Yellowhammer one of many on our walk and Cinnabar moths in the grass. Our first butterfly was a Small Blue and then we found a Common Broomrape in flower. Blackcaps were quite vocal and then we heard our first Common Whitethroat but it was a male Lesser Whitethroat that was on show but we did see plenty of Common Whitethroats on the down. A couple of Linnets perched briefly and then our attention turned to the many Skylarks singing and displaying.

Butterflies continued to be seen with Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Brimstone, Dark Green Fritillary, Red Admiral and Large Skipper. Also a couple of moths with the Chimney Sweeper which is all black except for a tiny bit of white on its wing tips and 6 Spot Burnet.
Common Spotted Orchids were, well - common, we also saw Pyramidal and Frog Orchid and along the dyke a splendid specimen of Bee Orchid.

Also along the dyke we had Stonechats and then we could hear a singing Corn Bunting. The song carried quite a long way as we found it on a distant post but we had wonderful views in the telescope.

After our picnic lunch we crossed the busy A354 to the Kitts Grave area that gave us a different habitat to explore. We started with a Kestrel hunting over the field and then we were listening to Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, and Cuckoo though they were difficult to see and a Jay flew across the path.


A common lizard was a bit too quick for some to see but at least the Greater Butterfly Orchids didn't move. At the end of our walk we came to an opening where a Tree Pipit was singing it's heart out and just to finish a perfect day we had a splendid White Admiral butterfly.


WOODS AND HEATHS - JUNE 2nd 2007
A perfect day, warm and sunny arriving at 8.30a.m. gave us a good start at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve at Higher Hyde with Chiff Chaff and Song Thrush singing and Swallows swooping around.
In the wood we could hear young Great Spotted Woodpeckers calling to their parents to be fed. After a bit of scouting Nick found the nest hole with little heads peeping out. We all had a quick look before leaving the parents to feed them. Out on the heath we watched a displaying Tree Pipit and a singing Yellowhammer. Another highlight of our walk was watching a delightful family of newly fledged Coal Tits. From the hide we found Coot, Moorhen and a Little Grebe with 2 young, also Tufted duck. We could hear Garden Warbler but he wouldn't show himself.

We moved on to our next venue in Wareham Forest, and soon we were watching a Green Woodpecker feeding on the ground and Greenfinch up in the trees. Further on a Red-legged Partridge seemed to be having a problem deciding which direction he wanted to go running one way then reappearing and running another before finally flying off in a flurry of whirring wings.
Further along the footpath we had a pair of Spotted Flycatchers and a Redstart and many singing Chiff Chaffs and Blackcaps. As we came into an open area we were treated to a Hobby flying about. On a small heathland pond we watched Emperor and Four-spot Chaser Dragonflies and Large Red and Azure Damselflies.

On the Boat House Lake we had a few duck and Little Grebe plus a family of Grey Wagtail, but we were particularly interested in watching some Sikka deer swimming across the lake. We saw a Downy Emerald Dragonfly here too.

On to the heathland itself we watched Stonechat, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Buzzard and Dartford Warbler, but the Cuckoo was a special treat as it came out calling, landing in a nearby tree and sat until we were about to leave when he moved to another tree giving us another angle and a male Redstart came out to see what he was up to as well.

All too soon it was the end of our walk with some lovely memories to take home.


Away Day to Portland & Weymouth - May 25th 2007
We arrived at our car sharing rendezvous at Bere Regis Car Park to receive a phone call from two of our party to say they were caught up in traffic due to an accident, so this set us back a bit. However, it didn't dampen our spirits, we arrived at Portland Bill and went straight down to the obelisk for a spot of sea-watching.

Our sea-watch produced Gannets, Kittiwakes, a pair of Fulmar wheeling round the cliffs, Guillemots perched on the ledges, sat on the sea and flying back and forth. Amongst them were a few Razorbill and more importantly just one Puffin sat on the sea and we were able to get brilliant views in the telescopes. A Sandwich Tern went by, as did just one Eider and a small flock of Common Scoter. Rock Pipits were singing and displaying all around us and up near the Pulpit we also had Linnets, Meadow Pipits, and Stonechat and of course Skylarks. We had a look round the quarry but found nothing new.
We were now feeling hungry so we drove down to Ferrybridge for our lunch stop. Here we had Ringed Plovers and summer plumaged Dunlins on the shoreline and Little Terns fishing.

Our next and last stop was at the Lodmoor Nature Reserve and Cetti's Warblers were probably the first bird we heard and we did manage to get quite good views on the way round. We hadn't gone far when we spotted a pair of Bearded Tits flying to and fro over the reedbeds, over the path and even over our heads as they collected food for their offspring in a hidden nest in the reeds. Another pair was also seen in this area. A Reed Bunting was seen here and further round we had good views of Common Whitethroat, Wheatear and eventually Sedge and Reed Warblers. There were not many waders but we did have one Greenshank feeding near the colony of Common Terns.

We'd had a hot and sunny day with lots of good birds and now time to go home before the rush hour traffic.


KENT WEEKEND - 4TH - 6TH MAY 2007

Friday 4th May
We met up at midday at the RSPB reserve at Dungeness in Kent. This is the RSPB's oldest nature reserve and is really quite a gem, with a very welcoming Visitor Centre and viewing area and several good hides. Some of the first birds we saw were Little Gulls in adult and immature plumage, summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwit and Common Terns.

After our picnic lunch we headed off to explore the reserve properly with the song of Common Whitethroat, Sedge, Reed and Cetti's Warblers accompanying us all the way and not forgetting the impressive number of singing Reed Buntings.
In the first hide we got better views of the Red-crested Pochard we could see from the Visitor Centre with Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall. A Greenshank, Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit never lingered long with a very vigilant nesting pair of Lapwing dive-bombing them. Other waders found were Whimbrel, Turnstone and Ringed Plover.

Keith called our attention to a distant Hobby but this was just a taster of the treats in store for us. When we arrived at Denge Marsh we were told of a Red-footed Falcon and first we found a Hobby but then Nick saw 'the' bird and everyone got on to it very quickly and watched it flying opposite the hide. Soon it re-appeared so close to the hide we went outside to appreciate the most brilliant close views of this wonderful 1st summer male bird. We could clearly see it's red-feet and red undertail as it caught insects and ate them on the wing. We were even treated to a comparison as a Hobby flew through so we could see them together. What a start to our weekend.

We were left with just enough time to pop down to Dungeness Bird Observatory for a quick recce of the local area and added Red-legged Partridge, Kestrel and Wheatear to our day's list.
After we booked in to the Broadacre Hotel we were able to relax before our evening 3-course meal and then going though our checklist while enjoying our coffee and after dinner mints.

Saturday 5th May
At 6.30 in the morning we set off for a pre-breakfast seawatch at Dungeness with the Power Station as our backdrop. We walked along so we could view "the patch" which is an area where warm water outflows from the power station and rises to the surface and attracts large numbers of gulls and terns. Amongst this melee of mostly gulls and Common Terns we had 4 Black Terns and several adult Little Gull and Gannets, also passing by were 2 Common Scoter, Whimbrel and a Fulmer. However a Porpoise that was so close soon took our attention inshore and unusually for a porpoise it could be seen very well.

So it was back to our cars picking up a Wheatear and Whitethroat on the way so we could have a well-deserved breakfast before continuing our day at Stodmarsh and Grove Ferry.
We parked at Grove Ferry and did the complete circular walk, starting at the viewing mound where we had lots of Sand Martin with the odd House Martin among them and Swifts. From here we had distant views of a male Bearded Tit but because of the wind and dull weather they never gave us good show. We got our first views of Marsh Harrier over the reserve and we watched two pairs as we went round.
A little further on we had views of 2 male and 1 female Ruddy Duck, the males resplendent with their bright blue bills and chestnut colouring. Other highlights of the birds seen were Greenshank, Redshank, Sparrowhawk and 2 pairs of Hobby. At the Stodmarsh end of the walk a male Cuckoo flew in, at first giving us tantalising views but then it sat out in the open with his back to us and then as if on queue he turned round to give us a good front view.

As at Dungeness there were good populations here of Reed Bunting, Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warblers and in the wooded area Chiffchaff and Blackcaps. As we neared Grove Ferry again we heard 3 different Nightingales singing and then a Hobby came very close and perched on a dead tree giving brilliant views and in the end we had to leave him sat there.

After our late picnic lunch we headed back to Dungeness RSPB Reserve for another look there and a welcome hot drink and then a very obliging Common Sandpiper dropped in to feed right in front of the viewing window. The sightings board showed the Red-footed Falcon was still at Denge Marsh as was a Garganey. We decided to drive around to the far side of Denge Marsh which Ann would be able to access as well as she had been unable to walk with us the day before.

This plan worked very well for Ann, as it was the first bird she spotted when she got out of the car. So we got more good views of this spectacular falcon and we then joined some local birders looking over the marsh. Unfortunately the Garganey was typically out of view but we did have wonderful views of 2 male Yellow Wagtails and more Whimbrel and summer plumaged Bar-tailed Godwits.
Meanwhile Nick met a very friendly local birder who told us we could view Tree Sparrow that nest in his garden not far from our hotel. We followed his directions and just as he told us there they were, a new bird for many in the group. Apparently he has 20 pairs nesting in his garden and at the end of the nesting season he usually has 60 birds and they disperse in early winter. A very nice way to end our day's birding.

Sunday 6th May
Our day started with another pre-breakfast seawatch at Dungeness. On the way we stopped at a layby for good views of Corn Bunting, Yellow Wagtail and Linnets. Our seawatch produced a Great Skua also known as a Bonxie and this flew quite close so everyone could see it quite well. Also Sandwich Terns and Gannets were seen but otherwise it was fairly quiet. Around the power station once again we had Wheatears, Whitethroats and Meadow Pipits.
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel we returned for another look at the Tree Sparrows before driving into East Sussex and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Walking down we had our first Curlew of the trip though still outnumbered by Whimbrel. Keith informed us that an attractive flower we were looking at along the path was Salisfy and that the root is edible. Back to birds and soon we were down on the shore where from the shingle bank we saw a single Sanderling, several summer plumaged Dunlin and Bar-tailed Godwit. A Manx Shearwater went by plus 3 Common Scoter, 1 female Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Eider including adult males. Unfortunately Ann was unable to join us on the shingle so she became an "eider-down"!

It was good to get into the Hide overlooking the Ternery Pool not only was it a relief from the wind but the birds were a real treat. The small islands in front of the hide were covered in nesting Mediterranean Gulls, Black-headed Gulls and Sandwich Terns, with Little Tern, Common Tern plus 5 Little Egrets, Tufted Duck and Turnstone amongst all this activity, especially as some of them already had very young chicks.

It was hard to tear ourselves away from this scene but we had to leave sometime but not far from the hide our attention was soon taken by a pair of Avocets feeding in a small pool and then a Little Ringed Plover, before finishing our walk with a Cuckoo flying around us.

We arrived back at the car park and it was time to say goodbye to everyone, our weekend was over but such lovely memories to travel back with of some super birds and good company.

Norfolk Weekend 16th - 18th February 2007

FRIDAY
Our group of 12, including Nick and Jackie as leaders met up at Lynford Arboretum, just inside Norfolk at the edge of the Thetford Forest. Unfortunately Charles & Penny were held up and missed the Hawfinch but did manage to see the Redwing and the flock of 50 Siskin were found noisily chattering and feeding at the top of a larch tree.

After we had our picnic lunch we set off for Choseley Barns on the way to our hotel. At Choseley we were all delighted to find such a large number of Corn Buntings, a count of 60 had been made earlier and mixed in were a smaller number of Yellowhammer. Such a wonderful start to our weekend.

Then we were on our way to check in to Briarfields Hotel at Titchwell but we were delayed by an Egyptian Goose that Nick had seen fly into the field next to the hotel car park, Curlews in another field plus Stock Dove.

After we had a quick freshening up we set off for Holme as 2 Waxwing had been by the visitor centre all day. However after a very bumpy ride down the lane to this reserve we were greeted by birders to say they were last seen 5 minutes before we arrived. We did make up for it by watching several hundred Pink-footed Geese fly in to feed in the fields in front of us.

But the light was now fading fast and time to go back to our hotel and relax before dinner.

SATURDAY
After the best breakfast almost ever and a quick look over the field at Red-legged and Grey Partridges we set off in very good spirits and so was the weather with the sun shining. We arrived at Titchwell RSPB Reserve, just half a mile away from our hotel, greeted by lots of bird song.

We had so much to see including Reed Bunting, Goldeneye, Avocet, up to a 1000 Golden Plover, then watching what we thought was a suicidal Egyptian Goose flying low from the lagoons to the neighbouring marsh and flying round the heads of the 2 wildfowlers but thankfully they ignored him. We still had lots to see with 5 Knot flying in with some Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, and the odd Grey Plover and a variety of wildfowl.

On the beach we found more Grey Plover along with Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone and Ringed Plover. On the sea were Red-breasted Merganser and the odd Common Scoter and every now and again a Grey Seal would pop its head up, but it was now time to move on.

We dropped into Thornham Harbour to look for Twite but we were unlucky, instead we counted 43 Ruff/Reeve on the small pool. A Marsh Harrier was quartering distantly and in the creek were 2 Spotted Redshank.

Later we went on to Holkham and missed out again with the Shorelark, but off shore we had a huge flotilla of Common Scoter about 4-500 birds, also two Red-throated Divers.

Back to Thornham where it had turned cold and windy but along with a lot of other birders we stood watching the tide come in and the waders, particularly Golden Plover, wheeling around looking for a dry spot to rest on. Liz picked up a Merlin sat on a post and then flying around, scaring the local Sanderling. This brought us to the end of another day and it was back to our hotel to warm up and look forward to another delicious evening meal.

SUNDAY
After another fabulous breakfast and checking out of our hotel we were just about to get into our cars when Sandra saw a Weasel run across the field to distract us. Now back into our cars and off to Cley-next-the Sea to visit the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve. On the way we stopped to look at a field of feeding Pink-footed Geese which were very close to the road. At this point we lost Charles and Penny but they arrived a little later after stopping to watch a Barn Owl!

We had excellent views of Marsh Harrier and on the pools plenty of waders and ducks including Avocet and a Ruff. Then a shout of "Bitten" went up from Margaret and we all managed good views to the delight of everyone. We decided to try the beach and here we had 6 Eider flying in including 3 adult males and several Red-throated Diver on the sea and flying. Then news came in of Snow Buntings and a Glaucous Gull at Salthouse.

We arrived at the National Trust car park to the sight of 16 Snow Bunting bathing and preening right in front of us - how wonderful. After watching them bathing, preening and feeding we went to look for the immature Glaucous Gull. Up on the bank Jackie H found the gull way off in the distance loafing on the sea. We walked along the beach to get a bit closer but it was still quite a difficult bird to get a good look at but a good bird all the same.

At this stage half of the group decided they would start their journey home but the rest went on to Kelling to look for a reported Waxwing. Jackie E found the bird right on top of a tree next to the road in a private garden.

What a finish to our excellent weekend.