Dungeness - wet and windy all day - In showery conditions first thing we did a circuit of Long Pits where the only migrants of note in the bushes were a few Lesser and Common Whitethroats, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs. Out on the Desert a couple of Wheatears and several Meadow Pipits, plus a trickle of Swallows south. On the way back home, in heavy rain, I stopped at Kerton Road around 0900hrs and was surprised to see one of the Ospreys flying across the Desert towards ARC.
The rain set in throughout the day but relented just before lights out when a visit to the local patch delivered another Osprey sighting of a bird flying towards Greatstone, presumably to a roost site somewhere down the coast...
Friday, 8 September 2017
Thursday, 7 September 2017
Raptor day
Dungeness - cool, cloudy, sw 2-4 - A calm start to the day and a wander around the point with the guests delivered a skulking Sedge Warbler, several Mipits and Wheatears and a flyover Golden Plover on the beach opposite Jarman`s. Elsewhere a scattering of Willow Warblers and Wheatears, an increase in Robin numbers, two Sparrowhawks and a Kestrel.
From Hanson hide on the bird reserve we jammed in on a terrific raptor session with distant views of an Osprey flying along the coast and catching a fish in Kerton Road quarry. It then flew towards ARC wherebye it was mobbed by crows, Peregrine and Kestrel before dropping onto the shingle to feed. The large female Peregrine then careered across the lake chasing a Black-tailed Godwit, flushing everything in its wake and tussling with a Marsh Harrier, after which it settled on a post on the far side of the lake. A Common Buzzard and another two Marsh Harriers were also noted, plus a Black-necked Grebe, while the Pectoral Sandpiper remained faithful to the cormorant island.
The digger work is now complete on Burrowes and it has certainly changed the scenery with plenty of new islands scattered across the pit and an extensive sand bar in front of Firth hide where a flock of Dunlins, Ringed Plovers and a Ruff were busily feeding.
Over the three days we rattled up 101 species for Ray and Stuart with a number of quality migrants such as Pectoral Sandpiper, Cattle Egret and Red-backed Shrike and a host of raptors.
NB: A second Osprey was seen over Kerton Road quarry this afternoon (PB).
From Hanson hide on the bird reserve we jammed in on a terrific raptor session with distant views of an Osprey flying along the coast and catching a fish in Kerton Road quarry. It then flew towards ARC wherebye it was mobbed by crows, Peregrine and Kestrel before dropping onto the shingle to feed. The large female Peregrine then careered across the lake chasing a Black-tailed Godwit, flushing everything in its wake and tussling with a Marsh Harrier, after which it settled on a post on the far side of the lake. A Common Buzzard and another two Marsh Harriers were also noted, plus a Black-necked Grebe, while the Pectoral Sandpiper remained faithful to the cormorant island.
The digger work is now complete on Burrowes and it has certainly changed the scenery with plenty of new islands scattered across the pit and an extensive sand bar in front of Firth hide where a flock of Dunlins, Ringed Plovers and a Ruff were busily feeding.
Over the three days we rattled up 101 species for Ray and Stuart with a number of quality migrants such as Pectoral Sandpiper, Cattle Egret and Red-backed Shrike and a host of raptors.
NB: A second Osprey was seen over Kerton Road quarry this afternoon (PB).
Wednesday, 6 September 2017
Red-backed Shrike
Lade - cool, cloudy start, sunny later, w 4 - A couple of Goldcrests in the garden fir trees and a Grey Wagtail over were the only migrants of note locally on what was a blustery day and much cooler than of late.
An early afternoon check of the bay from the Tavern viewpoint, on a falling tide, was notable for hundreds of Oystercatchers and Curlews, 100 Dunlin, 30 Sanderling, 50 Barwits, 10 Redshanks, 100 Sandwich, 20 Common and five Arctic Terns. An odd distant wader flummoxed me for a while until I decided it had to be a juvenile female Ruff, an usual record on the beach. Just as we were leaving the sandpipers erupted skywards as a Merlin plunged into the flock, but without success.
Wheatears, Dungeness
Red-backed Shrike, Long Pits
Dungeness - A seawatch from the hide delivered a steady flow of down-channel Sandwich Terns and Gannets, several Arctic Skuas, a small flock of Common Scoters and a few outward bound Swallows and a House Martin. The Patch was also quiet with only a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull of note. A wander around the point produced a few Meadow Pipits, Willow Warblers, Common Whitethroats and Wheatears.
Onto Dengemarsh and four Ruff amongst the Golden Plovers and Lapwings, plus two Great White Egrets and a pair of Peregrines over. It was then back to the point and the Long Pits where a juvenile Red-backed Shrike showed briefly in scrub on the Desert; we returned later in the day and gained much better views. Also Blackcap, Lesser and Common Whitethroats, Wheatear and Stonechats on the Desert.
A late afternoon seawatch from the fishing boats was quiet with several Arctic Skuas chasing the terns, 20 Harbour Porpoises and a Grey Seal offshore and a Swift out.
An early afternoon check of the bay from the Tavern viewpoint, on a falling tide, was notable for hundreds of Oystercatchers and Curlews, 100 Dunlin, 30 Sanderling, 50 Barwits, 10 Redshanks, 100 Sandwich, 20 Common and five Arctic Terns. An odd distant wader flummoxed me for a while until I decided it had to be a juvenile female Ruff, an usual record on the beach. Just as we were leaving the sandpipers erupted skywards as a Merlin plunged into the flock, but without success.
Dungeness - A seawatch from the hide delivered a steady flow of down-channel Sandwich Terns and Gannets, several Arctic Skuas, a small flock of Common Scoters and a few outward bound Swallows and a House Martin. The Patch was also quiet with only a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull of note. A wander around the point produced a few Meadow Pipits, Willow Warblers, Common Whitethroats and Wheatears.
Onto Dengemarsh and four Ruff amongst the Golden Plovers and Lapwings, plus two Great White Egrets and a pair of Peregrines over. It was then back to the point and the Long Pits where a juvenile Red-backed Shrike showed briefly in scrub on the Desert; we returned later in the day and gained much better views. Also Blackcap, Lesser and Common Whitethroats, Wheatear and Stonechats on the Desert.
A late afternoon seawatch from the fishing boats was quiet with several Arctic Skuas chasing the terns, 20 Harbour Porpoises and a Grey Seal offshore and a Swift out.
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Egrets and sandpipers
Lade - cloudy and humid, w 2 - Another disappointing batch of moths in the garden MV this morning apart from two, now not so scarce, Scare Bordered Straws. However, as always it was good to first hear, then glimpse, our first Firecrest of the autumn in the garden fir trees.
Dungeness - We kicked off a Birdwatching Break for two of our regulars from London today. After picking up Ray and Stuart from Ashford we headed back to the coast to Galloways where three each of Whinchat and Stonechat were noted by the bend in the road leading down to the sea. Near Springfield Bridge a mixed flock of c300 Lapwings and Golden Plovers in a recently ploughed field contained two Ruffs, until flushed by a Sparrowhawk. On Dengemarsh five Great White Egrets and all the usual wildfowl.
We then moved around to Burrowes where two Black Terns dropped in. Despite the ongoing digger work a decent collection of waders across the pit included 15 Dunlin, three Ruff, two Common Sandpipers, Little Ringed and Ringed Plovers, Little Stint and Knot. Also noted, a Swift, hundreds of Sand Martins and Swallows, Sedge and Willow Warbler, Marsh Harrier and Kestrel.
On Boulderwall fields two juvenile Cattle Egrets showed briefly amongst the cows before disappearing into ditches. Walking down to Hanson hide PB alerted us to an Osprey flying over towards Dengemarsh. From the hide a cracking close Great White Egret in the reedbed, a distant Pectoral Sandpiper on the cormorant island, two Garganeys, a Green Sandpiper and Kingfisher amongst a host of wildfowl and Lapwings rounded off a decent days birding.
Dungeness - We kicked off a Birdwatching Break for two of our regulars from London today. After picking up Ray and Stuart from Ashford we headed back to the coast to Galloways where three each of Whinchat and Stonechat were noted by the bend in the road leading down to the sea. Near Springfield Bridge a mixed flock of c300 Lapwings and Golden Plovers in a recently ploughed field contained two Ruffs, until flushed by a Sparrowhawk. On Dengemarsh five Great White Egrets and all the usual wildfowl.
We then moved around to Burrowes where two Black Terns dropped in. Despite the ongoing digger work a decent collection of waders across the pit included 15 Dunlin, three Ruff, two Common Sandpipers, Little Ringed and Ringed Plovers, Little Stint and Knot. Also noted, a Swift, hundreds of Sand Martins and Swallows, Sedge and Willow Warbler, Marsh Harrier and Kestrel.
On Boulderwall fields two juvenile Cattle Egrets showed briefly amongst the cows before disappearing into ditches. Walking down to Hanson hide PB alerted us to an Osprey flying over towards Dengemarsh. From the hide a cracking close Great White Egret in the reedbed, a distant Pectoral Sandpiper on the cormorant island, two Garganeys, a Green Sandpiper and Kingfisher amongst a host of wildfowl and Lapwings rounded off a decent days birding.
Sunday, 3 September 2017
Osprey
Lade - cool, dry cloudy, s 2 - Several visits to the local patch eventually delivered 15 Wheatears, five Whinchats and two Stonechats on the Desert, plus a southbound trickle of Yellow Wagtails, Swallows, Mipits and singles of Tree Pipit and Grey Wagtail. Around the lakeside margins Greenshank, Common and Green Sandpipers and a flock of 10 Common Terns over the water. Also noted a Great White Egret, several Buzzards, Kestrels and Marsh Harriers.
Around lunchtime an Osprey put in an appearance over the bird reserve and along the coastal strip at Lydd-on-Sea where it was seen fishing over the Kerton Road pit. It eventually departed high over the bay towards the east, although presumably the same bird was seen later in the afternoon at Dengemarsh.
Garganey, ARC
Dungeness - From Hanson hide this morning the Pectoral Sandpiper showed well along with three Garganeys and a large collection of Lapwings and wildfowl that were briefly flushed by a Peregrine. Two Spoonbills remained on Burrowes and at least three Cattle Egrets looked to be settled on the Boulderwall fields.
Walter Becker - This afternoon (along with many other fans of Steely Dan no doubt) I was saddened to hear of the passing of Walter Becker at the age of 67, whilst listening to the excellent Radio 2 Sounds of the 70`s show hosted by Johnnie Walker. Walter was, along with Donald Fagen, the co-founder of one of the great bands of the 1970`s - and boy was that decade packed full `em. I first came across Steely Dan in 1974 when Pretzel Logic was released, immediately becoming hooked on their unique sound, a dazzling blend of jazz, rock and R&B.
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen had a tempestuous relationship at the best of times and for much of the middle part of their career performed mostly as a studio band and rarely toured. But in the pantheon of rock musician and songwriter Walter Becker is right up there with the greats of popular music; and of course his legacy will continue as long as humankind appreciates the great art form that is music.
Around lunchtime an Osprey put in an appearance over the bird reserve and along the coastal strip at Lydd-on-Sea where it was seen fishing over the Kerton Road pit. It eventually departed high over the bay towards the east, although presumably the same bird was seen later in the afternoon at Dengemarsh.
Dungeness - From Hanson hide this morning the Pectoral Sandpiper showed well along with three Garganeys and a large collection of Lapwings and wildfowl that were briefly flushed by a Peregrine. Two Spoonbills remained on Burrowes and at least three Cattle Egrets looked to be settled on the Boulderwall fields.
Walter Becker - This afternoon (along with many other fans of Steely Dan no doubt) I was saddened to hear of the passing of Walter Becker at the age of 67, whilst listening to the excellent Radio 2 Sounds of the 70`s show hosted by Johnnie Walker. Walter was, along with Donald Fagen, the co-founder of one of the great bands of the 1970`s - and boy was that decade packed full `em. I first came across Steely Dan in 1974 when Pretzel Logic was released, immediately becoming hooked on their unique sound, a dazzling blend of jazz, rock and R&B.
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen had a tempestuous relationship at the best of times and for much of the middle part of their career performed mostly as a studio band and rarely toured. But in the pantheon of rock musician and songwriter Walter Becker is right up there with the greats of popular music; and of course his legacy will continue as long as humankind appreciates the great art form that is music.
Saturday, 2 September 2017
Crests and newts
Lade - cool, dry, sunny, nw 3 - 0700hrs - A distinctly autumnal feel to the weather this morning following low overnight temperatures and a northerly airflow. Signs of autumn were much in evidence around the cottage with our first Smooth Newt of the season on the kitchen floor searching for a snug venue in which to hibernate, while several Goldcrests were calling from the garden fir trees.
Smooth Newt, Plovers kitchen floor
A tour of the local patch had a typical early autumn migrant flavour with a trickle of Yellow Wagtails, Swallows and Mipits overhead, two Whinchats and five Wheatears on the Desert, a scattering of Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, plus a Spotted Flycatcher and Great Spotted Woodpecker by the ponds. On north lake two each of Common and Green Sandpipers and a Great White Egret.
I managed to miss a late morning Osprey at Lade today, and whilst checking out the site this afternoon another (or the same) bird flew over Kerton Road pits (thanks for the call PB) constituting a double dip. The chat flock was still on the Desert this evening.
Wheatear and Whinchat, Lade Desert
Dungeness - Called in at Hanson hide around midday where the wader highlights were two Redshanks, four Avocets and a Dunlin, but I failed to locate the Pectoral Sandpiper reported earlier. At least three Garganeys were present amongst the dabbling ducks and a Goldcrest called from the willow scrub. Over the road at least two Cattle Egrets were in the fields at Boulderwall amongst the cows.
An hour at the fishing boats this afternoon with PB delivered a host of fishing Common, Sandwich and at least two Black Terns, plus at least five attendant Arctic Skuas and a few Gannets. A small party of Swallows left our shores and six Dunlins coasted west. On a flat calm sea up to 30 Harbour Porpoises and two Grey Seals were noted feeding on the abundant Mackerel shoals offshore.
A tour of the local patch had a typical early autumn migrant flavour with a trickle of Yellow Wagtails, Swallows and Mipits overhead, two Whinchats and five Wheatears on the Desert, a scattering of Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, plus a Spotted Flycatcher and Great Spotted Woodpecker by the ponds. On north lake two each of Common and Green Sandpipers and a Great White Egret.
I managed to miss a late morning Osprey at Lade today, and whilst checking out the site this afternoon another (or the same) bird flew over Kerton Road pits (thanks for the call PB) constituting a double dip. The chat flock was still on the Desert this evening.
Dungeness - Called in at Hanson hide around midday where the wader highlights were two Redshanks, four Avocets and a Dunlin, but I failed to locate the Pectoral Sandpiper reported earlier. At least three Garganeys were present amongst the dabbling ducks and a Goldcrest called from the willow scrub. Over the road at least two Cattle Egrets were in the fields at Boulderwall amongst the cows.
An hour at the fishing boats this afternoon with PB delivered a host of fishing Common, Sandwich and at least two Black Terns, plus at least five attendant Arctic Skuas and a few Gannets. A small party of Swallows left our shores and six Dunlins coasted west. On a flat calm sea up to 30 Harbour Porpoises and two Grey Seals were noted feeding on the abundant Mackerel shoals offshore.
Friday, 1 September 2017
Essex
Essex - We`ve been off the Marsh this week recceing out sites for future birding articles in Essex. We based ourselves at Fan Farm camp site on Mersea Island where there was plenty of migrants in the coastal scrub and passing overhead; mostly hirundines, warblers, chats, wagtails and the like with Spotted Flycatchers, Redstart and Turtle Dove being the pick of the bunch. The muddy reaches, creeks and channels of the Blackwater estuary delivered a decent crop of waders including hundreds of Redshanks and a steady trickle of Whimbrels. Sandwich, Common and Little Terns were all noted, while at night time Tawny Owls were active around the camp site.
Coastal scrub, East Mersea
Oyster beds, West Mersea
The Naze
The Naze visitor centre
Fingringhoe visitor centre
Abberton Reservoir
We also visited the Essex Wildlife Trust reserves at Fingringhoe, The Naze and Abberton Reservoir. All three sites were good for birds with impressive visitor centres, and in the case of the latter two, shiny new and expensive looking buildings with busy cafes full of punters. However, whilst chatting to a couple of local birders at Abberton they were less than impressed by the new adventure playground complete with zip wire - I kid you not!
Anyhow, there was still plenty to see once clear of the centre area, including two Red-necked Phalaropes from the church end, Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers, although I couldn't find the reported Pectoral Sandpiper, which was not too surprising considering the size of the place. Large numbers of wildfowl and gulls were already on the water, whilst I counted 30 Little Egrets and 250 Great Crested Grebes. Good luck to the person/s who have to do the monthly WeBS count!
We also visited the Essex Wildlife Trust reserves at Fingringhoe, The Naze and Abberton Reservoir. All three sites were good for birds with impressive visitor centres, and in the case of the latter two, shiny new and expensive looking buildings with busy cafes full of punters. However, whilst chatting to a couple of local birders at Abberton they were less than impressed by the new adventure playground complete with zip wire - I kid you not!
Anyhow, there was still plenty to see once clear of the centre area, including two Red-necked Phalaropes from the church end, Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers, although I couldn't find the reported Pectoral Sandpiper, which was not too surprising considering the size of the place. Large numbers of wildfowl and gulls were already on the water, whilst I counted 30 Little Egrets and 250 Great Crested Grebes. Good luck to the person/s who have to do the monthly WeBS count!
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