Category: Uncategorized

A small, select party of just 22 eager birders left the Spectrum at 8, and enjoyed a smooth drive to East Anglia, arriving at RSPB Lakenheath just before 11.  The sky was blue, and thankfully remained so all day.

After a helpful introductory talk in the visitor centre, we began by studying the Washland pools just beyond the River Ouse.  There were lots of geese on view (Greylag, Canada, Egyptian), plus ducks (Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler) and several waders (Redshank, Avocet, Lapwing).  One particular small, although distant wader required careful scoping, and turned out to be a Wood Sandpiper!  A return visit to the pool later in the day produced a solitary Garganey.  Remarkably, hirundines were notable by their absence on this occasion.

The first of several (up to 10?) Cuckoos flew over and prompted us to move on to the main reserve, our walk accompanied at all times by the singing of numerous warblers (Cetti’s, Sedge, Reed, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff).  At the New Fen reedbed, we waited in vain for Bittern to fly or boom, but we enjoyed watching Coots feeding their young and we added Pochard and grebes  to our list.  A Reed Bunting called frequently, while nesting corvids flew to and fro over our heads.

We hoped to see a posing Kingfisher at Mere Hide, but had to be content with a high-speed fly-by.  Many dragonflies (Broad-bodied, Hairy) and damselflies were on the wing.  From here, it was a short stroll to our lunch stop overlooking Joist Fen, which did not disappoint.  A distant Great White Egret aroused interest, as did the sight of various raptors: not just Buzzard and Kestrel, but also several Marsh Harriers and lots of Hobbies.  The highlight of the day came when a Bittern flew past us in full view!

We made our way back to the start via the riverbank footpath.  Several Mute Swans enhanced the glorious green scenery.  All in all, this is a beautiful venue.

We then drove the short distance to Weeting Heath, but were sad to find no Stone Curlews in view from the two hides.  Better luck next time!  Surprisingly, there was one ‘normal’ Curlew in the field opposite the reserve.

A straightforward return drive saw us back in Guildford by about 6.15pm.  Our species total for the day was around 57, some of which were heard but not seen.

An enthusiastic group of 8 others joined me for the walk at Otmoor. Some arriving early in the hope that early birders catch the Grasshopper Warbler. Unfortunately that was not to be. Otmoor is a great reserve and at this time of year, full of a wide range of warblers. Reed, Sedge, Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Chiffchaff, Willow, Blackcap, Garden and the inevitable Cetti’s were all seen or heard. The big ticket warbler however is Grasshopper. Normally they can be heard along the Roman Road, but not this time. Steve had however found one by the feeding station. Some of the party heard a snatch of the song and/or a glimpse of the bird. One of the RSPB volunteers promised to message us if he came across another. We were only 200 yards away when one was found. This resulted in marginally better views.

The previous day a Garganey had been reported. Despite searching only the usual wildfowl subjects and a few dodgy hybrids were seen. Feral Barnacle Goose was probably the pick of the sightings.

Waders were fairly limited. Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew and Snipe are priority species for this reserve as their numbers are declining and are uncommon in southern areas. These together with Oystercatchers were seen, many with young. The highlight to me were the drumming Snipe – the drumming sound is produced by the vibration of the outer tail feathers and is part of courtship.

Many hobbies were seen hawking for insects or sitting on posts. Marsh Harriers, Red Kites, Kestrels and Buzzards made up the birds of prey sightings. Cuckoos were calling well and seen by some. 

There are a number of cranes on the reserve. These originate from the western population i.e. descendants of the Slimbridge Great Crane Project. Normally we get good views. This time however we were limited to one flyover. A Bittern was heard booming and Tony thought he may have seen one flying. Noone else connected.

Tony who was keeping score tells me that the tally was 69 species.

Geoff

21 of us met at RSPB Pulborough Brooks and were fairly soon treated to a Nightingale perched out in the open singing well by the Zig Zag path.  A Greenfinch was also in fine voice here and further down the path the first of many Whitethroat was seen.  A Lesser Whitethroat was also heard but kept hidden away in the already dense foliage.

We could hear the sound of Cuckoos calling as we walked around the paths.  There are apparently three Cuckoos on site this year.  We also heard in the region of five Nightingales on our route.

Fattengates Courtyard was quiet but there were Chiffchaffs and a Garden Warbler singing.  In the margins of the nearby pond a Song Thrush was looking for food.

Round at West Mead hide there were baby Lapwing under the watchful eyes of their parents, with wading Avocets and Redshank.  We got our first views of the day of one of the resident White Tailed Eagles causing panic amongst the Geese far out on the Brooks.  There were quite a few Swallows, House Martins, Sand Martins and Swifts on the wing.

Moving on there were a pair of Stonechat in a field with Rooks feeding intently in the grass and we also heard a Sedge Warbler which unfortunately did not show itself.

Winpenny Hide added yet more birds to our list, with many Gadwall, Mallard and Shoveler.  A pair of Wigeon were also seen.  Eventually amongst the Redshank three graceful Greenshank were discerned.  A pair of Little Ringed Plover flew in and joined the party.  A surprise Black Swan was out on one of the pools and some Cattle Egrets lived up to their name and could be seen in and amongst the distant cattle.

We stopped briefly to watch some female Broad Bodied Chaser dragonflies which were enjoying a bramble patch in the sun.

Making our way round to Hanger view we added three Black Tailed Godwit to our growing tally.  The wind was quite strong and cold by this point so we simply walked back to the Visitors Centre, stopping to admire a striking male Bullfinch close to the path on the way.  Some of us stayed on for lunch and were treated to further splendid views of White Tailed Eagle in flight being mobbed by Shelducks and Grey Heron as we sat at the picnic tables on the terrace.  Finally, a Hobby arrived and circled around in the sky bringing the walk total to 63 species with one heard.

23 people met at Heather Farm on 20^th March, the first day of astronomical spring and fittingly the warmest day of spring so far. 

We set off along the river meadows of the Heather Farm ‘SANG’ following the river Bourne. Pleasingly 3 or 4 pairs of lapwings were displaying in the damp fields opposite the carpark, hopefully settling to breed for a third consecutive year. The further fields held Egyptian, Canada and Greylag Geese together with Mallards and a pair of distant Mandarins. Several circling Red Kites and a couple of Buzzards were above, with a single perched Kestrel

We saw and/or heard a good selection of resident passerines in the bordering hedgerows and trees. In addition small groups of Redwings were still present. Of the summer migrants the Chiff Chaffs had arrived in force, and a single Blackcap was heard.

On the heathland Stonechats were displaying and a few Dartford Warblers were seen by most of the group, together with several pairs of Long-tailed Tits in the birches. A detour onto the McLaren fields gave us singing Skylarks and parachuting Meadow Pipits, and as we headed back to the heathland via the pine woods the highlight of the walk had to be excellent views of two Firecrests showing in close quarters in the sunlight.

Little Grebe, Coots, Cormorants and a Moorhen on the wetland brought the morning’s total to 55 species.

Eleven people assembled for the walk at Farlington Marshes for an overcast and slightly misty start.  The tide was out and a first glance over the mud and remaining water revealed numerous Redshank, Oystercatcher and Pintail and a couple of Little Grebe.  Gulls were well represented and amongst the Black Headed, Common, Herring were one or two Lesser Black Backed.  It became apparent that there was a fair number of Mediterranean Gulls too, some already developing their jet black heads for the breeding season.  Walking down to the sea wall through the scrub Greenfinch and Song Thrush were singing and gave good views.

Standing looking over The Lake Lapwing wheeled around in the sky and landed again and we started to see large numbers of Canada Geese and Brent Geese, more Pintail and Teal and some Shelduck.  A Marsh Harrier was picked out sitting on the ground at a fair distance away.  Grey Plover and Curlew were on the seaward side of the wall.  A couple of people saw a lone Avocet fly in some distance away.  Further round the sea wall a Peregrine perched on the RSPB island.  Our leader had seen two Spoonbill a few days earlier and sure enough, we began to see them in the distance.  At times throughout the walk they flew around giving some great views.  The Pipits present gave some identification dilemmas but we did eventually settle on having seen Rock Pipit, Water Pipit and more numerous Meadow Pipit.

Harbour Seals, Red Breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe were all in the harbour in the main channel.  Huge numbers of small waders, mostly Dunlin, wheeled around in spectacular formations and were feeding on the waters edge, along with some Turnstone.

By The Deeps an unexpected Dartford Warbler flicked around in the brambles, Shoveler, Tufted Duck were on the water and eventually two Ringed Plover could be seen.  We were treated to a couple of fly pasts from a Marsh Harrier and a Buzzard drifted over our heads.  We had our lunch and afterwards there were a pair of Stonechat in one of the fields. Near the visitors hut a surprise Chiffchaff put in an appearance, alerting us to it’s presence with some sub-song.  

As we were putting our telescopes away back in the car park a bonus three   Goldfinch flying over brought the day’s total number of species to 59, and to cap it all off, the sun was out by this time.

Seventeen of us set off from the visitors centre at RSPB Pagham harbour, and, with the fluting accompaniment of two Song Thrushes, we headed straight for the Ferry Pool, which, at first, looked a little bare, but, on closer inspection, revealed plenty of ducks (Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler, Shelduck) and a small group of Black-tailed Godwits.

A few yards further on, we enjoyed super views of a male Kingfisher on the edge of the main channel. Intriguingly, he launched his fishing forays from the muddy bank and sat in the open for long periods.

We then picked our route carefully along the main path.  It was quite tough going on account of the slippery, muddy surface!  (Thankfully, no one fell over all day.)

From the lookout point just past the reedbeds, we could see literally hundreds of birds in massive flocks over the main harbour ahead.  Frustratingly, all the action was taking place a long way away, but that encouraged us to continue along the bund.

When we got closer, we saw just about every wader species you might hope to spot, including large groups of Golden Plover (200+) and Knot (400+).  Perhaps one of the most ‘productive’ Pagham Harbour visits for the group ever!  Skeins of Brent Geese were constantly flying directly over our heads.

We eventually reached the beach and enjoyed a bit of sea-watching.  We had plenty of telescopes trained on distant specks, one of which was identified as a Long-tailed Duck!  A few Red-throated Divers flew past, plus a couple of auks which were probably Guillemots.

We had our lunch at Church Norton, but by now the tide had reached its highest point and very few birds were left in view.  

Returning through the Churchyard initially, a Mistle Thrush gave good views perched high in a conifer.  The highlight of our return walk was seeing a hunting female Sparrowhawk which landed in view and remained so for the next ten minutes!  There were also three Red Breasted Mergansers in the main channel and other small birds such as Yellowhammer were seen.  A small contingent went on after the main walk to another undisclosed location on the Selsey peninsular and were successful in seeing the long-staying Long-eared Owls there.  Although not all of us had seen all the birds by any means, a total of 57 species were seen during the course of the day.

Eight of us braved the early morning ritual of defrosting our cars in minus 5 degrees, to convene at the sea wall of Leysdown on Sea on the Isle of Sheppey.  On arrival we began to see Oystercatcher, Redhsank, Sanderling and Turnstone, at times very close in front of us.  On close inspection one or two Grey Plover emerged amongst the more numerous waders.  There were some Shelduck out on the sea and Herring, Black headed, and Common Gulls.  A large flock of Brent Geese flew in and landed in front of us.  Then it was possible to start picking out numerous Red Throated Diver.  In all we estimated there to be at least 75 visible, a number which none of us had ever seen together in one place before.  We spent some time watching and soaking in this spectacle, and in pondering whether there were any Black Throated or Great Northern amongst them (inconclusive.)

We re-grouped further down the sea wall at a parking place and walked down the track to Shellness.  A large number of Golden Plover glinted in the sunlight along with a handful of Ringed Plover in an adjacent field.  The first of numerous Marsh Harrier for the day drifted across in front of us.  A couple of Stonechat flitted around in the undergrowth nearby and a pair of Reed Bunting sat obligingly in some bushes.

We then returned to the cars and transferred to the RSPB Raptor viewpoint.  Lapwing, Red Legged Partridges and Corn Buntings were in the fields and scrub.  One of the group had a brief glimpse of a small falcon flying, probably a Merlin.  More Marsh Harriers appeared, then a ringtail Hen Harrier was picked out with the characteristic white ring around the tail.  Another raptor turned out to be a passing Peregrine which sped off.  A Kestrel sat on a telegraph pole giving a prolonged view.  Whilst taking in all the sights we also heard the squeal of a Water Rail and the explosive song of a Cetti’s Warbler from the reedbeds.

Some of the group then decided to go on to Elmley nature reserve.  Most of the shallow pools were still frozen along the entrance track.  Lapwing were dotted about here and there, and one or two Black Tailed Godwit could be observed.  Arriving in the car park a Barn Owl was seen flying over, and then we spotted the first of around seven Short Eared Owls, perched on fence posts and in flight.  Some of the group had good views of Bearded Reedlings further out onto the reserve.  Unfortunately the resident Little Owls stayed hidden away in the old schoolhouse building and the Long Eared Owls were not showing either by the toilet block, but despite this we really had a very enjoyable day with some wonderful sightings with 45 species seen and 2 heard.

The traditional New Year’s day walk at Riverside Park took place on the 2nd January in 2025, and we enjoyed much more pleasant birding conditions than we otherwise might have done as a result.  As we started out around Bowers Lock the birds were active, with a large flock of Long Tailed, Blue and Great Tits.  As we stood watching the Tit flock they were joined by Nuthatch and Treecreeper, and the first Red Kite of the morning drifted overhead. A group of about a dozen Siskin were flying from tree to tree before settling in one to feed alongside a couple of Goldfinch.

In a distant pool the other side of the river there were Canada Geese, Egyptian Geese, and some Mallard and Teal.  A pheasant was spotted and a male Sparrowhawk perched in a tree.  Two Grey Herons flew into the same pool we had been watching.  Walking further on by the river a Little Grebe was working it’s way along the opposite bank, staying submerged for long periods and keeping well hidden amongst the reeds.  Small groups of Cormorant flew past us occasionally and a Kestrel hovered above a field.  A Goldcrest and a Robin provided some entertainment close to us and we then turned our attention to the Gulls on the recycling and waste centre.  They were mainly Black Headed and Herring Gulls, but with one or two Greater and Lesser Black Backed amongst them.  A pair of wrens were singing and chasing each other around and a Chiffchaff showed well.

As we came to Stoke Locke the explosive song of a Cetti’s warbler rang out and this bird did obligingly pop out into view for us a few times.

Crossing back over the river bridge and making our way along the board walk, we had some closer views of a couple of Teal.  The lake itself was quiet in terms of ducks, with only Mallard and Tufted Duck present, but there was a Coot and many more Gulls.

Returning to the car park there was a wonderful finale in the form of a Peregrine that soared overhead, closely followed by a Kestrel once again flying through and perching in a tree.  A good start to a new year’s sightings for everyone, as by the end of the walk the group had seen a total of 41 species.

Twelve of us met in the car park of the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust in Barn Elms London on an overcast and chilly November day.  We could hear and see Ring Necked Parakeets whilst getting ready, and a single Redwing was spotted sitting high in a tree.  As we made our way to the Visitors Centre the pools outside contained the first of many Coot and Moorhen.

The spectacular (and warm) view from the main observatory gave us the chance to see a variety of ducks such as Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shoveler, Mallard, Wigeon and Teal, along with Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe and Grey Heron.   Geese were represented by Canada and Egyptian varieties and a flock of Lapwing took off and swirled around in the sky at regular intervals.   As we watched all the activity one of the group called out a raptor flying low over the reeds which turned out to be a Sparrowhawk.

We made our way to the south route first and as we followed the path, we saw Blue Tits and a busy Chiffchaff in the Birch trees.  A group of Long Tailed Tits worked their way along the tree line.  The next two hides offered little in the way of new birds for the list but did give us the chance to brush up on our gull identification, comparing the Black Headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Lesser Black Backed Gulls and Common Gulls as they stood side by side.  

The bird feeding station was busy with Blue and Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch.  There were also one or two Siskin feeding in the Alder trees alongside.  Roger introduced us to his friend the Robin who flew over for the sunflower seed produced from his rucksack.  A Great Spotted Woodpecker also came down to the feeders.

The Peacock hide was surprisingly quiet but we stayed for a while enjoying more of the same birds already seen.  A Blackbird was in front of us on the path back to the Visitors Centre where we had our lunch.  Another Robin (or perhaps the same one from earlier) sat on one of our telescopes looking for crumbs that we might spill during lunch.

The word then spread that the hoped for Bittern had been seen from the Headley hide on the Western route, so we set off again with a purposeful stride, pausing only to admire the close-up views of the captive Barnacle and Red Breasted Geese.  Some of the group who had been quicker off the mark had already seen the Bittern, but it had vanished into the reeds again just before the latecomers arrived at the hide.  There were also views of a distant Peregrine from here on it’s usual perch on one of the buildings outside the reserve.  On walking to the Wildside hide, this also proved quiet, although there were a pair of Stonechat on the fences here which were a nice addition to the list.

We then made our way back to the Otter enclosure for the feeding session, noticing the captive White Storks and Common Cranes on the way.  These birds are clearly not yet fully on display but are gradually being prepared for more extensive viewing, presumably to highlight the recent conservation work with both these species here in the UK.  

Some of the party who had not seen the Bittern returned to the hide at this point and were successful, so that all the group had then seen the secretive star of the show.  The resident Asian Short Clawed otters were delightful at their feeding time, but the commentary stressed their important place in the eco-system as an apex predator rather than the cuteness factor.  

This brought our visit to a satisfactory close and with the birds heard throughout the day (Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher and Cetti’s Warbler,) we had managed a respectable tally of 50 bird species in all, excluding the captive specimens.

Fourteen members of the group had an enjoyable morning walk round the RSPB’s Pulborough Brooks reserve in West Sussex on what turned out to be a cool, slightly cloudy but rain-free day.

We started outside the visitor centre, looking over Upperton’s Field towards West Mead and beyond to the River Arun and South Downs. A Kestrel was perched on a dead tree and a Sparrowhawk flew over the field.

Next stop, Fattengates Courtyard. Here we saw a range of garden birds such as Blue and Great Tits, House Sparrow, Robin, Dunnock, Chiffchaff and Chaffinch, no doubt encouraged by the sunflower seeds that had helpfully been scattered just before our arrival. We also heard Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker and, just as we left, a flock of about 20 Long-tailed Tits flew over.

Next, we headed for the hairpin viewpoint overlooking the North Brooks. Here we saw good numbers of Teal, Lapwing and Canada Goose, with Greylag and Egyptian Goose, Mute Swan, Shoveler (many still partially in eclipse), Mallard and Black-tailed Godwit amongst them. A solitary Ruff was feeding at the water’s edge and a few Swallows and House Martins were still flying.

We then walked to Hanger View to look over the southern part of the North Brooks. Here we found more Teal with smaller numbers of Wigeon.

From Winpenny hide, the main excitement was provided by very active Marsh Harrier flying low over the marsh and at least three Buzzards.  There were also several Gadwall and a Snipe, the latter well camouflaged in the reeds at the edge of the water. Among the cows was a juvenile Cattle Egret.

The view from West Mead hide included many more Canada Geese, as well as a solitary Shelduck amongst the other duck species.

In the afternoon, the walk leaders headed to the viewpoint at Rackham, overlooking Amberley Wild Brooks, where we were rewarded with good views of a young White-tailed Eagle perched in the “eagle tree”. A Raven flew over and a Bullfinch was perched in the shrubs in front of the viewpoint.

The overall total for the walk at Pulborough was a respectable 50 species.