On Saturday I found out about the male Hooded Merganser, I decided to take a chance and cross everything that it would turn out to be the real deal, so grabbing Gem and the light weight pushchair and headed off down the A50.
As per the Red Footed Falcon it meant crossing fields and climbing styles with a pushchair this is no easy under taking but we made it in one piece and I managed to see the bird although also the news that its wings were clipped thus most likely it was an escaped bird. Well it was good to see and better than viewing them in captivity. Then tried Locko Park for the Drake Smew but with a bitterly cold wind we didn't hang around so after a quick scan and no bird on show we headed off home for a warm and to go and watch Peppa Pig.
Sunday was a flying visit to Copmere to try again for a Smew but this time a female/Red Head. Copmere is one of those places that is not really birder friendly with no great places to view the mere. After finding a spot to look across the mere we couldn't pick out the bird. We did see plenty of Goldeneye, Wigeon, Little and Great Crested Grebe plus the other usual wild fowl. So another unsuccessful trip.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Monday, 18 February 2013
Doxey Marsh
Sunday being a nice day we decided to go for a wander around Doxey Marsh just outside of Stafford, just hoped the water levels would have dropped allowing us to walk around and not require a raft for Gem's pushchair.
Creswell Flash water levels were very high so we did wonder what we were letting our self in to. Not much on show, just the usual Teal, Tufted Ducks a couple of Cormorants and Black Headed and Lesser Black Backed Gulls.
On the actual reserve a few path look they have had there levels raised by a bit of gravel thrown on top to raise the levels allowing you to get around. Although you still needed wellies to reach the screen, after going for a paddle and reaching the screen it was not really worth the effort with no sign of the Water Pipits just a few Shelducks on show.
Walking along by the river a bird calling Pipit like flew over but not knowing the Water Pipit call I couldn't say just what it was.
From the hide nothing really exciting to watch although Lapwing was added to the list alongside Goosander and Grey Heron, but was just nice to be out and about.
Then it was off back to the car via the park for Gem to have a go on the swings and slide.
Creswell Flash water levels were very high so we did wonder what we were letting our self in to. Not much on show, just the usual Teal, Tufted Ducks a couple of Cormorants and Black Headed and Lesser Black Backed Gulls.
On the actual reserve a few path look they have had there levels raised by a bit of gravel thrown on top to raise the levels allowing you to get around. Although you still needed wellies to reach the screen, after going for a paddle and reaching the screen it was not really worth the effort with no sign of the Water Pipits just a few Shelducks on show.
Walking along by the river a bird calling Pipit like flew over but not knowing the Water Pipit call I couldn't say just what it was.
From the hide nothing really exciting to watch although Lapwing was added to the list alongside Goosander and Grey Heron, but was just nice to be out and about.
Then it was off back to the car via the park for Gem to have a go on the swings and slide.
Monday, 11 February 2013
Garden Birds
Well with the weather definitely in the pants category a day at home playing Daddy was the name of the game after the joys of a spot of supermarket shopping.
Quite a good mix on the garden bird front with Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Siskin (up to 4 birds now) and Brambling on the finch front. Great, Blue, Willow, Coal and Longtailed on the Tit front. Plus the usual Collared Dove.
Quite a good mix on the garden bird front with Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Siskin (up to 4 birds now) and Brambling on the finch front. Great, Blue, Willow, Coal and Longtailed on the Tit front. Plus the usual Collared Dove.
 |
| Male Siskin |
 |
| Female Brambling |
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Astbury Mere Visit 2
Today we had meant to be heading off to Derbyshire to see the Hawfinch at Cromford but with the weather forecast as it was and what we woke up to it was a quick change of plan.
So off we set to re-visit Astbury Mere, I was intending of visiting here this weekend anyway just we ended up going a day early.
At least this time the place wasn't full of prats in Lycra although the light wasn't great for shots at least the full dull meant I didn't have to worry about the position of the Sun, a chap who taught me a great deal about railway photography always reckoned on high cloud being the best light again no worries about the Sun's position but still a decent amount of light to take photographs.
A few other birders were knocking around and pointed us in right direction of where the Slav Grebe was hiding out, still in the opposite corner from the visitor centre.
On a garden birding front Lesley had told me about a pair of Siskins that had been visiting the garden over the last few days, well today I finally got a chance to see them for myself, and they were one of the fist birds to visit our feeders, so a nice garden tick, the male Brambling is still hanging around although we didn't see the female today.
Yesterday I submitted 3 shots to the Keele Open Photography Competition/exhibition, fingers crossed now that at least one gets accepted for exhibition, up to now I have been quite lucky and had photos exhibited on previous attempts. These are the three I have selected, I will find out on the 18th if I have been successful.
So off we set to re-visit Astbury Mere, I was intending of visiting here this weekend anyway just we ended up going a day early.
At least this time the place wasn't full of prats in Lycra although the light wasn't great for shots at least the full dull meant I didn't have to worry about the position of the Sun, a chap who taught me a great deal about railway photography always reckoned on high cloud being the best light again no worries about the Sun's position but still a decent amount of light to take photographs.
A few other birders were knocking around and pointed us in right direction of where the Slav Grebe was hiding out, still in the opposite corner from the visitor centre.
 |
| Slavonian Grebe Astbury Mere |
On a garden birding front Lesley had told me about a pair of Siskins that had been visiting the garden over the last few days, well today I finally got a chance to see them for myself, and they were one of the fist birds to visit our feeders, so a nice garden tick, the male Brambling is still hanging around although we didn't see the female today.
Yesterday I submitted 3 shots to the Keele Open Photography Competition/exhibition, fingers crossed now that at least one gets accepted for exhibition, up to now I have been quite lucky and had photos exhibited on previous attempts. These are the three I have selected, I will find out on the 18th if I have been successful.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Dosthill Water Ski Lake
No I have not taken up a new sport, I am more likely to break a leg or something if I gave this ago or at least end up swallowing a lot of the lake.
We were there to hopefully see the pair of Long Tailed Ducks that had taken up residence.
After a fun drive there (Sat Nav's really take you on some interesting routes) we eventually found the spot and vowed to plot our own route home straight up the A51.
As per usual we didn't know if the birds were still around and to find them meant a bit of a trek, this usually is no problem but a pushchair on soggy grass was tough going especially up the hill at the far end of the lakes.
Well our luck was in and we were soon watching this life tick of a duck, we eventually managed to see the pair although always too distant for even a record shot.
Other wild fowl there were plenty of Shoveler, Gadwall, again loads of Tufted Duck and the odd Wigeon as well.
Other birds noted were Meadow Pipit, Sky Lark, a large group of mixed Redpoll and Siskin.
On a garden front our single male Brambling has now been joined by a female.
We were there to hopefully see the pair of Long Tailed Ducks that had taken up residence.
After a fun drive there (Sat Nav's really take you on some interesting routes) we eventually found the spot and vowed to plot our own route home straight up the A51.
As per usual we didn't know if the birds were still around and to find them meant a bit of a trek, this usually is no problem but a pushchair on soggy grass was tough going especially up the hill at the far end of the lakes.
Well our luck was in and we were soon watching this life tick of a duck, we eventually managed to see the pair although always too distant for even a record shot.
Other wild fowl there were plenty of Shoveler, Gadwall, again loads of Tufted Duck and the odd Wigeon as well.
Other birds noted were Meadow Pipit, Sky Lark, a large group of mixed Redpoll and Siskin.
On a garden front our single male Brambling has now been joined by a female.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Astbury Mere and Martin Mere
Tried a new potential railway photo location yesterday which appears to have potential although mainly for Eastern moves although traffic coming from the East should be just about alright, but maybe better from the road bridge further along.
Any way back today's birding.
First port of call was Astbury Mere at Congleton in a very sunny Cheshire, this low winter light does rather make it tricky for photography, give me an over cast day with high cloud any day.
Was rather busy when we arrived as there was a race on around the lake, so the place was full of neon Lycra, why people jog is beyond me I have yet to see a happy jogger when I have been out.
Any way we soon found our target bird of the Slavonian Grebe we didn't bother hanging around for the Scaup firstly we had already seen one for the year and secondly the joggers were getting in the way and causing everything to head for the middle of the lake.
It was then off to Martin Mere I had promised to take Lesley here once the weather and her shifts allowed, so off we headed North, we had our fingers crossed of seeing the Woodcock that had been sighted on and off from the Janet Kear hide.
The Swan Link hide held the usual suspects, Whooper Swan, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Shelduck, Ruff and Pink Feet. Allowing for a few shots to be grabbed including a nice ruff action shot.
Off to the Janet Kear hide, getting there we discovered someone had found the Woodcock and were helping others get on to the bird, I eventually locked on and the bird even came out of its hiding spot and allowed for some great views. This was only the second time we have seen this species the last time being at dusk in Norfolk so at least this time we could appreciate its markings.
So quite a successful days birding.
Any way back today's birding.
First port of call was Astbury Mere at Congleton in a very sunny Cheshire, this low winter light does rather make it tricky for photography, give me an over cast day with high cloud any day.
Was rather busy when we arrived as there was a race on around the lake, so the place was full of neon Lycra, why people jog is beyond me I have yet to see a happy jogger when I have been out.
Any way we soon found our target bird of the Slavonian Grebe we didn't bother hanging around for the Scaup firstly we had already seen one for the year and secondly the joggers were getting in the way and causing everything to head for the middle of the lake.
It was then off to Martin Mere I had promised to take Lesley here once the weather and her shifts allowed, so off we headed North, we had our fingers crossed of seeing the Woodcock that had been sighted on and off from the Janet Kear hide.
The Swan Link hide held the usual suspects, Whooper Swan, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Shelduck, Ruff and Pink Feet. Allowing for a few shots to be grabbed including a nice ruff action shot.
Off to the Janet Kear hide, getting there we discovered someone had found the Woodcock and were helping others get on to the bird, I eventually locked on and the bird even came out of its hiding spot and allowed for some great views. This was only the second time we have seen this species the last time being at dusk in Norfolk so at least this time we could appreciate its markings.
So quite a successful days birding.
Monday, 21 January 2013
Garden Birding & Hanchurch Woods
Well with the snow that our garden list for 2013 would increase some what with maybe a few more unusual birds being attracted in to our feeders from the wood.
Lesley had earlier in the week had a single Redpoll, so I was hoping for at least to see one of these fine looking finches or even a Siskin or two. Well I didn't get to see any Redpoll or Siskin but a stunning male Brambling did pay us a visit, which was in a mixed flock of Chaffinch and Goldfinch. This was a nice year and garden tick for 2013. A Fieldfare also briefly dropped in for a quick bite to eat before heading back into the wood.
Apart from that it was the usual garden cast of Willow, Blue, Coal, Great and Long Tailed Tits, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Black Bird, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon and Magpie.
A quick walk over to the void was pleasant although nothing great was seen, still not a sniff of any Snipe for me, maybe I am looking in the wrong place? Anyway we did see Meadow Pipit, Pied and Grey Wagtails plus the usual Lesser Black Backed and Blacked Head Gulls on the water which wasn't as frozen as I thought it would have been.
On Sunday I head off to Crewe to try and grab a shot of 56037 and 077 which are due off to the great depot in the sky and to be recycled into washer machines. Well they were to far off for a shot which was a shame and I didn't fancy bunking the depot so that was that. I did see some Redwing and Goldfinch by the depot on a birding front.
At the Basford Hall the fuel tanker was there so that stopped me getting a few shots which was a pity as 66301 was positioned nicely on the Tesco Express.
That afternoon it was a trip out to Hanchurch for a spot of lazy birding from the car which allowed Gem to stay nice and warm within the car. Nothing special dropped in just Dunnock, Robin, Longtailed, Blue, Coal and Great Tit, Chaffinch and Bullfinch plus Nuthatch. A Jay flew over head but that was it for a 40 minute visit.
Lesley had earlier in the week had a single Redpoll, so I was hoping for at least to see one of these fine looking finches or even a Siskin or two. Well I didn't get to see any Redpoll or Siskin but a stunning male Brambling did pay us a visit, which was in a mixed flock of Chaffinch and Goldfinch. This was a nice year and garden tick for 2013. A Fieldfare also briefly dropped in for a quick bite to eat before heading back into the wood.
Apart from that it was the usual garden cast of Willow, Blue, Coal, Great and Long Tailed Tits, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Black Bird, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon and Magpie.
A quick walk over to the void was pleasant although nothing great was seen, still not a sniff of any Snipe for me, maybe I am looking in the wrong place? Anyway we did see Meadow Pipit, Pied and Grey Wagtails plus the usual Lesser Black Backed and Blacked Head Gulls on the water which wasn't as frozen as I thought it would have been.
On Sunday I head off to Crewe to try and grab a shot of 56037 and 077 which are due off to the great depot in the sky and to be recycled into washer machines. Well they were to far off for a shot which was a shame and I didn't fancy bunking the depot so that was that. I did see some Redwing and Goldfinch by the depot on a birding front.
At the Basford Hall the fuel tanker was there so that stopped me getting a few shots which was a pity as 66301 was positioned nicely on the Tesco Express.
That afternoon it was a trip out to Hanchurch for a spot of lazy birding from the car which allowed Gem to stay nice and warm within the car. Nothing special dropped in just Dunnock, Robin, Longtailed, Blue, Coal and Great Tit, Chaffinch and Bullfinch plus Nuthatch. A Jay flew over head but that was it for a 40 minute visit.
Monday, 14 January 2013
Welsh Meanderings
Sunday the 13th was a day we had planned to meander along the North Wales coast with the final port of call planned to be the RSPB reserve at Conwy for a celebrity cuppa.
First stop off was Kinmel Bay, here the main attraction were the Snow Bunting after first finding out about this site the pull has always been quite strong, with us often popping in when we are in the area. Often a high tide brings in close to the prom waders and today was no exception with Sandling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin all being close in giving great views on the walk down to the area where the Snow Bunting were to be found. As we couldn't stay too long I didn't manage to get any shots this time, but that only gives me further reasons to visit again.
Back by the car park a small flock of Sky Lark were feeding along the strand line, allowing for a few shots to be grabbed before moving on to the next location.
The next stop off while the tide was nice and high was good old Rhos on Sea another new favourite of mine to pop in while bashing along the Welsh coast. The weather was still full on grey with the odd snow flake falling thus adding to the wintery feel to the day as a whole.
The first area by the fishing tackle and kayak shop held no waders again, they seem to have lost interest in hanging around this area. But just beyond the small church thingy I struck gold (well purple) and to be honest I asked a chap who had done the hard work for me and was watching a group of waders he had indeed seen a Purple Sandpiper and it was just at present out of view but it soon popped its head up. Grabbing Lesley to allow her to grab a few year ticks of Turnstone and the Purple Sandpiper we soon were watching the small group of birds with the Turnstone always changing places with each other as they do.
The final port of call was a bit of cross everything job as here our targets were the Firecrest and Bittern that have been seen on and off recently.
This was not to be but the weather was dire now so I can't blame the birds for staying under cover and not coming out to play.
We did though manage to see Goldeneye, Merganser, Wigeon, Shoveler, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Redpoll, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Blue Tit. Also seen were a couple of Voles.
First stop off was Kinmel Bay, here the main attraction were the Snow Bunting after first finding out about this site the pull has always been quite strong, with us often popping in when we are in the area. Often a high tide brings in close to the prom waders and today was no exception with Sandling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin all being close in giving great views on the walk down to the area where the Snow Bunting were to be found. As we couldn't stay too long I didn't manage to get any shots this time, but that only gives me further reasons to visit again.
Back by the car park a small flock of Sky Lark were feeding along the strand line, allowing for a few shots to be grabbed before moving on to the next location.
 |
| Sky Lark Kinmel Bay |
The next stop off while the tide was nice and high was good old Rhos on Sea another new favourite of mine to pop in while bashing along the Welsh coast. The weather was still full on grey with the odd snow flake falling thus adding to the wintery feel to the day as a whole.
The first area by the fishing tackle and kayak shop held no waders again, they seem to have lost interest in hanging around this area. But just beyond the small church thingy I struck gold (well purple) and to be honest I asked a chap who had done the hard work for me and was watching a group of waders he had indeed seen a Purple Sandpiper and it was just at present out of view but it soon popped its head up. Grabbing Lesley to allow her to grab a few year ticks of Turnstone and the Purple Sandpiper we soon were watching the small group of birds with the Turnstone always changing places with each other as they do.
 |
| Purple Sandpiper Rhos on Sea |
The final port of call was a bit of cross everything job as here our targets were the Firecrest and Bittern that have been seen on and off recently.
This was not to be but the weather was dire now so I can't blame the birds for staying under cover and not coming out to play.
We did though manage to see Goldeneye, Merganser, Wigeon, Shoveler, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Redpoll, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Blue Tit. Also seen were a couple of Voles.
 |
| Lesser Redpoll RSPB Conwy |
Owl Hunting
Well the 6th had us getting bad necks hunting for Long Eared Owls around Park Hall County Park. After last years success of not only seeing but able to grab a shot of one I was feeling hopeful, but no joy this time around but that didn't mean they weren't there some where hiding from us.
Walking around we found quite a few Gold Crest which are always fun to watch, as always constantly on the move, to them we must move around like snails.
Nothing extra was add to our list but it was just nice to get a spot of fresh air.
Walking around we found quite a few Gold Crest which are always fun to watch, as always constantly on the move, to them we must move around like snails.
Nothing extra was add to our list but it was just nice to get a spot of fresh air.
A New Year
Well after bagging 140 for 2012 after a quick tot up, which is not that high I know but having a new child in tow does tend to make birding quite tricky so I am quite pleased at my total, it was more quality than quantity last year. That will probably be the same for this year as well.
The year started off with a spot of garden birding, in the hope that the Brambling that appeared in late December may make a reappearance but no joy in that department. Although we did get Willow, Great, Blue, Coal and Long Tailed Tits, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Starling and Collared Dove.
After this it was a trip down to Westport Lake in the hope of seeing the female Scaup that had been around. We soon found it in with the Tufted Duck as per usual, but again a bit to far out to get any decent shot. Also picked up were Goldeneye and Pochard.
A slow start to the year but we are up and running for 2013.
The year started off with a spot of garden birding, in the hope that the Brambling that appeared in late December may make a reappearance but no joy in that department. Although we did get Willow, Great, Blue, Coal and Long Tailed Tits, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Starling and Collared Dove.
After this it was a trip down to Westport Lake in the hope of seeing the female Scaup that had been around. We soon found it in with the Tufted Duck as per usual, but again a bit to far out to get any decent shot. Also picked up were Goldeneye and Pochard.
A slow start to the year but we are up and running for 2013.
Monday, 31 December 2012
Westport Lake 31st Dec
Well after yesterdays failed Scaup viewing I decided to try again today, after being in work for the morning and mainly that was sitting in a dark office due to no power to the site, a well needed stroll was on the cards.
Gemma didn't not seem to keen especially I had to wake her up from her slumber in her car seat but Daddy knows best!
After walking 3/4 away around the lake the target bird was found along with a couple of very horny male Goldeneye who were displaying all the time and even to a probably confused female Pochard (what would you call a duck 1/2 Pochard 1/2 Goldeneye?)
One spot of interesting behaviour I did note is that the Blacked Headed Gulls have taken to mobbing the Coots as the bob to the surface on the hope of nicking a few scraps of food.
Gemma didn't not seem to keen especially I had to wake her up from her slumber in her car seat but Daddy knows best!
After walking 3/4 away around the lake the target bird was found along with a couple of very horny male Goldeneye who were displaying all the time and even to a probably confused female Pochard (what would you call a duck 1/2 Pochard 1/2 Goldeneye?)
Westport Lake 30th Dec
After doing a spot of battling through the sales with Lesley for a new dress and well needed break and breath of fresh air was needed, so I took Gem to feed the ducks at Westport Lake with the hope of seeing the Scaup that had taken up residence.
Gem enjoyed feeding the ducks finding it very funny to watch, I did manage to see the Scaup or at least I thought I had out in the middle of the lake diving often making it tricky to get good views often having its back to me so I played safe I decided to try another day when I could be more certain. A well marked female Tufted Duck got my attention for a while and did pose for the camera a bit.
Gem enjoyed feeding the ducks finding it very funny to watch, I did manage to see the Scaup or at least I thought I had out in the middle of the lake diving often making it tricky to get good views often having its back to me so I played safe I decided to try another day when I could be more certain. A well marked female Tufted Duck got my attention for a while and did pose for the camera a bit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)