Author: martintayler

Managed to take a few bird shots while staying with friends in Pembrokeshire.

Redshank and Curlew on the Taf Estuary at Laugharne on the way down; Tufted Duck in Pembroke Dock; Buzzard and Goosander at Stackpool Estate; Teal, another Buzzard and Curlew and Redwing at the Welsh Wildlife Centre at Cilgerran near Cardigan. Robins everywhere.

It was a black and white world at New Passage on the Severn Estuary this morning but it was quite mild and I enjoyed getting out.

500+ Black-tailed Godwits had been reported there on Monday and, as far as my counting skills go, they must have been all there again today. In fact, the same source (Paul Bowerman – www.severnsidebirds.co.uk ) reported 5000+ birds on the foreshore this morning and indeed there was a huge number and variety of birds.

I walked along by the pools and saw the 200+ Lapwing but the foreshore was by far the more interesting aspect of my walk as the very high tide receded.

We visited Ham Wall on the way back from Dorset. Marsh Harrier definitely my favourite here but pleased to see a Stonechat too.

For our first visit to RSPB Arne we were very lucky with a beautifully sunny but cold day. I suppose the highlight ought have been 30+ Spoonbill but they were at some distance and so the more visible Curlew, Godwit and Redshank were more exciting. A distant Buzzard mobbed by Crow also addd to the day.

More than anything I enjoyed the walk in varied countryside beside Poole Harbour and the slice of cake in their new café.

An amazing day’s birding on the Somerset Levels started in the mist at West Hay Moor NNR. The Bearded Tits were reasonably obliging but nonetheless wouldn’t move in to the sun. There was a distant Sparrowhawk and a cheerful Reed Bunting to entertain during the wait.

I moved on to RSPB Ham Wall where I was rewarded with (first of all a very pleasant cup of coffee in the visitor’s reception) Great White Egret, Glossy Ibis and Marsh Harriers.

The beautiful sunshine encouraged me to move on to Cheddar Reservoir where there was a rare Lesser Yellowlegs which performed marvellously for all the photographers and twitchers present.

On the way home I came across the Mendips  (with an amazing view across the lakes and Severn Estuary and well in to Wales) to Blagdon Lake where some knowledgeable birders pointed out a distant Ring-necked Duck, Bewick Swans, Scaup, Goldeneye and endless Great White Egret. I stopped off at Chew to catch the sun setting and more Great White Egret having their supper.

Glorious morning at RSPB Minsmere.

Highlights: Great White Egret (largest), Little Stint (smallest), Snipe (prettiest). Fish and Chips at the Eels Foot Inn (yummiest) and hopefully the Richard Alston Dance Company at the Snape Maltings this evening.

Loved the display of Marsh Harriers from Island Mere hide this morning even though all the action was quite a way away.

Good lunch at the Eels Foot Inn dodging the rain and then a blustery walk around RSPB North Warren between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh. Plenty of Canada Geese and Greylag Geese; however,  some interesting fungi and wild horses along with the wacky houses (especially The House in the Clouds) were more of an attraction.

RSPB Minsmere

RSPB North Warren

Another wonderful morning at RSPB Minsmere. My favourites were Common Redshank and Spotted Redshank (which I was able to differentiate thanks to a very friendly and helpful warden from the site), Grey Plover and Curlew.

The forecast from lunch onwards was very poor so adjourned to The Crown at Westleton  for an excellent lunch.

A complete change in the weather with heavy rain for most of the morning. Visited the famed Snape Maltings with its impressive concert hall and retail complex (and coffee shop) where we waited for the rain to stop to visit the nearby Snape Reserve. It was cold and blustery but mainly sunny as we walked along the northern side of the Alde River to Snape Warren.

Not much opportunity for bird watching but we did see Avocet (surprisingly we hadn’t seen any at Minsmere), Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Egret, a solitary Mute Swan and a bull scratching himself on the barbed wire. I missed the opportunity of 6 Goldfinches at the beginning of the walk as I was too slow to get my camera out!

Fantastic day at RSPB Minsmere; warm (17c) and sunny all day.

Saw so much and grabbed some pleasing photos. Ring Ouzel was a first for me.

Don’t really want to start lists but just for today:  Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Widgeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pheasant, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier (male), Moorhen, Coot, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Crow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Cetti’s Warbler, Wren, Starling, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Magpie, Robin, Stonechat, Pied Wagtail, Linnet.

A disappointing trip to Slimbridge; only some Teal, Crane and Tufted Duck of interest. We didn’t have much time to spend there and so didn’t venture far.

Another glorious morning and a rewarding walk around Eastville Park.

The highlight was the Dipper (far too many photos – I must be more selective) but, even though I only managed terrible pictures of the Kingfisher, it was a joy to see it fishing near School Lane. I can see why the Robin is our national bird – so cheerful.